Embracing the Certainty of Christ's Birth and Salvation

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound certainties presented in Luke chapter 1, focusing on the birth of Jesus Christ. As we approach the celebration of His birth, we reflect on the significant roles played by key figures in the narrative and the enduring impact of these events on our faith today. The name Theophilus, to whom Luke addresses his writings, serves as a symbolic representation of all believers who love God. This name invites us to see ourselves in the story, as recipients of the message of salvation.

Luke's gospel is a testament to the certainty of God's presence and action in the world. Through the detailed accounts of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph, we see God's hand at work, fulfilling His promises and bringing forth His Son, Jesus. The narrative is saturated with references to God, emphasizing His central role in the unfolding of salvation history. This God-centeredness assures us of the reality and reliability of the gospel message.

The certainty of Jesus is another cornerstone of our faith. Luke presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's hopes and the Savior of the world. His divine nature, as revealed through the miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit, sets Him apart as both fully God and fully man. This unique sonship underscores the significance of His mission and the hope He brings to humanity.

Salvation, as proclaimed by the angels at Jesus' birth, is a gift available to all who believe. It is rooted in the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Theophilus, and by extension, all believers, are called to embrace this salvation with childlike faith, trusting in the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ.

Finally, the certainty of faith is exemplified in the responses of Zechariah and Mary. While Zechariah's doubt led to silence, Mary's humble acceptance of God's word serves as a model for us. Her song of praise reflects a heart fully surrendered to God's will, reminding us to approach our faith with humility and trust.

Key Takeaways:

1. Theophilus as a Symbol of Believers: The name Theophilus, meaning "lover of God," invites us to see ourselves in the gospel narrative. It represents all believers who are called to embrace the message of salvation with love and devotion. This symbolic designation encourages us to find our place in God's story. [52:11]

2. God's Certainty and Presence: Luke's gospel emphasizes the certainty of God's presence and action in the world. Through the detailed accounts of key figures, we see God's promises fulfilled and His hand at work. This assurance of God's reality and reliability strengthens our faith and fortifies our belief in His ongoing presence. [53:41]

3. The Unique Sonship of Jesus: Jesus' divine nature, as revealed through His miraculous conception, sets Him apart as both fully God and fully man. This unique sonship underscores the significance of His mission and the hope He brings to humanity. Trusting in Jesus as the unshakable foundation of our faith is essential for our spiritual journey. [01:06:12]

4. Salvation as a Historical Reality: The gospel narrative is rooted in the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This grounding in history assures us of the authenticity of salvation and invites us to embrace it with childlike faith. Salvation is not a mystical event but a tangible gift available to all who believe. [01:16:43]

5. Faith Exemplified by Mary: Mary's humble acceptance of God's word serves as a model of faith for us. Her response to the angel's message reflects a heart fully surrendered to God's will. This humility and trust are essential for receiving the fullness of salvation and experiencing the blessings of a personal relationship with God. [01:22:04]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [49:49] - Introduction to Theophilus
- [50:54] - The Meaning of Theophilus
- [51:23] - The Certainty of God's Presence
- [52:11] - Theophilus: Symbol of Believers
- [53:41] - God's Certainty and Presence
- [55:18] - The Certainty of Jesus
- [01:00:45] - God-Centeredness in the Gospel
- [01:01:48] - The Unshakable Reality of God
- [01:02:34] - The Certainty of Jesus' Mission
- [01:04:03] - Gabriel's Declaration
- [01:05:20] - The Unique Sonship of Jesus
- [01:06:12] - Jesus: Fully God and Fully Man
- [01:07:55] - The Historical Reality of Salvation
- [01:16:43] - Salvation as a Historical Reality
- [01:18:06] - Faith Exemplified by Mary
- [01:22:04] - Mary's Model of Faith
- [01:24:43] - The Certainty of Salvation
- [01:26:20] - Embracing Salvation with Childlike Faith
- [01:29:18] - The Fullness of Salvation Today
- [01:31:08] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:3-4
2. Luke 1:31-35
3. Luke 1:46-55

---

Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of the name Theophilus in Luke's gospel, and how does it relate to all believers? ([52:11])

2. How does Luke emphasize the certainty of God's presence and action in the world through the accounts of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph? ([53:41])

3. What unique aspects of Jesus' birth and nature are highlighted in Luke 1:31-35? ([01:06:12])

4. How does Mary's response to the angel's message serve as a model of faith? ([01:22:04])

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the name Theophilus invite believers to see themselves in the gospel narrative? How does this symbolic designation encourage believers today? ([52:11])

2. How does the certainty of God's presence, as depicted in Luke's gospel, strengthen a believer's faith and fortify their belief in God's ongoing presence? ([53:41])

3. What does the unique sonship of Jesus, as both fully God and fully man, reveal about His mission and the hope He brings to humanity? ([01:06:12])

4. How does Mary's humble acceptance of God's word exemplify the certainty of faith, and what can believers learn from her response? ([01:22:04])

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the symbolic meaning of Theophilus as a "lover of God." How can you embrace this identity in your daily life and see yourself as part of God's story? ([52:11])

2. Consider the ways God has been present and active in your life. How can you strengthen your faith by recognizing and acknowledging His ongoing presence? ([53:41])

3. Jesus' unique nature as both fully God and fully man is central to His mission. How does this understanding impact your view of Jesus and your relationship with Him? ([01:06:12])

4. Mary's response to the angel was one of humility and trust. In what areas of your life do you need to adopt a similar attitude of faith and surrender to God's will? ([01:22:04])

5. Salvation is described as a historical reality rooted in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. How does this grounding in history assure you of the authenticity of your faith? ([01:16:43])

6. Reflect on a time when you faced doubt like Zechariah or faith like Mary. How did your response affect your spiritual journey, and what can you learn from these experiences? ([01:22:04])

7. How can you cultivate a childlike faith, trusting in the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ, in your current circumstances? ([01:26:20])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Role in God's Story
The name Theophilus, meaning "lover of God," serves as a symbolic representation of all believers who are called to embrace the message of salvation with love and devotion. This invites us to see ourselves in the gospel narrative, as recipients of the message of salvation. By identifying with Theophilus, believers are encouraged to find their place in God's story, recognizing that the gospel is not just a historical account but a living message that calls us to participate in God's ongoing work in the world. This symbolic designation encourages us to see our lives as part of a larger divine narrative, where each of us has a role to play in the unfolding of God's plan. [52:11]

Acts 1:1-2 (ESV): "In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's story today, and what steps can you take to align your daily actions with His divine narrative?


Day 2: The Assurance of God's Active Presence
Luke's gospel emphasizes the certainty of God's presence and action in the world. Through the detailed accounts of key figures like Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph, we see God's promises fulfilled and His hand at work. This assurance of God's reality and reliability strengthens our faith and fortifies our belief in His ongoing presence. The narrative is saturated with references to God, emphasizing His central role in the unfolding of salvation history. This God-centeredness assures us of the reality and reliability of the gospel message, reminding us that God is actively involved in our lives and the world around us. [53:41]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's presence in your life recently, and how can you cultivate a greater awareness of His active involvement in your daily routine?


Day 3: The Unique Nature of Jesus' Mission
Jesus' divine nature, as revealed through His miraculous conception, sets Him apart as both fully God and fully man. This unique sonship underscores the significance of His mission and the hope He brings to humanity. Trusting in Jesus as the unshakable foundation of our faith is essential for our spiritual journey. His divine nature and human experience make Him the perfect mediator between God and humanity, offering us a model of perfect obedience and love. This understanding of Jesus' unique nature calls us to a deeper trust in His mission and the hope He offers to the world. [01:06:12]

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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 understanding Jesus' unique nature as both fully God and fully man impact your faith, and how can you deepen your trust in His mission today?


Day 4: Salvation Rooted in Historical Reality
The gospel narrative is rooted in the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This grounding in history assures us of the authenticity of salvation and invites us to embrace it with childlike faith. Salvation is not a mystical event but a tangible gift available to all who believe. The historical context of Jesus' life provides a solid foundation for our faith, reminding us that our beliefs are not based on myths or legends but on real events that have transformed the course of history. This understanding calls us to embrace salvation with confidence and trust in its reality. [01:16:43]

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."

Reflection: How does the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection strengthen your faith, and how can you share this assurance with others in your community?


Day 5: Mary's Model of Humble Faith
Mary's humble acceptance of God's word serves as a model of faith for us. Her response to the angel's message reflects a heart fully surrendered to God's will. This humility and trust are essential for receiving the fullness of salvation and experiencing the blessings of a personal relationship with God. Mary's song of praise, known as the Magnificat, reveals her deep faith and understanding of God's promises, encouraging us to approach our faith with the same humility and trust. Her example challenges us to surrender our own plans and desires to God's will, trusting in His perfect plan for our lives. [01:22:04]

Luke 1:38 (ESV): "And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God's will, and what steps can you take to follow Mary's example of humble faith and trust?

Quotes


Theophilus is mentioned in Luke 1 verse 3. He is the person by whom the gospel of... Luke and the book of Acts is addressed. And the name Theophilus means lover of God or friend of God. And in the Greek, which has... That's in the Greek. Which has led some to debate as whether it refers to actually an actual person or a symbolic designation to all believers who indeed love God. [00:51:58] (33 seconds)


Luke, in his writing, endeavors to give... To give certainty to Theophilus and any others who may inquire as to the authenticity of the birth of Jesus. Now, Luke, in his writing, is actually... Actually, it's noted that Luke is one of the writers of the various gospels. Luke, in particular, goes to quite a level of detailed length and to really give you certainty to Jesus. Jesus is coming and his birth. [00:52:57] (37 seconds)


Certainty so much so that down through the ages of time, all of Theophilus of the Christian believers can affirm their faith and fortify their faith and their belief that indeed Jesus did come. Okay? So, in the writings, and in chapter 1 particularly, I'll refer to a few other chapters in Luke, but we're going to explore together some of the certainties. [00:53:41] (33 seconds)


The gospel narrative is fundamentally about God, His power, His purpose, and His presence. God is the primary answer. God is the actor. God is the center figure. And He presents an unshakable reality. To Theophilus, Luke delivers the unshakable truth. God is real. God is active. God is unstoppable. God is present. God has the humanity in His sight. [01:01:36] (43 seconds)


Theophilus take this to heart. All believers down through the ages of time take this to heart. God is the ultimate reality in the universe, in history, and presented in the gospel. He is all-knowing. He is all-powerful. He is all-encompassing. So trust in the immovable, unchanging, mountain-like certainty that God is. That God is. The certainty that God is, and he presents to humanity. [01:02:53] (45 seconds)


Jesus Christ is the secure and solid foundation for the hope of humanity. Consider this declaration that Gabriel, that Luke gives of Gabriel in Luke 1, 31 through 35. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will call his name Jesus, and he will be great and will be good to you. You will be good to him and will be good to you. [01:04:03] (35 seconds)


The Spirit's supernatural work united divinity and humanity into one person, Jesus, the God-man. Fully God. And yet fully human. Both natures united as one. When we get into the content of Luke chapter 1, we can find this when pregnant Mary visited Elizabeth. We've heard about that and through the story and the journey over the last few weeks, and the Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth when she exclaimed, why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? [01:07:55] (56 seconds)


Jesus is born in Bethlehem, presented in Jerusalem, raised in Nazareth, not some kind of mystical event, or writings. But in the world that we know, Theophilus understands the weight of this. These are historical facts. They're not fiction. Salvation is real and grounded in the events themselves. [01:17:37] (30 seconds)


Here lies the choice will you receive it or will you resist it consider the differences between zachariah and mary when gabriel sent from god delivered the news of salvation to zachariah he bought astounding tidings zachariah and elizabeth would appear would bear a son would appear that would bear a son who would prepare the way for the messiah zachariah's response how should i know this his response lacked his response lacked faith and the angel rebuked him i am gabriel and i stand in the presence of god and i was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news and behold you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place because you do not believe my words which were will be fulfilled in time gabriel's response [01:19:06] (66 seconds)


Contrast that with mary gabriel come to her with an even more extraordinary message and you will conceive in your womb and bear our son and you shall call his name jesus and he will be great and will be called the son of the most high and the lord god will give him the throne of his father david and he will reign over the house of jacob forever in his kingdom there will be no end A pretty confronting grand statement, true? Mary's response was not skepticism but a humble wonder. [01:20:16] (49 seconds)


Receive salvation as a child with humble faith, that of Mary, and trust in the Lord, and you will be saved. And Luke 1, 37, it's been somewhat of a theme as we've gone through today. With God, nothing is impossible. Thanks, Dave, if you could come. So, Theophilus. So, Theophilus. So, people of God, hold on to the truth [01:26:20] (45 seconds)


Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 22, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?