A Speaking God

The Greatness of God’s Revelation

Bible Passage: Hebrews 1:1–3

Summary: This passage reveals how God has spoken to humanity through different means in the past and how His ultimate revelation comes through His Son, Jesus Christ. It highlights the superiority of Christ over all previous revelations and entities.

Application: Understanding that God has clearly and definitively spoken to us through Christ can encourage teens and children to seek relationship and understanding of God. This knowledge offers assurance in their faith, especially when faced with doubts or challenges in life.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that God’s communication with us has evolved to its fullest expression in Jesus Christ, who embodies the message of God's love and purpose for our lives. It underscores the importance of listening to Christ in our daily lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, Jesus is presented not just as another prophet, but as the very Son of God—the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, which is a thread woven throughout Scripture as the ultimate solution to the separation caused by sin.

Big Idea: God has given us His complete and final revelation in Jesus, inviting us into a transformative relationship with Him that affects every aspect of our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring how the term 'radiance' and 'exact representation' in Hebrews 1:3 relate to Old Testament themes of God’s presence and glory. Use your Logos library to dive into commentaries that discuss the implications of God’s progressive revelation, and examine how this passage has been interpreted throughout church history, focusing on different translations and their nuances.

1. Prophetic Preparations

Hebrews 1:1

Perhaps you might introduce how God spoke through prophets and in various ways to set the foundation for His ultimate revelation in Jesus. This progression highlights the importance of historical context in understanding God’s consistent message of love and redemption. Teens and children could be encouraged to appreciate how God prepares us over time to understand His truth, leading up to the greatest message through Christ.

2. Son’s Supremacy

Hebrews 1:2

You could emphasize that in these last days, God has spoken to us through His Son, showcasing Christ’s unique and authoritative role. This can inspire children and teens to recognize that their ultimate purpose and guidance come from Jesus, who embodies God’s message perfectly. This awareness calls them to listen and respond to Christ’s teachings actively, as He is God’s final word to humanity.

3. Radiant Reflection

Hebrews 1:3

Perhaps focus on how Jesus reflects God’s glory and character, offering a perfect image of who God is. This can help the audience understand that a relationship with Christ means encountering God directly. Encouraging children and teens to approach Jesus confidently fosters spiritual growth, as they grasp the significance of Christ’s work in cleansing and sustaining, which meets their deepest needs.