Christmas- The Birth of Christ

The Birth of Christ

Text: Galatians 4:4–5

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Introduction:

1). But when the fullness of time was come…

* In our test verse this morning I would like to call your attention to the first phrase in verse 4. “but when the fullness of time was come.”

* According to the apostle Paul, in God’s perfect plan for the redemption of man, God patiently waited until the conditions on this earth were exactly right to send Jesus to be born.

* If you will remember with me back in the Book of Genesis Mankind had become so evil that God repented that he had made man and destroyed the world because sin was out of control.

Genesis 6:5–8 (KJV 1900)

5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. * This would have been the end of all mankind except for the very next verse:

8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

* In God’s mercy and grace, God prepared a way of escape from his great judgment and sent Noah to preach to a sinful world. * Noah preached for 150 years, but yet only 8 people responded to his message of grace.

2 Peter 2:5 (KJV 1900)

5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; * I am sure that after that great and terrible flood, Noah’s son’s told their children and grandchildren of the terrible and awful scene of the people pleading with Noah to open the door and let them in the ark. Noah and his family watched helplessly as the waters rose and drowned every living thing, human, and animal, upon the face of the earth.

* I am sure that the memories of the screams and the sight of floating bodies haunted the memories of Noah and his family. These awful images were passed down to their children and grandchildren.

* As is always the case, soon after Noah and his family left the ark, men began to multiply and soon men began for forget the grace of God, and the memories of the terrible judgment of God filled the hearts of those who didn’t know God.

* As the history of mankind went on men were afraid of the heavens and out of this fear arose stories and legends of evil God’s in the heavens who were murderous and revengeful, as if they had the sinful nature of mankind.

* Out of this fear of the heavens grew stories such as the legends of Atlas, and Heracles. The stories of the ancient Greek civilizations were filled with threats and fears of the heavens and of evil God’s.

* Mankind had lost all memory of the Righteousness, the kindness, and the Grace of God.

* The world began to be filled with war and nations conquered nations. The people of the world began to look to heroes Nimrod who had defied the command of God to scatter and re-populate the earth. Instead Nimrod built 7 great cities with fortified walls and gathered the people to himself. Nimrod became their protector from the conquering nations and soon Nimrod became their God. Nimrod wore a crown of a golden ring with two horns.

* This is where we get the traditional image of the devil having a tail and horns in history. Soon the people began to worship Nimrod’s mother and his son. This was the birth of false religion in the earth. Out of the worship of Nimrod and his mother and his son, came the worship of Baal, the ancient god Bell, and the worship of Diana, or Apherditie.

* We read of this system of false religion in Genesis chapter 11:

Genesis 11:1–9 (KJV 1900)

And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. 3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. 4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 6 And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. 8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. 9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

* When we study world history and world cultures, we are simply studying the struggle of mankind without the knowledge of God.

* Because the world had forgotten who God, their creator was, God called out of this heathen world a man called Abraham. God promised to make of this man Abraham a great and mighty nation of priests who would teach the knowledge of God to world who had forgotten who God was.

Exodus 19:5–6 (KJV 1900)

5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

* God has given the revelation of himself to all peoples of the earth by the nation of the Jews. The Bible came to us by the Jewish prophets and priests.

Romans 3:1–2 (KJV 1900)

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

* Through the oracles of God given to the Jews, mankind was given the law to show the world who the God of the Heavens really is. The Law is a perfect revelation of God’s holy character and the standard that men must live up to in order to approach God.

* The purpose of the Law was to awake in us the realization that all mankind is ruined by sin, and cannot approach a Holy God.

Romans 7:12–14 (KJV 1900)

12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Galatians 3:24–25 (KJV 1900)

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

* God had patiently waited through history until he had revealed Himself as a Holy God, and then by the Law revealed that we are sold under sin. And now the time had come to reveal his grace to mankind.

* In preparation for the Gospel of the grace of God, God had raised up the Greek empire to translate the Bible from the language of the Jews into a common language of the world- Greek. The Greek old Testament was now ready to present to the Gentile nations.

* In God’s perfect wisdom, He raised up the Roman Empire and connected the entire world with a system of roads and shipping routes and even unified postal system. God was preparing the world for the spreading of the Gospel of his grace to mankind.

* Later God would use the roman system of roads and shipping routes to send the apostle Paul around the world to preach the Gospel. When Paul wrote letters to the churches, God used the Roman postal system to send the World of God to the churches of Asia.

* Now this is the meaning of the first phrase of our text verse this morning: Galatians 4:4–5

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

2). God sent forth his Son

* Now I want you to focus on the second phrase of our text this morning:

Galatians 4:4–5

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

* God sent His Son at the precise moment in history to bring all who believe out from under bondage to the law.

* The statement here that the Father sent Jesus into the world teaches that Jesus pre-existed before he was born in a manger in Bethlehem. *This statement also teaches that Jesus is the second member of the Trinity, god the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These all existed before the creation of the universe.

* This statement also teaches that God’s plan of salvation began before the foundations of the world were ever laid by God.

1 Peter 1:18–20 (KJV 1900)

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Titus 1:1–3 (KJV 1900)

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

2 Timothy 1:9–10 (KJV 1900)

9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Romans 16:25–26 (KJV 1900)

25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

* Now this is the meaning of the second phrase of our text:

Galatians 4:4–5

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

3). Made of A Woman

* Now let’s take a look at the third phrase of our text this morning “made of a woman.”

Galatians 4:4–5

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

* It is a fact that cannot be denied that Jesus, the Son of God, was born in Bethlehem by a virgin, because of prophecy:

Isaiah 7:14 (KJV 1900)

14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, And shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6–7 (KJV 1900)

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Micah 5:2 (KJV 1900)

2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Isaiah 9:1–2 (KJV 1900)

Beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: They that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

John 1:1–5 (KJV 1900)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 1:6–12 (KJV 1900)

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 1:14 (KJV 1900)

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

* It is a fact that cannot be denied that Jesus, the Son of God, was born in Bethlehem because of this historical record:

Matthew 1:18–25 (KJV 1900)

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

4). To redeem them that were under the law.

* Now I want you to look with me at the final phrase which is the rest of our text verse:

Galatians 4:4–5

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

* I said in the beginning of this message that the world had forgotten who God was. The first step in the plan of God to reveal Himself to mankind was to reveal the character of His Holiness by the Giving of the Law.

* But the Law also revealed to us that we are not Holy like God, but are vile sinners, and can have no fellowship with God, but abide in the wrath of God.

John 3:36 (KJV 1900)

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

* Now the next step in God’s plan to reveal Himself to mankind was to reveal not only his holiness, but his heart of grace and mercy. And this he did when the time was exactly right, by sending Jesus, who is the ultimate revelation of God to mankind.

Hebrews 1:1–3 (KJV 1900)

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

* The apostle John in John 1:17 tells us that Jesus has declared to mankind exactly who God is and what He is like.

John 1:16–18 (KJV 1900)

17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

* John said that grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. This is what this last phrase in our text means.

Galatians 4:4–5

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

* The reason that God had patiently waited for the fullness of time before Jesus would be born in Bethlehem on that day, was so that Jesus could take away the condemnation of our sin, and enable us to approach a Holy God.

* The reason Jesus had to be born of a woman was so he would be under the same condemnation of the law as we were.

* As the guilt of the condemnation of the Law was placed on Jesus there on the cross, His father turned his face away from Jesus and, Jesus cried out “my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me!

* There on the cross Jesus revealed both the holiness of God and the Grace and kindness of God. The perfect revelation of God to mankind.

* There was a man once who had refused to go with his family to see the Christmas pageant at church.

* It was a cold wintery night and as he sat in his recliner he began to hear dozens of birds flying into the picture window trying to escape the bitter wind and cold.

* The man got up from his chair and went out and opened the doors to the barn so no more birds would die flying into the picture window.

* The man waved his arms and yelled but the birds kept flying into the glass. The man thought to himself “the only way I could ever be able to get these birds to realize that I am trying to save them is if I were a bird myself.

* At that moment the Spirit of God spoke to the man’s heart and revealed to him the true meaning of the Christmas story. Jesus had to become one of us in order to save us.

* As the story goes, the man rushed to the church where his family was, and there, at that Christmas pageant, gave his heart to the Lord.

Conclusion:

In this morning summary I would like to remind you of two things to consider this Christmas Season:

* First an undeniable truth, an second an unavoidable question.

An undeniable truth:

1). The facts of the birth of Jesus are undeniable true because of both prophecy and also because of the historical record.

An unavoidable question:

2). Since these facts are true, we are presented with an unavoidable question; What will you do with this information?

* Will you believe and trust in the Jesus that was born in Bethlehem that day, our will you simply, like those birds in our story, ignore the way that God has provided for you to be saved and perish in your sin. John 3:36 (KJV 1900)

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

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