Keeping the "Christ" in "Christian"

Introduction

Starbucks cups. You may remember a few years ago when Starbucks introduced a plain red cup for the holiday season. Half of evangelicals lost their minds over an apparent attack on Christianity, because the cups bore no resemblance of or indication of Christmas on them. Starbucks released a statement that this was not the case, but of course this is not the only holiday issue that the church has had.

Holiday Cards. You can buy cards like this at any store. Signs, commercials, cashiers, all telling you “happy holidays” this time of year. Is it an attack on Christianity?

Should we really be surprised when the secular world doesn’t really care about keeping the Christ in Christmas? And although the church does their best to remind people that the season is about Christ, putting manger scenes on our lawns and putting Bible verses on our Christmas cards do little to address the real problem. We spend one month out of the year pointing others to the word “Christ”, but too often spend most of the rest of the year without the person of Christ. Christ needs to be central in our Christianity, or else not only lose the ability to point others to Christ, but we stand in danger of drifting in our relationship with him.

R.C. Sproul. This past Thursday, pastor, teacher, and theologian R.C. Sproul went home to be with the Lord. As founder of Ligonier Ministries teaching fellowship, author of many books, and Co-Pastor of St. Andrew’s Chapel in Florida, Dr. Sproul has been a major influence in my life. Continuing his ministry strong until the very end, Dr. Sproul provides an excellent example of what it means to finish well, and to stand firm.

As I reflect on my life, I ask myself how I can finish strong. I am young, but I recognize that a consistent walk with Christ is necessary for standing firm throughout the rest of my life. I have seen people finish well, and people who did not. I encourage you to take a look at your life, wherever you are in it, and ask what you need to do in order to finish your race well. As evidenced in Dr. Sproul’s life, I am convinced that keeping the Christ in Christian is the only way to persevere to the end.

Today, as we continue our series in Christmas Vignettes, we we look at a story that takes place just shortly after the birth of Jesus, where we will see the example of two elderly Old Covenant saints whose faith in Christ kept them strong until the end.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

I invite you to turn in your Bibles to Luke chapter 2, starting in verse 22. Our story begins just after the account of Jesus’ birth, and is one of the very few stories told after his birth before the beginning of his ministry 30 years later.

Luke 2:22–24 NIV

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Because it was necessary for Jesus as the Messiah to fulfill every aspect of the law, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple for their purification rites and for Jesus’ presentation as first born. Ceremonial purity was an important aspect of the Mosaic law, and the sacrifices required for ceremonial purity, like the one here after childbirth, was an important symbol of the spiritual purity of God’s people. It was also required that the firstborn of every household was dedicated for service to the Lord. Many Jewish people during this time neglected this practice, but because his parents realized that Jesus, being the very son of God and the messiah, had a very important role to play and needed to fulfill the Law of the Lord in this way. Mary and Joseph presented a pair of doves and two young pigeons, which was the option given to lower income families (as opposed to a lamb).

While there, they meet Simeon and Anna, who Luke presents to us as representatives of the righteous remnant of Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, God promises to preserve a righteous remnant within his people. No matter how far they fall from him, and no matter how severely he punishes them, there continue to be those who hold fast to their commitment to God. Through exile and invasion, now as we come the Roman rule in Israel, Simeon and Anna represent God’s righteous remnant as the Messiah finally enters the world.

Finishing Well: Simeon

Our first of two examples of keeping Christ central and finishing well, is Simeon.

Luke 2:25–28 NIV

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

How do I finish well?

Fellowship with Christ through the Holy Spirit

One thing that should stick out to us when reading this passage is that the “Holy Spirit was on him.” Before Christ established his church after his ascension, a filling with the Holy Spirit was not a common occurrence. God only bestowed his Spirit on people for a very special purpose. In the Old Testament, God bestows his Spirit on specific people in order to achieve military victory, to prophecy, and to rule his people. In the case of Simeon, God has bestowed his Spirit on him to rejoice over and prophecy to Mary about her son.

One of the benefits that Simeon has received from the Holy Spirit, is a revelation that “he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah”. Messiah is a Hebrew term that refers to God’s anointed King who would bring salvation to his people, that term in greek is translated as “Christ”. Even before the birth ofJesus, Simeon demonstrated the centrality of Christ in his life, by remaining righteous and devout.

Speaking in response to Simeon, R.C. Sproul who I mentioned earlier says:

A Walk with God: Luke The Consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25–28)

I’m always glad when I see young people become zealous for the Christian faith and become filled with excitement about learning and studying and serving in this capacity or that in the life of the church. But I am also aware of the fact that the youthful exuberance of new Christians often dissipates as they confront a resisting world, a hostile environment. The obstacles and the difficulties that he encounters in his daily life often have a tendency to cool and temper the spirit of the young Christian. What really speaks to me is the old saint, the one who has kept the faith, who has fought the good fight of the faith, who has endured for decade after decade. It is no wonder to me that when the Bible calls us to postures of respect for people, that those who are singled out for honour include the elders who have been faithful, those people who have maintained devotion to God over a long period of time. Those are the people who deserve our utmost respect, and how easy it is for us to treat the elderly with contempt, as though their testimony, their track records, were insignificant.

This is the kind of believer I want to be someday, and this is the kind of believer that Simeon was as he waited for the “consolation of Israel”.

The “consolation of Israel” is a term hearkening back to , as Isaiah speaks comfort over Israel in their exile, proclaiming that salvation will one day come. That salvation has now come in the person of Christ.

When Jesus later prepares his disciples for his departure, the disciples wonder why their long awaited Messiah is now leaving them, Jesus reveals to them that they will continue to have fellowship with him through the Holy Spirit.

John 14:16–19 NIV

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

John 14:26 NIV

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Jesus actually tells them that it is to their benefit that he leaves and the Holy Spirit will come. Simeon being filled with the Spirit was a special case, but now Christ has poured his Spirit on the entire church. If you believe in Christ, then his Spirit lives in you. Rather than being bound by physical space, we now have fellowship with Christ wherever we by his Spirit. Just like Simeon looked forward to Christ through the Holy Spirit, we now have:

Fellowship with Christ through the Spirit of Christ (vs. 25-35)

Fellowship with Christ through the Holy Spirit

Despite the fact that the Holy Spirit indwells all believers, we tend to be deficient in our view of him in one of three ways: either we ignore him altogether, we reduce him to a feeling we have when we hear our favorite worship song, or we turn him into a sensationalist spectacle and purveyor of magic tricks that have little to do with the glory of God.

While we may be mystified with how the working of the Spirit shows itself in our lives, his work is essential in our relationship with Christ, and we can be sure of at least three ways from Scripture that the filling of the Spirit brings us closer to Christ.

The Spirit:

A. Empowers when we obey ( , )

Christ told his disciples that if they truly love him, that they would keep his commandments. We also know that the sinful nature of our flesh keeps us from obedience. This is where the Holy Spirit steps in. When Jesus ascended into heaven, he sent the Spirit on his church in order to fulfill the mission that he had given them, to testify to him throughout Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. They needed the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission.

Acts 2:4 NIV

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 4:31 NIV

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

It is clear in the book of Acts that the power of the Holy Spirit in our obedience comes with prayer, and resolve to action. We cannot expect to be sitting around doing nothing when the Spirit empowers us, but the believers were constantly in prayer, and were resolved to live out the obedience to Christ’s command. This is where the empowerment of the Holy Spirit is strongest. Simeon demonstrates this kind of obedience as well. Luke calls him “righteous and devout”, and when the Spirit moved him, he obediently went into the temple courts.

B. Intercedes when we pray ()

Romans 8:26–27 NIV

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

One of the most important ways that have communion with Christ is through our prayer life. The Bible speaks of how all three members of the Trinity are involved in our prayer activities. The Spirit is important here

One of the most important ways that have communion with Christ is through our prayer life. The Bible speaks of how all three members of the Trinity are involved in our prayer activities. The Spirit is important here because we don’t always know what to say when we pray, and sometimes our motivations are out of touch with God’s will. This verse tells us that by stepping out in obedience and being willing to lay ourselves down at God’s throne, that the Spirit takes that and makes it something special. He intercedes for us with groans that are deeper than our words could ever be. Simeon demonstrated this kind of Spirit empowered prayer outwardly when he first saw the child with a song of worship to God.

Luke 2:29–32 NIV

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Luke 2:29–33 NIV

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

One thing I want you to know is that our songs of praise are prayers to God and should be taken seriously. And that the Spirit can use our songs and prayers to bring us closer in our relationship to Christ.

C. Teaches us when we seek ()

The Bible tells us that the Spirit teaches us when we seek to know God through Scripture, that he illuminates us and teaches us about the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:9–10 NIV

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

The New International Version Chapter 2

However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen,

what no ear has heard,

and what no human mind has conceived”b—

the things God has prepared for those who love him—b

10 these are the things God has revealedc to us by his Spirit.d

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:7 NIV

No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

1 Corinthians 2:9–10 NIV

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

1 corinthians 2

Simeon very clearly demonstrates that he has sought God in his word, because his song is rich with the words of Isaiah, as is his prophecy to Mary. When we come to Scripture, humbly relying on the teaching of the Spirit rather than on our own presuppositions or biases, we can know come to know Christ more deeply than we ever thought we could. The final conclusion of this is that :

We need the Spirit of Christ to know Christ as he truly is

As Brian and Greg have each pointed out, the people of Isreal had some very different expectations of what Christ would be like when he came. Most people thought that he would be the conquering King who would drive out the Roman Gentiles and exalt Israel at last. But taught by the Spirit, this is not what Simeon thought. Simeon, quoting from Isaiah in verses 31-32, says that Christ is the salvation “prepared in the sight of all nations”, not just Israel, and that he does not intend to supplant the Gentiles, but to be a “light for revelation” to them. The Spirit taught him about Jesus in an unexpected way.

As Christians in America we have our own expectations for Christ in our lives. We focus on Jesus as a beacon of hope and love towards all people, but we so often neglect the things about him that are difficult and harsh. Jesus loves you as you are, but he also intends to change you. The majority of the standards and commands that Jesus gives are frankly not compatible with the views of our society. Simeon knows this:

Luke 2:34–35 NIV

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Luke 2:

Simeon tells Mary that not everyone will get what they wanted with Jesus, and that he will cause many people to stumble because of his message. He also doesn’t promise that Jesus is just here to encourage us, but to make us uncomfortable and convict us of our sin. He tells Mary that a sword will pierce her soul. No doubt this is in part because of the crucifixion to come, and the pain of seeing her son killed, but we can see in the gospels that his family had difficulty with his teachings. We can expect that knowing Jesus will make us uncomfortable sometimes. If we try to make Jesus compatible with the views we already cling to in our Western American mindset, we do not know Jesus as he truly is and we create an idol, a false Jesus, who is unable to save you.

Standing Firm: Anna

One way that we fail to keep Christ in Christianity is by letting society and culture do the work that the Spirit needs to do in order to know the true Christ. Sadly I have seen how this has led friends and co-workers drifting from or even renouncing the church. But one other way that we tend to drift from Christ is when tragedy strikes, and life doesn’t go the way we think it will.

This year has been a difficult one, with fires and hurricanes, multiple shootings, affecting the masses, but also on the level of personal loss. If you know some things that has been happening in my life this year, you know that things have not gone the way I thought they would this year. I know the same is true for many of you. So how do we keep this from getting in the way of our relationship with Christ? Certainly the Spirit is essential in this as shown in Simeon’s life. But as he finishes his prophecy, we are introduced to another seasoned saint of the Old Covenant: Anna

Luke 2:36–40 NIV

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

Luke 2:36-40

For Anna, life did not go the way she thought it would. She came from the tribe of Asher, which no longer really existed after the Assyrians wiped out the northern kingdom of Israel hundreds of years earlier. After being married, probably as a young teenager, she lived with her husband for only seven years before his death. I have only been married two years, some of you may have been married for fifty or more years. I’m not sure if you can relate to Anna in this unexpected tragedy in her life, but I know that there must be pain in the loss of a spouse after 7 years or 70 years. Tragedy strikes when we least expect it, but Anna stood firm in her faith, even until she was 84 by staying connected with the people of God.

Scripture says that she stayed in the temple worshipping and praying. The temple no longer exists today, but in the Biblical world, it was a social center within Jerusalem and was the center of worship for the entire nation.

How do I stand firm in light of hardship?

Anna stayed firm in her relationship with God by staying around God’s people. As new covenant believers, rather than a physical temple, we have the church, called the body of Christ, which keeps us connected to Jesus throughout whatever hardship we face. We have:

Fellowship with Christ through the Body of Christ (vs. 36-38)

The author of Hebrews tells us:

Hebrews 10:23–25 NIV

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-

The key to holding unswervingly to our hope is meeting together with God’s people regularly. The center of worship is no longer a building, but a fellowship of believers across all time and space. If we are the members of Christ’s body, and he is our head, then the last thing we should do in times of trouble is separating ourselves from our brothers and sisters in Christ. Of course I don’t mean that we can’t ever have space if we need it, and I can’t promise that people won’t say foolish things about our situation when we see them. But I know that Scripture mainly pictures our relationship with Christ as a community, not as individuals.

The Church connects us to Christ through:

A. Fellowship

Acts 4:32–35 NIV

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

In the book of Acts, the early church demonstrates amazing love towards one another, especially towards those who were in need. This kind of fellowship connects us to Christ through his love, demonstrated through the actions of our fellow believers. This is the love we need to be demonstrating towards one another as a church if we are going to be a Christ centered church. Don’t settle for small talk over coffee and muffins between services, the fellowship we have in Christ must be strong and sacrificial.

B. Worship

Colossians 3:16 NIV

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Another essential aspect in our relationship with Christ is corporate worship. We easily let the troubles of life excuse us from this important expression of faith in Christ. Paul pictures this in Colossians as not just songs, although that is important, but also through teaching and Scripture. Everything that we do here when we gather on Sunday mornings must be an expression of worship to God.

C. Prayer

Ephesians 6:18–19 NIV

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

The church is also our source of encouragement in prayer. We cannot ourselves bear all of the needs of our members, but we can entrust the Spirit and Christ to take care of our needs by brining them before the Father. As a believer in Christ, who are you praying for? That prayer can make a difference between someone trusting Christ through their hardship and needs, and them falling away. Also make sure that you express your prayer needs to others. It is just as essential that the church is praying for you as it is you praying for your fellow believers.

In conclusion, in all these things:

We need the church to point us to Christ, and to point others to Christ

Notice that because Anna faithfully continued to have fellowship with the people of God, she had a real encounter with the Messiah, and that caused her to tell all those who were there with that same outlook (looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem) all about the child she had seen. When I go through hard times, I need you tell me how God has worked in your life. When you are discouraged, I need to tell you about how God is in control and fulfills our needs in Christ. This is what the church is all about, growing closer to Christ together, no matter the circumstances

Conclusion

My prayer is that the testimony of these two examples will lead you keep the Christ, not just in Christmas, but in our Christian faith. Just as we need the Holy Spirit and the church to keep us connected to Christ, we need Christ to give significance to these things as well. Without Christ, the Spirit is just fuzzy feeling, with no power to change us. Without Christ, church is just a group of individuals with really strange hobbies like singing songs and put on Christmas shows.

My prayer is also that you would stand firm and finish your race well as a servant of Christ, not being swayed by the opinions of society, or the heartbreak of loss, but that you, like Simeon and Anna, would make Christ the center of your lives, no matter how far along in your race you are.