Defending the Deity of Christ: A Faith Foundation

Summary

In today's gathering, we delved into the profound truth of Jesus Christ's deity, a foundational belief that is increasingly under attack. The Apostle John faced similar challenges 2,000 years ago, prompting him to write his Gospel to affirm Jesus as God incarnate. Today, we must be equipped with Scripture to defend this truth against modern misconceptions that equate divinity with deity. Many religions claim their leaders are divine but not God, which dilutes the unique deity of Christ. Understanding Jesus as God in the flesh is crucial for our faith and worldview.

We explored the pivotal question Jesus asked the Pharisees: "What think ye of Christ?" Our answer to this question shapes our entire perspective on life. A correct understanding of Jesus as God ensures a solid foundation in faith, while a misunderstanding leads to spiritual instability. To stand firm against deception, we must know Scripture personally, not just rely on others' interpretations.

We examined the attributes that affirm Jesus' deity: omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, eternality, and immutability. These attributes, along with His roles as Creator, Preserver, Forgiver of sins, Raiser of the dead, Transformer of bodies, Judge, and Bestower of eternal life, confirm His divine nature. Jesus fulfills these roles, proving His deity through Scripture.

Moreover, we discussed the humanity of Jesus, emphasizing His identification with us. Unlike Adam, who appeared fully formed, Jesus was born, had parents, and a lineage, making Him relatable. His limitations as a man, such as fatigue and limited knowledge, highlight His genuine humanity. Yet, as God, He possesses all knowledge and power.

In closing, we are reminded of the importance of a personal encounter with Christ, as Peter experienced. This encounter, revealed by the Holy Spirit, is essential for a steadfast faith. Let us be rooted in Scripture, allowing it to transform our lives and deepen our understanding of Jesus as both God and man.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Deity of Christ: Understanding Jesus as God in the flesh is crucial for our faith. This truth is under attack, and we must be equipped with Scripture to defend it. Knowing Jesus as God shapes our worldview and ensures a solid foundation in faith. [01:46]

2. The Importance of Scripture: To stand firm against deception, we must know Scripture personally. Relying on others' interpretations can lead to spiritual instability. A personal encounter with Christ, revealed by the Holy Spirit, is essential for a steadfast faith. [05:24]

3. Attributes of Deity: Jesus' omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, eternality, and immutability confirm His divine nature. These attributes, along with His roles as Creator, Preserver, Forgiver, Raiser of the dead, Transformer, Judge, and Bestower of eternal life, affirm His deity. [16:00]

4. Humanity of Christ: Jesus' humanity makes Him relatable. Unlike Adam, Jesus was born, had parents, and a lineage. His limitations as a man highlight His genuine humanity, yet as God, He possesses all knowledge and power. [53:19]

5. Personal Encounter with Christ: A personal encounter with Jesus, as Peter experienced, is key to a steadfast faith. This encounter, revealed by the Holy Spirit, transforms our lives and deepens our understanding of Jesus as both God and man. [08:58]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:46] - The Deity of Christ
- [03:25] - The Importance of Scripture
- [04:29] - The Question of Christ's Identity
- [05:24] - Knowing Scripture Personally
- [08:58] - Peter's Revelation
- [12:50] - Public Acknowledgment of Christ
- [13:54] - The Foundation of Faith
- [14:59] - Attributes of Deity
- [16:00] - Omnipresence and Eternity
- [21:01] - Omniscience of Christ
- [22:34] - Eternal Nature of Christ
- [24:29] - Humanity and Divinity
- [27:36] - Offices of God
- [30:33] - Jesus as Creator and Preserver
- [35:08] - Resurrection and Transformation
- [46:40] - Our Future Glorious Bodies
- [48:31] - Judgment and Eternal Life
- [49:55] - Closing Thoughts on Humanity

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:1-14
2. Matthew 22:41-42
3. Philippians 2:5-11

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Observation Questions:

1. What question did Jesus ask the Pharisees in Matthew 22:41-42, and why is it considered significant? [04:29]

2. According to the sermon, what are the five attributes that affirm Jesus' deity? [14:59]

3. How does the sermon describe the humanity of Jesus, and why is it important for us to relate to Him? [53:19]

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in revealing the true identity of Jesus, according to the sermon? [08:58]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding Jesus as both God and man impact a believer's faith and worldview? [01:46]

2. Why is it crucial for believers to have a personal encounter with Christ, as mentioned in the sermon? [08:58]

3. In what ways do the attributes of Jesus' deity (omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, eternality, and immutability) provide assurance to believers? [16:00]

4. How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to modern misconceptions about Jesus' divinity? [01:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal understanding of Jesus' deity. How does this understanding influence your daily life and decisions? [01:46]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing Scripture personally. What steps can you take to deepen your personal study of the Bible this week? [05:24]

3. Consider a time when you faced spiritual instability. How might a deeper understanding of Jesus' humanity and deity have provided you with a firmer foundation? [53:19]

4. How can you cultivate a personal encounter with Christ in your life, similar to Peter's experience? What practices or habits might help facilitate this encounter? [08:58]

5. Identify one attribute of Jesus' deity that you find most reassuring. How can you remind yourself of this attribute during challenging times? [16:00]

6. Think about a misconception about Jesus' divinity that you have encountered. How can you use Scripture to address and clarify this misconception for others? [01:46]

7. Reflect on the humanity of Jesus and His relatability. How does this aspect of His nature encourage you in your own struggles and limitations? [53:19]

Devotional

Day 1: The Unique Deity of Christ
Understanding Jesus as God in the flesh is foundational to Christian faith. This truth is often challenged by modern misconceptions that equate divinity with deity, diluting the unique nature of Christ. Many religions claim their leaders are divine but not God, which undermines the distinct deity of Jesus. Recognizing Jesus as God incarnate shapes our worldview and ensures a solid foundation in faith. To defend this truth, we must be equipped with Scripture, as the Apostle John did when he wrote his Gospel to affirm Jesus' divine nature. [01:46]

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3, ESV)

Reflection: How does your understanding of Jesus as God influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?

Day 2: The Power of Personal Scripture Engagement
To stand firm against deception, it is crucial to know Scripture personally rather than relying solely on others' interpretations. A personal encounter with Christ, revealed by the Holy Spirit, is essential for a steadfast faith. This personal engagement with Scripture allows for a deeper understanding and a more resilient faith, preventing spiritual instability. By immersing ourselves in the Word, we can discern truth from falsehood and remain grounded in our beliefs. [05:24]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your personal engagement with Scripture and allow it to guide your life?

Day 3: Attributes Affirming Christ's Deity
Jesus' divine nature is confirmed through His attributes: omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, eternality, and immutability. These attributes, along with His roles as Creator, Preserver, Forgiver of sins, Raiser of the dead, Transformer of bodies, Judge, and Bestower of eternal life, affirm His deity. Understanding these attributes helps us grasp the magnitude of who Jesus is and the power He holds. This knowledge strengthens our faith and assures us of His divine authority and presence in our lives. [16:00]

"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." (Colossians 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: Which attribute of Jesus' deity resonates most with you today, and how can it impact your faith journey?

Day 4: The Relatable Humanity of Christ
Jesus' humanity makes Him relatable to us. Unlike Adam, who appeared fully formed, Jesus was born, had parents, and a lineage, making Him accessible and understandable. His limitations as a man, such as fatigue and limited knowledge, highlight His genuine humanity. Yet, as God, He possesses all knowledge and power. This dual nature of Christ allows us to connect with Him on a personal level, knowing He understands our struggles and experiences. [53:19]

"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." (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing Jesus experienced human limitations and emotions encourage you in your current challenges?

Day 5: The Transformative Encounter with Christ
A personal encounter with Jesus, as Peter experienced, is key to a steadfast faith. This encounter, revealed by the Holy Spirit, transforms our lives and deepens our understanding of Jesus as both God and man. Such an encounter is not just a one-time event but a continual relationship that shapes our faith and actions. By seeking a personal relationship with Christ, we allow His presence to guide and transform us daily. [08:58]

"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus today?

Quotes

1) "What think ye of Christ? Who is he? And when our view is right on the answer to that question, what think ye of Christ? Who is he? And when you have the right view, on who he is, you'll have the right view on everything in life. And when you have the wrong view on who he is, you'll have the wrong view on everything in life. So you need to really know that you know, that you know the answer. From scripture. Not from what someone said about him. From scripture. That's very important, you see. And a lot of people today, sadly, don't know scripture. They know what somebody says about it, but they don't know scripture." [05:24] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "So today a lot of people are walking away from the faith many reasons probably for why but it comes down to one question why would anyone walk away if he was well -granted on this one blessed answer that he is God Almighty in the flesh and have they really ever had a face to face encounter with him a lot of people have come to the altars in this church in our Crusades and wanted to repent and receive Jesus but some of of them didn't really remain in the faith. Why? Well, there's four reasons why. The Lord said in Matthew, if you all recall, whom do men say that I am? Same question back to this thing here. Whom do they say that I am? Well, Lord, they say you're John the Baptist risen from the dead or another prophet. Who do you say I am? Ah, that's the thing. Who do you say? And Peter said." [08:58] (77 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "For God to be God, He must forgive sins. Now these are offices, offices, not attributes. For God to be God, He must raise the dead. Number five, for God to be God, He must transform bodies. Number six, for God to be God, He must be the judge of all men. Number seven, for God to be God, He must bestow life eternal. He must give life eternal to others or otherwise He's not God. So does Jesus fit all these? Does He fit? Of course He does, but I want to give you a scripture, a scripture, not my opinion, the Bible, the Bible, the Bible. It's all about the Bible." [28:33] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead as a man. As a man. As a man who knew how to pray. Peter raised Tabitha from the dead in Jesus' name. Elijah raised the dead, but he's not God. But this says something different than what happened with Elijah and Peter. It says here that the Father's will... That Jesus would lose nothing and raise it up again at the last day. That's the whole church. That this is the will of him that sent me, every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have what everlasting life. Tabitha was raised from the dead and then died again. So did Lazarus. Which means the raising of the dead. The raising of Lazarus from the dead is not the same as what we are just reading now. because he didn't stay alive. Only God can fulfill what we just read." [35:53] (80 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "I said to Michelle today, I said Michelle that body of your mommy was her prison. She got so that body got so old she had to be free from that prison. I said that's what Paul says in 2nd Corinthians 5. Oh that I can be free from this tabernacle. Oh how I wish I can have my new tabernacle now. And he said this is God puts that in us. I said do you also realize that that dead body is the seed for the new one? She said say it again. I said Paul says it is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. I said that body has got to go to the grave to be raised again. I said this seed will will one day bring forth a new body. I said without death there is no resurrection." [41:48] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "For God to be God, He must be Creator. The Bible is clear in John 1, verse 3. By him all things were made. And without him nothing was made that's made. He is God Almighty. I'm going to show you other scriptures in just a second that I think will bless you. But I just want to deal right now with his attributes and his offices. For God to be God, he must be preserver. Hebrews chapter 1, verse 3. He upholds all things by the word of his power. In him we live and move and have our being. But think about Hebrews 1, verse 3. He holds all things by the word of his power. I love that scripture. Who being the brightness of his glory." [31:20] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "And then judgment. He will judge. 2 Timothy 4 verse 1 please. 2 Timothy 4 verse 1. I'm almost done now. Oh Lord I give you praise for what you're about to do for the people here. I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. That's what the Bible says. He is the judge of all men. In John chapter 5 verse 22 and 23 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son of the Son He's the judge." [48:31] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?