Descended From David

Introduction:

· Curmudgeonly Christmas –

WE’RE STARTING THIS MORNING WITH WHAT PAUL SAYS HERE – THAT JESUS IS “DESCENDED FROM DAVID.” WHAT DOES THIS TELL US ABOUT WHO JESUS IS? WHO WE ARE? AND FINALLY, THE GIFT THAT IT IS FOR US.

I) Who Jesus Is: (Theological) (vv. 2-4)

A. Jesus is the Promised King in David’s Line (vv. 2-3)

i. The Gospel is not a new idea, but the fulfillment of an eternal plan (vs. 2)

1. Paul emphasizes continuity because Judaism saw Christianity as a denial

2. But Paul wants us to see that the Gospel is as old as the Old Testament

ii. Jesus is a King in the line of David (vs. 3)

1. The “Messiah” had to fulfill the promise made to David (2 Sam. 7)

2. The “Messiah” would supersede Israel’s Glory days

B. Jesus is the Powerful Son of God

i. Jesus’ incarnation challenges all ideas of power(vs. 4)

1. Everything about Jesus’ birth defies our expectations of power, prestige

2. EXAMPLE: teenage pregnancy; unwed mother; poor family;

ii. …but his power is shown by the Holy Spirit who raises Jesus from the dead

1. How do we know this king is legitimate? The resurrection!

2. EXAMPLE: if someone made these claims today, how would you know?

JESUS REALLY IS THE KING HE CLAIMS TO BE – EVEN IF HE DOESN’T FIT OUR EXPECTATIONS. WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT WHO WE ARE?

II) Who We Are:

A. Because of who Jesus is, We are Servants of the King

i. Like Paul, our identity is defined by our relationship to Jesus

1. Paul once held an impressive resume, but NOW, it’s Jesus

2. APPLICATION: “What’s your resume?” (Familyàperformanceàcause)

ii. Since Jesus is King, we learn to see ourselves as his subjects (vs. 1)

1. Not just a servant, but a slave who must be obedient to his master

2. QUOTE: “You are not free until you are not free to be free from Christ.”

3. If Jesus is a king, you and I are called to see ourselves as slaves of the king

B. Because of Who Jesus Is, We are Called…

i. We are called to “belong to Jesus” (vs. 6)

1. Jesus claims ownership over our life, so that we serve him in all of life

2. APPLICATION: Your “vocation” is what you do as a calling

ii. We are called to be saints (vs. 7)

1. We aren’t saints through obedience; we’re saints because God says so

2. The obedience of faith is living out who we are as saints

SO: JESUS IS THE KING GOD SENT INTO THE WORLD; WE ARE HIS SERVANTS. THIS IS ALL POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE GIFT THAT GOD GIVES US.

III) What is God’s Gift to Us at Christmas (vs. 7)

A. God Gifts us With His Love (vs. 7a)

i. We live in a world devoid of love

1. Chuck deGroat points out how social media amplifies our calls for love

2. And, for many, the people who are supposed to love us, don’t

ii. Yet God graciously loves us

1. In Christ, God comes to us filled with love bigger than the universe

2. HE will never stop loving you, no matter what

B. God Gifts us With Grace and Peace (vs. 7b)

i. God graciously forgives our sins because of Jesus

1. Grace means God doesn’t hold our sins against us, but shows kindness

2. APPLICATION:

ii. God makes peace with us at the cross

1. This is not the “peace” of eastern religions, but peace between enemies

2. We’re God’s sworn enemies but in the manger, God makes peace

Transition:

Conclusion

Coming to the Lord’s Table