Embracing Christ's Humble Birth and Glorious Return

 

Summary

In this evening's reflection, we delve into the profound truths found in Paul's epistle to Titus, specifically focusing on the grace of God that brings salvation and the anticipation of Christ's glorious return. This season, often referred to as Advent or Christmas, is not merely a time for vague sentiments but a period rich with specific lessons for humanity. Christianity stands apart from other religions and philosophies because it is rooted in historical events, not just ideas or viewpoints. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is a historical fact, a tangible event that underscores the reality of our faith.

The essence of Christianity is encapsulated in the person of Jesus Christ and His appearances in this world. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of viewing Christ's first and second comings as a unified whole. Many tend to focus on isolated aspects of Christ's life—His birth, teachings, death, or resurrection—without seeing the complete picture. However, the gospel message is about the entirety of Christ's work, from His humble birth to His anticipated return in glory.

The first coming of Christ was marked by humility and lowliness. Born in a stable, He lived a life of poverty and was often misunderstood and rejected. Yet, through His life, death, and resurrection, He accomplished the purpose of bringing salvation to humanity. This salvation is not just a message but a historical reality made possible through His sacrificial actions.

As we celebrate Christmas, we are called to look back at Christ's first coming and all that He accomplished. But equally, we are urged to look forward to His second coming, which will be marked by glory and majesty. This future event will bring an end to the current age and usher in a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells. The message of Christmas is a call to embrace the full scope of Christ's work and to live in anticipation of His return.

Key Takeaways:

- Christianity is unique in its historical foundation, rooted in real events like the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, which affirms the reality of our faith. This historical basis distinguishes it from other religions and philosophies that are often based on abstract ideas. [03:34]

- The essence of Christianity is found in the person of Jesus Christ and His appearances in the world. His first coming was marked by humility, while His second coming will be characterized by glory. Both events are integral to understanding the full message of the gospel. [08:31]

- Many people focus on isolated aspects of Christ's life, such as His birth or teachings, without seeing the complete picture. The gospel message is about the entirety of Christ's work, from His humble birth to His anticipated return in glory. [10:20]

- The first coming of Christ was marked by humility and lowliness, yet through His life, death, and resurrection, He accomplished the purpose of bringing salvation to humanity. This salvation is a historical reality made possible through His sacrificial actions. [28:13]

- As we celebrate Christmas, we are called to look back at Christ's first coming and all that He accomplished. Equally, we are urged to look forward to His second coming, which will bring an end to the current age and usher in a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells. [34:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Titus 2:11-14
- [01:20] - The Grace of God Appearing
- [02:39] - Historical Character of Christianity
- [04:48] - Salvation Through Historical Events
- [06:03] - The Identity of the Babe in Bethlehem
- [07:51] - The Two Appearances of Christ
- [09:24] - The Importance of Viewing Christ's Work as a Whole
- [13:51] - The First Coming: Humility and Purpose
- [17:13] - The Message of Christmas: Looking Back
- [28:13] - The Purpose of Christ's First Coming
- [33:32] - The Message of Christmas: Looking Forward
- [35:19] - The Second Coming: Glory and Judgment
- [42:28] - Every Eye Shall See Him
- [48:00] - The Blessed Hope and New Creation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Titus 2:11-14

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean by "the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" in Titus 2:11? How does this relate to the historical events of Jesus' life? [00:13]

2. How does the sermon describe the contrast between the first and second comings of Christ? What are the key differences highlighted? [35:19]

3. According to the sermon, why is it important to view Christ's first and second comings as a unified whole rather than isolated events? [09:24]

4. What are some of the specific historical events mentioned in the sermon that underscore the reality of the Christian faith? [03:34]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the historical foundation of Christianity, as emphasized in the sermon, impact the way believers understand their faith compared to other religions or philosophies? [03:34]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the humility of Christ's first coming is essential for understanding the purpose of His mission? [18:46]

3. How does the anticipation of Christ's second coming influence the way Christians are called to live in the present, according to the sermon? [34:18]

4. What does the sermon imply about the significance of Christ's sacrificial actions in bringing salvation to humanity? How does this shape the Christian understanding of grace? [28:13]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the historical events of Jesus' life mentioned in the sermon. How do these events strengthen your personal faith, and how can you share this historical foundation with others? [03:34]

2. The sermon emphasizes the humility of Christ's first coming. How can you embody humility in your daily life, especially during the Christmas season? [18:46]

3. As we look forward to Christ's second coming, what specific actions can you take to live in anticipation of His return? How does this anticipation affect your daily decisions? [34:18]

4. The sermon calls us to view Christ's work as a whole. How can you ensure that your understanding of Jesus encompasses His entire mission, from birth to anticipated return? [09:24]

5. Consider the message of salvation as a historical reality. How does this perspective change the way you approach sharing the gospel with others? [28:13]

6. The sermon highlights the importance of looking back at Christ's first coming and forward to His second. How can you incorporate this dual focus into your spiritual practices during Advent? [33:32]

7. How does the sermon challenge you to rethink any isolated views you may have of Christ's life and work? What steps can you take to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the gospel message? [10:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Christianity's Historical Foundation

Christianity is distinct in its historical foundation, rooted in real events such as the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. This historical basis affirms the reality of the Christian faith, setting it apart from other religions and philosophies that are often based on abstract ideas. The birth of Jesus is not just a story or a myth; it is a documented event that took place in a specific time and place, providing a tangible anchor for believers. This historical reality is crucial because it means that the teachings and promises of Christianity are grounded in actual occurrences, not merely philosophical musings. Understanding this helps believers to see their faith as something solid and reliable, not just a set of ideas or beliefs. [03:34]

Titus 2:11-14 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Reflection: Consider a historical event in your life that has shaped your faith. How does the historical reality of Jesus' birth strengthen your belief in the promises of Christianity today?


Day 2: The Unified Work of Christ
The essence of Christianity is found in the person of Jesus Christ and His appearances in the world. His first coming was marked by humility, while His second coming will be characterized by glory. Both events are integral to understanding the full message of the gospel. Many people tend to focus on isolated aspects of Christ's life, such as His birth or teachings, without seeing the complete picture. However, the gospel message is about the entirety of Christ's work, from His humble birth to His anticipated return in glory. This comprehensive view helps believers to appreciate the full scope of what Christ has done and will do, encouraging them to live in light of both His past and future work. [08:31]

Hebrews 9:28 (ESV): "So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."

Reflection: Reflect on how you can live today in anticipation of Christ's return. What changes might you make in your daily life to align more closely with the full scope of Christ's work?


Day 3: The Complete Gospel Message
Many people focus on isolated aspects of Christ's life, such as His birth or teachings, without seeing the complete picture. The gospel message is about the entirety of Christ's work, from His humble birth to His anticipated return in glory. This holistic understanding of the gospel encourages believers to embrace the full narrative of Christ's life and mission. By doing so, they can better appreciate the depth and breadth of His love and sacrifice, and be inspired to live lives that reflect His teachings and example. This comprehensive view of the gospel also helps believers to remain grounded in their faith, as they see how each part of Christ's life and work fits together to form a cohesive and powerful message. [10:20]

Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Reflection: Identify one aspect of Christ's life that you tend to focus on more than others. How can you broaden your understanding to include the full scope of His work?


Day 4: Salvation as Historical Reality
The first coming of Christ was marked by humility and lowliness, yet through His life, death, and resurrection, He accomplished the purpose of bringing salvation to humanity. This salvation is a historical reality made possible through His sacrificial actions. Understanding salvation as a historical event helps believers to see it as something concrete and assured, not just a hopeful idea. It underscores the fact that Jesus' sacrifice was a real event with real implications for humanity, offering a tangible hope and assurance to those who believe. This perspective encourages believers to live with confidence in their salvation, knowing that it is grounded in the historical reality of Christ's life and work. [28:13]

1 Peter 1:18-21 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."

Reflection: How does understanding salvation as a historical reality impact your daily life and faith? What steps can you take to live more fully in the assurance of this salvation?


Day 5: Anticipating Christ's Return
As we celebrate Christmas, we are called to look back at Christ's first coming and all that He accomplished. Equally, we are urged to look forward to His second coming, which will bring an end to the current age and usher in a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells. This future event will be marked by glory and majesty, offering hope and anticipation to believers. The message of Christmas is a call to embrace the full scope of Christ's work and to live in anticipation of His return. This anticipation should inspire believers to live lives that reflect the values and teachings of Christ, as they prepare for the fulfillment of His promises. [34:18]

2 Peter 3:13-14 (ESV): "But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to prepare for Christ's return? How can you live in a way that reflects the hope and anticipation of His second coming?

Quotes



Christianity is something that is based upon actions, events, things that have literally taken place in the course of human history, in this world. Now that is absolutely vital. The differentia of the Christian faith is that it is historical in its character. [00:03:41]

Salvation is the result of something that has been done. The grace of God, says the Apostle, that bringeth salvation hath appeared. It isn't something that God says to us; it's something that God does. It isn't God just saying, "I'll forgive you if you repent." [00:04:53]

The essence of this Christian message is this person, and especially what he has done, and especially his appearing in this world. That is Christianity: Jesus Christ and his appearing in this world. For you notice there are two of them: the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared. [00:07:34]

The Lord Jesus Christ and his work must always be taken as a whole, and the moment we forget that, we begin to go astray. There is obviously in mankind a very deep and inherent tendency to take parts of him only and to leave the rest out of consideration. [00:09:30]

The first thing he tells us to do is this: he tells us to look back to his first Advent, to his first coming. He tells us to look back at what he has done. The grace of God that brings salvation to all men appeared. [00:17:37]

The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared. Looking for that blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of the Great God. Don't stop, I say, even at his resurrection, even at his ascension, even at his heavenly seat at the right hand of God. [00:34:46]

The second coming is as much a part of the gospel as is the first coming. You can't avoid Christ, I say. You can't stop at a chosen point. You take him as he is or not at all. And all this is a part of the same grand movement of Christ in connection with our Redemption. [00:35:22]

The message of Christmas is a message which tells us this: that as certainly as he came the first time, he will come the second time. He wasn't expected when he came the first time; he will not be expected the second time. [00:48:07]

The Blessed hope is this: new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. A day that shall come when this world will be no longer as it is now. Sin and evil and shame and all that is wrong will have gone. [00:46:27]

The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. I ask you, have you seen? Look at him, contemplate him, survey him, stay there, believe on him, and give yourself to him. [00:51:00]

Look back, look forward, look at him as a whole, and give yourself. [00:52:04]

The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared. Looking for that blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of the Great God. [00:34:46]

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Transcript
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