Christ's Descent and Ascent: Unity in Diversity
Summary
In Ephesians 4:9-10, Paul presents a profound theological insight into the nature of Christ's work and His position as the head of the church. The passage emphasizes the dual movement of Christ's descent and ascent, illustrating the grand narrative of salvation. Christ's descent into the "lower parts of the earth" is not a reference to hell or the grave, but rather His incarnation—His coming to earth as a man. This descent was necessary for Him to engage in the redemptive work that would ultimately lead to His victorious ascent, where He now reigns supreme, dispensing gifts to His church.
The unity of the church, as Paul argues, is not a uniformity but a unity in diversity, orchestrated by Christ Himself. Each believer receives grace according to the measure of Christ's gift, highlighting the variety within the unity of the church. This diversity is a reflection of the divine order seen in creation, where no two flowers are identical, yet all are part of the same creation.
Paul's exposition of Psalm 68:18, which he applies to Christ, underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, identifying Jesus with Jehovah. This identification is crucial, as it affirms the deity of Christ and His role as the divine victor who has triumphed over all enemies. The imagery of Christ as a conquering hero, leading captivity captive, paints a vivid picture of His victory over sin, death, and the devil.
The sermon also addresses various interpretations of the phrase "lower parts of the earth," ultimately dismissing the notion that it refers to Christ's descent into hell. Instead, it is a metaphorical expression for His incarnation. This understanding aligns with other scriptural references to Christ's descent and ascent, emphasizing His mission to redeem humanity and His subsequent exaltation.
Key Takeaways:
- Unity in Diversity: The church's unity is not about uniformity but about a harmonious diversity orchestrated by Christ. Each believer is uniquely gifted, reflecting the divine order seen in creation. This diversity within unity is a testament to the manifold wisdom of God. [01:56]
- Christ's Descent and Ascent: The descent of Christ refers to His incarnation, His coming to earth to engage in the redemptive work. His ascent, following His victory over sin and death, signifies His exaltation and authority as the head of the church. [10:28]
- Christ as Jehovah: Paul's identification of Christ with Jehovah underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. This affirms the deity of Christ and His role as the divine victor who has triumphed over all enemies. [05:20]
- Victory Over Enemies: Christ's work on the cross was a decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil. His resurrection and ascension are the ultimate demonstration of His triumph, leading captivity captive and bestowing gifts upon His church. [41:46]
- The Drama of Salvation: The narrative of Christ's descent and ascent is a grand drama of salvation. It highlights the necessity of His incarnation and His victorious work, culminating in His exaltation and His ongoing role as the head of the church. [31:34]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 4:9-10
- [01:25] - The Importance of Unity in Diversity
- [03:08] - The Lordship of Christ
- [04:35] - Christ as the Messiah
- [06:47] - Exposition of Psalm 68:18
- [09:01] - The Concept of Ascension and Descent
- [11:36] - The Meaning of "Lower Parts of the Earth"
- [16:11] - Interpretations of Christ's Descent
- [20:06] - The Earth as the "Lower Parts"
- [24:36] - Refuting the Descent into Hell
- [31:34] - The Drama of Salvation
- [35:44] - Christ's Victory Over Enemies
- [41:46] - The Triumph of the Cross
- [47:40] - Christ's Exaltation and Authority
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 4:9-10
- Psalm 68:18
- Philippians 2:5-11
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:9-10, what is the significance of Christ's descent and ascent? How does this relate to His authority as the head of the church? [00:10]
2. How does Paul use Psalm 68:18 to illustrate Christ's victory and His role in the church? [05:08]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the meaning of "the lower parts of the earth" in Ephesians 4:9? How does this interpretation differ from other common interpretations? [11:36]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "unity in diversity" within the church reflect the divine order seen in creation, as discussed in the sermon? [01:56]
2. In what ways does Paul's identification of Christ with Jehovah in Psalm 68:18 affirm the continuity between the Old and New Testaments? [05:20]
3. How does the sermon describe the "drama of salvation" through Christ's descent and ascent, and what implications does this have for understanding His redemptive work? [31:34]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea of "unity in diversity" within your own church community. How can you contribute to this unity while celebrating the diverse gifts of others? [01:56]
2. Consider the significance of Christ's descent to earth. How does His incarnation inspire you to engage in acts of service and humility in your daily life? [10:28]
3. The sermon emphasizes Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil. How can this assurance of victory influence your approach to personal struggles or challenges? [41:46]
4. How does understanding Christ as both fully God and fully man impact your relationship with Him and your view of His role as the head of the church? [48:23]
5. In what ways can you actively participate in the church's mission, knowing that Christ has bestowed gifts upon each believer? How can you identify and use your unique gifts for the benefit of the church community? [46:42]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s portrayal of Christ’s exaltation and authority. How does this understanding shape your worship and devotion to Him? [47:40]
7. How can the narrative of Christ's descent and ascent encourage you to share the message of salvation with others in your life? [31:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Diversity Reflects Divine Wisdom
The unity of the church is a beautiful tapestry woven from the diverse gifts and talents of its members. This diversity is not a sign of division but a reflection of the divine order, much like the variety found in creation. Each believer is uniquely gifted by Christ, contributing to the harmonious whole of the church. This unity in diversity is a testament to the manifold wisdom of God, who orchestrates all things for His glory. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to celebrate and embrace our differences, recognizing that they are part of God's perfect design. [01:56]
Ephesians 4:16 (ESV): "From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts to contribute to the unity and growth of your church community today?
Day 2: Christ's Descent and Ascent: The Path of Redemption
Christ's descent into the "lower parts of the earth" signifies His incarnation, His coming to earth as a man to fulfill the redemptive work. This descent was necessary for Him to engage with humanity and ultimately lead to His victorious ascent. His resurrection and ascension signify His triumph over sin and death, establishing His authority as the head of the church. This grand narrative of salvation highlights the necessity of His incarnation and His ongoing role in the church. [10:28]
Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV): "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and celebrate Christ's victory over sin and death in your daily life?
Day 3: Christ as Jehovah: The Continuity of Scripture
Paul's identification of Christ with Jehovah underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. This connection affirms the deity of Christ and His role as the divine victor who has triumphed over all enemies. By applying Psalm 68:18 to Christ, Paul highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the person of Jesus. This understanding deepens our appreciation of the unity of Scripture and the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan. [05:20]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: How does recognizing Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies impact your understanding of His role in your life?
Day 4: Victory Over Enemies: The Triumph of the Cross
Christ's work on the cross was a decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil. His resurrection and ascension are the ultimate demonstration of His triumph, leading captivity captive and bestowing gifts upon His church. This victory assures us of our freedom from the power of sin and the hope of eternal life. As believers, we are called to live in the light of this victory, confident in the power of the cross to transform our lives and the world around us. [41:46]
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (ESV): "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience the victory of the cross? How can you invite Christ's power into that area today?
Day 5: The Drama of Salvation: Christ's Exaltation and Authority
The narrative of Christ's descent and ascent is a grand drama of salvation, highlighting the necessity of His incarnation and His victorious work. This drama culminates in His exaltation and His ongoing role as the head of the church. As believers, we are invited to participate in this story, living out the implications of Christ's victory in our daily lives. His authority over all things assures us of His sovereign control and His commitment to His church. [31:34]
Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV): "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Reflection: How can you actively acknowledge Christ's authority in your life today, and what steps can you take to align your actions with His lordship?
Quotes
The glory the central Glory of a true Unity is that it is a unity in variety now the scripture is full of this idea and we can think of it in passing this morning think of the great unity in nature and creation there are no two flowers which are identical and yet there is that sameness there is that Unity God is the maker and creator of all. [00:02:08]
The Apostle's answer is that it is to be explained in one way only and that is the lordship of Christ he is the head of the church every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ it's always the same Giver he gives to all and it is because he is the giver and because he gives to all and controls all that though there are variations in the particular gifts and in the persons who receive the gifts nevertheless there is this fundamental Oneness this essential Unity. [00:03:25]
The Apostle therefore conceives of our blessed Lord when he ascended into heaven as a kind of G great Victor a great military Captain who has won a resounding victory over all his enemies and has now gone back to his homeland in a great triumphal procession leading captive these people whom he conquered and delivering and administering his large and his benefits to the acclaiming populous who are standing by and watching the great procession. [00:05:51]
The Apostle argues I therefore prove to you that this statement in Psalm 68:18 is and can only be a reference to our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ so he's not doing violence to the scripture as he applies all this to our Lord there is no other conceivable explanation there is no other possibility it is the only way in which God has ever descended to Earth and again has ascended back into Heavens. [00:11:03]
The Apostle here is describing to us the great drama of Salvation look at it he says I've quoted a verse what's it really saying what it's really saying is this it is telling us of how our Lord has achieved salvation and Redemption and as the mighty Victor is now giving gifts to his people in the church the drama of Salvation. [00:31:37]
Man in sin is a slave of the Devil he's under the Dominion of Satan when this Apostle Paul was given the commission on the road to Damascus by the Lord Jesus Christ to preach the gospel he put it to him to him in these terms I send you he says now to the people and to the Gentiles to open their eyes and to bring them from Darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God. [00:33:12]
The Son of God came into this world in order to conquer this enemy and in order to set the church free Christ came to redeem the church he came to redeem the people out of this bondage out of this captivity out of this tyranny he came with that specific up and he has done it how has he done it listen now that he ascended there he is in glory seated at the right hand of God this morning. [00:35:37]
He left the courts of Heaven what is it but that he first descended I like his way of putting it what is it go back over it he says the Incarnation oh loving wisdom of our God God when all was sin and shame a second Adam to the fight and to the conflict came what is it but that he first descended how can he lead captivity captive until he comes down and deals with the Enemy deals with his captivity. [00:36:43]
He made himself of no reputation still God you see in all his fullness but he laid aside the signs the Insignia the marks the pump the glory of it all he made himself of no reputation he came down Incognito he came down on Earth he took upon himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men he that ascended what is it but that he first descended and there it is he Has Come From The Highest courts of Heaven to the virgin's womb to Earth in the form of a man. [00:38:11]
He became obedient and on and on it goes he never failed he did his father's will the terrible Moment In the Garden comes and he sees what this is going to mean and he says father if it be possible let this cup pass by but if not nevertheless not my will but thine be done obedient yes obedient unto death even the death of the Cross and why did he go there well he went there in order that this Victory might be complete. [00:40:45]
He burst us under the bands of death and Rose triumphant or the grave so when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption and this moral shall have put on immortality then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written death is swallowed up in Victory he's already done it he's conquered death in the grave so that we can say oh death where is thy sting oh grave where is thy Victory. [00:42:40]
He ascends from the earth the disciples were with him and they saw him ascending into heaven he has passed through the heavens and notice how the Apostle puts it he that descended is the same also that has ascended far above all Heavens that he might fill all things what he means you see is this it is because he's done all that that he is where he is Paul puts it in Philippians 2 in these words wherefor because of all that wherefore also God ha highly exalted him and given him a name that is above every name. [00:43:58]
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