WHAT CHILD ARE YOU
Notes
Transcript
TEXT:
TEXT:
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Our text tonight reminds us how the world today is made up of the different kinds of people, each with their individual characteristics and pursuits. Let’s point them out and learn and reflect as to who we can identify with.
1. JESUS
1. JESUS
In today’s context He is:
Savior
Messiah
Sacrifice
Son of God
In others accounts in the bible He is
Creator
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. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
Phil 1:16-
Head of the Church
Reconciler
Peacemaker
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. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
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.
Salvation is a one-way street.
After the Magis found Christ and met Him, they did not go back to Herod.
When you genuinely profess to be a Christian there should be no turning back.
11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
Observe what the Magis did during encounter:
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
Fell to the ground and worship Him.
They gave treasures(not white elephant gifts).
They gave gifts of GOLD (precious metals: TO BE SEEN), Frankincense and myrrh are perfumes (Perfumes - to be smelled)
There maybe no turning back of identity but you can still turn back in your old ways.
2. HEROD THE KING
2. HEROD THE KING
An image of IRONY. Kings are supposed to be in position of power, confidence and leadership yet he showed some insecurity when he found out that there was another “KING of the JEWS.”
In the world of politics life is dispensable. We here of warring political parties not hesitating to eliminate the opposition from the competition even resorting to killing.
AMPATUAN MASSACRE
Andal Ampatuan Sr. was arraigned in a special court inside a Manila maximum-security prison on June 1, 2011, 18 months after he and a dozen family members were arrested over the killings. ... Anwar Ampatuan is the grandson of former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., and is charged with 57 counts of murder involving the convoy of a rival political party of the Mangudadatu. They were on their way to file for candidacy against the incumbent party.
Pride will kill but it will also kill itself. Pride is the king of all sins.
Pride get’s in the way to being save because pride is the way to hell. Humility on the other hand is leads to salvation.
Humility is the result of fear in the Lord.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Prov 9:10
There is a lot of wisdom in knowing who the Lord is and submitting to everything He is. You will be saved from Hell.
How much pride do we have in our life?
3. THE CHIEF PRIEST AND SCRIBES
3. THE CHIEF PRIEST AND SCRIBES
Represents your circle of influence.
Your influence feeds, sustains your principles, objectives and and goals in life. No man is an island. Pride is self-seeking there for it seeks others who will be there to tell him how good he/she is.
Self want’s to be glorified.
Notice, everything that is ascribed to the Lord we want a piece or even chunks of it.
to be Adored.
to be Glorified.
to be Lifted up as priority of your life.
He is to be the Star of everything.
4. MAGI (aka Wise Men or THREE KINGS)
4. MAGI (aka Wise Men or THREE KINGS)
Wise on whose eyes or standard?
Wise men, wise in the sight of the Lord.
When is one classified “WISE IN THE LORD?”
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
They were wise enough to behave properly when they found they found the Savior. (Read )
11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
Observe what the Magis did during the encounter:
Fell to the ground and worship Him.
They gave treasures(not white elephant gifts).
They gave gifts of GOLD (precious metals: TO BE SEEN), Frankincense and myrrh are perfumes (Perfumes - to be smelled)
Salvation is a one-way street.
After the Magis found Christ and met Him, they did not go back to Herod.
Which reminds us that when you genuinely profess to be a Christian there should be no turning back.
Salvation is a one-way street.
There may be no turning back from our identity in Christ but you can still turn back in your old ways.
Some Characteristics of the Wise according to the Book of Proverbs
Some Characteristics of the Wise according to the Book of Proverbs
A. They don’t trust their heart...ever!
A. They don’t trust their heart...ever!
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
B. They trust in God’s Wisdom above everything.
B. They trust in God’s Wisdom above everything.
7 “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
Prov
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered.
Prov
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked though he be rich.
24 Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way?
C. They treasure NOT their material possessions over who possess them.
C. They treasure NOT their material possessions over who possess them.
Prov
13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding. 14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her.
Their attitude regarding worldly wisdom is poor above God’s.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness”;
Best example of how to regards Christ and His wisdom is found in the most revealing words of Paul.
28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,
Philippians 3:1-8
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,
7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,
D. They don’t promote themselves.
D. They don’t promote themselves.
33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.
Prov.
Herod wanted the Magis to report back to him where the Christ child was born so that he can send people to eliminate Him. But since they did not come back to tell him he resorted to plan B.
22 Suddenly he follows her As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool,
This action is a byproduct of self-promotion. Self-promotion is being on top and king of all.
Pride kills!!!!!
16 Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. 17 Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she refused to be comforted, Because they were no more.”
E. They welcome correction.and instruction.
E. They welcome correction.and instruction.
5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,
11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord Or loathe His reproof,
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.
18 Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored.
Prov 13:8
20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.
F. They are temperate and not easily angered.
F. They are temperate and not easily angered.
27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
11 A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.
G. They weather the storms of life with a steady faith.
G. They weather the storms of life with a steady faith.
2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.
31 Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
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5. THE STAR
5. THE STAR
The star led the Magis to the newly born Messiah.
The star shines brighter at night.
We live in a dark world where Christ light need to shine.
The moon get’s its light from the Sun.
Where do you get your light? Hopefully not from the Sun but the Son.
We are to be witnesses for Jesus Christ.
15 ‘For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard.
We proclaim Christ
28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.
5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.
23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Cor 1:23-25
Conclusion / Resolution
Conclusion / Resolution
Having studied and known who Jesus is, how much of your life is a reflection of Christ. It takes a certain kind of surface to produce a reflection. Is your life clean enough to reflect the life of Christ? When the world sees you, will they see you or Christ. Christ in you is not a matter of a picture but a behavior.
20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Think about it. How much light is needed in this dark world brighten it up. Will you be one of those light.
19 “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.
That truth is when you look at the flame in a candle it dances or flickers, why? It is surrounded by wind that potentially can blow it out. Will you allow your light to be put off?
16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
LIGHT THE CANDLES