The Candle of the Way

It is the second Sunday of Advent, the season whereby we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Messiah. For the Jewish people living in the days of Jesus, this was a heavily anticipated day. Many prophecies had been given several hundreds of years before, and the people yearned for the deliverance through the Messiah, much like the Israelites yearned for freedom from Egyptian bondage. They longed to receive the land that was promised to their father Abraham. Similarly, the people living in the days of Jesus longed for freedom from their Roman oppressors. However, like a child who strays onto a minefield is unaware of the dangers awaiting each step, the Jewish people in the days of Moses and Jesus were unaware of the greatest danger afflicting the human race. You see, sickness is not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. Globalism is not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. Secularism, cancer, or the relativity of truth are not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. The most dangerous issue facing humanity is that humanity has sinned against an infinitely holy God, their Creator, and through that sin the relationship has been severed. We need to be delivered, yes, but not from slavery, oppression from physical enemies or even from physical illness, but from sin.

the Jewish people living in the days of Jesus, this was a heavily anticipated day. Many prophecies had

been given several hundreds of years ago, and the people yearned for the deliverance from the Messiah,

much like the Israelites yearned for freedom from Egyptian bondage. They longed to receive the land that was promised to their father Abraham. Similarly, the people living in the days of Jesus longed for freedom from their Roman oppressors. However, like a child who strays onto a minefield is unaware of the dangers awaiting each step, the Jewish people in the days of Moses and Jesus were unaware of the greatest danger afflicting the human race. You see, sickness is not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. Globalism is not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. Secularism, cancer, or relativity are not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. The most dangerous issue facing humanity is that humanity has sinned against an infinitely holy God, their Creator, and through that sin the relationship has been severed. We need to be delivered, yes, but not from slavery or oppression from physical enemies, but from sin.

that was promised to their father Abraham. Similarly, the people living in the days of Jesus longed for freedom from their Roman oppressors. However, like a child who strays onto a minefield is unaware of the dangers awaiting each step, the Jewish people in the days of Moses and Jesus were unaware of the greatest danger afflicting the human race. You see, sickness is not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. Globalism is not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. Secularism, cancer, or relativity are not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. The most dangerous issue facing humanity is that humanity has sinned against an infinitely holy God, their Creator, and through that sin the relationship has been severed. We need to be delivered, yes, but not from slavery or oppression from physical enemies, but from sin.

freedom from their Roman oppressors. However, like a child who strays onto a mindfield is unaware of the dangers awaiting each step, the Jewish people in the days of Moses and Jesus were unaware of the greatest danger afflicting the human race. You see, sickness is not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. Globalism is not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. Secularism, cancer, or relativity are not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. The most dangerous issue facing humanity is that humanity has sinned against an infinitely holy God, their Creator, and through that sin the relationship has been severed. We need to be delivered, yes, but not from slavery or oppression from physical enemies, but from sin.

However, like a child who strays onto a mindfield is unaware of the dangers awaiting each step, the

Jewish people in the days of Moses and Jesus were unaware of the greatest danger afflicting the human race. You see, sickness is not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. Globalism is not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. Secularism, cancer, or relativity are not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. The most dangerous issue facing humanity is that humanity has sinned against an infinitely holy God, their Creator, and through that sin the relationship has been severed. We need to be delivered, yes, but not from slavery or oppression from physical enemies, but from sin.

race. You see, sickness is not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. Globalism is not the most

dangerous issue facing humanity. Secularism, cancer, or relativity are not the most dangerous issue facing humanity. The most dangerous issue facing humanity is that humanity has sinned against an infinitely holy God, their Creator, and through that sin the relationship has been severed. We need to be delivered, yes, but not from slavery or oppression from physical enemies, but from sin.

facing humanity. The most dangerous issue facing humanity is that humanity has sinned against an infinitely holy God, their Creator, and through that sin the relationship has been severed. We need to be delivered, yes, but not from slavery or oppression from physical enemies, but from sin.

infinitely holy God, their Creator, and through that sin the relationship has been severed. We need to be

delivered, yes, but not from slavery or oppression from physical enemies, but from sin.

Yet, many people do not know the way to restoring their relationship with their perfect Creator. Some imagine that we must do good works to overcompensate for the bad ones. We picture scales in heaven in which our good works are placed on one side and our bad works on the other. But reminds us that “…None is righteous, no, not one” (ESV). Just as a little poison mixed with water ruins the drinkability, so too, the evilness in our natures nullifies any goodness that we may hope to produce. This is a failure to properly understand our own wickedness.

imagine that we must do good works to overcompensate for the bad ones. We picture scales in heaven

in which our good works are placed on one side and our bad works on the other. But reminds us that “…None is righteous, no, not one” (ESV). Just as a little poison mixed with water ruins the drinkability, so too, the evilness in our natures nullifies any goodness that we may hope to produce.

reminds us that “…None is righteous, no, not one” (ESV). Just as a little poison mixed with water ruins the drinkability, so too, the evilness in our natures nullifies any goodness that we may hope to produce.

the drinkability, so too, the evilness in our natures nullifies any goodness that we may hope to produce.

Still, others believe that God is a good and gracious God. He is like your favorite grandpa, sitting up in heaven and laughing at the foolishness of his children, but somehow he still finds love in his heart. But when thoughts such as these enter our minds and hearts we forget both the sinfulness of humanity and the holiness of God. It is not a mere trifle to offend the thrice holy God. It is nothing short of cosmic treason and rebellion on the gravest of levels. This is a failure to understand God’s infinite holiness.

heaven and laughing at the foolishness of his children, but somehow he still finds love in his heart. But

when thoughts such as these enter our minds and hearts we forget both the sinfulness of humanity and

the holiness of God. It is not a mere trifle to offend the thrice holy God. It is nothing short of cosmic

treason and rebellion on the gravest of levels.

A host of ways that we conjure up in which our fallen natures can be changed and our relationship with God restored are all wrong turns. Like Adam and Eve frantically sewing fig leaves together and hiding from God, our internal GPS’s are constantly rerouting to attempt to restore us on the right way to God. However, it is only through the grace of God that we are told the Way. As we continue working our way through this wonderful Season of Advent, we are reminded that Jesus is the way. But as we look back, I want to see three results, or effects, produced from this truth in our passage.

God restored are all wrong turns. Our internal GPS’s are constantly rerouting to attempt to restore us on the right way to God. However, it is only through the grace of God that we are told the Way. As we continue working our way through this wonderful Season of Advent, we are reminded that Jesus is the way. But as we look back, I want to see three results, or effects, produced from this truth in our passage.

the right way to God. However, it is only through the grace of God that we are told the Way. As we continue working our way through this wonderful Season of Advent, we are reminded that Jesus is the way. But as we look back, I want to see three results, or effects, produced from this truth in our passage.

continue working our way through this wonderful Season of Advent, we are reminded that Jesus is the

way. But as we look back, I want to see three results, or effects, produced from this truth in our passage.

First, John the Baptist was CHOSEN TO TELL. His entire life and ministry centered squarely on preparing people for the reception of the Messiah. Secondly, as John realized and maintained throughout his ministry, it is CHRIST, NOT US that matters. Finally, we will see that it is CHRIST ALONE by which our fallenness is fixed and our relationship is restored. This is the Candle of the Way.

people for the reception of the Messiah. Secondly, as John realized and maintained throughout his ministry, it is CHRIST, NOT US that matters. Finally, we will see that it is CHRIST ALONE by which our fallenness is fixed and our relationship is restored. This is the Candle of the Way.

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ministry, it is CHRIST, NOT US that matters. Finally, we will see that it is CHRIST ALONE by which our

fallenness is fixed and our relationship is restored. This is the Candle of the Way.

I. CHOSEN TO TELL- ;

The first reality we notice when considering the Candle of the Way is that John the Baptist was Chosen to tell. I want you to consider the vital importance of this. John the Baptist’s life was planned out about 700 years before he was born. This reminds me of a verse in Ephesians. Paul writes to those Christians (and by extension us), “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” We will touch on this more toward the end of this sermon, but I wanted to stress this point that John the Baptist was chosen to tell. God’s plan for John’s life was to prepare the way of the Messiah. We learn of the miraculous way in which John’s birth is foretold in , . It is one of excitement, some judgment, but mostly of God’s working through his people.

was Chosen to tell. I want you to consider the vital importance of this. John the Baptist’s life

was planned out about 700 years before he was born. This reminds me of a verse in

Ephesians. Paul writes to those Christians (and by extension us), “For we are His

workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so

that we would walk in them.” We will touch on this more toward the end of this sermon,

but I wanted to stress this point that John the Baptist was chosen to tell. God’s plan for

John’s life was to prepare the way of the Messiah. We learn of the miraculous way in which

John’s birth is foretold in , . It is one of excitement, some judgment, but

mostly of God’s working through his people.

a. John’s Message- repent!

John’s message to tell was repent! This word means to turn around. Just as a soldier is to do an about face at the command of his officer, God gives us the command to turn away from our sin. The way was close (“at hand”), and the people needed to respond by changing their minds and actions. This message remains true for us today. Peter, Paul, the first century Christians, and everyone until the present time have given the gospel- imperative to repent.

to do an about face at the command of his officer, God gives us the command to turn

away from our sin. The way was close (“at hand”), and the people needed to respond by

changing their minds and actions. This message remains true for us today. Peter, Paul,

the first century Christians, and everyone until the present time have given the gospel-

imperative to repent.

b. John’s Method- speech

John’s method to communicate the way to God was through speech. I only want to spend a few moments here, but it is important to remember that as we are given opportunities to share the Gospel, the good news that Christ died for people to be saved, we must use speech. It is vital that we learn the Gospel through and through, that we are able to share with people of different backgrounds, cultures, etc. We need to pray as Fanny Crosby sang, “Tell me the story, of Jesus” so that we can tell others about His love. John the Baptist was chosen to tell. He had one of the greatest privileges any human being could have. He prepared the way for the Messiah. And in order to prevent us from focusing on the wrong person, John reminds us that it is…

spend a few moments here, but it is important to remember that as we are given

opportunities to share the Gospel, the good news that Christ died for people to be

saved, we must use speech. It is vital that we learn the Gospel through and through,

that we are able to share with people of different backgrounds, cultures, etc. We need to pray as Fanny Crosby sang, “Tell me the story, of Jesus” so that we can tell others

to pray as Fanny Crosby sang, “Tell me the story, of Jesus” so that we can tell others

about His love.

John the Baptist was chosen to tell. He had one of the greatest privileges any human

being could have. He prepared the way for the Messiah. And in order to prevent us from

focusing on the wrong person, John reminds us that it is…

II. CHRIST, NOT US-

II. CHRIST, NOT US-

John the Baptist, while chosen to tell others about the way to God, was quick to remind people that it was not about him. Did God use him in a mighty way? Yes, He did. Did John the Baptist experience revival at the hands of many Jewish people? Yes, He did. Was John the Baptist responsible? No! John reminds the people that it is only through the graciousness of God that people receive anything. John realized that it was about Christ, not us. To many of us are often confused about this point. Whether it is telling others about Jesus, or conducting church business, or even seeking to live our day-to-day lives, we forget that it is about Christ, not us. When we are out in the community, it is about Christ, not us. When we come to church, and even vote on business matters, it is about Christ, not us. And every decision we make is not about us primarily, but about Christ. John’s disciples (followers) were confused because it appeared that Jesus was baptizing more people than John. Perhaps they were more focused on the numbers rather than the mission. However, John was quick to dispel any false notions of their focus. He reminded the people that we do not matter, it is all about Christ. John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Let them see more of Christ and less of you. As we enjoy this festive season, let us remember that we are chosen to tell, but as we tell let us also remember it is about Christ, not us. And as we realize that it is about Christ and not us, we will come to realize that it is…

people that it was not about him. Did God use him in a mighty way? Yes, He did. Did John

the Baptist experience revival at the hands of many Jewish people? Yes, He did. Was John the Baptist responsible? No! John reminds the people that it is only through the graciousness of God that people receive anything. John realized that it was about Christ, not us.

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the Baptist responsible? No! John reminds the people that it is only through the

graciousness of God that people receive anything. John realized that it was about Christ, not

us.

To many of us are often confused about this point. Whether it is telling others about Jesus, or conducting church business, or even seeking to live our day-to-day lives, we forget that it is about Christ, not us. When we are out in the community, it is about Christ, not us. When we come to church, and even vote on business matters, it is about Christ, not us. And every decision we make is not about us primarily, but about Christ. John’s disciples (followers) were confused because it appeared that Jesus was baptizing more people than John. Perhaps they were more focused on the numbers rather than the mission. However, John was quick to dispel any false notions of their focus. He reminded the people that we do not matter, it is all about Christ. John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Let them see more of Christ and less of you. As we enjoy this festive season, let us remember that we are chosen to tell, but as we tell let us also remember it is about Christ, not us. And as we realize that it is about Christ and not us, we will come to realize that it is…

or conducting church business, or even seeking to live our day-to-day lives, we forget that it

is about Christ, not us. When we are out in the community, it is about Christ, not us. When

we come to church, and even vote on business matters, it is about Christ, not us. And every

decision we make is not about us primarily, but about Christ. John’s disciples (followers)

were confused because it appeared that Jesus was baptizing more people than John.

Perhaps they were more focused on the numbers rather than the mission. However, John

was quick to dispel any false notions of their focus. He reminded the people that we do not

matter, it is all about Christ. John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Let them

see more of Christ and less of you. As we enjoy this festive season, let us remember that we

are chosen to tell, but as we tell let us also remember it is about Christ, not us. And as we

realize that it is about Christ and not us, we will come to realize that it is…

III. CHRIST ALONE-

or conducting

Our last point focuses on the key aspect of the way to God. As John prepared the way for the Messiah, and as he realized more and more that it was about Christ and not Him, Jesus reveals that it is only through Him (Jesus) that we have access to God. It is important that you and I understand this point, because there is so much confusion about it. If you were to ask people how we get to God we will get a variety of answers. I mentioned just a few earlier, such as good works or God’s goodness. But there are a host of answers beyond this. There are many religions in the world. If we were to consider just the three monotheistic religions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, we would get a variety of answers. And taking one of each of these would provide even greater division. But Jesus clears up any confusion. He definitively states that He is the way to the Father. I am and will be eternally grateful for this. Imagine being on a trip with your GPS. It has guided you each step of the way. Your trip has been frustrating because each time it looks like your GPS is guiding you the right way it takes you down the wrong road. Imagine the frustration! All of the “rerouting” notifications would drive you insane. Now, imagine the sheer madness of following that GPS for days, months, and years, all the while believing you were heading to your chosen destination but realizing that, upon arrival, it is the exact opposite of where you wanted to be. But unlike a malfunctioning GPS, Jesus clearly tells us how to get to the Father: through Him. It is Christ alone! It is only through the Seed of the Woman in by which the Serpent’s head is crushed. It is only through the Seed of Abraham in by which all the nations of the earth are blessed. It is Christ alone! Not our works, not our intelligence, not our wits, not our accomplishments, it is Christ alone. Robert Lowry, in his famous song asks, “What can wash away my sin?” To which the stanza replies, “Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” It is Christ alone, and the Candle of the Way points to THE Way, Jesus of Nazareth.

Messiah, and as he realized more and more that it was about Christ and not Him, Jesus reveals that

it is only through Him (Jesus) that we have access to God.

It is important that you and I understand this point, because there is so much confusion about it. If

you were to ask people how we get to God we will get a variety of answers. I mentioned just a few

earlier, such as good works or God’s goodness. But there are a host of answers beyond this. There

are many religions in the world. If we were to consider just the three monotheistic religions of

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, we would get a variety of answers. And taking one of each of these

would provide even greater division. But Jesus clears up any confusion. He definitively states that He

is the way to the Father.

I am and will be eternally grateful for this. Imagine being on a trip with your GPS. It has guided you

each step of the way. Your trip has been frustrating because each time it looks like your GPS is

guiding you the right way it takes you down the wrong road. Imagine the frustration! All of the

“rerouting” notifications would drive you insane. Now, imagine the sheer madness of following that

GPS for days, months, and years, all the while believing you were heading to your chosen

destination but realizing that, upon arrival, it is the exact opposite of where you wanted to be. But

unlike a malfunctioning GPS, Jesus clearly tells us how to get to the Father: through Him.

It is Christ alone! It is only through the Seed of the Woman in by which the Serpent’s

head is crushed. It is only through the Seed of Abraham in by which all the nations of

the earth are blessed. It is Christ alone! Not our works, not our intelligence, not our wits, not our

accomplishments, it is Christ alone. Robert Lowry, in his famous song asks, “What can wash away my

sin?” To which the stanza replies, “Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” It is Christ alone, and the Candle

of the Way points to THE Way, Jesus of Nazareth.

Application:

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Warrior Creek, have we realized that we are here in Gray Court to share the good news of Jesus Christ? Do we know that it is about Christ, and not us? Are we preaching and sharing Christ alone?

Christ? Do we know that it is about Christ, and not us? Are we preaching and sharing Christ alone?

Christian, what about you? How do you measure up? As we focus on the Way this morning, have you gotten off route? Do you need to readjust your GPS back to the Son of God?

you gotten off route? Do you need to readjust your GPS back to the Son of God?

Perhaps you have never believed the Gospel and, as John commanded, repented of your sins? Can I encourage you to come this morning, if the Holy Spirit is drawing your heart, to repent of your sins and believe the Gospel?

encourage you to come this morning, if the Holy Spirit is drawing your heart, to repent of your sins

and believe the Gospel?