Christmas: The Birth of New Creation in Christ

 

Summary

In reflecting on the profound message of Christmas, we delve into the contrast between the first man, Adam, and the second man, Jesus Christ, as articulated in 1 Corinthians 15:47. The birth of Christ marks the beginning of a new creation, a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan. While the Old Testament recounts the first creation, the New Testament heralds the new creation, initiated by the birth of Jesus. This new creation is not merely about the forgiveness of sins but signifies a transformative shift in how God interacts with humanity.

God's method in the new creation is a reversal of the old. In the first creation, God made a perfect world and then placed a perfect man within it. However, in the new creation, God begins with the perfect man, Jesus, and through Him, will ultimately restore the world to its original perfection. This underscores the centrality of Jesus as the representative of a new humanity, contrasting sharply with Adam, whose disobedience brought sin and death into the world.

The first man, Adam, was created from the earth and placed in a perfect world, yet he succumbed to temptation, leading to sin and death. In contrast, Jesus, the second man, came from heaven into a world marred by sin and imperfection. Despite facing temptation, He remained sinless, embodying perfect obedience and righteousness. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus undoes the damage wrought by Adam, offering life and immortality to all who believe in Him.

This new creation is not just a future hope but a present reality for believers. Those who are in Christ are part of this new humanity, destined to be transformed into His likeness. The ultimate promise is a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, and believers will reign with Christ in eternal glory. This is the profound hope and joy of Christmas, the assurance that through Jesus, God is making all things new.

Key Takeaways:

- The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of a new creation, a transformative shift in God's redemptive plan, contrasting the old creation with the new. This new creation is not just about forgiveness but signifies a new way God interacts with humanity through Jesus, the second man. [02:07]

- God's method in the new creation reverses the old: starting with the perfect man, Jesus, and through Him, restoring the world to its original perfection. This highlights Jesus as the representative of a new humanity, contrasting with Adam's disobedience. [09:43]

- Jesus, unlike Adam, came from heaven into a sinful world and remained sinless despite temptation. His perfect obedience and righteousness undo the damage caused by Adam, offering life and immortality to believers. [23:17]

- The new creation is a present reality for believers, who are part of a new humanity in Christ, destined to be transformed into His likeness. This transformation is ongoing, leading to a future where believers will reign with Christ in eternal glory. [31:14]

- The ultimate promise of the new creation is a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, and believers will enjoy eternal glory with Christ. This is the profound hope and joy of Christmas, the assurance that through Jesus, God is making all things new. [32:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 15:47
- [01:11] - The Message of Christmas
- [02:07] - Beginning of the New Creation
- [03:33] - God's Dealings Through Man
- [04:41] - The Second Man: Jesus
- [06:11] - The Glory of the Second Man
- [08:14] - God's Reversed Method
- [09:43] - Perfect Man to Perfect World
- [11:13] - The Essential Difference
- [12:10] - The Eternal Existence of Jesus
- [13:35] - The Creator, Not Created
- [15:03] - Earthly vs. Heavenly Origin
- [17:21] - The Image of God
- [20:21] - The Failure of the First Man
- [22:29] - The Triumph of the Second Man
- [25:19] - Righteousness Through Jesus
- [28:12] - Peace and Joy in Christ
- [30:04] - Life and Immortality
- [32:01] - The New Humanity
- [33:36] - The Promise of a New World

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 15:45-49

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the key differences between the first man, Adam, and the second man, Jesus, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:47? [00:12]

2. How does the sermon describe the method God used in the first creation compared to the new creation? [09:43]

3. What role does Jesus play in the new creation according to the sermon? [31:14]

4. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus' sinless life in contrast to Adam's disobedience? [23:17]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of Jesus as the "second man" change the way believers understand their identity in Christ? [31:14]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the new creation is a present reality for believers, not just a future hope? [31:14]

3. How does the sermon illustrate the transformative shift in God's redemptive plan through Jesus' birth? [02:07]

4. What does the sermon imply about the ultimate promise of a new heaven and a new earth for believers? [32:19]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea that Jesus' birth marks the beginning of a new creation. How does this perspective influence your understanding of Christmas? [02:07]

2. The sermon highlights Jesus' perfect obedience. In what areas of your life do you feel called to pursue greater obedience to God? [23:17]

3. Consider the present reality of being part of a new humanity in Christ. How can this truth impact your daily interactions and decisions? [31:14]

4. The sermon contrasts the old creation with the new. How can you actively participate in God's work of restoration in your community? [09:43]

5. Reflect on the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. How does this hope shape your perspective on current challenges and struggles? [32:19]

6. The sermon mentions the joy and peace that Jesus offers. What practical steps can you take to experience more of this joy and peace in your life? [28:12]

7. How can you share the profound hope and joy of Christmas with others in a way that highlights the transformative power of Jesus' birth? [32:19]

Devotional

Day 1: The New Creation Begins with Jesus
The birth of Jesus signifies the dawn of a new creation, a transformative shift in God's redemptive plan. Unlike the old creation, which began with a perfect world, the new creation starts with the perfect man, Jesus Christ. This marks a new way God interacts with humanity, not just through the forgiveness of sins but through a profound transformation that begins with Jesus and extends to all who believe in Him. This new creation is a present reality for believers, who are part of this new humanity in Christ. [02:07]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: In what ways can you perceive God doing a new thing in your life today, and how can you participate in this new creation?


Day 2: Jesus as the Perfect Man Restores Creation
God's method in the new creation reverses the old: He begins with the perfect man, Jesus, and through Him, will restore the world to its original perfection. This highlights Jesus as the representative of a new humanity, contrasting with Adam's disobedience. While Adam's actions brought sin and death, Jesus' life, death, and resurrection bring life and immortality to all who believe. This reversal underscores the centrality of Jesus in God's plan to redeem and restore creation. [09:43]

Romans 5:18-19 (ESV): "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous."

Reflection: How can you embody the obedience of Jesus in your daily life, and what impact might this have on those around you?


Day 3: Jesus' Sinless Life Offers Redemption
Jesus, unlike Adam, came from heaven into a sinful world and remained sinless despite temptation. His perfect obedience and righteousness undo the damage caused by Adam, offering life and immortality to believers. This profound truth assures us that through Jesus, we are redeemed and restored to a right relationship with God. His life serves as a model for us to follow, demonstrating that it is possible to live a life pleasing to God even in a world marred by sin. [23:17]

Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: What temptations are you currently facing, and how can you draw on Jesus' example and strength to overcome them?


Day 4: The Present Reality of the New Creation
The new creation is not just a future hope but a present reality for believers. Those who are in Christ are part of this new humanity, destined to be transformed into His likeness. This transformation is ongoing, leading to a future where believers will reign with Christ in eternal glory. As we live in this present reality, we are called to reflect the character of Christ in our daily lives, participating in God's work of making all things new. [31:14]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you reflect the character of Christ in your interactions with others today?


Day 5: The Promise of a New Heaven and Earth
The ultimate promise of the new creation is a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, and believers will enjoy eternal glory with Christ. This is the profound hope and joy of Christmas, the assurance that through Jesus, God is making all things new. As we anticipate this future reality, we are encouraged to live with hope and joy, knowing that our present struggles are temporary and that God's ultimate plan is one of restoration and renewal. [32:19]

Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV): "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"

Reflection: How does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth influence your perspective on current challenges and your hope for the future?

Quotes


Bethlehem I say is the beginning of the new creation. We very rightly divide our Bible into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Now, the Old Testament is the book in which we have an account of the first creation, what we may call the old creation. The New Testament is the book in which we have an account of the second creation, the new creation. [00:02:52]

God dealt with the old world, the old creation, through a man. Adam was not only the first man, he was the representative man and the representative of men, and God dealt with Mankind in and through Adam. The great point which we must grasp as we contemplate what happened at Bethlehem is this: that God is here producing a second man. [00:04:16]

In the first creation, God first of all made and created a perfect world: the heavens and the Earth, the vegetation and the Animals, everything. He made a perfect world. Then, having made a perfect world, he made a perfect man and put him into the perfect world. That was God's method in the first creation. [00:08:56]

In the second creation, God has reversed the order completely. What he now has done is this: he starts the process of the second Creation with the perfect man, and he's going to end by producing the perfect world. Now, a hymn, one of the hymns we've sung this morning, has got this point. [00:09:34]

The second man, the last Adam, has come into this world as it is, and he's going to work in it, and we to follow in his steps and trace them until he shall have restored the universe to its original condition of perfection. That's the end of the new creation. There will be a new heavens and a new Earth. [00:10:39]

The first man was created. That's what you get in the record: let us make man. So he created man in his own image. The first man was a created being. The second man was not created. He is the firstborn of all creation, which means that he was born before anything was created. [00:13:31]

The first man is a man and nothing more. He's made of the Earth, but God makes him after his own image and likeness. There's a kind of pattern which is implied for man. He wasn't God; he wasn't a semi-god; he was nothing but man. But God, in order to glorify man and in order to give him an exalted position, put into him and upon him something of his own being and person. [00:15:43]

The first man was put into a perfect world. God made everything, and he looked at it, and he saw that it was good. There was no defect, there was no blemish, there was nothing wrong in that original creation. There were no Thorns, there were no Briars, there were no pestilences, there were no diseases, there was no sin, there was no sorrow. [00:17:39]

The second man came into such a world. What a contrast! He didn't come into paradise and into perfection. He came into the world such as you and I know it to be and such as man has made it to be. And the first man, you see, placed in Paradise, he didn't have any work to do. [00:19:27]

The first man failed. He was a failure, though he'd been made perfect and in the image and likeness of God and had Perfection round and about him. He failed, and he failed miserably and lamentably. He was guilty of an offense, the offense of rebellion against God and transgression of his holy law, and thus he became guilty of sin. [00:21:12]

The second man, he was able to say this, and this is why he came. He said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into judgment or condemnation but is passed from Death unto life." [00:26:42]

In this babe of Bethlehem, God has not only produced a second perfect man, the Lord From Heaven, in and through him he's making a new race of men, and we shall finally be perfect. And then this son of God will come back again, and he will destroy all his enemies. [00:31:53]

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