The First Coming III: Grace

John 1:14-18
A. Background & Comments:

• during these last Sundays of the Advent season, we have found ourselves learning from the first chapter of John. We have particularly focused on the nature & revelation of Jesus Christ & the influence his first coming has – practically – upon our lives. We gladly accept from this passage of Scripture that Jesus Christ, the revealed Son of God, is:

(vs. 1-5) The Essence of Quality Life
(vs. 9-13) The Highest Form of Truth
• The first coming of Jesus Christ is the foundational matter that all humans must deal with, either to accept the truth we find in him or to reject Jesus Christ for his claim. Thus, we live either on Christ’s merit & reward or we live at our own peril, based on our response to the question of Jesus Christ to the Apostle Peter, “Who do you say that I am?”

• Today, we move to the third & last primary teaching from this passage. The reality that the Christian has received grace (undeserved favor) from God through Christ is a foundational Christian belief. As much as we have learned that Christ is life & Christ is truth, so is this beautiful part of the Christian truth: Christ has been provided by the grace of God & is the provider of grace for the Christian everyday.

B. Main Thought:

This passage speaks to the reality that Jesus Christ is both evidence of God’s grace to humanity but also the provider for daily grace to every believer
C. Key Question:

What difference does “grace” make to the individual follower of Jesus Christ?

There are two primary differences that the grace of God – undeserved favor – makes in the life of a Christian:

I. Grace Applied Means Life is Full of Gratitude & Privilege (vs. 14-16)

“ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. ”

A. These short verses enumerate the scope of God’s blessing to humanity, as found in Jesus Christ:

God has shown himself to humanity in a visible, bodily form so we can make no mistake as to his nature –
“… the Word became flesh…”

Humanity has viewed – firsthand – the very essence of God & is without excuse – “… made his dwelling among us.”
God has fulfilled ancient promises to humanity in Christ – “… who came from the Father, full of grace and truth…”
God has provided strength & inspiration (grace) to all who receive the Son of God – “… we have received grace in place of grace already given…”

B. When any person begins to recognize the “fullness” of Jesus Christ & all that he offers to humanity, we then begin to realize the place of privilege. In turn, when that is experienced, then a heart full of worship & praise begins to return to the Lord Jesus Christ. We begin to have our eyes opened that Christ is the one who alone is worthy of praise & all means of worship.

You will know that your relationship with God is in the right place when you most often live in & express consistent thanksgiving for the privileges received. If you whine & complain most often then…

II. Grace Applied Means Life is Full of the Second Chance of Growth (vs. 17,18)

“ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. ”

A. To understand this properly, you need to understand that “the law” is reference to what we know as the first 5 books of the Old Testament. These foundational books of the OT are known primarily for their written law, rule keeping & strict adherence to many different cultural & divine directives.

to say that the OT & NT give contrary perspectives to how the life of a believer is lived out is an understatement! OT equals law, legality & legalism while the NT emphasizes freedom, grace & living by a few key principles. They are “worlds apart.”

B. While the OT does reference the concept of forgiveness it does not do so in a personal manner. Rather it addresses forgiveness primarily at a national level, accomplished through fulfilling the requirements of the law through the Temple or Synagogue. Forgiveness in the NT is applied at a personal level, comes from a graceful God & doesn’t need anyone else to make it become a reality.

This core NT truth speaks to the need of humanity for constant “second chances”. The Christian life is not a guarantee that we will always make the right choice in the various circumstances of life. However, it does mean that there is forgiveness & a fresh start every day!

Implication for Life

So, for the last time during this Christmas season, I ask you: have you received the source of life, truth & grace, Jesus Christ? Are you feeling the need to know – in reality – the source of the second chance in life? Do you recognize all that you can have in Jesus Christ?

I plead with you today to seek him while he may be found. There will not always be a time convenient to your schedule to consider the person of Jesus Christ … life is unpredictable…

The First Coming I: Life

John 1:1-5
A. Background & Comments:

• If someone was to ask you today, ‘What would make your life better?’, what might be your answer? In my observation of culture & media this week, there are several answers that I could give to the question:

more than one wife at a time with multitudes of children;
a Chevy Cruze… because I deserve it;
the $50 million won by the couple in Ontario;
the Children’s Hospital Lottery Home at Morgan Creek;
the lawn at the VAG returned to public use(!);
• the more stressed & chaotic our world gets, the more lost & craving of satisfaction the population expresses, the more we descend into relativism without moral absolutes to guide us… the more grateful I am for Jesus Christ! I believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he provides the answers that humanity seeks, even if we are unwilling to accept the responses.

• the passage we read today speaks to the truth that Jesus Christ taught when he said, “I have come so that you might have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) This was not a statement regarding the length of years we might have but an overarching statement about the quality of life we might experience… and in the hereafter.

B. Main Thought:

This passage speaks to the quality of life that each believer can expect when fully responding to the first coming of Jesus Christ.

C. Key Question:

What difference does Jesus Christ make to my life, especially in how I act & think?

The two key “quality of life enhancements” that make a real difference to how I will live are:

I. Life is Enriched by a Firm Foundation for Thought & Behavior (vs. 1-3)

“ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

A. To understand this passage correctly, replace “Word” with “Jesus Christ”. This passage makes several claims that have meaning for our lives & understanding of Jesus Christ:

the “Word” (Jesus Christ) is divine & eternal;
the “Word” was part of the act of initial Creation;
the “Word” is empowered to act in human affairs;

B. Turning to the OT book of Judges 21 we see a brief, yet insightful response by the author to that point in Israel’s history:

“At that time the Israelites left that place and went home to their tribes and clans, each to his own inheritance. In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.”

The clear, unadulterated message in these verses is that Israel was without any foundation & chaos ruled in the land. Thus, without any moral foundation for thought & behavior, the population was without limit as to what might be done. It should be noted that this sense of being lost & chaos always hits the family structure first. (See Judges 21:20-23)

It is vital for Christians to understand these claims, as well as understand that the world around us is without foundation! We have been given a fantastic foundation for life in Christ that means:
Created with meaning & purpose;
Valued by our Creator;
Life has meaning, activity has purpose;
Wrongs will be made right… eventually.

II. Life is Enriched by Unusual Insight Regarding God & Humanity (vs. 4,5)

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

A. The passage goes on to claim that the life given to the world in Jesus Christ is illuminating. That life helps us to understand our truest nature, our rescue in Jesus Christ & hope for the future, wherever we are in life’s journey. It pre-supposes that the world is in darkness, that humanity finds itself in a moral vortex, without meaning & without hope.

When Christ comes into your life, there is suddenly a sense of clarity about who you are & where you’re going. That’s why we call him…

B. These insights about Christ are not self-initiated or somehow deserved due to good behavior. The Bible teaches from beginning to end that God has revealed himself in the form of Jesus Christ. God sent his Son in human form so that we could know exactly what God looks like! There can be no mistake… Jesus Christ is the one and only good news. Hebrews 1:1-3:

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things,

and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

Implications for Life

A. At this Christmas time, it is important to stop & evaluate our lives. We need to understand that due to the reality of most people feeling lost & alone, there will be an excessive amount of “investment” in trying to “feel good” through:

consumerism & “retail therapy”;
substance abuse & escapism;
incessant activity & “keeping busy”;
constant public, religious acts.

If you want to have a sense of well-being, give yourself to quiet reflection & acceptance of Jesus Christ’ claims. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10). Do not surrender to the same tired pattern of doing what has always been done before.

B. The second coming of Jesus Christ is intended to bring judgment & correction to a world gone wrong. The first coming of Jesus Christ is intended to bring genuine meaning, encouragement & hope to life. What have you dome to truly respond to this truth? Is your life any better because of it?

Viva la Vida IV Overcoming Selfishness

Philippians 1:15-18

A. Background & Comments:

• over the last number of weeks, in response to the question of what it is for the Christians to Viva la Vida (Live the Life), we have established to “live the life” primarily means, according to the Apostle Paul, that we can:

Overcome Chains (Phil. 1:7-11)
Overcome Fears (Phil. 1:12-14)
Overcome Ingratitude (Phil. 1:3-6)
• In essence, Paul teaches in this rich chapter of Philippians 1, that Christians who are sincerely intent on “living the life”, need to be known as purposeful & joyful in being an “over-comer”. In this regard, we are truly one of two things: either spectators or participants. Either we are truly engaged in overcoming life’s challenges or we are simply going along for the ride.

• today, we move on to the fourth characteristic of a Christian who is living the life that Christ intends for us, once again from the same chapter of the Bible. The focus of this passage today is that through a few practical steps – changing the primary attitudes & thoughts of life – we can be changed from the inside out! We are not eternally cursed & destined to be “owned” by selfishness or self-centered thinking.

B. Main Thought:

In these verses we see two clear mental & attitudinal steps we can take to be people who are able to overcome a self-centered attitude & thought pattern.
C. Key Question:

What are the steps I need to take to be freed from selfishness & a pre-occupation with “me” & “mine”?

There are two key principles that help us overcome the power of a selfish attitude & life:

I. Selfish Living: Defeat by Accepting Purpose in Life & Faith (vs. 15, 16)

“ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.”

A. After Paul went into prison for preaching the gospel, some new leaders in the New Testament church came along & their motives for leading were questionable or outright wrongly placed. There were still others, however, that were rightly motivated by love for God & people. This last group – including Paul himself – had accepted that his role & even imprisonment were intended for the defense of Christ’s message.

There was a clear acceptance of the purpose of Paul’s life & even the negative events in his life. This acceptance helps all make sense of the incomprehensible. Even though it cost Paul tremendously, he lived a confident & satisfied life because knew his purpose, without question.

B. Some of you might be saying, “What does accepting my purpose have to do with defeating selfishness?” When a Christian aligns him or her self with the will of God, we begin to walk away from our own selfish plans & self-centeredness. We begin to fulfill the words of Christ in Mark 8 when he said:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

Human nature is often given to fighting the purposes of God, inserting our own “wisdom” in all matters of life.
One of the key questions the Christian must ask of God is, “What do You want me to do with my life?”

II. Selfish Living: Defeat by Focusing on Core Issues of Life & Faith (vs. 17, 18)

“ The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”
A. Paul could have spent his time expressing frustration at the mixed motives & bad behavior of those who followed him as leaders in the New Testament church. However, he does quite the opposite: he concentrates on the core issue of getting the message of Christ out to all who would hear it. He didn’t spend his time worrying about the details: the core message & task were all that mattered to him.

B. In the 25 years that I have worked for churches from coast to coast, the biggest reason I have discovered as to why conflict is real in churches, boils down to a stubborn, bitter selfishness in one party or another. Often there has been an unwillingness & failure to understand that the real reason Christians exist is to ensure that the message of Jesus Christ goes out to others.

Like those early church leaders, the emphasis has far too often been whether things “at church” are being done the way I think they should be! A focus on non-essentials guarantees…

Implications for Life

A. Living as an overcoming Christian is important. When we overcome the challenges of life, we give testimony to a God who is also an over-comer. This reality is made most real in the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even though there were people who said it would never happen, God was not limited by their lack of faith… and neither should you!

B. Are there issues in your life where you know – beyond the shadow of a doubt – that you need to defeat a challenge? Are there also people in your life who are expressing doubt about your ability? You serve an overcoming God…
Viva la Vida!

Viva la Vida III: Overcoming Ingratitude

Philippians 1:3-6

A. Background & Comments:

• a few weeks ago I introduced you to a very popular song from a few years ago performed by Coldplay, called Viva la Vida, Latin for “Live the Life”. The happy, upbeat music is contrary to the lyrics, which lament a life of opportunities missed. It is a musically appealing song, however, the words are depressing, hopeless & fearful. It is truly a sad, discouraging song…

• The title & concept of the song are important because they do speak to the very same issue that is addressed in Philippians 1, although from a highly different perspective! While the song is dire & hopeless, Paul addresses the matter from a positive perspective. In essence, he teaches that Christians who are sincerely intent on “living the life” need to be known as purposeful & joyful in being an “over-comer”. In this regard, we are truly one of two things: either spectators or participants.

• over the last weeks before the church anniversary weekend, we established that to “live the life” means that we can:

Overcome Chains (Phil. 1:7-11)
Overcome Fears (Phil. 1:12-14)
• today, we move on to the third characteristic of a Christian who is living the life that Christ intends for us, once again from the same chapter of the Bible. The focus of the passage, as well as this significant holiday weekend, is the celebration & expression of thanksgiving.

B. Main Thought:

In these verses we see two clear practices that help us understand life through the eyes of thanksgiving, further helping us to overcome a life of ingratitude.

C. Key Question:

What are the reasons that Paul is able to overcome ingratitude in his life? Why does he seem so optimistic about life in spite of being in prison?

There are two key principles & practices that bring us to the point of joyfully giving thanks & overcoming ingratitude:

I. Give Thanks: Long Term Partnership in Items That Really Matter (vs. 3-5)

“ I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…”

A. The Apostle Paul is beaming with joy, primarily because he has chosen to appreciate & accept the partnership of the Philippians. In his mind, the partnership of these Christians in the most important task of their lives – sharing the truth of Christ with people around them – is the greatest reason he can think of to give thanks to God. It becomes a daily, regular, habitual act of giving thanks, real heartfelt thanks.

Paul returns in his thinking to the time when he became a Christian on the road to Damascus, recognizing the ongoing contribution of many people to his life & faith…
Who would you give thanks for… right now?
B. Notice that this area of his life is core to his being! Paul is not talking about some peripheral area of life. He is talking about issues that are central to his life & well being… these are front & centre in his mind. No one is more important to your life than those close to you, who feed your love for Christ & give you the encouragement you need to continue.

Often we are guilty of saying a courteous “thank you” to people in the check-out line, but neglect to express deeper thanks to the most important people in our lives! These are the people who are central…

II. Give Thanks: Confidence in God’s Underlying Work in Life (vs. 6)

“… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

A. Notice in the second place that Paul is driven to be thankful because of the confidence he feels in God’s presence & activity in his life. God is not just some “out there” experience but an intimate, real, meaningful part of his life! He can feel & express thanksgiving in life because he senses a difference in his character, transforming him from a mean-spirited Pharisee to a disciple of Jesus Christ.

B. Some of the most miserable people you will ever meet are those who find no joy to life. Why? Frequently they are those who are not hopeful, nor confident that there is any significant meaning nor activity in life. Sometimes these people are atheists, pagans or – sadly – professing Christians.

Are you confident in the works of God in your life? Or, do you practically believe that every good & perfect thing in your life is by chance or your own doing? Seriously…

Implications for Life

A. If you sense that your life is characterized more by ingratitude than gratitude, then today would be the perfect day to start overcoming that. The principles & practices laid out in this passage are a great place to start the process of change.
B. Not to be simplistic but this matter boils down to what lens we are going to choose to see life through. Will your life be marked as a person who is thankful to God & gives thanks regularly? Or, perhaps your life will be marked by a whiny & complaining spirit, expressed ingratitude about what is “rightfully mine”? Really, it’s a simple choice….

Philippians 1:12-14

A. Background & Comments:

• The title & concept, Viva la Vida (Live the Life) are important because they do speak to the very same issue that Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, addresses in Philippians 1: Christians need to be purposeful & joyful in living the Christian life. We are one of two things: either spectators or participants.

• Last week we established that to “live the life” means that we do not need to be held captive by “chains” in our lives, be they mental, emotional, familial, behavioral or vocational.

B. Main Thought:

In these verses we see two clear principles from the example of Paul’s life: adoption of these principles will help us to not be controlled by fear & circumstances.

C. Key Question:

What are the fears that seem to be controlling your life & leave you feeling helpless?

I. (vs. 12,13) Understand the Bigger Picture: Greater Purposes at Work

“ Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”
A. Paul, as established last week, was in jail & bound by chains for the heinous violation of preaching the truth about who Jesus Christ was! He was fearless – charging into situations where others feared to tread – not everyone welcomed that!

B. We are often bound by fear because we only see the short-term consequences of the moment.

II. (vs. 14) Understand the Bigger Picture: Other People Benefit

“ And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.”
A. Paul recognizes that, although he is suffering unjustly, his detention is bringing about good to the other believers who are aware of his circumstances.

Inspiring examples of assertive faith help ours grow…
B. While it may not be of great comfort in the moment, the reality that we can look back at negative circumstances in our lives & see that other’s benefit, helps us manage the fears of life.
Implications for Life

A. We need to pray that God will give us a greater sense of being able to see his purposes at work, behind the scenes & temporary circumstances.

B. In order to be people who “live the life”, we need to invest ourselves in overcoming fears & chains. When we do that, we will be noted by those around us, as living differently, causing people to stop & consider the reasons behind our choices.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Philippians 1:7-11

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX1eJHE1K_s

A. Background & Comments:

• You tube clip by the group, “Coldplay”, entitled “Viva la Vida”.

• The issue the song raises is important for Christians to consider! Paul, the Apostle, raises the very same issue – for Christians to “live the life” – in the book of Philippians.

B. Main Thought:

The Apostle Paul instructs the reader to understand that a life worth living can be experienced through being able to overcome obstacles & fears.
C. Key Question:

What are the fears & obstacles in your life that are keeping you from living the life that God intends for you & that you desperately want?

There are two key principles that the Apostle lays out in this passage that help us overcome the “chains” of life:

I. Defeat Chains: Reject Denial, Depend on Grace (vs. 7,8)

“It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.”

A. Don’t Deny Reality, Recognize It

• Paul writes these words of hope & overcoming in spite of the fact that he writes from jail, imprisoned for being an outspoken representative of Jesus Christ. He doesn’t deny the situation he is in: he recognizes, yet determines to live above the mess.

B. Depend on God’s Grace for Strength to Manage

• How do I access God’s grace?
II. Defeat Chains: Embrace Knowledge, Insight, Discernment (vs. 9-11)

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

A. Paul’s prayer for the Philippians is that they grow in their knowledge, insight & life discernment, both of Christ & the world around them

B. In our culture, the difference between “knowledge” & “discernment” is not often recognized.
Implications for Life

A. If you choose to live a life of defeatism & acceptance of chains, then I guess that’s your choice.

B. The point is this: concentrate on who you are IN CHRIST to live life to the fullest.