Christmas: God in the Flesh

1 Timothy 3:16 New King James Version

1 Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

Matthew 1:20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 1:21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:

Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Why Did God Come in the Flesh?

1. To redeem us from under the law (Galatians 4:4-5).

a. Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

b. Galatians 4:5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

2. To destroy the power of death(Hebrews 2:14).

a. Hebrews 2:14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

3. To free us from the fearof death (Hebrews 2:15).

a. Hebrews 2:15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

i. John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

4. To be a merciful and faithful high priest (Hebrews 2:17-18).

a. Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

b. Hebrews 2:18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

i. Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

5. To reconcile all people (Ephesians 2:11-16).

a. Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—

b. Ephesians 2:12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

c. Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

d. Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

e. Ephesians 2:15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,

f. Ephesians 2:16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

i. Luke 2:8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

ii. Luke 2:9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

iii. Luke 2:10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

iv. Luke 2:11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

v. Luke 2:12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

vi. Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

vii. Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”