The Real Deal

Introduction

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the “Real Deal” as something or someone that is real or genuine : a thing or person that is not a copy or imitation.

There are so many people out here perpetrating and trying to be something or someone they are not. There are a lot of fakes out here.

Fake gucci’s, fake versaci’s, fake louis vattons, fake red bottoms, fake rolexes! Fake people! Fake friends! Fake religions!

“This verse (#14) has been the foundation of incarnational theology and may have been intended in opposition to those who saw Jesus as an angel or spirit rather than a fully human being. And, others feel that the greek word for “dwelt” may have been intended to draw associations with Israel’s exodus story, in which the tent (or tabernacle) symbolizes the presence of God in the midst of Israel (see ).” (CIT - central idea of the text)

We want to leave today knowing that Jesus is the Savior of the world, and the one and only begotten Son of God! He loves you and me unconditionally without a doubt! There will be a lot of fake friends, gods, religions, but Jesus Christ IS the REAL DEAL! (MOS - main objective of the sermon)

The (MOS) main objective of the sermon is...

I. A Transforming Word

I. A Transforming Word

Jesus ⇔ Word of God n. — a title of Jesus understood as God’s ultimate communication of truth about Himself.

Jesus ⇔ Word of God n. — a title of Jesus understood as God’s ultimate communication of truth about Himself.

to become (condition) v. — to enter or assume a certain state or condition.

A Biblical Theology of the New Testament Flesh and Spirit

Less extensive but still present in John’s theological framework is a contrast between flesh and spirit. The term “flesh” (sarx) is not used by John to convey the idea of sinfulness, as it often does in Paul’s writings. Crucial in this regard is John 1:14 which asserts, “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Because of its association with Jesus, no connotation of sinfulness is attached to the term “flesh” in the Johannine literature. Rather, it is indicative of weakness and humiliation as seen in 1:14. It simply affirms that in the Incarnation Jesus became fully human.

The WORD is God’s self-revelation & God’s self-communication!

This is a God’s way of intervening into human stories and experiences.

A Biblical Theology of the New Testament Flesh and Spirit - Less extensive but still present in John’s theological framework is a contrast between flesh and spirit. The term “flesh” (sarx) is not used by John to convey the idea of sinfulness, as it often does in Paul’s writings. Crucial in this regard is which asserts, “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Because of its association with Jesus, no connotation of sinfulness is attached to the term “flesh” in the Johannine literature. Rather, it is indicative of weakness and humiliation as seen in 1:14. It simply affirms that in the Incarnation Jesus became fully human.

Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: John C. The Incarnation of the Word and the Privilege of Becoming God’s Children (1:9–14)

The main point is that God now has chosen to be with his people in a more personal way than ever before (Carson 1991: 127).

Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: John C. The Incarnation of the Word and the Privilege of Becoming God’s Children (1:9–14)

The main point is that God now has chosen to be with his people in a more personal way than ever before (Carson 1991: 127).

Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: John C. The Incarnation of the Word and the Privilege of Becoming God’s Children (1:9–14)

The main point is that God now has chosen to be with his people in a more personal way than ever before (Carson 1991: 127).

“The main point is that God now has chosen to be with his people in a more personal way than ever before” (Carson 1991: 127).

Allow the Lord to intervene in your human condition and situation! God wants to transform you from the inside-out!

Less extensive but still present in John’s theological framework is a contrast between flesh and spirit. The term “flesh” (sarx) is not used by John to convey the idea of sinfulness, as it often does in Paul’s writings. Crucial in this regard is which asserts, “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Because of its association with Jesus, no connotation of sinfulness is attached to the term “flesh” in the Johannine literature. Rather, it is indicative of weakness and humiliation as seen in 1:14. It simply affirms that in the Incarnation Jesus became fully human.

A Biblical Theology of the New Testament Flesh and Spirit

Less extensive but still present in John’s theological framework is a contrast between flesh and spirit. The term “flesh” (sarx) is not used by John to convey the idea of sinfulness, as it often does in Paul’s writings. Crucial in this regard is John 1:14 which asserts, “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Because of its association with Jesus, no connotation of sinfulness is attached to the term “flesh” in the Johannine literature. Rather, it is indicative of weakness and humiliation as seen in 1:14. It simply affirms that in the Incarnation Jesus became fully human.

to become (condition) v. — to enter or assume a certain state or condition.

II. A Present Word

to settle (pitch a tent) v. — to take up residence, occupancy, or dwell in or as if in a tent; sometimes conveying temporariness - not permanence.

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume σκηνή

The idea of transitoriness is inherent in the term, although later it can have the more general sense of dwelling or lodging.

The idea of transitoriness is inherent in the term, although later it can have the more general sense of dwelling or lodging. (The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament)

The idea of transitoriness is inherent in the term, although later it can have the more general sense of dwelling or lodging.

God, the Creator, allows Himself to camp out among His Creation in the person of His Son, Jesus the Christ!

God’s revealed glory, presence

God’s revealed glory, presence

III. A Powerful Word

“We have seen...” - to gaze admiringly v. — to gaze upon something that stimulates the moral and mental faculties in an impressive (and often astonishing) way.

“...glory (divine)” n. — the manifest presentation of God’s infinite and majestic nature; normally conveyed to humanity as superlative brightness.

“…only begotten of the Father/the one and only -

glory (divine) n. — the manifest presentation of God’s infinite and majestic nature; normally conveyed to humanity as superlative brightness.

unique adjs. — radically distinctive and without equal (in a category).

unique adjs. — radically distinctive and without equal (in a category).

full adjs. — characterized by some particular trait or aspect; conceived of as being full of the characteristic.

distinctive ⇔ full adjs. — characterized by some particular trait or aspect; conceived of as being full of the characteristic.

grace n. — goodwill freely disseminated (by God); especially to the benefit of the recipient regardless of the benefit accrued to the disseminator.

grace n. — goodwill freely disseminated (by God); especially to the benefit of the recipient regardless of the benefit accrued to the disseminator.

truth (quality) n. — conformity to reality or actuality; often with the implication of dependability.

truth - Indicates the quality or state of being real or genuine—often in the sense of visible and verifiable reality, demonstrated by facts, actual events, or proven character. (Mangum, Douglas. “Truth.” Ed. Douglas Mangum et al. Lexham Theological Wordbook 2014 : n. pag. Print. Lexham Bible Reference Series.)

Mangum, Douglas. “Truth.” Ed. Douglas Mangum et al. Lexham Theological Wordbook 2014 : n. pag. Print. Lexham Bible Reference Series.

Lexham Theological Wordbook ἀλήθεια

Indicates the quality or state of being real or genuine—often in the sense of visible and verifiable reality, demonstrated by facts, actual events, or proven character.

Lexham Theological Wordbook ἀλήθεια

Indicates the quality or state of being real or genuine—often in the sense of visible and verifiable reality, demonstrated by facts, actual events, or proven character.

truth (quality) n. — conformity to reality or actuality; often with the implication of dependability.

Lexham Theological Wordbook ἀλήθεια

Indicates the quality or state of being real or genuine—often in the sense of visible and verifiable reality, demonstrated by facts, actual events, or proven character.