Christology
Notes
Transcript
READ Philippians 2:5-11 as opening text
(Also possibly read Hebrews 1:1-4 for context)
ILLUST: Reflections
Something reflecting no light - is black
Something reflecting some of the rays of light - is blue, purple, green, orange, red
Something reflecting all of the rays, the full substance of light - it is white
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;
At that point, we will perfectly reflect the righteousness of Christ (diff sermon…)
1) The Nature of Jesus
1) The Nature of Jesus
Nature and Person of Jesus Christ
Fully God - greatness, goodness
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Greatness - miracles
Goodness - kindness, compassion, etc.
Fully man
Hungered, thirsted, cried, angry, frustrated
Fig tree, no figs
Lazarus’ death
Flipping tables in the temple
ALWAYS Perfectly imaging God - without sin
You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin.
Various names/Titles
Jesus - human name
Christ - anointed one, Messiah
Jesus Christ - more formal; combination
Lord - master, the One to be served
Savior - saves from sin, Redeemer
Lord Jesus Christ - most formal title
(might add Lord and Savior Jesus Christ)
2) What He’s Done, Does, Will Do
2) What He’s Done, Does, Will Do
His first miracle - He IS God, right?
Water to wine? Nope, think again
READ Colossians 1:16
For 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.
In the Old Testament
“The angel of the Lord” - the presence of Christ, theophany or Christophany
Then it happened that night that the angel of the Lord went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men rose early in the morning, behold, all of them were dead.
Promised Messiah
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Line of David - genealogies in Matt and Luke
Legally, Biologically
New Testament
Incarnate God - Yahweh in human flesh
Virgin birth (Mary, though, was not sinless)
Childhood
Savior - sinless, spotless lamb, sufficient sacrifice to satisfy God’s wrath for all who trust
Fulfilled Law - Law is tutor to point to Christ - Gal. 3:24
No one can keep the whole Law - see James 2:10
In Glory today - activity (what He’s doing)
Preparing a place for believers - John 14: 2
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
(Hell was already prepared for Satan and his angels)
Advocating for believers - 1 John 2:1-2
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
Future plan/activity (what He’ll do)
Gather believers together, meet in clouds - 1 Thess 4
Return, reign 1000 years on earth - Rev 20
Put down Satan’s final rebellion - Rev. 20
Usher in eternity - into New Heaven and New Earth - Rev. 21, but best question, most important...
3) Who is Jesus to You?
3) Who is Jesus to You?
Who is man? - Sinful, potential to disobey, created/designed to image God
Who is God? - Sovereign Creator, Redeemer
Who is Jesus? Actually, Who is Jesus, to you, personally?
What you do with Jesus defines you
Without Him - you are immoral, impure, given to sensuality, an idolater, angry, a fighter, an addict, adulterer, thief, slanderer, a drunk, a liar
Without Him - you “have” depression, anxiety
Without Him - you are defined by your problems, or even by your worldly successes - and those are what you demonstrate
WITH HIM - you are IN CHRIST - your identity is now that of Jesus Christ
WITH Him - you can be forgiven from immorality, anger issues, drunkenness, substance abuse (not a disease, by the way)
WITH Him - you can still feel depressed, anxious, upset…
…and find peace in knowing that Jesus Christ Himself, felt depressed, upset, anxious, angry, and HE PRAYED to the Father
Because Jesus endured, all the way to the cross, you now have victory
Wonder why we pray in Jesus’ name?
He told us to
Because He made the way to the Father
The world seeks Jesus
Actually, the world seeks peace, belonging, acceptance, togetherness
(They don’t realize it is Jesus they are looking for)
Lots of imitations out there (movements, groups, identities)
World sees me, SHOULD see Christ, should be able to find Christ…
…and yet are inwardly frustrated, pointing out my imperfections and my failures, never quite measuring up
Father sees me, and sees Christ and His righteousness, pointing out His perfection while He perfects me, knowing I cannot measure up, letting Christ fill the gaps
2 Corinthians 5:20 - now we are ambassadors for Him
Represent Him
God-imagers
Christ-imagers
(OCC - shoebox kids tell 9 people about Jesus - We have difficulty telling ONE - even by giving a tract)
WHO is Jesus to you? Shows up in telling others…
The world around me knows how I allow myself to be defined
Loving the world
Reflecting no Light - darkness, lost
Reflecting some of the light rays, pretending to be a follower
Not committed
OR
Loving Jesus
Reflecting all of his light
One day - wear robe of white in glory
But - No need to wait to reflect that Light
Who is Jesus to you?
The Jesus Way, something to live by, it was not easy for Jesus, so do not be frustrated when it's not easy for us. But the Jesus way is the only way
Is Jesus important enough to you, to live His way? For Him?
Who is Jesus to you?
