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34 - Living In Servitude (Mark 10:32-45)
David Wolfe • Jun 30, 2021
34 - Living In Servitude (Mark 10:32-45)
I. INTRODUCTION
Hello. This is Dr. David Wolfe, one of the pastors at Bensenville Bible Church, a two language multi-culture church on the outskirts of Chicago. Being a culturally mixed community is our DNA and RNA. Thank you for joining us.
Our study today comes from Mark’s Gospel, chap 10, vs32-45. In these 13 verses Jesus cuts to the core of the egotism of the disciples, as well as our own egotism. The rivalry among them was fierce. They are still wrestling with their status and rank among themselves. Jesus cuts to the chase, and spells out for them, if you guys really want greatness, then you first need to learn what it means to serve, or in Jesus’ words—V44, whoever wishes to be first among you shall be a slave of all. Don’t let your mind gloss over these powerful words. If you have ever wanted to know how the gospel will shape you, the answer is tucked into these 13 verses. One of the impacts of the Gospel is to reshape us into servants like Jesus.
To be an effective server, we must first learn how to serve like Jesus. As John Piper so clearly puts it, in my serving, am I feeding my ego or am I feeding the faith of others?[i] Let’s take a moment and ask God to help us understand what it means to be a servant of all.
Heavenly Father, may the Spirit open our eyes to see with increasing clarity how much our egotistic ideology hinders our ability to serve others, and hold us back from giving ourselves to the way of the cross. Amen.
II. THE WAY OF THE CROSS
A. The Shaping Of The Cross
Our focus today is on the cross and how it is designed to shape our lives. This is the third time that Mark tells us that Jesus brought up His coming death and resurrection.[ii] In looking over these verses I find it impossible for us to grasp Jesus’ concept of servantness unless we consciously factor in the reality of what it means to die. That is what Peter refers to in his first letter, chap 2:21, you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.[iii] .
The point is, Jesus’ going to the cross shows us the way to exaltation. That’s what we are told in Philippians 2:3–9 (NASB95)3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, I take that to mean, that as followers of Jesus, if we want to impact the people around us, we must learn what it means to die.
So Jesus said in John 12:24 (NASB95) of Himself, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. In the verse that follows, v25, He then applies His action to us, “He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. As stated in Black’s New Testament Commentary, “To hate one’s life does not mean to despise one’s life as having no value. It is to have a higher, more encompassing allegiance than that to one’s own survival.”[iv] When we align our lives/behavior to Jesus’ calling for us, our egotistic mindset fades and we are reshaped into servants of the Most High God by entrusting our lives to the revelation of God in Jesus, and become His servants.
B. The Centrality Of The Cross
Let’s now pick up Mark’s story in v32. Jesus and His disciple team were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. We need to understand that at this point Jesus was now perhaps four months out from His crucifixion or less. For the past three years He wove His life into His disciples. They had seen Him heal the impossible, raise people from the dead, and even done similar miracles themselves in His name. They knew from observation and experience about the power and the reality of who Jesus was, and yet, when He talked about the brutality of His death and life to follow, they seemed to be oblivious to it all.
Mark points out the deliberateness of Jesus’ focus—on the road to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking on ahead of them.[v] Luke, who loves detail, gives us some insight here. For he says Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem (Luke 8:51). There is a necessity about this hike. As said in Isaiah 50:7, I have set My face like a flint. Jesus was doing the will of the Father; this is the entire focus of His life. So His pace quickened, His stride more deliberate. The joy set before Him was about to become a reality [Heb 12:2].[vi] The point is, Jesus knows that, in going to Jerusalem, He is going into the jaws of suffering and ultimately death. He is choosing to participate intentionally in His own death. Those who followed were amazed and fearful. I don’t think the word fearful has our concept of fear. In context, the fear is the sense of awe. There was something about Jesus life that conjured up a sense of amazement and awe. On their hike to Jerusalem, Jesus separates the disciples from the crowd to drive home the Father’s plan—He began telling them what was going to happen to Him (v32-34), and yet they seem unable to wrap their minds around what Jesus was telling them (Luke 18:34).
C. The Disciples Mindset
While Jesus was seeking to prepare them for the pivotal moment in history, the disciples were still arguing over their prominence. In the middle of Jesus explaining His impending death, James and John, v35, seemingly miss the point. They are more focused on sitting arrangements in the Kingdom—V37, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” This is absolutely incredible. Jesus is telling them He is slated to shortly die, and they are jockeying for position. As Alister Begg points out, this isn’t loyalty. This is just raw ambition.[vii] Tucked into their mindset was worldly ambition—the seat of power. As David Garland observes What they really expect is a kingdom for themselves, where they can impose their own will on others. They hope to replace the self-serving oppressive power structure of the Romans with their own self-serving oppressive power structure.[viii]
V38, Jesus responds to their ill-timed egotistic request with much grace—“You (guys really) do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”
In Matthew’s account, bubbling with self-confidence, and believing they’ve got what it takes to endure the hardiness of life, They answered, “We are able.” For James and John, their leaving behind their careers to follow Jesus was a means to a selfish end—power over others in general, perhaps power over Rome specifically. They were looking for the glory that came with position and power. At that moment the furthest thing from their minds was that true discipleship, true servanthood can only be learned through suffering, which even Jesus, God’s Son, was not exempted from (Heb 5:8)
D. Jesus Defines Servanthood
Upon hearing James and John’s request, V41, the disciple team exploded with outrage . . . They are angry with James and John, not just because of the request itself, but that the two brothers beat them to the punch. Immediately jealous swept over them like a giant tsunami wave, hearts gripped by pride and foolishness created turmoil of the first kind (Mark 7:20-23). The outburst opens the way for Jesus to step into their lives as a potter at a table of clay, and He begins the process of reshaping them into true servants of the Kingdom of God.
Vs42–45 42Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Timothy Geddert, in Watchwords, points out for us that Jesus is not relegating the disciples to the tail-end, but telling them how they can become great.[ix]
Notice how Jesus brings it home for the disciples. V43, in this power grab moment Jesus tells them, it is not to be this away among you. He forcefully tells them that they are not thinking like Kingdom citizens, but as outsiders. Those who are outside of the Kingdom of Heaven want seats of power and absolute rule. The Disciples were using the customs of this world as their model, which according to Ephesians 2:2, is overseen by Satan. To be a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven is to have a self-giving mentality, just as the Son of Man, V45, did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Notice carefully Jesus’ statement. He came to serve, and in serving gives His life a ransom for many. In the Old Testament, the word ransom (lytron) speaks of cost. Since Jesus is the lead on this idea of ransom, and since He ties serving to the idea of ransom, the message for us is that being a servant is very costly, even to the point of death.
Here’s the paradox for us: The way to a privileged position in the Kingdom of Heaven is not by grabbing for power but by relinquishing one’s life through suffering and death.[x] As pointed out by Walter Wessel in his commentary, the entire phrase “to give his life a ransom for many” places emphasize on the substitutionary element in Jesus’ death. He takes the death of the many. In giving His life for many, He is setting all who follow Him free from slavery of sin, and eternal death as decreed by God. What should have happened to ‘the many’ happened to Jesus instead.[xi] Because He spent His life for the salvation of the many, so we are called, as Followers of Jesus, to spend our life to set many free from the slavery of sin and the eternal death reality that all people everywhere will have who have not accepted Jesus’ substitutionary death.
III. TRUTHS THAT SHAPE OUR LIVES
This is a good place to put the brakes on and let what we have just wrestled with settle into our minds. This passage is a stand out passage as to the Gospel of the Kingdom. In these verses Jesus gives His perspective as to His death and resurrection and how it plays out in the lives of His disciples and us 2000 yrs removed. Jesus expects all disciples throughout the ages to be as intentional as He was and is. This was really radical for the disciples, and I must say the service that Jesus is talking about is really radical in our day also.
As we consider Jesus’ path to greatness, just exactly how might this play out in our everyday lives?
A. First, Jesus lays out for us that we are not pattern our choices and normality after the course, rules, or systems of the world.
We see this in Vs42-43, 42Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; Jesus tells His disciples: “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them.” This is what you see in the world. This is what the world looks like to your eyes. It is how people have ordered themselves without GOD. When our people wanted a king, it was to have that world.
The disciples were judging leadership in terms of the world system—a position of power over others in such a way that you can control and dominate by force to accomplish what you want. Where compliance is mandatory. What Jesus lays out here is radical. Our ‘world system’ governed by Satan himself (Eph. 2:2) is all about personal gain. Jesus’ idea of servant goes right against our culture and twisted nature. I like the way Alister Begg lays it out for us:
It addresses a culture that is preoccupied with self-esteem, self-aggrandizement, status, and valuations that are made on the basis of things that are transient and eventually worthless. And we live in the middle of that, professing to be the followers of Jesus. And Jesus says, “This is the kind of thing that marks the culture. Not so with you.”[xii]. Either we are going to live our lives within the confines of our culture, which is overseen by Satan, or we’re going to put to practice Jesus’ instructions to His disciples.
But Jesus says “But it is not so among you”--It is not so among you. You aren’t like this. You can see the Great Economy. You know the Great Economy because you know me. You can see the Great Economy isn’t only the great reconciling of the world in the future, it is in the world in which you live now.
Jesus is saying that in the kingdom over which He reigns greatness is obtained by pursuing a course of action which is the exact opposite of that which is followed in the secular world. In the Kingdom of God greatness consists in self-giving, in the outpouring of the self in service to others, for the glory of God. [xiii]
Jesus literally destroys the structure that enables rulers to control subordinates. There is no me-first mentality, using powering down on others is normal. The Gospel of the Kingdom is about serving people vs ruling over people. Peter would later wright to the scattered followers of Jesus throughout Asia—1 Peter 5:1–4 (NASB95) 1I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
As followers of Jesus we do not make choices and decisions based on world values. The disciples wanted to be great in God’s kingdom, but they thought of it in terms of worldly standards—honor, power, and security. Jesus turns their ideas upside down. The Gospel of the Kingdom is about sacrifice, service, and suffering.
B. Second, the path to greatness is measured by how we serve.
That brings us to our second principle. V45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Jesus did not come to exercise His power over man to make man serve Him. Instead He came to serve man and pay the ransom price to redeem man.
Jesus did not die on the cross so that we could live in happy circumstances, He died so that our bondage to sin could be broken, that we could be reconciled to God and escape His condemnation, and that we could now have an eternal relationship with Him. If that is the example set by our master, then what should be the mark of our lives.
This is huge for us. Notice carefully what He said: He came to serve, and His serving resulted in His dying. Jesus tells us disciples that the way to greatness is exemplified by Him giving His own life. John Piper lays it out for us plainly: Jesus is giving his death as an example of the kind of suffering and service that the disciples are called to.[xiv] I think in general that we get the ‘service’ idea, but I don’t think we get the suffering aspect and the death aspect. We gladly serve as long as there is no hardship. What Jesus is saying to us is this: If you want to follow me and seek the glory of the kingdom, be prepared to suffer. That is the way I go, and those who follow me go the same way. I don't take the hard road while you take the easy road. The road that leads to life is hard and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:14). We take the same road. "He who would come after me must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Mark 8:34).[xv]
As a follower of Jesus, we are not just called to serve in an average way. Jesus said, this is how I want you to serve—serve the way I serve—
- intentionally
- flat out
- take ownership
And when we serve intentionally, flat out, taking ownership like Jesus, there will be suffering. In absolute contrast to self-interest and self-protection, Jesus tells His followers that the path to greatness comes by living as servants and slaves. If we want to be great in the eyes of God, we must descend into greatness like Jesus did, becoming a humble servant. Although the world wants us to become something by possessing wealth & power, God's idea of greatness is just the opposite. He measures greatness by our service to others. Matthew 20:26–28 (NASB95) 26“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
C. Third, to be a servant is to sacrifice daily
To live sacrificially is rooted in the Gospel Jesus preached and practiced. Serving is time consuming. Opportunities seem to come at the most inconvenient of times. When opportunity knocks, we are usually halfway out the door, we’re to busy, to strapped, too tired. It’s hard to sacrifice our time. Jesus calls for us to follow Him. Even though He was God, He "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" (Phil. 2:7). He gave up everything, literally emptying Himself of His own desires in order to serve! It was with this example in mind that we are told in Philippians 2 "Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil. 2:3-4, RSV).
Serving involves sacrificing time. Begin to consider the other person's needs more important than your own. Be willing to give up what you had planned to do with your time. Sacrifice is a major key to effective serving.
D. Fourth, When We Serve Others, God Is Honored
1 Corinthians 1:26–31 (NASB95) 26For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29so that no man may boast before God. 30But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”[xvi]
The point here is that a sacrificial heart is glad that God gets the credit for choosing us and calling us according to His purposes, not because our distinctiveness. He does this, v29 so that no one might boast in the presence of God, but v31, that the one who applauds, does so in the Lord. Joy in sacrificial serving is rooted in that God acts in a way to take the burden of performance off of our shoulders and use it to point to Himself. In other words, true sacrificial attitudes are rooted in the gospel of the Kingdom. True sacrificial attitudes is gospel. As John Piper points out for us, It is not just copying Jesus in his willingness to die for others; it is being enabled by Jesus because he died for us.[xvii] And that my friends is absolutely true.
Would you join me now in prayer? Heavenly Father, like the disciples of old, we struggle daily with personal grandeur, of being first, being in control, and calling the shots. It’s hard to step into the muck of life, laying aside our self-preservation to help others. It’s hard to step into the muck of life when we know there will be little to no recognition. It’s hard dying to self, to sacrifice time, money, space, tools, and even at times credibility. Amen
Well, Jesus’ life and teaching surely turns the world’s understanding of greatness and great works on its head. The greatest work ever done was accomplished by one who gave his life for others. Self-giving service is the only greatness recognized by God, and only those who give of themselves for others will be the big winners with God. They are willing “to let life go hang for the sake of another.” Jesus invites followers to join him in becoming great and doing great things, not the way the world judges “great,” but the way God judges it.[xviii]
BTW, we are open for live worship gatherings. If you are hesitant about being with a crowd, you can still join us on Facebook and YouTube.
If you would like to contribute to this ministry, go to our website: Bensenvillebiblechurch.com, click on the Donation Drop down and pick your donation preference. Looking forward to meeting up with you again at next week’s posting. May God bless you this coming week.
[i] John Piper, Greatness, Humility, Servanthood (Mark 10:32-45), https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/greatness-humility-servanthood
[ii] Jesus’ other two predictions are found in Mark 8:31 (NASB95) 31And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And again in Mark 9:31 (NASB95) 31For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.” Walter W. Wessel, “Mark,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 718. In addition to these three, there is a brief reference to Jesus’ death in the sequel to the Transfiguration narrative (cf. 9:9–12). Here the prediction is more detailed and precise than the others This prediction contains six details. Jesus is to be (1) betrayed (v. 33); (2) sentenced to death; (3) handed over to the Gentiles; (4) mocked, spit on, and flogged (v. 34); (5) executed; and (6) resurrected.
[iii] Then there is Hebrews 12:3 (NASB95) For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
[iv] Andrew T. Lincoln, Black’s New Testament Commentary The Gospel According to John (Hendrickson Publishers, 2005), p350
[v] Craig A. Evans, Mark 8:27–16:20, vol. 34B, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2001), 107. the first time that Jerusalem is specifically mentioned as Jesus’ destination.
[vi] His mission was narrowing to that pinpoint moment . . . His last Passover, the brutality of the cross, and the finality of all—sitting again at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:2)
[vii] Alister Begg, Not So With You (Mark 10:32-45), https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/not-so-you/
[viii] David E. Garland, Mark, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996), 411.
[ix] Timothy Geddert, Watchwords (Bloomsbury Academic Collections: Biblical Studies), p.153
[x] Walter W. Wessel, “Mark,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 720.
[xi] Ibid., p. 721.
[xii] Alistair Begg, Not So With You (Mark 10:42-44) https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/series/gospel-according-mark-volume-5/
[xiii] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Gospel According to Mark, vol. 10, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 414.
[xiv] John Piper, The Son Of Man Came To Serve (Mark 10:45), https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-son-of-man-came-to-serve
[xv] Ibid.
[xvi] Third, Jesus said, Serve The Way I Serve-- As Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many, so we are called, as followers of Jesus not to be served, but to serve and give our lives as a ransom for many.
When we become followers of Jesus, He demands something. He demands our life. All of it. Luke 14:33 (NASB95) “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. Jesus demands that we take on a life-style that sacrifices everything for the sake of serving others. This is hard. This is radical.
But we’re called to serve the way Jesus serves us, ransoming us from my sin and my death. Remember Jesus’ promise in John 15:5 (NASB95) “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. We cannot serve the kind of service He is calling us to apart from Him.
[xvii] John Piper, Greatness, Humility, Servanthood (Mark 10:32-45), https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/greatness-humility-servanthood
[xviii] David E. Garland, Mark, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996), 416–417. Cf., Compass, Sum 1997, p. 26 As a final challenge, Francis Schaeffer understood what our Savior calls us to do. And he also understood the challenge, the conflict, that too often confronts us. He wrote: “Jesus says we are to take the lowest [spot], but we like to take the higher. And we have a lovely rationalization for doing so because every time we take a bigger place we say that we can have greater influence for Jesus. But this is not the Lord’s way. To the extent that we want power among men, to that extent we are in the flesh and the Holy Spirit has no place in us. To the extent that I demand leadership and want leadership, to that extent I am not ready to lead.” https://wng.org/articles/in-tragedy-hope-and-witness-1617340389. In June 1999 American flight 1420 crashed on landing in Little Rock, Arkansas. Among the 145 passengers were 25 students returning from a musical tour in central Europe. Flight 1420 landed in a rainstorm late at night, went off the end of the runway, crashed into a light tower, then broke into flames. Most of the passengers were able to scramble to safety as smoke and flames filled the plane. Only 9 people died that day. One was a student named James Harrison, 21 year-old saxophonist, student, and part-time music minister. According to witnesses, Mr. Harrison stayed behind to help others, including a burn victim, get out first. He was overcome by smoke and perished. Allison Hunt, his singing partner for two years said, “He gave up his life so that others might live.”
Sermons
‘I Am’ Sayings Of Jesus #6, I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life [i] (John 14:1-6) I. INTRODUCTION I invite you to open your Bibles to the gospel of John chap 14. We have been looking at Jesus’ seven I AM statements. Today we will consider His sixth statement in v11 where He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me . As we begin this morning I would like for you to take out the study guide. I want you to write down 2 of your basic fears. They might have to do with economic issues, political issues, family issues, or even an insecurity you wrestle with. I believe we’ll fine in the verses before us some principles that will help us as we wrestle with the fears around us. Let’s begin with prayer. -- Heavenly Father open our minds that we may grasp that Jesus is Your exclusive way to our arrival in heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen. II. ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOD Well, in v6 Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. In that statement He makes it clear that He is the exclusive way to God. But Oprah Winfrey and others disagree, proclaiming that there are many ways to God, so pick your truth and follow it. [ii] That’s true in one sense, all roads indeed lead to God; but the God of heaven is not just a God of love, He is also the God of judgement. [iii] As a point of reference, in Daniel 7, vs 9-11 (GW) we read these words: 8 While I was pondering a vision from God about what is to come . . . 9 I watched ‘as’ thrones were set up and the Ancient One, who has lived for endless years, sat down. His clothes were as white as snow and the hair on his head was like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. Now I don’t what you to miss these words: 10 A river of fire flowed out before Him . . . The court convened, and the books were opened. 11 I continued to watch because of the impressive words of the false-Christ. I watched as he was destroyed and thrown into the river of fire. [iv] That river of fire feeds the lake of fire in Revelation 19 and 20, which is the end for everyone who ignores the gospel of Jesus Christ. [v] V28 of Hebrews 9, Jesus was sacrificed once to take away the sins of humanity, and after that He will appear a second time . (When He comes the second) time he will not deal with sin, … but will save those from judgment who eagerly wait for him . [vi] If you have not had a serious ‘come-to-Jesus’ moment, your destination is the lake of fire, and there is no ointment to lessen the fiery pain, only worms, tears, and grinding teeth. [vii] 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NASB95) . . . now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. The point that I want us to wrap our minds around, is that there is only one way to experience the saving love of God, and that is through Jesus. [viii] As Acts 4:12 (ESV) states it, t here is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved .” We come to God by faith in the Savior Jesus alone. [ix] Any other path, whether it be religion, philosophy, or miscalculation as to the person of Jesus leads to an eternity in the lake of fire. [x] III. UNBENDING FAITH TO FOLLOW A. Context Let’s take a closer look at chap 14. You might be interested in knowing that the teaching Jesus gives here takes place just hours before His crucifixion, making it a Thursday night teaching moment. In a few hours Judas would bring an armed crowd to arrest Him. So these are Jesus’ final words to His disciples before His death designed to carry them through the coming chaos. The Passover super has ended. Satan now controls Judas. [xi] In V33 of chap 13, Jesus told His disciples that He is leaving. Gnawing gut wrenching fear has begun to grip them. In Vs36-37 (MSG) of chap 13 Peter picks up on Jesus’ words and asks, 3 6 “Master, just where are you going?” Jesus replies, “You can’t now follow me as to where I’m going. You will follow later.” 37 “(Peter responds), but “why can’t I follow now? I’ll lay down my life for you!” It is at this point Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Him. Then in v5 (MSG) of chap 14, Thomas picks up Peter’s question “ Master, we have no idea where you’re going. How do you expect us to know the road?” B. Be at ease The disciples are in a swirl of bewilderment and fear, dreams of their idea of kingdom ministry vanishes, Judas’ betrayal is soon, then comes a sharp rebuke to Peter in front of his buds about his betrayal, on top of it all is the mounting antagonism by Jewish leadership. It is in that context that Jesus announces that He is leaving and they can’t come. To say the least, these guys are on edge. It is in that context Jesus tells them in v1, “ Don’t let your heart be troubled, ” ie., set your hearts at ease! How’s that for a word of comfort? “Their world is crumbling, and Jesus says to them in essence, “don’t let your heart get tide up in knots!” Do you feel their dilemma? In John 20:31 John writes: I have recorded the life of Jesus, so that you may believe (that is, trust Him, be confident, treasure this truth) Jesus is the promised Messiah/Savior, the Son of the Living God, and that by believing you may have life in His name . By life, He means the very life of God, [xii] which, by the way, includes peace in the midst of chaos. [xiii] Jesus knows that shortly they will be running for their very lives. And He interjects, “don’t let chaos bury you.” Basically He was applying Hebrews 12:2–3 (MSG) , 2 Keep your eyes on Me, who will finish this race your in. Study My life. 3 When you find yourselves fading in your faith, remember how I lived, so that you don’t become tired and give up, because His life’s story will pump adrenaline into your soul! We can face any fear when our eyes are fixed on Jesus. C. Four Reasons To Stay Focused In The Midst Of Life’s Storms Well, let’s take a closer look at vs1-6. In these verses Jesus gives four key principles on how to stay the course when the pressure to run presses in on us in the midst of chaos, confusion and fear. 1. Our first principle comes in V1: Do not let your heart be troubled; you believe in God, you believe also in Me. Jesus was telling them, that in the flow of life, you are going to have to exercise a new level of trust in God and Myself. Jesus tells them, “I’m going to the Father,” and they were deeply troubled. Not because He was going to the Father, but because He was leaving them. In that setting Jesus says to His disciples, “It’s time that you come to the place where you trust my Father and Myself, even though you cannot see me with your physical eyes. Until now they had lived by sight. Jesus had been their source of instruction, source of their wisdom, source of their strength, source of their protection, and the source of their hope for their future. And now He tells them “I’m leaving”! Keep in mind, for 3 ½ yrs they had lived in the physical shade of the glory of God. [xiv] Jesus was absolutely everything to them. Until this moment they had lived by sight. From their perspective their world was about to collapse. There were real adornment issues now on the table. Remember, Judas has mysteriously disappeared, Jesus has just told Peter he is going to betray Him, and Jewish leadership were clamoring for Jesus’ death. Their minds swirling, and Jesus says, “ Listen up! Stay the course and trust God ‘my Father’, and Me also.” They did not understand that the swirling uncertainty, chaos and fear was actually producing in them eternal glory. That’s what Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (GW) 1 7 Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine. 18 We don’t look for things that can be seen but for things that can’t be seen. Things that can be seen are only temporary. But things that can’t be seen last forever. Make a note of this: our transformation to eternal glory is tied directly to our struggles in this chaotic world. When our world crumbles around us, the temptation is to take our eyes off of the glory to come. But it is in the midst of uncertainty, fear and chaos that transformation is taking place. The glory of our future is interwoven into the struggles of our present. [xv] So Jesus tells them, your world may appear to be going mad, but keep trusting that God is sovereign, and keep trusting that I am the Messiah, the Savior of the world. It is kind of faith demonstrated by Abraham—“ who against all hope, in hope believed” [xvi] that prevails in a world going mad. So that is why they are exhorted to “stay the course, keep on believing in me.” [xvii] Is your world crumbling? Are you finding yourselves anxious? Is the weight of disconnect overwhelming? Trust God, trust Jesus, because the difficulties are producing in you an eternal glory that is greater than anything you can imagine. 2. Our second principle comes in Vs2, My Father’s house has many rooms. If that were not true, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? Jesus was telling them, all is not as it seems, there is a definable future for you. He was not saying, “heaven is under construction and chaotic. I have to go clean it up and get it ready for you.” In saying that He was going to prepare a place has nothing to do with building buildings, but with making the way for relational fellowship . Heaven is settled. Jesus was leaving to provide the way for them and us to live and know God the Father. [xviii] Remember, Jesus is headed to the cross, and in so doing He will break down the obstacles: Satan’s agenda, sins condemnation, and the coming fiery judgment of God. John 3:36 (GW) Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, he will experience God’s constant anger.” In effect Jesus was saying, “I need to leave so I can remove every obstacle standing in the way of our finally being together. Sin will be atoned, the wrath of God will be satisfied, and Satan will be judged.” It’s not that Jesus is building physical mansions, it’s that He is paving the way for us to get to the Father. Hebrews 2:10 (NASB95) it was fitting for Him . . . in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. Jesus had to become a man, He had to suffer, and He had to die in order to be the perfect provider of salvation. His suffering opened the way for His eternal glory greater than anything we could imagine. Philippians 2:9 (NASB95) For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name. [xix] Listen to these powerful words: In Jesus there is victorious triumphant. [xx] John 16:33 (NASB95) Jesus said, “ These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Perhaps you sense your world crumbling, your children are wayward, your marriage is fragile and unaffectionate, your health is failing, your career is unfulfilling, you are struggling with abandonment issues. Here is where Jesus comes. 2 Corinthians 2:14–16 (GW) Paul writes: 1 4 I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It’s like a fragrance that fills the air. 3. Our third principle comes in V3, If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again. Then I will bring you into my presence so that you will be where I am. Not only is Jesus removing every obstacle standing in the way of our final destination, He will return and receive us to Himself, that where He is, there we will be also. Jesus said, I’m coming back and I will receive you to Myself . Chew on those words for a moment. Now we move from occupying a place (Father’s house) to a personal relationship with Jesus. Notice, He does not say, when I come back I’ll take you to heaven. He says, I’ll take you to myself. That is, intimate access is coming. I don’t know if you know this, but heaven is not our final destination. 2 Peter 3:13 (NASB95) according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Revelation 21:2–3 (NASB95) John writes: 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them. Our final destination will be here on earth, living in perfect fellowship with God and each other. Is your world is crumbling? Your house underwater? Are your dreams fading? Here is real tangible hope from the King of glory. There is coming a kind of knowing that only love knows; where we will be truly known without ridicule; where God dwells tangibly with us personally. Where no one will be feeling or saying, ‘Unsafe’. 4. Our fourth principle comes in V6, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me. In V4 Jesus said to them, And you know the way where I am going! . Thomas jump in, saying, 5 “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going. So how can we know the way?” Basically he was saying, “ We have no idea where you’re going and we don’t know the way. ” Then comes v6, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me . Jesus is telling them and us that if we follow Him, there is indescribable sureness along the path to His Father a. Notice Jesus said I AM THE WAY . . . to the Father. No one gets to Him but through Me. By saying that, Jesus was telling them to keep their eyes fixed on Him. Hebrews 12:2, by faith fix your eyes on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of faith, the one who leads the way for I’m taking you to the Father. The disciples wanted to know the next step, the next turn to the Father. They wanted surety. Jesus told them He leads the way, He provides surety, so follow Me. But, there was this foreboding sense of lostness. Michael Bond, a search and rescue leader writes: To be lost is a mental state. Your internal map becomes detached from what you can see. To be lost is also an emotional double whammy: when a mountain of fear and a loss of one’s ability to reason come together. [xxi] Jesus makes it clear that as followers, the way will not always be clear. So He calls them and us to lean into Him daily in faith, for He is leading us to the Father. He is the only one that can do that. [xxii] Only He knows the way. Jesus speaks to the disciple’s confusion. In their uncertainty. In their anxiety and in their fears. He brings stability by saying, in essence, “I AM enough for you.” I AM sufficient for you. Y ou don’t need to look elsewhere; you don’t need to supplement me with anything else . b. Not only is Jesus the WAY, notice He also said “I Am the TRUTH. That is, He is the full embodiment of God’s truth, the ultimate objectivity of reality . [xxiii] We need to be clear, truth is not defined by our own subjective standards; Truth is determined by the source of truth Himself. [xxiv] When it comes to spiritual warfare, we’re told to wrap our waist with truth . [xxv] That is, surround yourself with truth. [xxvi] To follow Jesus is to wrap our souls in the objective truth of Scripture designed to shape our subjective heart against the deceits of war.” [xxvii] For the Jesus-follower who wraps his soul in the objective truth of Scripture, the truth of Scripture shapes his/her subjective heart against the deceits of war. [xxviii] Such a person takes the divine word deep into his/her human center which in turn gives stability and confidence in our growing chaotic world. [xxix] By internalizing the truth, we embody it; when truth is embodied it flows freely from our lives. Saturated with truth, we then can face every crises with truth, and not be overpowered by the lies that flow out of a given crises. [xxx] c. Not only is Jesus the way to the Father, and not only is He the embodiment of God’s truth, He is THE LIFE . [xxxi] That is, He brings real deliverance from a life of bondage to sin and death. “ In him was life ,” means spiritual life, eternal life, life that saves from the coming judgment. In order to live forever and not “ come into judgment, ” we need the gift of life. That life is in Jesus. Knowing Jesus is enough, for He is Life. As followers of Jesus, who is our Messiah Savior, our future is secure; and our names are written in the book of life, [xxxii] because He is the creator and sustainer of all things , Colossians 1:16-17. So when Jesus refers to Himself as the way, the truth, and the life , He is giving us a better way to live our lives through him. He is showing us that by following Him daily in faith, He will lead us to a better, richer, more meaningful life than we could ever find on our own. In a crumbling world it is easy to get lost, but to be spiritually lost is the worst kind of lostness. To be spiritual lost is to be bound by sin’s grip, sin’s condemnation and sin’s damnation—an eternity of hell fire. [xxxiii] Jesus came to save the spiritually lost from sins condemnation, and from God’s fiery judgment, and bring us into His family, and to shows us the way to the Father. [xxxiv] IV. WHAT’S OUR TAKE AWAY Let’s pause here, and try to capitalize on what we have learned. John began his Gospel by saying, “ In him [that would be Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men”. [xxxv] He ends his Gospel with these words: “ Now Jesus did many other signs . . . which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” . [xxxvi] In between he summarized his Gospel with these well-known words from John 3:16, “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life ”. So let’s reflect for a moment on what Jesus said in light of our fears and the instability of our days: Jesus said: I go to prepare a place for you. And as I go I become the way that you get there. I am the truth that you hold onto to get there. And I am the life — the eternal life that you will enjoy when you get there. When I say, “I go to prepare a place for you,” I mean: I open the way. I make the way possible. I confirm the truth, for I am the truth. I purchase life for you. And I give that life for I am that life. [xxxvii] So Keep your eyes on Jesus, who began and finished this race we’re in. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God He could put up with anything along the way . . . Study how he did it. [xxxviii] Therefore, you who trust the Lord Jesus: Let not your heart be troubled, because God and Jesus are sovereignly in control Let not your heart be troubled, because there’s a place for you in my Father’s house no matter how unstable life may be Let not your heart be troubled, fix your eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let not your heart be troubled, because Jesus himself will come again and take us to Himself. Let not your heart be troubled because our faith in Jesus is the victory that overcomes the world. Anyone who believes in Jesus for salvation and trusts in Christ’s atoning work on the cross His death and resurrection [xxxix] —shares in His victory over sin, His victory over death, and His victory over the forces of evil at work in the world. [xl] Let not your heart be troubled when you are assured of the way, wrapped in truth, and when your future is secure In our disorientedness, Jesus says, I am the way, not a way In our confusion, Jesus says, I am the truth, not a truth In our fears, Jesus says I am the life, not a life Knowing me is enough. Where do you hope your eternal destination will be? If you want to dwell with the Lord God Almighty for all eternity, basking in His love, worshiping Him in joy and truth, redeemed and restored, then there is a way—only one way—and His name is Jesus. Believe in Him and live. If you would like help in making such a commitment, please feel free to talk with Pastor Ricardo, myself, Judy, or Josefina. Let’s close in prayer. Heavenly Father, we live in troubling times. Our communities are struggling. Darkness seems to be closing in, and we are losing our way. Help us to lean into Your caring hand. We worry about the future and what lies ahead, and it’s getting harder to shake off our worries. Still, we know this is all a part of Your plan for us. We know these fears are mere trials of faith, and they well pass in due time. We pray that whatever we might be feeling, let it not define the truth of Your faithfulness. Purify our perceptions with Your words and change our feelings so that they are in sync with Your truth. Though the future may seem bleak, may lean into Your grace. If there is anyone here who has lost their way spiritually, we ask that they would hear that inner voice, calling them to trust You, that they would accept the life of our Savior, and follow Him. May we be eager not only to understand and believe but to proclaim this good news to a needy, lost, broken world. For Jesus sake. All Glory to Him forever and ever. Amen. [xli] [i] I try to thoroughly cite all sources in my written sermon notes. But due to the extemporaneous nature of oral communication, delivery may occasionally contain material not fully cited or original with me. In such situations, the church nor I assert ownership to such material. The footnotes contain most of the resources that were used to prepare this sermon. John Piper, I Am The Way The Truth and The Life. https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/i-am-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life . Ray Stedman, The Cure For Heart Trouble https://www.raystedman.org/new-testament/john/the-cure-for-heart-trouble . Courtnery Doctor, What Does John 14:6 Mean? https://www.crossway.org/articles/what-does-john-146-mean/ Jason Soroski "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" - What Jesus Really Meant https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/i-am-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life-what-jesus-really-meant.html [ii] Cf., https://www.ligonier.org/posts/are-there-many-ways-to-god-most-evangelicals-say-yesTragically, the 2022 State of Theology survey reveals that the majority of American evangelicals seem to reject this teaching from Christ. See also https://thestateoftheology.com/ https://www.christiantoday.com/article/why-jesus-is-no-longer-the-one-way-to-heaven-for-many-american-christians/129348.htm In 2008, a Pew Research Center Study found that more than half of all American Christians believe that at least some non-Christian faiths can lead to salvation. Nearly a decade later, a new study has shown that even among the most traditional Christian groups, significant minorities are also rejecting God as described in the Bible. [iii] Hebrews 9:27 (GW) People die once, and after that they are judged. John 3:36 (GW) Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, he will see God’s constant anger.” [iv] Hebrews 12:28–29 (NASB95) 28Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29for our God is a consuming fire. [v] https://www.gotquestions.org/consuming-fire.html . God is first identified as a “consuming fire” in Deuteronomy 4:24 and 9:3 . In both Deuteronomy passages in which God is called a consuming fire, Moses is speaking first to warn the Israelites against idolatry ( Deuteronomy 4:23-25 ) because God is a “jealous God” and will not share His glory with worthless idols. Idolatry provokes Him to a righteous anger which is justified when His holiness is disrespected. God's holiness is the reason for His being a consuming fire, and it burns up anything unholy. Learn how God's wrath, judgment, holiness or power are displayed by fire from heaven in the Bible and how Jesus Christ mitigates God's wrath for believers. Isaiah 64:6 (NASB95) 6For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. [vi] Hebrews 9:27 (NASB95) inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, [vii] Mark 9:44 (NASB95) 44where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED. Matthew 24:51 (NASB95) 51and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [viii] Alistair Beggs, Jesus, the Only Way (John 14:1-6), https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/jesus-the-only-way/ Alistair Begg tells of the time he listened in on the ordination process of one of his friends. The ordination committee drilled heavily on Christian doctrine, then moved to what we generally call the practical applications. One of the men posed this question “Imagine an individual came to you concerning their dog who had died. Their question, will my dog be in heaven? How do you answer? Silence hovered over the ordination council for a time. … Then Alistar’s friend chimed in: … I would tell them if their dog had trusted Jesus Christ as its personal Savior, it would be in heaven. … That answer highlights the impossibility of heaven without Christ [ix] Hebrews 12:2–3 (NASB95) 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. [x] Leonardo Blair, Why Jesus is no longer the one way to heaven for many American Christians, https://www.christiantoday.com/article/why-jesus-is-no-longer-the-one-way-to-heaven-for-many-american-christians/129348.htm [xi] John 13:27 (NASB95) 27After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” [xii] John 17:3 (NASB95)“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 1:4 (NASB95)4In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. ; John 5:26 (NASB95)26“For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; ; John 6:39–40 (NASB95) 39“This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” ; Revelation 1:18 (NASB95) 18and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. [xiii] John 14:27 (NASB95) 27“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 16:33 (NASB95) 33“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Philippians 4:7 NASB95) 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Colossians 3:15 (NASB95) 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. [xiv] John 1:14 (NASB95) 14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 2:11 (NASB95) 11This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. [xv] James 1:2–4 (NASB95) 2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. [xvi] Romans 4:18 (NASB95) 18In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.” [xvii] George R. Beasley-Murray, John , vol. 36, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1999), 249. [xviii] John 17:3 (NASB95) “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. [xix] Hebrews 1:9 (NASB95) 9“YOU HAVE LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATED LAWLESSNESS; THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS.”, Matthew 28:18 (NASB95) 18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ; Acts 2:33 (NASB95) 33“Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. ; Hebrews 2:9 (NASB95) 9But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. [xx] 1 John 3:1–3 (NASB95) 1See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. [xxi] Michael Bond, Why Humans Totally Freak Out When They Get Lost. https://www.wired.com/story/why-humans-totally-freak-out-when-they-get-lost/ ONE DAY IN October 2015, a forest surveyor working in an area of dense woodland near Mount Redington in Maine came across a collapsed tent hidden in the undergrowth. He noticed a backpack, some clothes, a sleeping bag, and inside the sleeping bag what he assumed was a human skull. He took a photograph, then hurried out of the woods and called his boss. The news soon reached Kevin Adam, the search and rescue coordinator for the Maine Warden Service, who immediately guessed what the surveyor had found. He wrote later, "From what I could see of the location on the map and what I saw in the picture, I was almost certain it would be Gerry Largay. "Geraldine Largay, a 66-year-old retired nurse from Tennessee, had gone missing near Redington in July 2013 while attempting to walk the length of the Appalachian Trail, a national hiking route that stretches more than 2,100 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in central Maine. Her disappearance triggered one of the biggest search and rescue operations in the state’s history. Over two years, it failed to uncover a single clue. Until the surveyor stumbled on her camp, no one had any idea what had become of her. [xxii] John 1:18 (GW) No one has ever seen God. God’s only Son, the one who is closest to the Father’s heart, has made him known. [xxiii] John 17:17 (NASB95) Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. [xxiv] R.C. Sproul, God Is Truth, https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/god-truth . In the face of postmodern relativism, we must emphatically resist any suggestion that ultimate, objective truths do not exist. Though we may not accurately perceive or understand the real world at times, the same does not apply to the Almighty.Therefore, truth is that which conforms to reality as it is perceived by God. He knows all things exhaustively, and so we can trust anything He reveals in Scripture. [xxv] Isaiah 11:5 (NASB95) 5Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness the belt about His waist. [xxvi] Philippians 4:8 (NASB95) 8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. [xxvii] David Mathis, Wrap Your Soul in ‘the’ Truth (Ephesians 6:14) https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/wrap-your-soul-in-truth [xxviii] Proverbs 4:20–27 (NASB95) 20My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. 22For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body. 23Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. 24Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you. 25Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. 26Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established. 27Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil. [xxix] David Mathis, Wrap Your Soul in ‘the’ Truth (Ephesians 6:14) https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/wrap-your-soul-in-truth [xxx] https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/275099-my-religious-beliefs-teach-me-to-feel-as-safe-in . Stonewall Jackson, “My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.” [xxxi] John 1:4 (NASB95) 4In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. [xxxii] Revelation 20:12 (NASB95) 12And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. Revelation 20:15 (NASB95) 15And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 3:5 (NASB95) 5‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. [xxxiii] Romans 6:23 (NASB95) 23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritually-lost.html Religion is man’s attempt to find God on his own. Religion creates a goal, which may be a deity or a higher plane of existence, and then declares certain steps necessary to reach that goal. Because of religion, lost people consider themselves not lost. Imagine a hiker who has lost his way. After hours of fruitless searching for the right path, he decides to set up camp in an unknown forest and declare that he is now home. He will no longer try to be rescued. Although he still does not know where he is, familiarity with his immediate surroundings gives him the illusion of being found. [xxxiv] Psalm 23 (NASB95) A Psalm of David. 1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. [xxxv] John 1:4 (NASB95) 4In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. [xxxvi] John 20:30–31 (NASB95) 30Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. [xxxvii] John Piper, I Am The Way The Truth and The Life. https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/i-am-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life . [xxxviii] Hebrews 12:2 (MSG) [xxxix] Romans 10:9–11 (NASB95) 9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” [xl] Hebrews 12:28–29 (NASB95) 28Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken . . . [xli] Hebrews 13:20–21 (NASB95) 20Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Easter 2024 I Am Jesus Barabbas [i] (Monologue) (Luke 23:18–25: Matt 27:15–26; Mark 15:6–15; John 18:39–19:16) My name is Jesus Barabbas. [ii] I am an insurrectionist, a murderer, a revolutionary. My friends Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all mention me in their writings. As surely as my name is Jesus Barabbas, I despised and hated the Romans. But something happened on March 31, 30AD. It was on the hill called The Skull that my life was changed. Let me tell you my story. To begin with, you need to know that I am a devout Jew. Mary and I went to the same school together. Together we studied the law and the prophets. But at some point our paths separated, and we lost touch with each other. But I can tell you this, we both longed for the day that the Messiah would come and overthrow the Romans. There came a time I could no longer wait for the promised Messiah. I had heard of a group known as the Zealots, and began hanging out with them. They preached revolution against Rome. I became their leader, raising and training an army of Jewish resistance. One of my trainees was Simon the Zealot. As we wandered the countryside, we met up John the Baptist. On more than one occasion we sat around his camp fire eating locust dipped in honey, [iii] and listening to his take on the one known as Jesus of Nazareth. I like John the Baptist. Even though he preached repentance and something about the Kingdom of God, He boldly criticized the religious establishment, including King Herod, Pilate, and Rome. I remember one time Simon the Zealot and myself joined a huge crowd by the Jordan river. People from all over had come to hear my friend John the Baptist. Something really strange happened that day. John the Baptist was preaching to a large crowd from Jerusalem. Me and Simon enjoyed watching the religious leaders squirm under his sharp tongue. [iv] In the middle of his sermon he sees a man walking along the path and yells out, Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world .!! [v] I later learned that His name was Jesus of Nazareth. Now that’s a hillbilly town if there ever was one. I began listening to this Jesus. He was fascinating. I followed Him for a time. But became perplexed with His teachings. He sought no soldiers. He organized no army. All he did was talk, heal, feed and raise people from the dead. He talked with everybody. It didn’t matter whether they were bad Jews, good Jews, or Romans. But one thing was for sure, He didn’t talk of a revolution against Roman. Instead He talked about love and compassion, righteousness and forgiveness. From my perspective, it was nonsense, and I grew more impatient. Then one-day word came King Herod had taken John the Baptist put him in prison. He didn’t like what he was preaching. Months later at one of His wild parties he had John’s head cut off. [vi] That really ticked me off, John was my friend. Right then I had had it with the religious establishment and Rome. My Zealot movement needed money. I got six of my friends together. I knew where there was a lot of money, so I decided to rob the temple treasury. It was the time of Passover and the city was filling up with Jewish pilgrims. We’d hope that the confusion of the crowds would improve our chances of success. The treasury was located in the temple complex in a guarded vault. Our plan was to overpower the guards and force our entry into the vault. But things did not go as we had planned. We managed to sneak in and surprised the initial guards. We finished them off easily. But when we reached the treasury vault, we were surprised to see an army of Roman soldiers. We fought bravely, managing to kill four of them, but four of my men were also killed. Myself and two of my friends were overpowered, beaten and thrown into prison. I envied my four friends who had been killed. Their deaths were quick and noble. But my fate and that of my friends not so good. The sentence for killing a Roman citizen was death by crucifixion, and I had killed many. I had seen many a man hung on crosses in indescribable pain for deeds lesser than mine for days on end. I knew that the death facing me would be most humiliating and painful. I tried to think of other things, but I could only think of the pain of the spikes being driven through my hands and then my feet. I began praying to God, asking that I die quickly and not suffer for days as I had seen others do. I tried to be brave and comfort my two comrades, but I knew that their thoughts were the same as mine. We would soon be put on display and die a painful death. I could hear the grim reaper’s hellish laughter. My own sins haunted me. My rebellious heart, the ways I dishonored my father, the money I’d stolen. I thought to myself, “Barabbas, you fool! You’re going to die and no one will weep for you. You can’t blame them.” I’m going mad with fear. I heard the crowds shouting, “ Crucify him, Crucify him” !!! . [vii] Moments later I heard the unmistakable sound of Roman boots thundering down the hall toward our cell. Soon we would be forced to take up our crosses. They opened our cell door and directed us to Pontius Pilate’s courtyard. There a Centurion was waiting. The crowds were still roaring, but instead of C rucify Him, Crucify Him , I heard, “ Not this one, but Barabbas!” “Not this one, but Barabbas!” [viii] I thought, why are they shouting my name? The Centurion pulled me aside and told the soldiers to take away my two comrades. As they disappeared out of sight, he said to me, "You may go, You are Free!!!! You will not die as deserved. Jesus of Nazareth will take your place on the cross." I was stunned. I left the courtyard in a daze. I stumbled into the street, and found myself being carried by the crowd. At the hill called The Skull . I was shocked by the scene. Three crosses, and on two of those crosses were my comrades!! Between them was this Jesus of Nazareth. Above His head was a sign, “ King of he Jews” . [ix] I suspect that was Pilate’s jab at our hatred of Rome. In fact, on several occasions we had tried to make Him our King. [x] And now, the King of our hopes was about to die. Standing at the foot of the crosses, I found myself staring into the eyes of my comrades. They yelled angry at me--they on the cross, and me standing free with no explanation. They spate at me, they cursed me, then turned their anger on Jesus of Nazareth. It was a horrible way to die. As they hung on the crosses the jeers and shouts of the crowd became almost deafening. Then the noise died down, and I heard Him, the one called Jesus of Nazareth, His voice was strong, Father, forgiven them, for they do not know what they are doing . [xi] Then I heard one of my guys rebuke the other, then turning to Jesus said, " Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom . [xii] Whoa, did I miss something? What was my comrade in crime saying? Then I looked into the eyes of Jesus. Although his face was bloodied and bruised, His eyes were clear and gentle, compassionate and full of love. His eyes locked onto mine. It was as if He could see deep into my very soul. In my mind, I kept hearing the Centurion, “ This man is innocent. He is dying in your place.” The Man, looking down at me with eyes of love, was hanging on the cross meant for me. An innocent man dying in my place. I felt as though my heart would burst. I wanted to scream, “OH GOD, IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ME! IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME!” What about this man who died in my place? He was innocent, I was guilty. Yet he took my death so that I could live. [xiii] Can such love really die? My thoughts were interrupted. Suddenly pitch black darkness swept over the land, the most horrible earthquake I have ever felt shook the ground, and I heard the Centurion say, Truly, this man was the Son of God !!! [xiv] It was then that this Son of God cried out ‘ It is finished’ ! I thought those were strange words for a dying man to say. The crucifixion lasted until late afternoon. As the crowds broke up I left to be alone with my thoughts. I came to a quiet place by the sea of Galilee. Four days past. Still numb from what I’d seen, felt and heard, a voice pierced the cool morning air, "Jesus Barabbas"! I knew that voice. It was my friend Simon the Zealot. I stumbled to my feet. He threw his arms around me and gave me a bear hug, saying, "I knew I would find you here. Have you heard the news?" Before I could answer, laughing like a crazy man, he yelled, "He’s alive Barabbas!!!! He’s alive!!! He has risen from the dead!! [xv] I thought to myself, "Simon, you are out of your mind. No one could survive what that man went through". To top it all off, I saw the Roman thrust his spear into His side. Simon, He’s dead! Simon shook my shoulders. Looking straight into my eyes, he said it again--"Barabbas, He’s alive, He’s really alive" But how? Alive? How can this be? Then I remembered the words of the Centurion: Truly this man was the Son of God !!! Again Simon interrupted my thoughts. He remembered Jesus telling him and the others, The Son of Man must be handed over to sinful people, be crucified, and come back to life on the third day.” [xvi] Then Simon told me Jesus had met up with Mary. [xvii] And He had met up with Peter, and a couple of guys on the road to Emmaus. [xviii] And what He had said to Martha days earlier, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die . [xix] Simon’s tone changed. He now pleaded with me, “ Believe it, Barabbas ”!!! He came to save His people from their sins. [xx] I knew that I was a sinner. I wondered, what does one do with their sins? Then I heard Simon, "Confess your sins and ask Him to be your Messiah, and believe in your heart that God really raised Him from the dead. If you do that, sin will no longer be your master. He will remove the rage within you. He died to free you from sin’s guilt" [xxi] . Aaah, the Lord knows, my sins were great. I longed for the freedom Simon spoke of. And so I confessed, believed. Suddenly the burden of sin rolled off my shoulders, the rage within me began to fade. Jesus of Nazareth, the freedom fighter, by His death and resurrection set me free from the rage with in, from sins guilt. That inner freedom I so desperately wanted began to swell up within me. If it had not been for Jesus death and resurrection that day my rage within would have gone on and consumed me. Simon broke into my thoughts again. He remembered Jesus saying, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.( xxi i ) You know what is so strange? My name is Jesus Barabbas . Barabbas means son of the Father . I became a freedom fighter, fighting against tyranny, fighting against political oppression, I wanted freedom from irresponsible temple leadership. There I stood, deserving death, but now free?! By being a freedom fighter, I thought I would be set free from the rage within. But the man on the cross, the one they called Jesus of Nazareth, I began to realize that He was the freedom fighter of all time. But the freedom He fought and died for was freedom from powers far stronger than my agenda. Folks, I can testify, He is really alive and by His death and resurrection He gives real freedom. I want you to know that the freedom I experienced that day can be your freedom also. All you have to do is, declare that Jesus is your Lord, your Messiah Savior; and believing that God brought him back to life, you can have a life of freedom from the rage within. By believing you will receive God’s approval, and by believing in Him you will be saved from sin’s condemnation. For as it is written “ Whoever believes in him will not be ashamed. ” ( xxi ii ) I’ll never forget that Easter in 30 AD. I tell you my story so that you would believe that Jesus is the Messiah Savior, the Son of the everlasting God, and that in the act of believing you can have a life of freedom freedom from the tyranny of sin, freedom from the rage within, freedom from the fear of death, and freedom from the power of Satan. You can go on living as you are, a prisoner of your own choosing or accept the freedom He offers that lasts for time without end. If the weight of your sins are weighing you down, look deeply into the loving eyes of the living Son of God, who, by rising from the dead, broke sins death grip on your life. How about asking Jesus to make this Easter the day you became free? Let me close with a short prayer. -- Father, thank you that Jesus delivered us from our sins through his suffering on the cross. You sent him into the world for the falling or rising of every person. Help us to take hold of him by faith and be lifted up! And make this Easter season a memory that we will never forget. Amen [i] https://gracetruth.blog/2022/04/14/barabbas-good-friday/ https://www.ronsumners.org/post/barabbas-a-monologue https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=5994980730585894 , Colin Smith, Heaven, How I Got Here, https://www.kevinhalloran.net/watch-the-evangelistic-film-heaven-how-i-got-here-this-holy-week/ [ii] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Biblical Studies Press, 2005), Mt 27:16, in custody a notorious prisoner named Jesus Barabbas. an additional name assigned to Barabbas (Mt 27:16, 17, apparatus); [iii] Matthew 3:4 (NASB95) 4Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. [iv] Matthew 3:7–12 (NASB95) 7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8“Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; 9and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 10“The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11“As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12“His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” [v] John 1:29 (NASB95) 29The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! [vi] Mark 6:14–29 (NASB95) 14And King Herod heard of it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.” 15But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16But when Herod heard of it, he kept saying, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen!” 17For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Phili, because he had married her. 18For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death and could not do so; 20for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him. 21A strategic day came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his lords and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee; 2and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.” 23And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you; up to half of my kingdom.” 24And she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25Immediately she came in a hurry to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26And although the king was very sorry, yet because of his oaths and because of his dinner guests, he was unwilling to refuse her. 27Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and had him beheaded in the prison, 28and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29When his disciples heard about this, they came and took away his body and laid it in a tomb. [vii] Matthew 27:22 (NASB95) Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Crucify Him!” [viii] Luke 23:18 (NASB95) 18But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” John 18:39–40 (NASB95) 39“But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?” 40So they cried out again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber. [ix] Luke 23:38 (NASB95) 38Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” [x] John 6:15 (NASB95) 15So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. CF., John 18:36–37 (NASB95) 36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” 37Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” [xi] Luke 23:34 (NASB95) 34But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. [xii] Luke 23:40–42 (NASB95) 40But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41“And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” [xiii] John 3:16 (NASB95) 16“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. [xiv] Luke 23:47 (NASB95) 47Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent.” [xv] Matthew 28:5–7 (NASB95) 5The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7“Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” [xvi] Luke 24:7 (NASB95) 7saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” [xvii] John 20:18 (NASB95) 18Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her. [xviii] Luke 24:15 (NASB95) 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. [xix] John 11:25–26 (NASB95) 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” [xx] Matthew 1:21 (NASB95) “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Acts 5:31 (NASB95) 31“He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. [xxi] Romans 10:9–11 (NASB95) 9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” (GW) [xxii) John 14:6 (NASB95) 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (xxiii) Romans 10:11, For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”
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I Am The Door [i] (John 10:7-10) I. INTRODUCTION I invite you to open your Bibles to the gospel of John chap 10. Our focus this morning well be vs7-10 where Jesus gives His third I Am statement. The first one comes in John chap 6, v35 where He says, I Am The Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. ” In a nutshell, saving faith is being so immersed in the presence and promises of Jesus, that the deepest longings of our souls are satisfied. [ii] The second statement comes in John 8, v12 where Jesus said, I Am the Light of the World; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of Life. In a nutshell, saving faith is being so captured by the surpassing glory of God, giving us an aversion to the world’s darkness. [iii] That brings us to Jesus’ third I AM statement in John chap 10, vs7, I am the door of the sheep . Every house and building has at least one primary entrance. Every nation has specific points of entry, and like our homes and nation, the Kingdom of God has a point of entrance. But unlike our homes and nation, there is only one entrance, and that is through Jesus Christ. As we delve into Jesus I Am , let’s pause for a moment and ask the Spirit of God to guide our thoughts. Heavenly Father, we pray that as we turn to Your Holy Word, that we will have an encounter with Your Son in such a way that our lives will be changed, our spiritual eyes opened as we journey towards the finality of our redemption. In Jesus’ name. Amen. II. OVERALL CONTEXT To really get a grip on Jesus’ I Am statement here in chap 10, we need to be familiar with the events in chap 9. What takes place in chap 10 starts with a man blind from birth sent to the pool of Siloam in chap 9. You can read the account at your leisure, but let me give you the cliff notes. We’re told in v14 that these events occurred on a Sabbath, which caused great dismay amongst the locals. Anyway, as Jesus and His disciples were walking along, they pass a blind man. Jesus heals him by putting clay on his eyes which was mixed with His own spit (that would be Jesus’ spit). Because this was done on the Sabbath, and sight given to the blind man from birth, the locals bring him to the Pharisees. The legalistic Pharisees drill down on the now- seeing-blind-man. Dissatisfied with his answers, they bring in his parents and drill down on them. The seeing-blind-man stood his ground, and testified, V25, I know one thing for sure: I was blind … I now see .” He then dared to challenge their refusal to accept his reality. V32, the Pharisees’ found His story to be absolutely ridiculous, a man born blind from birth now seeing. In a fit of rage, they throw him out of the temple, meaning he could no longer worship there. Jesus, hearing about the fiasco, goes looking for him. On finding him, He introduced Himself, and the man quickly bows in worship. Jesus takes this opportunity to zero in on the spiritual condition of the Pharisees, which forms the backdrop to chap 10. In the opening verses of chap 10 Jesus uses two metaphors--one of a door and one of a shepherd to speak of His identity. According to v6 those listening didn’t understand what He was saying. So in vs 7-10 Jesus fleshes out His door metaphor, saying to them in v7, “ Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. Next time we’ll consider the His second metaphor, I Am the Good Shepherd in vs 11and following. III. I AM THE DOOR A. Context: VS 1-6 To get a grip on Jesus' door metaphor, we have to take a closer look at vs1-5. V1, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. To be a shepherd in Biblical days was a tough go. It was not unusual for them to fight off wild animals, thieves and robbers. And if necessary, they were expected to put their lives on the line for the sheep. During the cold month’s shepherds would bring their flocks back to their village for overnight shelter. Often multiple flocks would be herded into a single large enclosure which had a single door, and the key was held by the village gatekeeper. In the morning, each shepherd would come to collect their flocks. V2, he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens and the sheep hear his voice as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When the shepherds came to take their sheep in the morning, the passcode to gather their sheep was their personal relationship with the gatekeeper. And since there was a single door, there was only one way in and out. V4, When the shepherd brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. … 5 They won’t follow a stranger’s voice but will scatter because they don’t know his voice.” B ecause multiple flocks were often mixed together, each shepherd had a unique call for his flock. The sheep identified with their shepherds, and would file out, following him. V6 tells us that the Pharisees missed the whole point of the metaphor. Jesus was pointing out to them that their handling of the now-seeing-blind-man and his parents, illustrated that they really didn’t love the people, nor were willing to sacrifice for them. They had become self-appointed and self-righteous false shepherds leading the people of Israel astray, and plundering them for their own gain. That’s why Jesus refers to them as thieves and robbers. [iv] B. Jesus’ Metaphor, “I Am The Door” That’s the setting for vs 7-10. Because they didn’t get it, Jesus drills down, and states bluntly, Truly, truly (that means BE ASURED OF THIS), I Am the door of the sheep. When I was growing up in Africa, maybe 8/9 yrs of age, my parents took us to visit a missionary on the shores of Lake Victoria. As we entered the house I vividly remember that there were no doors anywhere in the house. There was no front door, no back door, no bedroom doors, and no bathroom door. That was just a little too much exposure for me. That got me to thinking about the importance of doors. They are central for protection, privacy, and security. So let’s take a closer look at the significance of Jesus being a door. C. Quick Overview The door metaphor must have been really important, because in these verses Jesus says twice, I am the door. Once in v7, followed by His application in v8; and again in v9, followed by His application. In vs7-8 He draws a clear distinction between Himself and thieves and robbers. While He stands at the door guarding the pen, thieves and robbers seek to find another way into the sheep pen. In vs9-10, Jesus as the door provides a safe life for the sheep by providing salvation and pastures for the sheep. There is no other way for the sheep to have these benefits. If they are fooled by the call of the thieves and robbers, they will not find salvation or pastures to lie down in, the end is certain death and destruction. Life and salvation can only be had if the sheep pass through the door. [v] D. The Door Metaphor So let’s now flesh out the door metaphor. 1. First, Jesus as the door speaks of exclusivity Our front doors serve as a focal point to our homes, serving the main entrance. In V7 and v9 Jesus tells the crowd that He is the door to His house. Notice that when Jesus said, I am the door of the sheep , He did not say I am ‘ a’ door of the sheep, but THE door of the sheep . The article THE carries great significance, speaking of exclusivity. [vi] In using the definite article, Jesus was and is making it clear as to His position. His point is, there is no other door by which we can have access to salvation, to life, and security. [vii] V9, I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He’s talking real time security. John 11:25, . . . he who believes in Me will live even if he dies . [viii] V10b, I came that they may have life and have it abundantly . [ix] Pluralism doesn’t work with God. His way of salvation is absolutely exclusive. There are not many ways to God--not via Buddha, not via Hari Krishna, not via Mohammed, not via José Luis de Jesús Miranda, and nor Inri Cristo, to just mention a few. [x] Today’s False Saviors pose a significant spiritual danger of which armor and a well-stocked bunker will not protect you from. It requires being fully dressed in the armor of God. [xi] Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation and the only way to connect with God. It is faith exclusively in Christ alone. [xii] This is an absolute truth. Its Him or not at all as stated in Acts 4:12 (NASB95) “There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved .” [xiii] And in John 14:6, Jesus makes it clear, I am the way, the truth, the life, no one comes to the Father except by me. 2. Second, Jesus as the door provides security V1, “ Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. If one should try to get in in any other way but through Him, such a person is classified as a thief and a robber. To be a thief is a crime against property, such as shoplifting; [xiv] to be a robber is a crime which generally entails violence and bloodshed. [xv] And that’s what these Pharisaical leaders were doing. Ezekiel gives a graphic description of this in chap 34, 3 “You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, slaughtering the fat sheep without feeding the flock. 4“ Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them . [xvi] As the door, Jesus provides security. Just what is the security He provides? V28, I give ‘my sheep’ eternal life and they will never perish, nor will anyone snatch them our of my hand . [xvii] 3. Third, Jesus as the door blocks out distractions Doors muffle sounds. V8 the sheep did not hear the ‘voices of the thieves and robbers . [xviii] That’s another way to say that the sheep didn’t listen to the voices of the thieves and robbers. The true Christ-follower refuses to listen to the bantering of spiritual thieves and robbers. Why don’t the sheep hear the clamoring of spiritual thieves and robbers? V3, because they are listening to the voice of their shepherd . He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. It is reported that in the 1980s a village near Bethlehem failed to pay its taxes. The ‘tax collector’ rounded up all of the sheep and placed them in a large barbed-wire enclosure to be sold. A woman and her son approached the tax collector, begging him to release their sheep because they were their only source of livelihood. He pointed to the pen containing hundreds of sheep and laughed. The sheep all looked the same. No branding. No markings on any of them. She then asked if he would let her separate her sheep and take them home. He agreed and opened the gate. The woman’s son began playing a simple tune on his flute and suddenly sheep heads began popping up across the pen. As her son played, twenty-five sheep separated themselves from huge heard of animals and followed them home. [xix] Drop down to v27, “ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me ; John Piper writes: Deeper than knowing God is being known by God. What defines us as Jesus followers . . . is that He knows our names. [xx] Isaiah 43:1 (GW) . . . Do not be afraid, because I have reclaimed you. I have called you by name; you are mine . When you step through the door, there comes an intimate relationship like no other. Being known by God is our anchor in the storms of life. 4. Fourth, Jesus as the door brings fulfillment V9 “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture . The ‘I’ is emphatic. So Jesus’ words go something like this, I, I alone am the door. There is simply no other access to salvation from sin, freedom from Satan’s dominion, and freedom from God’s coming judgment. Eternal life begins when one enters the door. That’s the point of v28 of this chapter, I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand . Once a person accepts Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross, they are immediately saved from the consequences of their sins. But there is more. Jesus goes on to say, such a person will go in and out and find pasture . V10, and they will have an abundant life . Psalm 121:8 (NASB95) The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever. Jesus is talking security, full satisfaction and guidance. Ezekiel 34:15 (NASB95) “I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest,” declares the Lord GOD . We’re talking freedom from the guilt, freedom from the misery of sin, and freedom from the punishment of sin. [xxi] The phrase go in and out and find pasture takes us to Psalm 23 (NASB95) where we find green pastures; quiet waters, restored soul, and walking the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake . [xxii] IV. WHAT'S OUR TAKE AWAY Well, let’s press the pause button and see if we can internalize what Jesus wants us to take with us this week. A. First, The role of the listening ear In v8 Jesus points out that the sheep did not hear them, them being the thieves and robbers. I want to say something about listening. We live in a world that is full of noise and distraction. [xxiii] Dropping down to v27 Jesus points out that you can tell who the true sheep are by who and what they listen to. [xxiv] That causes me to ask, to whom are your ears tuned to? I asked that because of what we’re told in 2 Timothy 3 (NASB95) V1, in these last days difficult times will come. V13, for evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Research shows that what we listen to and read shapes us. It has been found that music plays a huge role in illnesses, depression, spending habits, productivity and our perception of the world. It has been suggested that music can increase aggressive thoughts, encourage crime, and fuel violence. [xxv] You might be interested in knowing that farmers are holding concerts for their cows to help distress them. [xxvi] The point is, the noise and distractions that surround us, shape us. What we listen to has a great deal to do with who we are. Distraction are dangerous. A simple definition of distraction is “something that turns your attention away from something you want to concentrate on.” And that’s exactly what Satan wants for us. He loves distracted Christians. He doesn’t care what that something is. He just wants to turn our attention away from the things of God. Research shows that iPhone users unlock their phones an average of 80 times per day. Checking their phone between six and seven times per hour—or about once every 10 minutes. We are constantly being interrupted by texts, tweets, push notifications, ads, Instagram posts, emails, and on and on we could go. Our brains are being trained t o crave distraction. With this increased connectedness, we can easily become disconnected with our Creator. [xxvii] How do we combat the noise and distractions? We’re told in Colossians 3:2 (NASB95) to Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. It’s called treasuring Jesus above the noise. When we set our minds on the things above, we will see Jesus as more beautiful, more news-worthy, and more compelling than anything else in our life. The way we battle distraction is to become enamored by the things of heaven, to begin to crave spending time with God. And everything else will be put in the right perspective. Hebrews 2:1 (NASB95) For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it . We need to write this down on the mirrors of our lives to be a follower of Christ is to live an attentive life. [xxviii] To live an attentive life is to live a hearing life. [xxix] And according to Jesus, you can tell who a true follower of Jesus is by who and what they listen to. And so I ask all of you who claim to be followers of Christ, who and what are you listening to? The who and what you are listening to draws a distinguishing line as to whether you are a sheep or a goat. B. Second, Jesus’ door is a solitary one. 1 Timothy 2:5 (NASB95) For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, When Jesus said, I Am The Door , He was telling the Pharisees and us that He is the door emphatically. As the door He protects, provides, and is the only way to salvation from sin, Satan, and God’s coming judgment. The politically correct world does not like the exclusiveness of Jesus words. If there is only one door then we must enter by it or stay outside. There is no other door to gain access to God’s eternal life. The individual who puts their trust in Jesus Christ is made alive spiritually. Such a person receives a spiritual life that begins the moment they put their faith in Christ, and that new life in Christ continues without end. It is the kind of life Jesus Christ has. It is a contented life, a life of peace with God, a life knowing all of your sins have been forgiven, and security that you will be with God all your life, even when you die physically. John 11:25–26 (NASB95) 25 Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. I suspect you have noticed welcome signs are ‘a thing’ today. I read about one that read: Welcome-ish— Depending on who you are and how long you stay The door is a valuable imagery for us. It speaks of entrance, security, protection, and intimacy. Jesus is the only one to reconcile us to God. We can have great hope knowing that God’s door does not say, “welcome-ish” but that He greets us with open arms Do you feel like you are standing on the wrong side of the door with the thieves and robbers? You may enter through the door right now by 9 confessing with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. If you do, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” (Romans 10:9–11 (NASB95) As radio pastor J. D. Greear lays out for us: “It’s not the prayer that saves; but the repentance and faith behind the prayer that lays hold of salvation. [xxx] Let’s close in prayer. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are opened, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen. [i] I try to thoroughly cite all sources in my written sermon notes. But due to the extemporaneous nature of oral communication, delivery may occasionally contain material not fully cited or original with me. In such situations, the church nor I assert ownership to such material. The footnotes contain most of the resources that were used to prepare this sermon. [ii] Romans 6:14 (NASB95) 14For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. John 4:14 (NASB95) 14but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” John 7:37–38 (NASB95) 37Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ ” Cf., John Piper, Forever Satisfied, https://www.desiringgod.org/ articles/forever-satisfied Through faith, Christ becomes in us an inexhaustible fountain of satisfying life that lasts forever and leads us to heaven, and on the way sets us free from the sinful illusions of other satisfactions. Bible Study: I Am! https://www.intouch.org/read/articles/bible-study-i-am [iii] John 1:14 (NASB95) 14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 2:11 (NASB95) 11This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. ; Luke 9:32 (NASB95) 32Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. John 17:22–24 (NASB95) 22“The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. ; 2 Peter 1:16–18 (NASB95) 16For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. ; 1 John 1:1 (NASB95) 1What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life. 1 John 2:16–17 (NASB95) 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 1 Corinthians 7:31 (NASB95) and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away. [iv] Isaiah 56:10–11 (NASB95) 10His watchmen are blind, All of them know nothing. All of them are mute dogs unable to bark, Dreamers lying down, who love to slumber; 11And the dogs are greedy, they are not satisfied. And they are shepherds who have no understanding; They have all turned to their own way, Each one to his unjust gain, to the last one. Jeremiah 10:21 (NASB95) 21For the shepherds have become stupid And have not sought the LORD; Therefore they have not prospered, And all their flock is scattered. Jeremiah 12:10 (NASB95) 10“Many shepherds have ruined My vineyard, They have trampled down My field; They have made My pleasant field A desolate wilderness. Jeremiah 50:6 (NASB95) 6“My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray. They have made them turn aside on the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill And have forgotten their resting place. [v] Cf., Roger Hahn, John 10:1-42, https://www.crivoice.org/biblestudy/bbjohn13.html [vi] Cf., Haddon Spurgeon, The Door (John 10:9) https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/the-door/#flipbook/ [vii] Matthew 7:13–14 (NASB95) 13“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. [viii] John 11:25–26 (NASB95) 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” [ix] https://www.gotquestions.org/abundant-life.html . This word “abundant” in the Greek is perisson, meaning “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than what one would expect or anticipate.” In short, Jesus promises us a life far better than we could ever imagine, a concept reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 2:9 : “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” The apostle Paul tells us that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, and He does it by His power, a power that is at work within us if we belong to Him ( Ephesians 3:20 ). abundance is spiritual abundance, not material; abundance is relational life with God; abundance is growing in knowledge of God. John 5:40 (NASB95) 40and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. [x] Nicola Menzie, 5 False “Messiahs” and Why Their Claims to Be Christ Contradict the Bible https://www.christianpost.com/news/5-false-messiahs-and-why-their-claims-to-be-christ-contradict-the-bible.html [xi] Ephesians 6:10–18 (NASB95) 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, Romans 13:12 (NASB95) 12The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 2 Corinthians 6:7 (NASB95) 7in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, ; 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NASB95) 4for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NASB95) 8But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. [xii] Hebrews 2:17 (NASB95) 17Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Romans 5:17–19 (NASB95) 17For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. 19For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. Lee Penn, Anti-Christs and False Messiahs Down the Ages, SCP Journal 2011, Volume 34:4-35:1; pp16-58. [xiii] Exodus 20:3-5, the first commandment? “‘You shall have no other gods before me.’ God is claim exclusivity. . [xiv] Herbert Preisker, “Κλέπτω, Κλέπτης,” ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 754.κλέπτω. a. “To steal,” “secretly and craftily to embezzle and appropriate,” To seize with cunning, unnoticed. [xv] Karl Heinrich Rengstorf, “Λῃστής,” ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 258. always with the implication of a ruthless use of force in seeking the goods of others. [xvi] Jeremiah 23:1–2 (NASB95) 1“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. 2Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel concerning the shepherds who are tending My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them; behold, I am about to attend to you for the evil of your deeds,” declares the LORD. Ezekiel 34:2–10 (NASB95) 2“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? 3“You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. 4“Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them. 5“They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered. 6“My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them.” ’ ” 7Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: 8“As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “surely because My flock has become a prey, My flock has even become food for all the beasts of the field for lack of a shepherd, and My shepherds did not search for My flock, but rather the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock; 9therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: 10‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand My sheep from them and make them cease from feeding sheep. So the shepherds will not feed themselves anymore, but I will deliver My flock from their mouth, so that they will not be food for them.” ’ ” The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament . The temple became a haunt of robbers. The dealers in the temple market were notorious for their extortion, but it gave them fancied security in their evildoing. It is probable that some of these robbers were really zealots in rebellion against the authority of Rome, so that there was an element of misplaced patriotism and even religion in their proceedings. Josephus identified robbers with zealots. [xvii] John 10:29 (NASB95) 29“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. [xviii] Merrill C. Tenney, “John,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: John and Acts, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 9 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1981), 108–109. refer to the false messiahs and supposed deliverers of the people who had appeared in the period following the restoration from the Exile and especially in the century before Jesus’ advent. After the death of Herod the Great in 4 b.c., there were many factions that contended for the leadership of the nation and attempted by violence to throw off the Roman yoke. Jesus’ purpose was not political, as the emphasis of the discourse shows.Hendriksen suggests that Jesus was referring to the religious leaders of the Jews as the “thieves and robbers” (2:308). They were attempting to gain the allegiance of the people and were not above using violence if it would serve their purpose (cf. John 8:59). Acts 5:36–37 (NASB95) 36“For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37“After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 2 Peter 2:1–3 (NASB95) 1But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. Vs12–13, 12But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, 13suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, [xix] Gary M. Burge, John , The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000), 302. David Guzik, John 10: The Good Shepherd, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/john-10/During World War I, some soldiers tried to steal a flock of sheep from a hillside near Jerusalem. The sleeping shepherd awoke to find his flock being driven off. He couldn’t recapture them by force, so he called out to his flock with his distinctive call. The sheep listened, and returned to their rightful owner. The soldiers couldn’t stop the sheep from returning to their shepherd’s voice. [xx] Dave Furman, Being ‘Known’ by God Changes Everything, https://relevantmagazine.com/faith/power-known-god/ [xxi] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Gospel According to John , vol. 2, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 109. [xxii] Psalm 23 (NASB95) A Psalm of David. 1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. [xxiii] The Bible on Listening: What Does God Say About Being Still and Hearing Him? https://ministryanswers.com/ bible-verses/ the-bible-on-listening-what-does-god-say-about-being-still-and-hearing-him/ [xxiv] John 10:27–28 (NASB95) 27“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. [xxv] Nina Avramova, How Music Can Change the Way You Feel and Act, https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/08/health/music-brain-behavior-intl/index.html [xxvi] https://artdaily.com/news/135231/When-the-cellos-play--the-cows-come-home [xxvii] Chandler Vannoy, How To Stay Spiritually Focused In A Distractd World, https://voices.lifeway.com/culture-current-events/how-to-stay-spiritually-focused-in-a-distracted-world/ [xxviii] Mark 13:37 (NASB95) 37“What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’ ” Luke 21:36 (NASB95) 36“But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. Ephesians 6:18 (NASB95) 18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, ; 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NASB95) 6so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. ; 1 Peter 5:8 (NASB95) 8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [xxix] Mark 4:24 (NASB95) 24And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. Luke 8:21 (NASB95)21But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” John 10:27 (NASB95)27“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; Romans 10:17 (NASB95)17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Hebrews 3:7–8 (NASB95)7Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, 8DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME, AS IN THE DAY OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS, [xxx] The Sinner’s Prayer: Salvation In Repentance & Faith. https://www.praywithme.com/the-sinners-prayer.html Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness. I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin. You said in the bible that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved. Right now I confess Jesus as my Lord. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved. Amen. Make a NOTE of this: it is not solely the words in a prayer that save us eternally. We are “justified by faith” in Jesus and saved by our genuine belief in Him. J.D Greear describes it well – “It’s not the prayer that saves; it’s the repentance and faith behind the prayer that lays hold of salvation. My concern is that over-emphasizing the prayer has often (though unintentionally) obscured the primary instruments for laying hold of salvation: repentance and faith.”
Chapter 02 I Am The Light Of The World [i] (John 8:12) I. INTRODUCTION In John’s Gospel John records seven moments when Jesus reveals part of His identity with the phrase I Am. The fact that He does this seven times indicates to me that we need to get a grip on what He meant when He said "I Am". [ii] It can be easy in the struggles of everyday life to lose sight of the majesty and holiness of God, but meditating on God’s Name, and all that it represents, can help put our time on earth into perspective. His Name supersedes all names, and reminds us that God is in control, that He is the self-sufficient and all-encompassing One . This self-sufficient all-encompassing God exists only of Himself. He depends on nothing and no one for His existence. [iii] This fact has enormous consequences for how we understand the world around us. What is absolutely stunning to me is that this self-sufficient all-encompassing God puts a high priority on our knowing Him personally. Jeremiah 9, vs23–24 (NASB95) 23 Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; 24 but let him who boasts boast of this . . . now don’t miss what He says next . . . t hat he understands and knows Me . . . Then there is Hosea 6, v6 (GW) Thus says the Lord, . . . I want you to know me . . . [iv] Knowing God should be our flat-out-life-pursuit. J. I. Packer lays it out for us this way: We are cruel to ourselves if we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world it is and who runs it. The world becomes a strange, mad, painful place, and life in it a disappointing and unpleasant business for ‘all’ those who do not know about God. Disregarding the study of God you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfolded, as it were, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you. This ‘is the’ way you waste your life and lose your soul. [v] This is in keeping with what Jesus said in John 8, v24 (NASB95) . . . unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. [vi] And so Peter instructs us in 2 Peter 3:18 (NASB95) that we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s ask God to open our hearts to this life pursuit: Heavenly Father, we pray that as we study Your Word, that you will help us to listen in a way that is true to you and to all that you’ve revealed of Yourself. Help us to understand Your Word and to obey it. For Jesus’ sake. Amen. II. REVIEW As we begin our study this morning, let’s begin by opening our Bibles to John 6, v35 for a quick review. I want us to be clear on what Jesus meant when He said I Am the Bread of Life . The main point is this: Jesus did not come into the world mainly to give bread, but to be bread. V35, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not hunger. ” [vii] In this statement Jesus is making claim to the revelation given to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God self-discloses Himself to Moses as the s elf-sufficient, all-encompassing One . There is nothing outside of Him. Last time we highlighted Jesus statement— I Am The Bread of Life . By equating Himself with bread, Jesus is saying that He is absolutely essential for life. [viii] Remember, He had just fed thousands with 5 barley loaves and two fish . In claiming to be the Bread of Life, Jesus sought to move the crowd from thinking tummy hungries to deep spiritual hunger . He was contrasting what He could do for them spiritual to what He did for them physically. He did not come into the world to assist us in meeting desires we already had before we were born again. He came into the world to change our ingrained desires so that He is the main desire. That is the reason he came. He came to quench our spiritual hunger, and satisfy the deep longings of our hearts. [ix] Psalm 81, vs10–11 (NASB95) God said to Israel 10 “I, the LORD, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide and I will fill it. 11 “But My people did not listen to My voice, And Israel did not obey Me. [x] Our back yard is alive with quitters of various kinds, from birds to raccoons, and in-between are squirrels. I have this cylinder feeder which is designed to shut down when the squirrels climb on it. It does its job to the point the squirrels have, by-in-large, learned that when they get on it, they cannot access the seeds for the birds. The weight of a squirrel shuts the feeder down. But a little problem has crept in, perhaps due to the age of the feeder. The spring mechanism gets jammed and doesn’t release the wire cage, so that it remains shut when the squirrels jump off. That got me to thinking. Do you have any squirrels in your life? Little squirrel distractions, like sports, gossip, worries, crises, cell phones, iPad, Tablets, watches, and the list goes on. Distractions that jam your devotional time so that you don’t have time to eat at God’s table. In Psalm 119:131 (NASB95) David was hungry. And this is what he said: I opened my mouth wide and panted, For I longed for Your commandments. Which leads me to ask, Have you lost your appetite for the things of God because of little squirrels? When my birds can’t feed at the feeder because it’s jammed, they find another table to feed at. Whose table are you feeding at? God’s table or the world’s table? The food is different, and satisfaction is lacking. Jesus said I Am the Bread of Life , Faith is coming to His table and eating what He has to offer in His Word, and Life is being satisfied. Just as David testified in Psalm 23, vs5–6 (NASB95) 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. III. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Now, turn with me to John chap 8, v12 (GW) . Here we come to Jesus’ second I Am statement. Speaking to the Pharisees, He said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of Life.” A. Context 1. Overall Context Interestingly, the overall context of this declaration, I am the light of the world, takes us back to the previous chapter. This I Am statement is rooted in the Feast of Tabernacles , [xi] a reminder of their ancestors being led out of Egypt and slavery by the pillar of fire. The Feast of Tabernacles begins and ends with a special Sabbath day of rest. During the feast all Israelites were “to dwell in tent like structures” to remind them of God delivering them out of the “land of Egypt” and slavery, and look forward to the coming of their Messiah, who would deliver them from the bondage of sin. In their wilderness wonderings they followed the pillar of fire, the Light that led them from slavery through the perilous wilderness to the promised land. [xii] By application, Jesus is making the claim that He is God, the Pillar of Fire that led the way through the wilderness, and that He has now come to light the way for them out of the darkness of sin. [xiii] 2. Immediate Context Also interestingly, there is an immediate context. Jesus makes this I Am statement following the Scribes and Pharisees bringing a woman caught in adultery, and placing her shame front center. Their intent was to put Jesus between a ‘rock-and-a-hard-place.’ Would He uphold the Law of Moses which required that this woman be stoned, or would He be soft on sin? [xiv] Jesus kneels and begins writing in the dust. The accusers leave, starting with the oldest to the youngest. He turns to the woman and asks, “ Woman, where are the accusers? Does no one condemn you?” She responded, 11 “No one, Master.” Jesus then says to her “Neither do I. Go on your way and don’t sin anymore.” [xv] It is in this context darkness and Light clash, and Jesus says to the watching Pharisees, “I am the light of the world. All who follow me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. It’s a slam dunk moment. They had brought a woman trapped in the grip of sin front center, and displayed her shame for all to see. Jesus takes a knee and begins to write in the dust. We’re not told what He wrote, that’s left to our imaginations, but whatever it was, it radically impacted the accusers. [xvi] Whatever was written in the dust, and the accusers, fading out of the commendation circle, highlights what being exposed to the light means, and what living in darkness means. Those who came to shame the woman and Jesus, where overwhelmed by their own shamefulness as they were exposed to The Light of the World . Being exposed by the Light of the World brings shame and personal despair. In John 12:46 Jesus said, “I have come as Light into the world so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness . On the flipside, whoever does not believe in Jesus remains in darkness, and the wrath of God abides on him/her. [xvii] In this verse Jesus makes three powerful statements: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in the darkness 'Whoever follows Me’ will have the Light of Life B. I Am The Light Of The World Remember, Jesus’ I Am statements take us back to Exodus 3 where God self-discloses Himself as the great I Am, the All-Sufficient Self-existent One . The Pharisees, v3 (GW), immediately picked up on what Jesus was saying. “ You testify on your own behalf, so Your testimony isn’t true.” [xviii] Following v12, Jesus explains that the reason He is the Light of the world is because He comes from the Father, speaks for the Father, is going back to the Father, and is one with the Father [xix] . In v24 He points out the importance of accepting Him as the Light of the world. If you don’t believe that I am the one, you’ll die in your sins. ” John 1:4 (GW) Because He is connected to the Father, He ‘is’ the source of life for humanity. So having a personal relationship with Jesus is a serious issue. So I have to ask, Do you know Him, the All-Sufficient Self-existent One ? C. Whoever follows Me will not walk in the darkness That brings us to the second part of Jesus’ statement: Whoever follows Me will not walk in the darkness . This is a life changing statement if you see Him for who He is--the great I Am, The All-Sufficient Self-existent One . Whoever follows Me will not walk in the darkness is not a tag-along calling. To not walk in darkness means to so immerse oneself into His light that you become one with Him. We don’t have to go far to find darkness and the evidences of it. You can take pretty much any newsprint, news shows, TV shows, movies, etc., and be caught up in a whirlwind of darkness. They are filled with stories of rape, chaos, prejudice, disappointments, abortions, fear, disasters, runaway children, broken-down marriages, and the list goes on. The Bible tells us that this darkness is rooted in all of our hearts. Matthew 15, v19 (NASB95) “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders . [xx] Proverbs 4:19 (NASB95) T he way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble. And you know what is really creepy? Jesus said in John 3, v19 people love ‘their’ darkness rather than the light, for their deeds are evil. [xxi] And it’s not as if we don’t know better. We know perfectly well when we are walking in darkness. And what is spine-chilling is that people living in darkness really don’t care who knows. And worse, they hand out prizes to those who do the worst things best! [xxii] D. ‘Whoever follows Me’ will have the Light of Life Look again to what Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. All who follow me will not walk in the darkness. Now sink your teeth in this . . . such people will have the Light of life . When we immerse ourselves into His Light darkness is driven out, and we have the Light of life in us. [xxiii] By application, the shameful woman, exposed to the Light of the World, was moved from a life of darkness into the Light of Life. [xxiv] John 1:5 (NASB95) The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness could not extinguish it . Jesus was/is professing to not only be the inexhaustible source of spiritual nourishment, but the genuine light by which truth and falsehood can be distinguished, and giving a life of fulfillment. If we believe in the light, we become children of the light. Ephesians 5, vs8-9, not only were we IN darkness, but we WERE darkness. But now that we believe in Jesus, are now living in the Life of God. [xxv] The Light of life is the sharing of God’s eternal life, freed from the eternal grip of death. 1 John 1:5 (NASB95) This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all . This Light of life is captured in Jesus prayer in John 17:3 (NASB95) “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. [xxvi] So I have to ask, Do you know Him, the All-Sufficient Self-existent One , The Light of the World ? IV. WHAT’S OUR TAKE AWAY Let’s stop here and try to digest what we have just learned. What is our take away? I want to leave you with two take-a-ways. A. First, Jesus said, whoever follows Me . . . will have the light of life. What does that mean? John 1:4 fleshes this out for us: In Him (thought would be Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of men. Jesus is life, and the life He gives is light. Like the adulterous woman, the Sadducees, the Pharisees, Ephesians 2 tells us that we are all dead and blind to the life of God until Jesus imparts His life to us, giving us the light of life, which is God’s life, which is eternal life with Him. So Romans 13, v14, Put on the Lord Jesus Christ . In Psalm 43:3 (NASB95) David prays, send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your dwelling places. For David light and truth go together. In Psalm 67:1 (NASB95) God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause ‘Your’ face to shine upon us. That is, reveal Yourself so I can see You and have Your direction. [xxvii] To be in His light darkness is driven out like the accusers faded out after being exposed to The Light of the World , leaving the adulteress alone, who then was transferred to a new realm . . . the light of life. The light of Jesus is the brightness of God shining on the retina of our souls. [xxviii] We can have the light of life when we follow Peter’s admonition in Acts 3, v19 (GW) change the way you think and act, and turn ⸤to God⸥ to have your sins removed . 1 John 1:7 (GW) if we live in God’s light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from every sin. To live in the light is to have our sins removed and be cleansed by the blood of Jesus B. Second, to walk in the light means to have armor of light In Romans 13, when we live in the light, we are given the armor of light . Because we have been transferred from Satan’s realm to God’s realm, we have switched sides. We are no longer enemies of God, but now enemies of Satan. God’s armor of light gives us divine protection in our battle against Satan’s supernatural powers of darkness, as well as against the natural darkness of our sin, which as believers, we still are prone. [xxix] God’s armor of light is described for us in Ephesians 6:12-17. It is composed of the belt of “truth, the breastplate of righteousness,” feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith which extinguishes all the flaming missiles of the evil one,” and “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”. Having an intimate relationship with Jesus is a serious issue. So I must ask, do you know Him who is the Light of the world, the Light of righteousness, the Light of Heaven? No light can outshine Him. No darkness can hinder Him. Satan abhors Him. He stands alone in Himself. He’s the bright and morning star. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s the gateway to glory and the pathway to peace. He is our salvation. Do you know Him who is the way, the truth, and the life? [xxx] The Psalmist wrote: Those who know Him will put their trust in Him, For He will not forsaken those who seek Him [xxxi] and . . . the people who know their God will display strength and take action (v Daniel 11:32b (NASB95) ). Let’s close in prayer: Lord, We want to thank you that you are the Bread of Life, the Light of the World. You provide us with physical strength and spiritual power and light our path by the Word of life and give us hope. We ask that You now meet our every need, and help us to feast on Your Word for strength and spiritual sustenance to face each day. We ask this In the name of our Lord and Savior, the ever-present self-existent One, Amen. [i] I try to thoroughly cite all sources in my written sermon notes. But due to the extemporaneous nature of oral communication, delivery may occasionally contain material not fully cited or original with me. In such situations, the church nor I assert ownership to such material. The footnotes contain most of the resources that were used to prepare this sermon. Some additional resources: [ii] Exodus 3:14 (NASB95) 14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-does-god-call-himself-i-am-that-i-am.html . https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/71516/how-should-the-hebrew-ehyeh-asher-ehyeh-in-exodus-314-be-translated-in-englis . The first time God says I AM (“I AM WHO I AM”), the Hebrew says, “Ehyeh asher Ehyeh”, which translates as “I will be what I will be.” [iii] Cf., https://wholemagazine.org/the-attributes-of-god-self-sufficient/ He is solely and completely self-sufficient, not dependent on anything else. Everything created receives its all from Him. God has no lack, He has no need, and He has no deficiency. God being self-sufficient, or self-existent, is an attribute of His aseity. The definition of aseity is “the property by which a being exists in and of itself, from itself, or exists as so-and-such of and from itself.” [iv] Micah 6:8 (NASB95) 8He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? [v] J.I.Packer, Knowing God (Downers Grove, IL; InterVarsity Press, 1973), p.19 [vi] John 3:36 (NASB95) 36“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” [vii] John 6:35, and again in v48, and again in v51. [viii] https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/how-long-a-person-can-survive-without-water-a6873341.html Unlike food, the maximum time an individual can go without water seems to be a week. That estimate would certainly be shorter in difficult conditions, like broiling heat. A human can go for more than three weeks without food (Mahatma Gandhi survived 21 days of starvation), but water is a different story.At least 60 per cent of the adult body is made of it, and every living cell in the body needs it to keep functioning. Water acts as a lubricant for our joints, regulates our body temperature through sweating and respiration, and helps to flush waste. [ix] John Piper, Jesus Came Not to Give Bread but to Be Bread (John 6:1-29), https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/jesus-came-not-to-give-bread-but-to-be-bread See also Psalm 63:1 (NASB95) 1O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. ; Psalm 84:2 (NASB95) 2My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. ; Psalm 143:6 (NASB95) 6I stretch out my hands to You; My soul longs for You, as a parched land. Selah. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (NASB95) For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, [x] Psalm 42:1–2 (NASB95) 1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God . See https://www.biola.edu/blogs/good-book-blog/2022/what-does-as-the-deer-pants-for-the-water-mean-psalm-42-1 [xi] George R. Beasley-Murray, John , vol. 36, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1999), 127. The setting is Jesus in the Feast of Tabernacles. As 7:37–38 had immediate reference to the water-drawing ceremony of the festival, and showed Jesus as fulfilling all that it signified of Israel’s experience of and hope for the salvation of God, so 8:12 has immediate reference to the joyous celebration each night in the light of the lamps, with all that it connoted of Israel’s experience of the shining of God upon them for their deliverance and hope of future salvation. The Feast of Tabernacles takes place on the 15th of the Hebrew month Tishri. This was the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar and usually occurs in late September to mid-October. The feast begins five days after the Day of Atonement and at the time the fall harvest had just been completed. It was a time of joyous celebration as the Israelites celebrated God’s continued provision for them in the current harvest and remembered His provision and protection during the 40 years in the wilderness. The Feast of Tabernacles, like all the feasts, was instituted by God as a way of reminding Israelites in every generation of their deliverance by God from Egypt. Of course, the feasts are also significant in that they foreshadow the work and actions of the coming Messiah. Much of Jesus’ public ministry took place in conjunction with the Holy Feasts set forth by God. Part of God’s deliverance for the Israelites was His provision and protection of them for the 40 years they wandered in the wilderness, cut off from the Promised Land. [xii] Ibid., John , vol. 36, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1999), 128. cf. Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges entry, loc. cit.; Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (JFB) commentary entry, loc. cit.).In the evening of the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, either large candelabras or multiple lamps hanging from large golden lampstands were lit in the Temple. Their light could be seen all over Jerusalem. But on the last night of the Feast, they were not lit. That is when, it’s thought by some scholars, Jesus declared “I am the light of the world.” Why? Because the people missed seeing the light emanating from the Temple [xiii] https://www.bibleref.com/John/8/John-8-12.html . In the text's original Greek, Christ says "Egō eimi to phos tou kosmou," which explicitly claims He is the single, solitary source of "light." it is a claim to equality with God. Even further, the Greek of this passage indicates Jesus' claim to be "the" light, not merely "a" light. [xiv] Leviticus 20:10 (NASB95) 10‘If there is a man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, one who commits adultery with his friend’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. https://www.preceptaustin.org/john-8-commentary#8:6 The Jewish leaders had already disregarded the Law by arresting the woman without the man. The Law required that both parties to adultery be stoned ( Leviticus 20:10 ; Deuteronomy 22:22 ). The leaders were using the woman as a trap so they could trick Jesus. If Jesus said the woman should not be stoned, they would accuse him of violating Moses’ Law. If He urged them to execute her, they would report Him to the Romans, who did not permit the Jews to carry out their own executions ( John 18:31 ). [xv] John 8:10–11 (MSG) [xvi] George R. Beasley-Murray, John , vol. 36, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1999), 146. Jeremiah 17:13 (NASB95) 13O LORD, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, Because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the LORD. Thereby he set an unanswerable conundrum for exegetes of all time. What did he write? We cannot tell, but that does not prevent the exegetes from guessing! As Jesus was seated, he could write only a limited number of letters in a row without moving, sixteen Hebrews characters in fact. The first sentence that Jesus wrote, and that suits that length, could have been Exod 23:1b: “You shall not support a wicked man (as a malicious witness)”: the second, Exod 23:7, “From a false matter keep far,” a text quoted in the comparable story of Susanna (“The Story of the Woman …”18–20). [xvii] Cf., John 3:36 (NASB95) “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” Hebrews 3:18 (NASB95) And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? [xviii] https://www.preceptaustin.org/john-8-commentary#8:6 . Bob Deffinbaugh in his introduction to Jn 8:12-30 says "In this passage, we are in the middle of a great debate between Jesus and His adversaries. Ten times they interrupt Him in this chapter alone. Also, the Jews do not have a clue about what our Lord is saying, and so they misinterpret virtually everything He says. By the end of the chapter, the Jews attempt to stone Jesus. We do not come away from this text with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Instead, it troubles us." [xix] John 5:26 (NASB95) 26“For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; [xx] Galatians 5:19–21 (NASB95) 19Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19–21 (NASB95) 19Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (NASB95) 9Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. [xxi] John 3:19–21 (NASB95) 19“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20“For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21“But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” 2 Corinthians 11:14–15 (NASB95) 14No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. [xxii] Romans 1:29–32 (NASB95) 29being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. Cf., https://moenguy.com/8-characteristics-of-someone-with-an-evil-heart-and-why-its-important-to-look-for-these-signs/ 8 Characteristics or Signs that You May Have an Evil Heart-- 1. You are deceitful 2. You are jealous of others 3. You have a bad temper 4. You have an unforgiving spirit 5. You desire revenge 6. You are greedy and selfish 7. Your tongue is full of lies and gossip 8. Your heart is full of darkness. What are the Negative Effects of Having An Evil Heart? Having a dark heart can be costly. It will manifest itself in many ways, but the most prominent is that it will lead to financial ruin. This is because the individual will always be trying to take advantage of other people and steal from them. [xxiii] 1 John 1:5 (NASB95) 5This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 1 Timothy 6:16 (NASB95) 16who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. ; James 1:17 (NASB95) 17Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. [xxiv] Colossians 1:13–14 (NASB95) 13For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. [xxv] Ephesians 5:8–9 (NASB95) 8for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9(for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), [xxvi] 1 John 1:7 (ESV) If we ‘live’ in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another . . . and I don’t want you to miss this . . . the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. Psalm 56:13 (NASB95) For You have delivered my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the life Job 33:30 (NASB95) 30To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of life. [xxvii] John 3:20-21, 20Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.” [xxviii] John Piper, I Am The Light of the World, (John 8:12-30), https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/i-am-the-light-of-the-world [xxix] John F. MacArthur Jr., Romans , vol. 2, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1991), 265. Romans 13:13-14 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Ephesians 6:12–13 (NASB95) 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. [xxx] Cf., “That’s My King! Do You Know Him?” https://rpmministries.org/2009/12/thats-my-king-do-you-know-him/ [xxxi] Psalm 9:10 paraphrased. Psalm 91:14 (NASB95) 14“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. Psalm 37:28 (NASB95) 28For the LORD loves justice And does not forsake His godly ones; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off. ; Psalm 94:14 (NASB95) 14For the LORD will not abandon His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance.This is a subtitle for your new post
Chapter 01 I Am Sayings Of Jesus I Am The Bread Of Life [i] (Exodus 3:13-15; John 6:22-35) I. INTRODUCTION I am learning that in the aging process, I no longer measure time by years. Time is now measured in months and weeks. I remember on the farm moving irrigation pipes, time seemed to stand still. Then there was the summer I worked on a ‘grass seed farm’ in Oregon riding a mower all day long. The sun seemed to drag across the skies, slower than a snail. But something has happened over the years. As I have aged, I’m learning that time now is measured by the speed of a cheetah after its prey. In 77 days we’ll be celebrating the greatest event in history. It seems to be a blip in our life journey in comparison to the way we celebrate Christmas. And yet the earthquakes that shook the world at Jesus’ death and resurrection still send ripples through time and space. Some of you have asked about the series I started before Christmas entitled The Lies We Tell and Believe . I haven’t forgotten. But in light of our coming celebration of the greatest event ever to occur on the face of this earth, I thought it would be good to deviate and center our thoughts on the person of Jesus as Easter approaches. Let me lay out for us two verses that set the stage for me. In Psalm 9:10 (NASB95) the Psalmist wrote: Those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You . [ii] Then in Daniel 11 (NASB95) come these powerful words . . . the people who know their God will display strength and take action (v32b). I wonder, how well do we know our God? Or perhaps better, how well do we know God’s name? The Bible tells us that knowing God’s name brings trust, confidence, strength, and a motivation to action. Let’s take a moment to ask God to guide our thoughts. -- Heavenly Father, this morning we turn our thoughts on Your name. Forgive us for our flippantness in our usage of Your Name. There is no one like You! As Your word says, You are the great I AM, the Chief Cornerstone of our faith. As we look towards Easter, help us to get a grip on Your name that we might better trust You, display strength, and be motivated to action. In Jesus’ name we ask, Amen. II. GOD’S NAME According to Psalm 9 there is a direct relationship between knowing God’s name and trusting in Him. And according to Daniel 11, to the degree we know God, to that degree we display strength and take action. That raises a question for us: How well do we know God? Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a song that goes as follows: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there’s just something about that name. Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain; Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and earth proclaim Kings and kingdoms will all pass away, But there’s something about that name. [iii] Indeed, there is something special about knowing the name of Jesus. In Matthew 16 Jesus takes His disciples to Caesarea Philippi and asks them, Who do people say that I am ? [iv] It’s an intriguing question. They have been listening to the crowds: “Some say John the Baptist” (that’s what Herod thought); [v] “others say Elijah” (taken from Malachi 4); [vi] “and still others, Jeremiah” (because some thought he was the prophet referred to by Moses in Deuteronomy 18) [vii] , and then there were others who had no specific opinion other than Jesus was “one of the prophets . Jesus then changes the question, Who do you say I am? The question was meant to cut to the inner soul of the disciples. When you think about it, it was an interesting question. What’s interesting is that in the GK the pronoun ‘ you ’ is emphatic, placed at the first of the sentence. It is as if Jesus was asking, “You guys have been with me from the beginning, so who do you say that I am?” It’s a significant question, particularly in light of what the Psalmist wrote: Those who know Your name will put their trust in You . And what Daniel said, the people who know their God will display strength and take action . So knowing God’s name is really important. So the question for the disciples and for us: how well do we know His name? We get a sense of the wonder of God’s Name in Exodus chap 3. It centers around Moses’ personal encounter with God in the desert region of Mt Sinai watching over his father-in-laws sheep. It was a strange place to meet God. It was a dry hot thirsty parched land. Dead sage bushes would often burst into flame from the heat. Moses was use to seeing sage bush fires. But there was a bush that caught fire that surprised him. The text says he marveled at what he saw, because the bush didn’t burn up ?” (Exodus 3:3 (MSG) ) So approaches to investigate. And out of that flaming bush God speaks to him. First, telling him to take his shoes off because he was walking on holy ground. Then He gives Moses his assignment, return to Egypt and set Israel free from slavery. This was no small assignment because Egypt was a major political and military powerhouse of that day. Moses objects, “What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?” God responds, I will be with you. Moses pushes back: Who shall I tell them has sent me? What is Your name? God answers forcefully: I AM WHO I AM. You shall tell them I AM has sent me to you. And that is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. I don’t want us to miss what is happening here. God was giving Moses significant insight about Himself that He had not given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We know this because of what God tells Moses in Exodus chap 6, vs3 (ESV) 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name ‘the I AM WHO I AM, I did not make myself known to them. (emphasis added). The name I AM WHO I AM in a nut-shell means, the ever present existing one. God’s name carries His identity, His fame, His reputation. In Psalm 111, v9, David writes, Holy and reverent is His Name. Malachi 3, v6, I AM WHO I AM does not change . . . [viii] Isaiah 40:28, I AM WHO I AM am the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who does not faint or grow weary . (emphasis added) So know this, His name I AM WHO I AM, identifies His very being, it speaks of what sets Him apart from everyone else, what makes Him to be God unlike any god, what makes Him distinct, different, unique, separate from all others, and what He does for you and for all. [ix] Understand, knowing God’s name is central to our faith. It’s our heritage, it’s our authority, it’s our call, it’s our vision, and it’s our hope. It’s our very essence of life. We cannot exist outside of His Name, and we must sear that into our very conscience. [x] What does it mean when you ask your God, Who are you? and He answers, I AM WHO I AM? I am hoping you can feel this morning and the days following how important it is to know the name of God. A.W. Tozer lays it out for us this way: What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. [xi] There is no name that is more important to know. III. JESUS AS THE ‘I AM’ In John’s gospel John records seven differing times where Jesus emphatically states ‘I Am’ . [xii] His ‘I Am’ statements are meant to take us back to Exodus 3 where God discloses Himself to Moses as “I AM THAT I AM”, ‘the ever present existing One’. So in His I Am , Jesus is declaring that He is the ever present self-existing God who has come to us to fulfill the deep longings of the heart. [xiii] In each of the seven I Am statements Jesus reveals something about His own nature and character that He wants us to know. As we consider each of these incredible I Am statements, we are challenged by the same question that Jesus asked His disciples: Who do you say that I am? In other words, do we really know who He is? Not that we know about Him, or even what other people might say about Him. But do we really truly know Him? Why is that important for us? Jesus answers that question in John 17:3 (ESV) this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent . Our eternal future hangs on this premise: Do you know Him? Jesus’ first ‘I Am’ statement comes in John’s gospel, chap 6. The backdrop is the feeding of thousands with five barley loaves and two fish . The day following the miraculous picnic, the people were again hungry and decided that Jesus was useful. They saw Him as an automatic free food vending machine. So they came searching for Him. V26 (MSG) When they found Him Jesus told them straight away, “You’ve come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs—and for free. v27 (MSG) He then rebukes them. 27 “Don’t waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. … Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. For what He does is guaranteed by God the Father to last.” V28 (MSG) That caught the interest of the crowds, and so they ask, “ Well then, what do we do then to get in on God’s works?” V29 (ESV) Jesus responds, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” V30, The crowd then gets a little testy, and challenges Jesus. If you want us to believe show us a miracle. What miracle will You perform? V31, 31 Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. Just as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” [xv] The implication is plain: if Jesus be God’s deliverer, let him perform that sign! [xiv] Jesus corrects their faulty thinking in vs 32-33, you should know that it wasn’t Moses that gave you the bread. And quite frankly, the bread he gave wasn’t the true bread that gives life. … For the true bread of God that comes down out of heaven gives life to the world. [xvi] V34, they immediately responded, Lord, give us this bread !!! [xvii] V35 (ESV), Jesus then tells them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. [xviii] The point Jesus was making was just like God sent manna in the wilderness to sustain the life of your forefathers, He has sent me into the world to give you life. And specifically to His disciples listening in, Serve me faithfully, and you will never lack what you need. I will be for you everything you need, even in the hour of suffering and death. [xix] But the people had a huge problem. They were so fixated on their physical hungries that they missed the beam of glory that flowed from Jesus when he fed them with 5 barley loves and two fish. [xx] When you are hungry can you envision whether your hunger urges are physical or spiritual? When we can’t envision our spiritual hunger, we do strange things. Take the tribe of Ephraim in Hosea 12:1. He describes Ephraim as feeding on the wind and pursuing the east wind continually. The imagery of eating wind describes the people’s futile attempts to satisfy themselves with their own pleasures. Their pursuit of pleasures was like pursuing the wind, giving them no satisfaction. [xxi] Similarly, the crowds around Jesus were only interested in the experience of the pleasure of a full stomach without having to work for it for the rest of their lives. Their pleasure of a full belly blinded them to who was standing in their midst. V41 (GW) The Jews began grumbling because Jesus said, “I am the bread that came from heaven. ” They entirely missed what Jesus was telling them. What He was telling them was, I AM THAT I AM is here who will sustainer your life . [xxii] Hebrews 1:3 (NASB95) He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of God’s nature, and it is He who upholds all things by the word of His power . [xxiii] IV. DOING THE WORK OF GOD IS BELIEVING Interestingly, if we back up to vs 27-29 where Jesus said, Do not work for food that perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life . The people logically ask, what is that work that endures to eternal life? Jesus answers their question in v29, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent . [xxiv] Jesus is not talking about not working, not providing for your family, quitting your jobs. [xxv] God made us with a spiritual craving. When we come to Jesus as the bread of life, our desires change, our agenda’s change, our perspectives change, our longings change, our hopes change. We experience a real turn around in our thoughts and motives. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB95) if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. [xxvi] … A new direction is given to those of us who do the work of God, namely believe on Him who is the bread of life . To believe on Him determines how we spend eternity. What a moment that must have been. What they so desperately needed was standing right in front of them. John’s Gospel chap 1, v12, To all who would receive Him, who believed in His name, take Him into their soul, into their life, they will receive a full satisfying life . But like their forefathers, they were to busying chasing the wind. Their problem was that their sinful nature changed their course, making contentment unreachable. And we have the same problem don’t we. Some of us are so busy in our pursuits that we have become deaf to the satisfying Word of Jesus. In Matthew 6:21 Jesus stated it this way, Where your treasure is, there is where your heart will be also. When we come to Jesus as the bread of life, He becomes our center. He dominates our minds, our actions, and our relationships. John 1:14 (NASB95) John tells us that t he Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and . . . don’t miss this . . . we, as in the disciples, saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth . Don’t be like the tribe of Ephraim, chasing after the wind. Only Jesus can satisfy our deep hunger. In John 6 Jesus not only took care of their physical hunger, He offered to satisfy their spiritual hunger also. There’s a song we use to sing that goes like this: Jesus, be the centre, Be my source, be my light Jesus Jesus, be the centre, Be my hope, be my song, Jesus Be the fire in my heart, Be the wind in these sails Be the reason that I live, Jesus, Jesus Jesus, be my vision, Be my path, be my guide, Jesus [xxvii] Where are you seeking satisfaction from? Are you chasing after the world or are you energetically following Jesus? I challenge you to take some time to evaluate your own life and if necessary confess and reset your focus on Christ alone to satisfy you. Psalm 9:10 (NASB95) Those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. When you eat of the bread of life you get eternal life. Do you know Him? Let’s close in prayer. -- Almighty God, to whom all hearts are opened, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen. [i] I try to thoroughly cite all sources in my written sermon notes. But due to the extemporaneous nature of oral communication, delivery may occasionally contain material not fully cited or original with me. In such situations, the church nor I assert ownership to such material. The footnotes contain most of the resources that were used to prepare this sermon. Some additional resources: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/hallowed-be-your-name/ https://www.truthforlife.org/static/uploads/Name_Above_All_Names_Sample.pdf https://www.preceptaustin.org/the_names_of_god https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/psalm-9-10 https://www.reviveourhearts.com/blog/why-study-the-names-of-god/ https://www.davidjeremiah.org/knowgod/the-names-of-god Alistair Begg, The Bread of Life – Part One (John 6:21-35), https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/bread-life/ https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/those-who-know-their-god-shall-do-exploits/ https://johnknox.org/sermon/who-do-you-say-that-i-am/ https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/i-am-who-i-am https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/the-i-am-statements-of-jesus/#two-dangerous-words [ii] Psalm 91:14 (NASB95) 14“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. Psalm 37:28 (NASB95) 28For the LORD loves justice And does not forsake His godly ones; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off. ; Psalm 94:14 (NASB95) 14For the LORD will not abandon His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance. [iii] Bill and Gloria Gaither, There’s Something About That Name, https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4672335/Bill+Gaither/ There's+Something+About+That+Name [iv] Matthew 16:13–16 (NASB95) 13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ; Mark 8:27–29 (NASB95)27Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I am?” 28They told Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” 29And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”; Luke 9:18–20 (NASB95)18And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, “Who do the people say that I am?” 19They answered and said, “John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again.” 20And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” [v] Matthew 14:2 (NASB95) 2and Herod Antipas said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” [vi] Malachi 4:5 (NASB95) 5“Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD. Matthew 11:13–14 (NASB95) 13“For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14“And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come. [vii] Deuteronomy 18:15 (NASB95) 15“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him. https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-16-14.html#g [viii] James 1:17 (NASB95) 17Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. Hebrews 13:8 (NASB95) 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. [ix] Kevin Golden, Why Is God’s Name Important? (Exodus 3), https://blog.cph.org/study/why-is-gods-name-important [x] Psalm 89:35–37 (NASB95) 35“Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David. 36“His descendants shall endure forever And his throne as the sun before Me. 7“It shall be established forever like the moon, And the witness in the sky is faithful.” Selah. Psalm 60:6 (NASB95) 6God has spoken in His holiness: “I will exult, I will portion out Shechem and measure out the valley of Succoth. Amos 4:2 (NASB95)2The Lord GOD has sworn by His holiness, “Behold, the days are coming upon you When they will take you away with meat hooks, And the last of you with fish hooks. [xi] A.W.Tozer, The Pursuit of God, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/tozer-vs-lewis-whats-the-most-important-thing-about-us/ . https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/core-christian-beliefs/why-we-must-think-rightly-about-god.html It is my opinion that the Christian conception of God current in these middle years of the twentieth century is so decadent as to be utterly beneath the dignity of the Most High God and actually to constitute for professed believers something amounting to a moral calamity. The history of mankind will probably show that no people has ever risen above its religion, and man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God. Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God. For this reason the gravest question before the Church is always God Himself, and the most portentous fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like. We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God. [xii] https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching-series/the-call-to-i-am-a-five-part-lenten-series [xiii] Hebrews 1:1–3 (NASB95) 1God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, [xiv] George R. Beasley-Murray, John , vol. 36, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1999), 91. [xv] Psalm 78:24 (NASB95) 24He rained down manna upon them to eat And gave them food from heaven. ; Exodus 16:4 (NASB95) 4Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction. V15When the sons of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat. ; Nehemiah 9:15 (NASB95) 15“You provided bread from heaven for them for their hunger, You brought forth water from a rock for them for their thirst, And You told them to enter in order to possess The land which You swore to give them. ; Psalm 105:40 (NASB95) 40They asked, and He brought quail, And satisfied them with the bread of heaven. [xvi] John 4:40–42 (NASB95) 40So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41Many more believed because of His word; 42and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 1:29 (NASB95) 29The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 1 John 4:14 (NASB95)14We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. [xvii] Similar response as the Samaritan woman in John 4:15 (NASB95) 15The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” [xviii] John 6:48 (NASB95) “I am the bread of life. John 6:51 (NASB95) 51“I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” John 4:14 (NASB95) 14but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” [xix] John Piper, Do Not Labor For the Food That Perishes (John 6:22-29) https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/do-not-labor-for-the-food-that-perishes [xx] John 1:14 (NASB95) 14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. Luke 9:32 (NASB95) 32Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. John 2:11 (NASB95) 11This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. ; John 17:22–24 (NASB95) 22“The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.; 2 Peter 1:16–18 (NASB95)16For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.; 1 John 1:1 (NASB95)1What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— [xxi] See Jason Dexter, Bible Study on Hosea 12:1 – Feeding on Wind and the Emptiness of Pursuing the World https://studyandobey.com/hosea-12-1-feeding-on-wind/ . Cf., Titus 3:3 (NASB95) 3For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. Hebrews 11:25 (NASB95) 25choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 2 Timothy 3:2–4 (NASB95) 2For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [xxii] Psalm 54:4 (NASB95) 4Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul. Isaiah 41:10 (NASB95) 10‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Hebrews 1:3 (NASB95) 3And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, Colossians 1:17 (NASB95) 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [xxiii] Colossians 1:15–17 (NASB95) 15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [xxiv] See John 9:3 (NASB95) 3Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. [xxv] Ephesians 4:28 (NASB95) 28He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NASB95) 10as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith? 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NASB95) 11and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, [xxvi] Romans 6:4 (NASB95) 4Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. [xxvii] Be The Centre, https://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/vineyard/be_the_centre-lyrics-1120988.html
2024 Striving to Live The Mind Of Christ In A Twisted World (Philippians 4:1, 4-8) I. INTRODUCTION Welcome to the first Sunday of 2024. You might be interested in knowing that in 358 days we’ll be entering 2025. And you might also be interested in knowing that Daylight Savings Time change is just 63 days out; in 81 days we’ll be celebrating Easter; in 323 days we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving; and in 350 days we’ll once again gather around the Christmas tree. I mention this in light of Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90:12 (NASB95) teach us to number our days, that we may present to ‘our God’ a heart of wisdom . Life is uncertain, time flies, and God judges sin. Therefore, it is important for us to value the days He has given us. [i] I came across an article by Trevor Hughes that caught my attention. He writes: Brekke Wagoner looks out the windows of her North Carolina home and sees disaster coming. Not immediately, but someday, as hurricanes and other storms gather on the Eastern Seaboard, drenching neighborhoods, knocking out power and destroying roads. In that moment she thinks about prepping. In a recent USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll it was found that 67% of Americans are worried about their future. In fact, in the past 12 months, 39% of millennials, those born between 1981-1996 (27-42 years old) and 40% of Gen Zers, those born between 1997-2012 (11-26 years old) ‘are spending’ their money on prepping. Believe it, there is a growing group of people known as Preppers, people who are caught up with the uncertainty of our times. [ii] Before we open God’s Word, let’s ask Him to guide our understanding of His instruction to us. Heavenly Father, thank You for being an overcoming God! I know I can take heart because You have overcome the world. Empower me to rise above my circumstances. Help me cast my anxiety on You because You care for me. Give me Your power to overcome. Thank You for giving me the victory! In Jesus’ Name, Amen. II. SETTING THE STAGE I invite you to open your Bibles to Philippians chap 4. I’ve entitle our study Striving to Live the Mind of Christ in a Twisted World. From Proverbs 23:7 (NASB95) come these irritating words: as one thinks within himself, so he is . Think about this: our thoughts define us, they shape the life we live, inspire the dreams we dream, and create the realities we accomplish. As someone has said: “You become what you think about all day long, and those days eventually become your lifetime.” [iii] That’s why we are told in Colossians chap 3, vs1-2, 1 If you have been raised up with Christ, seek the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. … ‘So’ 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth . [iv] To set our minds on the things above is a tough go. Discouragement abounds. Joblessness, homelessness, illness, hunger, marital strife, economic hardship, wars and financial pressures and persecution of believers publicly and privately can set one’s mind in a tail spin of despair. Our minds are assaulted not only from outside the church but also from inside. There’s gossip, slander, envy, disunity, laziness, grumbling, and the ongoing temptations and failings of believers. The throes of sin infect all people everywhere. From Paul’s letter to the Philippians we learn that he was very troubled as to their ability to handle the assaults on their faith. Coming from “not-so-nice-rival-preachers” vying for their attention. [v] Then there was some serious false teaching in their midst. [vi] And then there was internal conflicts between believers. [vii] The people at Philippi were being hammered with discouragement and hopeless head bangers. [viii] III. TRANSITION Today, like the people of Philippi, we are being hammered with discouragement and hopeless head bangers. You should be at Paul’s letter to the Philippians by now. In vs4-8 Paul gives us God’s prescription for dealing with worry and anxiety. To help us get a grip on the prescription for worry and anxiety, it is helpful to understand the overall context. Paul begins chap 4 with these words: Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved . [ix] Then in v2 he addresses a deep seated conflict between two prominent women Euodia and Syntyche . I like the King James’ rendering of v2. It reads, I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Notice Paul’s double plea, I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche . Apparently this is a bitter struggle, and he is begging these two ladies to ‘let it all go’. In addition, notice that in begging them to drop the fight, he urges them to be of the same mind in the Lord . To be of the same mind in the Lord takes us back to chap 2 where Paul writes, l ive in harmony and keep one purpose in mind. Don’t act out of selfish ambition . . . don’t be concerned only about your own interests . . . have the mindset . . . that Jesus had . . . who . . . didn’t consider equality with God something to be grasped but took upon Himself the form of a servant. So when Paul says to the ladies be of the same mind in the Lord, … he was calling them to lay down their grievances so that they can have the mind of Christ. Euodia and Syntchye’s conflict was causing them to falter when it came to standing firm in the Lord , v4. Paul’s admonition to Euodia and Syntchye becomes the transition to his prescription for victory over worry and for experiencing the enjoyment of peace with God. … IV. GOD’S PRESCRIPTION FOR VICTORY OVER APPREHENSION, WORRY, ANXIETY, ETC. Since our actions testify to our thoughts, it is important that we take hold of our thought life. The only way to have victory over our thought life is to immerse our minds into the mind of Christ. If we fail to do this, the thinking and philosophies of this world will take us captive." We cannot just simply talk about having the mind of Christ; we must choose to think like Jesus which leads to acting like Jesus. In Vs4-8 we are given five character traits of the mind of Christ, that when operative, give us victory over anxiety. Choosing to align our minds with Christ move us to experiencing peace of God in the midst of a corrupt and twisted world. [x] A. Choice #1, Choose To Be Joyful That is spelled out for us in V4 (ESV) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice . [xi] Notice the emphasis of rejoice. In chap 3, v1 he told them, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. [xii] I think the double admonition to rejoice comes because complaining/grumbling was a big issue. [xiii] If the truth be known, I think complaining/grumbling is probably low on our list of sins because we’re all so prone to doing it. It sort of come’s naturally for us. Back in chap 2, v14 Paul hits grumbling straight up when he says Don’t be a grumbler . . . now don’t miss this . . . so that you can prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God ‘who are’ above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights to the world, holding fast the word of life . . . [xiv] What v4 is telling us, is that the cure for despondency, the cure for a crushed spirit, the cure for complaining or a bitter spirit comes when we get a grip on our position as kingdom citizens. Why? Because according to Romans 14:17 (NASB95) the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Indeed, Nehemiah 8:10, The joy of the Lord is your strength. Rejoicing is our strength because of our inner confidence of our relationship with God. [xv] Notice Paul said that we should rejoice in the Lord always . And so James 1:2, Count it all joy, brothers, when you find yourselves facing difficulties of all kinds. The joy we display in tough times does not come from the circumstances we are facing, but from the relationship we have with God though Jesus that we are enjoying. [xvi] We will never be a strong Christian unless we rejoice in the Lord, for it is the joy of the Lord that is your stronghold. B. Choice #2: Choose To Be Gentle V5, Let your gentle spirit be known to all . The GK word gentle is hard to translate into English, but perhaps a close rendering would be our word selflessness. [xvii] There’s a desire by all of us to be known for something--one’s ability to sing, to be athletic, to be charming, to be model material, or to be macho; but to be known as selfless not so much. That’s a stretch for anyone. But that’s exactly what we’re being told, which takes us back to chap 2, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who did not think equality with God was something to be exploited.” A.W. Tozer in The Pursuit of God highlights a number of self-sins: there’s self-righteousness, self-pity, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-love, and a host of others like them. [xviii] Against these comes "be selflessness". If we want the mind of Christ we must chose selflessness. And why are we to be selfless? Because, Paul says, the Lord is near . I take that phrase to be in line with James chap 5, vs 8-9 (GW) 8 You, too, must be patient. Don’t give up hope. The Lord will soon be here. [xix] 9 Brothers and sisters, stop complaining about each other, or you will be condemned. Realize that the judge is standing at the door. C. Choice #3, Choose Not To Be Anxious V6, Do not be anxious about anything. In today’s world, that is almost laughable. Negative Information travels at supersonic speed. Anything that’s anything is blown up into an instant crisis. Major news outlets, Facebook, Twitter/X all are calling us to fret, worry and be anxious. In addition, right now there are at least 10 major war hotspots in action. In addition we have a hot election on the horizon, we’ve lost control of our borders, and consumer debt is now pushing 10.4 trillion. What’s there not to be anxious about? Paul’s prescription is Do not be anxious about anything . Why? Because of such verses as Isaiah 41:10, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Psalm 46:1 NIV God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [xx] Paul’s prescription to our anxiety is . . . Do not be anxious about anything . . . Isn’t that what Jesus said in Matthew 6? Don’t be worried about tomorrow . . . each day has enough trouble of its own D. Choice #4, Choose to Tell God About Your Stresses V6, Let your request be made known to God . From ‘God’s Life Play Book’, we're told to go on the offensive. In the midst of the battering’s, instead of letting stress and anxiety bury you in despair, eat your gut raw, take it all to God. When we experience anxiety, our reflex should be prayer. Notice Paul’s tag in v7. It begins with the conjunction ‘ and ’. Putting these two verses together-- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Let your requests be made known to God, ‘then’ the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. God doesn’t experience anxiety. There is nothing out of His control. He is in perfect peace, calmness, and control. The most peaceful person in existence is God. [xxi] In other words, the way to not be anxious is to be praying about everything. That’s what Jesus did. In the gospels it is believe that Jesus is recorded praying between 27-38 times. [xxii] If you want to get peace from anybody, the best person to get it from is God. Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) God will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him! Isaiah tells us that no matter how chaotic and stressful our lives may be, we can be calm and peaceful. It is not that we have that peace in ourselves but that God has that peace in Himself and Paul tells us that He gives it to us through prayer. God doesn’t promise to always answer our prayers the way we want them answered, but he does promise to take away our anxiety and replace it with peace when we pray. God promises to give us supernatural peace. 1 Peter 5:7 (NASB95) Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. God cares. … Isaiah 41:13 (NASB95) “ I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you .’ God isn’t so busy running the universe that he doesn’t have time for our petty worries. [xxiii] E. Choice #5: Choose What You Think About V8, 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is decent, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is worthy, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Remember what Proverbs 23:7 says: as one thinks within himself, so he is. It’s not our words that define us, and it’s not our acts that define us. Jesus tells us in Matthew 15:19 that our words and actions flow from our thoughts. So Romans 12:2 (NASB95) gives us this counsel: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect . Paul reminds us to be very careful what we let our minds think about, especially in tough times. What we allow our minds to chew on, will become what we act on. What we dwell on become the way we act. If we let our thoughts be filled with negative things, depressing things, garbage things, then our minds work against us. Soon we start acting out sinful things, negative things, and unhelpful things in our lives. That’s in part why Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:3, I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ . The way Satan attacked Eve in the Garden of Eden was with her thought life. [xxiv] VI WRAP-UP Let’s take a moment to reflect on what we have just considered. Real change starts with our thought life. What we control, and where we really start to create our reality, is in how we perceive/interpret/think about the events in our life that generate our feelings about those events, and how we subsequently respond with our behavior. No one can choose your thoughts or actions; those are yours alone. [xxv] We’re not being told to just memorize Bible verses and everything will be okay. How’s your thought life? Wrong thoughts seem to come into our minds like phone calls. So, the first thing we need to ask ourselves is, Who’s calling? Our thoughts only come from three places: ourselves, God or Satan and his demonic yinyins. A quick consideration will likely give you the answer as to who is calling. If it isn’t God—you need to hang up! That’s what Paul has in mind when he writes in 2 Corinthians 10:5 . “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” He’s not just talking about turning off your computer and or being choosy about the movies you watch or the books you read. He’s talking about the very frame of reference for all your life. You take it all captive to Christ. That’s a gospel perspective. And so we end with this cap stone of the mind of Christ: Think about true things, not the false. Think about noble things, not the base. Think about right things, not wrong things. Think about pure things, not sleazy things. Think about lovely things, not disgusting things. Think about admirable things, not despicable things. That’s what this passage says, and we’re responsible for this. [xxvi] By changing the way we think, we’ll start to see changes in our attitude and behavior, which will open the way for a more fulfilling life overall. If you believe in goodness and if you value the approval of God, I want to encourage you this morning to make a commitment to making these five choices a top priority for 2024. Let’s wrap up our study by asking our God to internalize what we have just considered. Father, thank you for your Word—practical, relevant, challenging. Thank you that you give it to us with such clarity because You love us so wonderfully—that You long for your children to be marked by maturity and by grace. Fill our minds, then, with the truth of your Word, not so that we will become boring volumes of theological accuracy, but so that we might become lively sermons—joyful, truthful, noble, admirable, God-honoring lives. Receive our praise and our worship and our morning offerings as we bring them to you in Jesus’ name and for his sake. Amen. [i] Psalm 39:4–6 (NASB95) 4“LORD, make me to know my end And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am. 5“Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah. 6“Surely every man walks about as a phantom; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them. Psalm 27:1 (NASB95) 1The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? Deuteronomy 32:29 (NASB95) “Would that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would discern their future! [ii] Trevor Hughes, Could 2024 election cause society to collapse? Some preppers thing so—and they’re ready. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/04/doomsday-preppers-and-election-2024-fears/71695426007/ [iii] As You Think, So Shall You Become, https://threeminuteleadership.com/2017/07/16/as-you-think-so-shall-you-become/ . Proverbs 2:1–6 (NASB95) 1My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, 2Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; 3For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; 4If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. 6For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. [iv] Romans 8:5–8 (NASB95) 5For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 12:1–3 (NASB95) 1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 3For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Matthew 15:18–20 (NASB95) 18“But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. 19“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. 20“These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.” [v] Philippians 1:15–17 (ESV) 15Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. [vi] Philippians 3:18–19 (ESV) 18For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. Paul was concerned that false teachers who advocated for circumcision — "those who mutilate the flesh,". He also condemned other kinds of false teaching in Philippians 3:18-19: Many … walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. [vii] Philippians 4:2–3 (ESV) 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. [viii] Dr. Reggie Kidd, Paul and the Philippians (Lesson 5), https://thirdmill.org/seminary/lesson.asp/vs/PPE/ln/5 . Years earlier, just after he had planted the church in Philippi, Paul had encountered great resistance from Jews in the neighboring Macedonian city of Thessalonica. And as we read in Acts 17:5-13, these angry Jews accused Paul and the other believers of violating Roman law. As a result, Paul was forced to flee the city by night to avoid further persecution by Jews, as well as arrest by the civil government. These Thessalonian Jews were so zealous that they pursued Paul even to the city of Berea. So, it's likely that these same Jews, or others like them, also troubled the church in Philippi and roused the local government against the church there as well. But whatever the specific nature of the persecution in Philippi, it's clear that the church was suffering at the hands of unbelievers. [ix] Cf., 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (ESV) 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV) 13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. [x] Cf., Don Carson, Living Out the Gospel (Philippians 4:4-23), https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/sermon/living-out-the-gospel/ [xi] Philippians 1:14 (NASB95) 14and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear., Philippians 2:19 (NASB95)19But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. Philippians 2:24 (NASB95) and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly. Philippians 3:1 (NASB95)1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. Philippians 4:1 (NASB95) 1Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. Philippians 4:4 (NASB95) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! [xii] Proverbs 17:22 (NASB95) 22A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. [xiii] Philippians 2:14 (NASB95) 14Do all things without grumbling or disputing; [xiv] Cf., Jude 16 (NASB95) 16These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage. 1 Corinthians 10:10 (NASB95) 10Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 2 Peter 2:18 (NASB95) 18For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, [xv] Meg Bucher, What Does “the joy of the Lord is my strength” mean in the Bible? https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-does-the-joy-of-the-lord-is-my-strength-mean.html The original Hebrew for "joy" in Nehemiah 8:10 is " chedvah, " meaning joy or gladness. The root word for joy in this context means to rejoice or to make glad. "Strength" in the same verse is a Hebrew word meaning “a place or means of safety, protection refuge, or stronghold.” The root word of strength means “to be strong, prevail; to make firm, strengthen.” The joy of the Lord is a constant gladness and cause to rejoice. It stems from an inner strengthening from our relationship with Him. When Jesus died for us, He restored us to a peace with God that cannot be undone. “Your joy rests on God’s joy,” [xvi] Romans 15:13 (NASB95) 13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [xvii] Gerald F. Hawthorne, Philippians , vol. 43, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2004), 244. ἐπιεικές, “magnanimity,” a neuter adjective used as an abstract noun, is almost untranslatable (cf. MM). Related as it is to εἰκός, “reasonable,” it radiates the positive ideas of magnanimity or “sweet reasonableness” (to use Matthew Arnold’s phrase [Literature and Dogma, xii, 2]). Aristotle contrasted it with ἀκριβοδίκαιος, “strict justice.” For him it meant a generous treatment of others that, while demanding equity, does not insist on the letter of the law. Willing to admit limitations, it is prepared to make allowances so that justice does not injure. It is a quality, therefore, that keeps one from insisting on one’s full rights, [xviii] A.W. Tozer in The Pursuit of God [xix] Tim Jennings, Eight Signs of Jesus’ Soon Return. https://comeandreason.com/eight-signs-of-jesus-soon-return/ -- Scoffers; Wars and rumors of wars; natural disasters, famines, pandemics; Promise of peace and safety; increase loss of faith and persecution of believers; love of most growing cold; Power of entertainment; Nicole Alcindor, Pastor Greg Laurie lists key signs Jesus is coming back: 'We're getting close'https://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-greg-laurie-lists-key-signs-jesus-is-coming-back.html [xx] Matthew 6:34 NIV Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Psalm 115:3 NIV 3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. Isaiah 14:24 NIV 24 The Lord Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen. [xxi] Kurt Trucksess, Philippians 4:1, 4-8 — How Do I Stand Strong For Christ When Times Are Tough? https://www.christ2rculture.com/resources/Sermons/Peace-In-A-Pandemic/2---How-Do-I-Stand-Strong-For-Christ-When-Times-Are-Tough---Manuscript.pdf [xxii] See Steve Shirley, How many times did Jesus pray in the bible? https://jesusalive.cc/times-jesus-prayed/ ; Joseph Jordan, How often did Jesus pray (Jesus’ prayer patterns)? https://christianfaithguide.com/how-often-did-jesus-pray/ [xxiii] Psalm 34:17–18 (NASB95) 17The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. [xxiv] Kurt Trucksess, Philippians 4:1, 4-8 — How Do I Stand Strong For Christ When Times Are Tough? https://www.christ2rculture.com/resources/Sermons/Peace-In-A-Pandemic/2---How-Do-I-Stand-Strong-For-Christ-When-Times-Are-Tough---Manuscript.pdf [xxv] Jennice Vilhauer, How Your Thinking Creates Your Reality, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-forward/202009/how-your-thinking-creates-your-reality [xxvi] Alistair Beggs,Thinking Like Christ (Philippians 4:4-9) https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/thinking-christ/ Cf., https://www.kcm.org/real-help/faith/learn/how-control-your-thought-life?language_content_entity=en-US · Whatever is true. What is true? The Word of God. The devil is a liar—and he stands for everything opposite of God’s Word. When you hear thoughts that are condemning, laced with guilt, critical of others or riddled with fear, they aren’t true because they aren’t of God. Anything that is contrary to the Word of God—a disregard for life or marriage, an argument against the tithe or any other command in the Word—is not truth. And it has no place in our thought lives. · Whatever is noble. The word noble means “righteous, good, honorable, moral, decent, upright.” To think on things that fit this description, we must keep ourselves from thinking things that are the opposite. This includes much of secular entertainment these days. To keep our thoughts on what is good and righteous, we must spend much of our time thinking about the Word of God, and not polluting our minds with the things of this world. · Whatever is just. It can often be difficult to not dwell on the injustices of the world—there are so many. But putting too much focus on them can be discouraging and breed bitterness, fear and discouragement. When we see injustice, we are called to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8), pray, and take action when appropriate. But be careful not to let injustice dominate your thought life. · Whatever is pure. When we were instructed to flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18), that includes sexually immoral thoughts. Lustful thoughts are sinful and destructive, and a key way Satan seeks to control the lives of people in the world. If you struggle with impure thoughts, know this—you have been made free by the blood of Jesus! John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” Ask Him to help you and deliver you—He wants you free. · Whatever is lovely. Do you think lovely things about others? Or are you cruel and condemning? Love believes the best about others. So, be sure your thoughts toward those around you are lovely and kind—always looking for the good and asking the Lord to help you be a blessing and encouragement to them. · Whatever is of a good report. There are a lot of bad reports out there. The doctor, the news, our friends and relatives, books and magazines. If we aren’t paying attention, those reports will dominate our thought life. Some people say, “Well, I have to be informed.” It is sometimes helpful to know about world events, but it is not healthy or positive for you to dwell on every negative thing the devil is doing in this world. Keep your thoughts focused on a good report, and surround yourself with others who do the same. · Whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy. These things are a combination of everything listed above. Righteousness, purity, and just and loving thoughts are virtuous and worthy of praise.
Chapter 3 CHRISTMAS Eve 2023 Simeon’s Story [i] (Luke 2:21-35) Hello everybody!! Is this really 280 S. York Rd.? It was just a few minutes ago I was sitting in the lunch room when one of God’s angels spoke to me. He said, “Get up, you are being sent to earth-land. No time to pack your bags. You must go now.” I was quit shaken by the urgency in the angel’s voice. I did manage to ask him, “What’s my assignment?” He responded, “Tell your story.” “My story?” I asked. “Yes,” he responded, “tell about the first time you met the Son of God.” As I wondered about the assignment, he slipped a piece of paper into my hand on which was written 280 S. York Rd, Bensenville”. Then he was gone, leaving me somewhat bewildered. Then suddenly, much like Philip with the Ethiopian eunuch, [ii] I found myself being carried along by the Holy Spirit to my earth-land destination . . . 280 S. York Rd., Bensenville. Folks, I want you to know that the weather in heaven is never this cold and wet. Oh, by the way, did I not tell you? How foolish of me. My name is Simeon. I believe you’ll find a summation of my story in Luke’s gospel, chapter 2. I have to thank the doorman for letting me in. As he greeted me, he introduced himself as Mario. Such a wonderful man. And then he handed me this beautiful cup as a welcome gift for being a first time visitor. I thanked him, but failed to tell him that when I leave, I can’t take it with me. But thanks anyway Mario. I really appreciate meeting you. I’ll be sure to pass your name on to my Boss. And oh, by-the-way, God’s angel instructed me to keep my story short, not to go as long as your preachers normally do because everyone seems so distracted during this season of the year, making it hard for them to focus for long periods of time. MY STORY Well, here’s my story. At the time of Jesus’ birth, I lived in Jerusalem and came to the temple often to pray. I’m not a priest, I am just a regular old man getting up in years wanting so badly to see God do a mighty work for Israel. I was eager because the Holy Spirit had showed me that I would see God’s Messiah before I died. And I was getting pretty old. Anyway, let me tell you about the day it happened. I was going about my usual business, when I had this impulse that I needed to be at the temple sooner than later. It was a really weird moment, like a voice in my head saying, “Simeon, get to the temple now.” It was odd, because I had so many things on my ‘to-do-list.’ I argued with myself—“ I’ll go on my way home after work.” But that inner voice kept hammering at me, “get to the temple!” In order to get that inner voice to quiet down, I knew I had to skip what I was doing and get to the temple right away. What a trip! The streets were clogged with people, donkeys, camels, carts, and sellers yelling out their prices. When I entered the temple court it seemed more crowded than normal. The noise continued with traders selling animals for sacrifice, priests offering sacrifices, people confessing their sins, and parents presenting their firstborn sons to the Lord. It was all very bewildering to say the least. As I surveyed the crowded court, I noticed a young couple standing before the priest with their baby. That’s when I felt the Spirit sweep over me. This was no ordinary couple, and no ordinary baby. And the saddest part was, the priest had no idea who He was holding. He was so matter of fact. Yet I knew this baby was very different from all the other babies. The Holy Spirit of God made it so clear to me, this baby was the one. He opened my eyes to the wonder of the moment. When the priest was done, the couple stepped away for others to present their first born sons. I knew this was my moment. I slipped up next to them and introduced myself. “Hi, my name is Simeon.” He told me that his name was Joseph, and his wife’s name was Mary. That’s when I told them that God had brought me to the temple with a special message for them. He seemed rather surprised, me a stranger, an old man, and not even a priest. But still I asked if I could hold their baby. He hesitated, but as I extended out my arms, he handed their baby to me. He told me that His name was Jesus. Jesus, what a beautiful name. Joy and peace, strength and hope all tied up in that name. Did you know that His name means “Yahweh saves”. And did you know that your Bible tells you that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, whether in heaven, or on earth, or under the earth?” [iii] Anyway, wonder of wonders I actually got to hold Jesus, the Son of God in my arms! I looked into His eyes. I took His little hands in mine. He squeezed them. Suddenly these words burst from my lips: “Sovereign Lord, my eyes have seen Your salvation which you prepared in the sight of all people. … A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” [iv] Suddenly the noise in the temple seemed to stop. People were staring at us. But the words kept coming: “ This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel.” I didn’t really understand entirely what I was saying. But the words kept coming--And “ He will be a sign that is spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. ” Can you imagine that? His Name can tell you something about your heart. Well, what in the world was I saying? And then I heard myself say to Mary, “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” The words were so harsh. They didn’t make sense to me at the time. I want to tell you that I was as shocked at the words coming out of my mouth as Joseph and Mary were. We both stood there marveling at the blessing I was giving. [v] I looked at Mary. She seemed so radiant. Her eyes sparkled with life. There was a hidden strength in that young woman that I’d never seen in other a young women. We all stood rooted to the spot. It was strangely quiet. What could this ALL possibly mean? There were so many questions that came to my mind afterwards. Questions like: Did Mary have any inkling that her baby boy would one day walk on water? Did Mary have any idea that her baby boy would bring salvation to our sons and daughters? Did Mary know that her baby boy was born to change our hearts? Did Mary know that her baby boy would calm a storm with a word? Did Mary know that when she kissed her baby boy, that she’d kiss the face of God? Did Mary know, that because of her baby boy, the blind would see, the deaf would hear, the lame would run, the dumb would sing and shout, and the dead would live again. [vi] Did Mary know that that whoever accepts and trusts Him will receive eternal life; and whoever does not will not see life, but will live under the cloud of God’s wrath forever? [vii] But most of all: did Mary know that she had given birth to God’s Lamb that would take away the sins of the world? WRAP-UP Well, as I reflect on that moment, I want you to understand two things about that day that I will never every forget. First, I held God in my arms. Second, holding Him in my arms, I knew that I would now die in peace. The people in the courtyard that day had all kinds of hopes and dreams about what God’s Messiah would do, but in reality most would miss God’s intentions. But there was no doubt in my mind that if we would embrace him with our body and soul by confessing Jesus as Lord of our life, and believing in our hearts that He died for our sins, and that God raised Him from the dead, salvation will be yours and you can die in peace like me. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame , [viii] but will have their name written down in the book of life and will never experience the coming second death . [ix] That’s my story, and I am sticking with it. And if my story doesn’t speak to your heart, as one of your Radio Personalities states it, Your heart is filled with wet wood. Let me close with a short prayer. Prayer Father, thank you that Jesus delivered us from our sins through his suffering on the cross. You sent him into the world for the falling or rising of every person. Help us to take hold of him by faith and be lifted up! And make this Christmas season a memory that we will never forget. Amen [i] Cf., Colin Smith, Simeon Story, https://openthebible.org/article/christmas-through-simeons-eyes/ [ii] Acts 8:39-40 [iii] Philippians 2:9-11 [iv] Luke 2:26-32 [v] Luke 2:33 [vi] Mark Lowry, Buddy Greene @1984 Mary Did You Know, https://www.songlyrics.com/mary-did-you-know/mary-did-you-know-lyrics/ [vii] John 3:36 [viii] Romans 10:9-11 [ix] Revelation 20:14-15
Chapter 1 CHRISTMAS 2023 Christmas Is Meant To Change Us (Philippians 2:6-8) I. INTRODUCTION Well, in case you are not counting, Christmas is 15 days away!!! The pressure and stress of Christmas is probably close to a 10 for most of us. For some of us, we may be wondering if this is really a great time of the year. But Andy Williams seeks to remind us It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year ‘Where there is’ much mistltoeing hearts glowing and loved ones near It’s the most wonderful time of the year [i] If the truth were known, that first Christmas was indeed overflowing with wonder. There was Zacharias wondering how he and his elderly wife could give birth to a son (Luke 1:18). There was Mary wondering how she a virgin, could possibly to give birth to a baby (Luke 1:34). There was Joseph wondering why he and Mary had been chosen by God to be the parents of the Messiah (Matthew 1:18–25). There were the shepherds in the fields wondering about the angels and their message (Luke 2:13–15). Then there were those in the village of Bethlehem wondering about the story being told by the shepherds (Luke 2:17–18) [ii] . Our celebrations and traditions fall so short of that first Christmas. Today Christmas is about abundance, wrappings, ribbons, boxes, and trees, and living rooms bursting with laughter, and a table set for a feast. And hanging over it all is Santa Claus, a giant of a man who can slide down any size chimney while bellowing out “ho-ho-ho” and TVs tracking his journey on a cold Christmas Eve night. [iii] And standing in contrast is the Son of God, the God-man whose words are deeply profound, eternal, and life-giving. No sleigh, no ‘ho-ho-hos.’ No TVs tracking His arrival. Only Wise-men riding stinky belching camels for nine months or more coming somewhere out of the East. From John gospel, chap 1, vs3–4 (GW) come these words: 3 Everything came into existence through Him. Not one thing that exists was made without him. 4 He was the source of life . . . 14 ’And’ He became human and lived among us. Let’s begin by asking God to help us put Christmas into perspective: Heavenly Father, help us to wrap our minds around this great truth—Christmas is about the Son of God becoming one of us. What a mystery, what wonderment is wrapped up in those words. May we not lose sight of the wonder and mystery of Christmas. Amen. II. SETTING THE STAGE FOR CHRISTMAS As we get started this morning, I invite you to open your Bibles to Philippians chap 2, vs6-8. These verses capture for us some of the wonder and mystery of Christmas. Galatians 4 tells us that Christmas came “ when the fullness of time ‘had’ come ” [iv] And Hebrews 1, v2 (GW) we read that it was then that the Father spoke to us through his Son. Though it is difficult to pinpoint when the fullness of time exactly came , Bible Scholars believe that Jesus’ birth was sometime between 6BC-4BC, roughly 2027 years ago. [v] John’s Gospel sets the stage for us in the opening verses. 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. V14 The Word became human and lived among us. And then John adds, we saw His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Paul magnifies this truth in Philippians chap 2, v6, telling us that what John and disciples saw was the full embodiment of God in the flesh . [vi] We need to drill that truth into our minds, anchor our thoughts in it, place it firmly between our eyes, and write it down on our hands It is absolutely crucial that we immerse our minds in this great truth. Let me drill down on this for a moment. On my grandpa’s farm before tractors, we had two horses named Duke and Prince. When we harness them up for work, the harness would include what we called ‘horse blinders’. Horse blinders are cups or shields designed to restrict a horse’s field of vision. They forced the horse to focus on what’s ahead, keeping him from becoming distracted by his surroundings. [vii] That’s what we’re told by the writer of Hebrews in chap 12, v 2 (MSG) Fix your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed. He could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. [viii] So this truth, that Jesus is the full embodiment of God should be like blinders on a horse for us. We need to keep this truth always in the forefront of our thinking: that Jesus was and is absolutely eternally totally God, that is, He possesses the likeness of God, the image of God, the splendor of God, and the glory of God. [ix] Everything that makes God God is in Jesus, our Messiah. [x] That is a binding absolute faith truth that we need to keep foremost in our minds. [xi] In Philippians 2.6 Paul points out something totally beyond our comprehension. That Jesus, w ho in His very nature is God, did not think equality with God to be something to hang onto , but chose to set aside His position to become a man. Hebrews 2:14, He became a man that He might die, and in dying render powerless him who had the power of death, that would be Satan. So let’s get a grip on this, Christmas is about God becoming a man to save sinners, of which I am one. [xii] So the question this morning for us is, Does Christmas change the way we live out our lives? III. THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS Christmas has become a strange absurdity. The first Christmas was somewhat disappointing: a manger, a stable, and smelly animals. Today Christmas spending is predicted to reach $1.1 trillion dollars of indulging in temporal things. [xiii] At the first Christmas wise men came to worship the God-man; today people worldwide ignore Him and worship themselves. Today Christmas is about a factious figure known as Santa Claus [xiv] who gives us what we want because we deserve it; whereas Jesus our Messiah, gives us what we need even though we don’t deserve it. As Romans 6:23 (NASB95) states it: the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. That brings us to Philippians chap 2, vs6-8 (NASB95) which gives us some insight into the mystery of Christmas. Let’s take a closer look at these thought provoking verses together. 6 who, although He/Jesus existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 ’And’ Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Notice, that in this passage there are three powerful phrases which I have underlined for us on the screen: V6, He existed in the form of God [xv] V7, He emptied Himself V8, He humbled Himself Vs7-8 are among the most revealing statements in the Bible as to the ‘in-fleshing’ of the eternal Son of God. [xvi] In-fleshing is another way of saying The Word became flesh , that is He became all that defines personhood—body, mind, emotions, and will. Let’s drill down on these three verses. A. V6, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 1. His Identity Remember the angelic announcement to the shepherds in Luke’s Gospel, chap 2, v12 (ESV) ? This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. ” [xvii] In light of those words, think now on Philippians 2:6, He existed in the form of God [xviii] that captures Jesus’ very identity as God. The Gk word for form has nothing to do with shape. The form of God is a description of one who possessed inwardly and displays outwardly the very nature of God Himself. [xix] To say Jesus existed in the form of God means that He was really and truly, in His own personal and essential nature, God. [xx] So when the angels told the shepherds, you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger,” that baby was God in the fullest sense of the Word. That truth should revolutionize our approach to Christmas. 2. His prerogatives . . . the next phrase, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, [xxi] speaks of the glories or prerogatives of God. That means He laid aside His glory, not by lessening it, but by concealing it. Together these two expressions-- He existed in the form of God , ‘and’ d id not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped-- are “among the strongest expressions of Christ’s deity in the New Testament.” [xxii] This is becoming a real problem for us. According to a Barna survey about one-quarter of people surveyed said Jesus was only a religious or spiritual leader like Mohammed or Buddha ( 16%). Further, roughly one in six say they are not sure that Jesus was divine (18%). Fewer than half of Millennials (those born between 1981-1996) believe Jesus was and is God (48%). And about one-third of young adults (ages 18-30) (35%) believe that Jesus was merely a religious or spiritual leader, and 17% a growing number are not sure what he was God at all. [xxiii] 3 Why is it important that we acknowledge Jesus as God? Because if He is not God, His death would not have been sufficient to pay the penalty for the sins of the world. [xxiv] A created being, which Jesus would be if He were not God, could not pay the infinite penalty required for sin against an infinite God. Only God could pay such an infinite penalty. Only God could take on the sins of the world, die, and be resurrected, proving His victory over sin and death. [xxv] If he is not God, to borrow from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, our faith is worthless, and we are still in our sins. [xxvi] B. V7, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. First we are told that He existed as God. V7 now tells us that He emptied Himself . King James renders it this way, He made himself of no reputation . What does that mean? It means that He didn’t arrive as a dignitary, He didn’t arrive in a way that caused people to say, “Oh my goodness, God has arrived!” Isaiah 53:2 (GW) He had no form or majesty that would make us look at him. He had nothing in his appearance that would make us desire him. Let’s soak up v7 for a moment. He emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men . [xxvii] What does it mean that He emptied Himself ? It means that He became what He had never been before. Notice that the phrase emptied Himself is followed by two explanatory clauses. 1. First He came as a bond-servant. While v6 tells us He was really truly God, v7 tells us He became a slave. A slave in Greco-Roman society was deprived of the most basic human rights. [xxviii] In Matthew 20:26–28 (ESV) Jesus drills down on this idea of slave with these words, 26 . . . w hoever would be great among you must be your servant, … 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, … 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve . . . Notice, His becoming a slave was His choice. His condescension to the status of a slave was made possible because of His attitude toward equality with God: He did not consider it “something to be grasped .” [xxix] 2. Second, we’re told He came in the likeness of man He not only choose to be a slave, He chose to come in the likeness of men , to become in every sense the likeness of what it means to be truly human. He was not a phantom, nor an incomplete copy of humanity. His humanity was His essential identity. In the same way that He gave up the right to exploit the privilege of His deity, Christmas is a clarion call for us to rethink how we celebrate Christmas, and how we live our lives. [xxx] Mark 10:45 (NASB95) just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve . . . so Christmas is about our serving. C. V8, Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. In v8 Paul fleshes out v7 as to what Jesus’ purpose for becoming a slave and being in the likeness of men . His taking the position of a slave and becoming human opened the way for Him to become obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross . Hebrews 2:14–15 (NASB95) 14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. III. TRUTHS THAT SHAPE OUR LIVES Where does that leave us 21st-century followers of Jesus? Let us allow Philippians 2:6-8 give us a new awareness of the mystery and wonder of Christmas. The verses we have just looked at should cause us to ponder the relevancy of Christmas to our lives today. Treasuring the wonder and mystery of Christmas brings meaning and purpose to our lives. Immersing our lives into the story of that first Christmas will shape how we live and celebrate this Christmas season. Having looked at Philippians 2:6-8, let me try and lay out three ways Christmas should shape our lives. A. Christmas Application #1 First, God’s Christmas is not about self-service, the “what’s-in-it-for-me” attitude that seems to overshadow all our celebrations. What was Jesus’ attitude? 6 He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. 7 . . . When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! (Philippians 2:6–7 (MSG) ) [xxxi] V5 says, Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus . Jesus' attitude is given to us in vs3-4 (ESV), 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. [xxxii] In our relationships with others, our emphasis should rest on selfless service and obedience, in imitation of Christ. As Alistair Begg reminds us, Jesus did not approach the incarnation asking, “What’s in it for me?” He did not approach the incarnation asking, “What do I get out of it?” His approached to the incarnation—that is in His coming to earth He came with the attitude , “I don’t matter. I ‘really’ don’t matter.” [xxxiii] Adopting Christ’s attitude here at Christmas time helps us to proclaim the love of God. B. Christmas Application #2 Second, Christmas is meant to be about personal presence, not presents. Jesus came in the likeness of men. John tells us in the opening chapter of his Gospel, 4(MSG) The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. Christmas is about God giving of Himself that He might save His people from their sins. Our problem is that we have covered up the mystery and wonder of Christmas with a lot of hype. It is the innocent Christ Child whose name is Immanuel that wants to come to us this Christmas, to restore our corrupted innocence and give us the joy that only he can bring! His personal presence is the ultimate gift to us at Christmas. The great gift of Christmas is God’s presence vs. presents. In Matthew 1:23, you shall call His name Immanuel, meaning God with us. Presents are temporary, but presence brings a lasting impact. The joy of opening a present goes away quickly, while creating an experience together is something we remember for our entire lives. Adopting Christ’s attitude of presence at Christmas time helps us to experience His joy. C. Christmas Application #3 Third, Christmas is about humility. [xxxiv] Jesus, the God of heaven, Creator of all things, Sustainer of all things, [xxxv] came to serve and give of Himself. Many are willing to serve others if it doesn’t cost anything. But if there is a price to be payed, interest and commitment suddenly fade. V8, J esus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. This was not the death of a martyr, but the death of one who willingly laid down His life for the sins of the world. The humble person does not avoid sacrifices. He/she strives to live flat out for the glory of God and the good of others. The real test of humility shows up in how willing we are to sacrifice. Adopting Christ’s humbleness at Christmas time paves the way for the glory of God to shine. Matthew 5:16, when we let the mind of Christ shine through our life, this glorifies our Father in heaven. Christmas is all about living out the mind of Christ which gives us purpose. Jesus became one of us so that we could fulfill our purpose, and that purpose is having a love relationship with God. I close this morning a paragraph from an article entitled How Does Christmas Change Your World? . How does Christmas change your world? It is not through the gifts or the memories made. It is not through the time spent with family. It is not through any of the trappings of the holiday. Christmas, as most people celebrate it, will not change your world. But Christmas, the birth of Jesus, the Son of God made flesh, whose name is Immanuel, meaning God with us, can change your world by allowing us to experience genuine love, by providing us with lasting peace, and by giving us a purpose in life. Those are major changes! So let’s make Christ to be the center of our Christmas, and see what transformation He will bring to your life. [xxxvi] Let’s close in prayer: Father, again we are under the weight and the wonder of Your truth. Your Word, so powerful, so divine; has a glory all it’s own. Thank You for showing us Christ. Thank You for Philippians 2:6-8, which unlocks one of the great wonders of Christmas. Those things which were impossible for Old Testament prophets and righteous people to understand are made open to us. We know that You sent Your Son first time as the Lamb; And are clearly told that when Your Son returns, He will come as a lion. He came the first time as Savior; But when He returns He comes as Judge of all. He came the first time as a servant; But when He returns He comes as the great King. May we see the glory of Christ at this Christmas season, the wonder of how He fulfills all that the Old Testament says, Your great King: the King of kings, Lord of lords, Savior and Redeemer of all people who put their trust in Him. May there be no one here who leaves and does not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. For if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. As the Scriptures say, whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed. Thank You for the gift of salvation by faith in Christ Jesus. Holy Spirit, do Your work in our hearts this we pray in the name of Jesus who lives. Amen. [i] Music and lyrics by Edward Pola and George Wyle in 1963. Sung by Andy Williams. https://www.lyricsforchristmas.com/ christmas-songs/its-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year/ [ii] https://www.joshhunt.com/2018/11/20/the-wonder-of-christmas/ [iii] Scott Hubbard, The Curious History of Christmas, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-curious-history-of-christmas Christians of old had to guard against Christmas debauchery, we have to guard against Christmas commercialism. Our holidays are not so much in danger of drunkenness as of December sales and the bustle of buying — “the commercial racket,” as C.S. Lewis called it (God in the Dock, 338). Donald Heinz notes the subtle yet deeply deforming effect such a racket, coming at such a time, can have on God’s people. Engaging in mindless, Christmas commercialism “re-trains believers to act like consumers precisely when they are behaving religiously” (Christmas: Festival of Incarnation, 225). Here indeed is our threat: not that we would imagine toys and trinkets as the meaning of Christmas, but that the liturgies of the shopping mall would become enmeshed with the liturgies of worship, shaping us in ways we hardly recognize. [iv] Galatians 4:4 (NASB95) 4But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, [v] https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/when-was-jesus-born . according to Luke 1:24-28, 31 we can approximate the month of Jesus’ birth to be around the time of Tishri (mid to late September). To arrive at this date, start at the conception of John the Baptist, Sivan (June), count forward six months to arrive at Gabriel’s announcement of the conception of Jesus, Kislev (December), then count forward nine more months, the time it takes for human gestation, to reach Tishri (September), when Jesus was born. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Date_of_birth_of_JesusThe date of birth of Jesus is not stated in the gospels or in any historical sources , but most biblical scholars generally accept a date of birth between 6 BC and 4 BC, the year in which King Herod died. [1] [2] [3] The historical evidence is too incomplete to allow a definitive dating, [4] but the year is estimated through three different approaches: 1) analysing references to known historical events mentioned in the nativity accounts in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew ,2) working backward from the estimation of the start of the ministry of Jesus , [2] [5] and 3) astrological or astronomical alignments. [vi] Philippians 2:6 (NASB95) 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, The Greek word morphe, from which we get our word metamorphosis. The form of God is a description of one who possessed inwardly and displayed outwardly the very nature of God himself. See Alistair Beggs, He Humbled Himself, https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/he-humbled-himself/ The Father and the Son and the Spirit sharing coequally in all that God is, the Son, who is about to become incarnate, was possessed of the glory of God, the likeness of God, the image of God, and the splendor of God. Indeed, everything that makes God God, everything that caused the angels to adore God, was there in the Lord Jesus Christ. John 10:30 (NASB95) 30“I and the Father are one.” John 17:21–24 (NASB95) 21that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22“The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. [vii] https://www.deephollowranch.com/why-do-horses-wear-blinders/ They can help horses stay calm, focus on their jobs, and can prevent horses from spooking. Blinders are most often used with racehorses (to stay focused on the race) and carriage horses (to block out) Unlike human eyes, horses’ eyes are on the sides. That gives them a very wide field of vision – about 350 degrees . The only areas they cannot see are directly in front of, and directly behind, their heads. Horses also have the amazing ability to switch between monocular and binocular vision. In other words, they can view both sides of their vision separately, through each eye – that’s monocular vision. Or they can turn towards an object and view it through both eyes together, with binocular vision. Binocular vision gives better depth perception. All this means that horses can receive large amounts of visual data about their environments. And while that might be helpful for avoiding predators, it can cause them to get distracted or anxious. That’s where blinders come in. Their purpose is to reduce the horse’s field of vision and make them focus on what’s in front of them. That can help the horse relax and focus on what it’s doing. [viii] John 14:9–11 (NASB95) 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. [ix] Luke 9:32 (NASB95) 32Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. John 2:11 (NASB95) 11This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. ; John 17:22–24 (NASB95) 22“The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 2 Peter 1:16–18 (NASB95) 16For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.; 1 John 1:1 (NASB95) 1What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— [x] 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NASB95) in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. [xi] Other faith absolutes: The Nature of God, The State of Man, the Authority of Scripture, the Person and Work of Christ, Atonement (Salvation), See Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen, https://reasonabletheology.org/machens-christianity-and-liberalism-100-years-later/ Earlier in John 10, in an argument with the Jewish leaders, Jesus told them straight up, I and the Father are one! They then picked up stones to stone Him. Jesus then asks them, Why are you stoning me? They answered V33, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy and here it is because you, being a man, make yourself God.” [xii] 1 Timothy 1:15 (NASB95) 15It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. [xiii] https://www.demandsage.com/christmas-spending-statistics/ 1) The total Christmas spending in the United States is forecasted to reach $1.1 trillion in 2023. 2) It is predicted that shoppers are planning to spend an average of $1,652 this holiday season. 3) 95% of consumers plan to shop for the holiday season in 2023. 4) Holiday retail sales are forecasted to reach $960 billion in the country. 5) Many families worldwide are looking forward to spend 156% of their monthly income during the Christmas holiday in 2023. 6.)The total spending on Christmas gifts in the United States is expected to be $184 billion in 2023. 7) According to the National Retail Federation, American consumers spend an average of $997.73 on gifts and other holiday items each Christmas. [xiv] Alistiar Begg, He Humbled Himself (Philippians 2:6-8), https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/he-humbled-himself/ In Prague there are telephone booths around the city where you can phone up the baby Jesus and put in your request for what you want for your Christmas. So you think it’s bad here with Santa Claus, that’s a step up from where they have it in Prague! Because in Prague, Christianity is a mythology, Jesus is a joke, and if you phone this special number, he may be able to get you something that you would like for your Christmas. [xv] https://www.preceptaustin.org/philippians_26_commentary . Huparcho denotes the continuance of a previous state or existence. It stresses the essence of a person’s nature, that which is absolutely unalterable, inalienable, and unchangeable. Existed translates a present active participle of the compound verb huparchō, which is formed from hupo (“under”) and archē (“beginning”) and denotes the continuance of a previous state or existence. It stresses the essence of a person’s nature, that which is absolutely unalterable, inalienable, and unchangeable. William Barclay comments that the verb refers to “that part of a [person] which, in any circumstances, remains the same” (Daily Study Bible). Jesus Christ eternally and immutably existed, and will forever continue to exist, in the form of God. [xvi] Frank Thielman, Philippians , The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995), 109. [xvii] https://www.gotquestions.org/swaddling-clothes.html Swaddling clothes are cloths and bands used in the practice of swaddling, or essentially “wrapping” an infant tightly in cloth. The idea behind swaddling is that it helps the baby transition from the womb (a very snug place) to the outside world. Swaddling clothes are still used today, but with some modifications. In general, swaddling has been proved to help infants sleep better, to prevent them from scratching themselves, and to reduce the risk of SIDS. In ancient times, like today, a swaddled infant was safe if wrapped and watched properly. Many cultures still practice swaddling today. [xviii] Kenneth Wuest on ‘morphe’ https://www.preceptaustin.org/philippians_26_commentarythe Greek word for “form” refers to that outward expression which a person gives of his inmost nature. This expression is not assumed from the outside, but proceeds directly from within. [xix] Alistair Begg, He Humbled Himself (Philippians 2:6-8), https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/he-humbled-himself/ [xx] J.A. Motyer, The Message of Philippians, (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press 1984), p. 112 [xxi] Hebrews 1:3 (NASB95)3And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, [xxii] Keith Krell, https://www.preceptaustin.org/philippians_26_commentary [xxiii] What do Americans Believe About Jesus? 5 Popular Beliefs (Apr 1, 2015) https://www.barna.com/research/what-do-americans-believe-about-jesus-5-popular-beliefs/ [xxiv] 1 John 2:2 (NASB95) 2and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. [xxv] 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB95) 21He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. [xxvi] 1 Corinthians 15:19 (NASB95) 19If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. Cf., Lee Strobel, Poll Older Americans Are Most Spiritually Skeptical, https://christianityreport.com/2023/11/02/poll-older-americans-are-most-spiritually-skeptical/ one-third of seniors expressed doubts about God to some degree. In fact, nearly twice as many Elders as Gen Z were adamant about their skepticism. While 10 percent of Gen Z strongly disagree that God is real, that number soars to 18% among Elders. Another 15% of Elders somewhat disagree that God is real. As far as Gen Z is concerned, I believe that skepticism toward God is contributing to their increase in despair and hopelessness, since doubts can rob people of the peace and purpose that can be found in Christ. A 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control showed that 60% of young females suffered from persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year, with a quarter of them making suicide plans. [xxvii] 2 Corinthians 8:9 (GW) He was rich, yet for your sake he became poor. [xxviii] https://www.gotquestions.org/bondservant.html . Throughout the New Testament, the word bondservant, slave, or servant is applied metaphorically to someone absolutely devoted to Jesus. Paul, Timothy, James, Peter, and Jude all describe themselves as “bondservants of Christ” ( Romans 1:1 ; Philippians 1:1 ; James 1:1 ; 2 Peter 1:1 ; Jude 1:1 , NKJV). Believers today should still consider themselves bondservants or slaves of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 7:22 ; Ephesians 6:6 ; 2 Timothy 2:24 ). He is our Lord, and our allegiance is due to Him alone. As bondservants, we renounce other masters ( Matthew 6:24 ) and give ourselves totally to Him ( Matthew 16:24 ). Being a bondservant of Christ is not drudgery. His “burden is light” ( Matthew 11:30 ). Also, we have this promise: “Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life” ( Romans 6:22 ). [xxix] Frank Thielman, Philippians , The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995), 116. [xxx] Ibid. [xxxi] Warren Wiersbe, Be JoyFul (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1974), p60. A reporter was interviewing a successful job counselor who had placed hundreds of workers in their vocations. When asked the secret of his success, the man replied: “If you want to find out what a worker is really like, don’t give him responsibilities—give him privileges. Most people can handle responsibilities if you pay them enough, but it takes a real leader to handle privileges. A leaders will use his privileges to help others and build the organization; a lesser man will use privileges to promote himself.” Jesus used His heavenly privileges for the sake of others—for our sake. [xxxii] See Romans 12:10 prefer one another, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 edify one another, Galatians 6:2 bear each other’s burdens, Romans 14:13 don’[t judge one another, Romans 15:14 admonish one another. [xxxiii] Alistiar Begg, He Humbled Himself (Philippians 2:6-8), https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/he-humbled-himself/ [xxxiv] https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/is-christmas-good-or-bad-for-our-mental-health-4375551-Dec2018/In the 1930s, US President Calvin Coolidge made the following observation on the annual yuletide festivities: Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. Christmas affects the mind in many ways, capable of stimulating joy, nostalgia, excitement, trepidation, and stress—occasionally all at the same time. [xxxv] Colossians 1:15–17 (NASB95) 15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [xxxvi] Anne Schultz, How Does Christmas Change Your World? https://www.stepstolife.org/article/how-does-christmas-change-your-world/
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