Embracing the Gift: Christ's Dual Nature and Our Response
Summary
In reflecting on the profound message of Isaiah 9:6, we are reminded of the dual nature of Jesus Christ as both a child born and a son given. This distinction is not merely linguistic but deeply theological, emphasizing the humanity and divinity of Christ. As a child, Jesus was born into this world, fully human, sharing in our experiences and frailties. Yet, as the Son of God, He was given to us, a divine gift from the Father, pre-existing before all worlds, and embodying the fullness of God’s love and grace.
The heart of this reflection lies in the personal application of these truths. It is not enough to acknowledge the historical and theological facts of Christ's birth and divine sonship. The pressing question is whether this child is born to us and whether this son is given to us personally. This inquiry demands a deep introspection into our spiritual state. Are we born again, transformed by grace, and living as children of God? Do we possess the spirit of adoption, crying out "Abba, Father," and living in the assurance of our salvation?
The sermon challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith. True conversion is evidenced by a radical transformation both inwardly and outwardly. It is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental shift in the principles and desires of our hearts. We are called to live not for ourselves but for the glory of God, consecrating our lives wholly to Him.
Moreover, if we truly grasp the reality that unto us a child is born and a son is given, it should ignite a profound joy and gratitude within us. This realization should dispel doubts, lift our spirits, and propel us into fervent service and worship. It should also compel us to share this good news with others, ensuring that they too can partake in the joy and salvation offered through Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The dual nature of Christ as both a child born and a son given highlights His humanity and divinity. This distinction invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of the incarnation and the immense love of God in giving His Son for our salvation. [02:50]
- Personal application of Christ's birth and divine sonship is crucial. We must examine whether we are truly born again, living as children of God, and experiencing the spirit of adoption. This introspection is vital for a genuine relationship with Christ. [09:04]
- True conversion is marked by a radical transformation of the heart and life. It is not merely about outward behavior but a deep, inward change in our desires and principles, leading us to live for God's glory. [16:31]
- The assurance of salvation should fill us with joy and gratitude, dispelling doubts and propelling us into fervent service and worship. Understanding that Christ is given to us personally should transform our lives and attitudes. [30:40]
- Our response to the gift of Christ should be one of total consecration. We are called to give ourselves wholly to God, living not for ourselves but for His glory, and sharing the good news of salvation with others. [24:23]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Introduction to Isaiah 9:6
[00:42] - The Dual Nature of Christ
[01:48] - The Mystery of the Divine Sonship
[03:04] - Personal Application: Is Christ Born to Us?
[04:15] - The Assurance of Salvation
[06:00] - The Struggle with Doubt
[08:32] - Evidence of True Conversion
[11:06] - Inward and Outward Transformation
[13:02] - The Reality of Spiritual Change
[16:31] - The Need for a New Principle of Life
[19:54] - Becoming as Little Children
[23:30] - Consecration to Christ
[27:08] - The Joy of Assurance
[33:24] - Our Response to Christ's Gift
[35:32] - The Consequences of Unbelief
[39:10] - Confession and Renunciation of Self
[41:00] - The Cross: Our Hope and Salvation
[43:43] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 9:6
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the distinction between "a child is born" and "a son is given" in Isaiah 9:6? How does this distinction relate to the dual nature of Christ? [00:42]
2. According to the sermon, what is the importance of the phrase "unto us" in Isaiah 9:6? How does it relate to personal faith? [03:04]
3. How does the sermon describe the evidence of true conversion in a believer's life? What are the inward and outward signs mentioned? [11:06]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the dual nature of Christ as both human and divine impact our understanding of His role in salvation? [01:48]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between being "born again" and having a personal interest in Christ? How does this relate to the assurance of salvation? [09:04]
3. In what ways does the sermon challenge believers to examine the authenticity of their faith? How does this examination relate to living for God's glory? [16:31]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Can you identify a moment or period of "being born again"? How has this experience transformed your life? [09:04]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of personal application of Christ's birth and divine sonship. How can you ensure that your faith is not just historical knowledge but a living relationship with Christ? [04:15]
3. Consider the evidence of true conversion in your life. Are there areas where you feel your outward actions do not align with your inward faith? How can you address this discrepancy? [11:06]
4. The sermon speaks of the joy and gratitude that should fill our hearts when we understand that Christ is given to us personally. How can you cultivate this joy in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [30:40]
5. How can you live a life of total consecration to God, as the sermon suggests? What practical steps can you take to ensure that your life is dedicated to His glory and not your own interests? [24:23]
6. The sermon encourages believers to share the good news of salvation with others. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about the joy and salvation offered through Christ. How can you share this message with them this week? [33:24]
7. Reflect on any doubts or struggles you may have with your faith. How can the assurance of salvation and the understanding of Christ's gift to you personally help dispel these doubts? [27:08]
Devotional
Day 1: The Mystery of the Incarnation
The dual nature of Christ as both a child born and a son given is a profound mystery that invites deep reflection. This duality highlights His humanity and divinity, emphasizing that Jesus was fully human, sharing in our experiences and frailties, while also being fully divine, a pre-existing gift from the Father. This truth is not just a theological concept but a demonstration of God's immense love and grace. Understanding this mystery should lead us to a greater appreciation of the incarnation, where God became flesh to dwell among us and offer salvation. [02:50]
"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." (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: How does the understanding of Christ's dual nature as both human and divine impact your view of His role in your life today?
Day 2: Personalizing the Gift of Christ
The personal application of Christ's birth and divine sonship is crucial for a genuine relationship with Him. It is not enough to acknowledge the historical and theological facts; one must introspectively examine whether they are truly born again and living as a child of God. This involves experiencing the spirit of adoption, where one can confidently cry out "Abba, Father," and live in the assurance of salvation. This personal connection with Christ transforms one's spiritual state, leading to a life marked by grace and transformation. [09:04]
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your personal relationship with Christ today, ensuring that you are living as a child of God?
Day 3: Evidence of True Conversion
True conversion is marked by a radical transformation of the heart and life. It is not merely about outward behavior but involves a deep, inward change in desires and principles. This transformation leads one to live for God's glory, rather than for oneself. The evidence of true conversion is seen in a life that reflects the principles of the Kingdom of God, characterized by love, humility, and service. This change is a testament to the power of God's grace working within an individual. [16:31]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What specific changes in your desires and principles can you identify as evidence of your conversion? How can you continue to nurture these changes?
Day 4: The Joy of Assurance
The assurance of salvation should fill believers with profound joy and gratitude, dispelling doubts and propelling them into fervent service and worship. Understanding that Christ is given to us personally should transform our lives and attitudes, leading to a life of joy and thanksgiving. This assurance is not just a feeling but a confident trust in the promises of God, which should inspire believers to live boldly for His glory. [30:40]
"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy and gratitude for your salvation today, allowing it to influence your actions and attitudes?
Day 5: Consecration to God's Glory
Our response to the gift of Christ should be one of total consecration. Believers are called to give themselves wholly to God, living not for themselves but for His glory. This involves a commitment to sharing the good news of salvation with others, ensuring that they too can partake in the joy and salvation offered through Christ. Consecration is a daily decision to align one's life with God's purposes, seeking to honor Him in all things. [24:23]
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to consecrate your life more fully to God, living for His glory and sharing His love with others?
Quotes
As Jesus Christ is a child in his human nature he is born begotten of the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary, he is as truly born as certainly a child as any other man that ever lived upon the face of the Earth, he is thus in his Humanity a child born but as Jesus Christ is God's son he is not born but given begotten of his father from before all worlds begotten not made being of the same substance with the father. [00:01:02]
The doctrine of the Eternal affiliation of Christ is to be received as an undoubted truth of our holy religion, but as to any explanation of it no man should venture thereon for it remaineth among the Deep things of God one of those solemn Mysteries indeed into which the Angels dare not look nor do they desire to pry into it a mystery which we must not attempt to Fathom for it is utterly beyond the grasp of any finite being. [00:01:39]
It is a fact that a child is born, upon that I use no argument we receive it as a fact more fully established than any other fact in history that the Son of God became man was born at Bethlehem wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a Manger it is a fact too that a son is given about that we have no question the Infidel May dispute but we professing to be Believers in scripture receive it as an undeniable truth that God has given his only begotten son to be the savior of men. [00:03:40]
If this child who Now lies before the eyes of your faith wrapped in swaddling clothes in bethlehem's manger is born to you my hero then you are born again, for this child is not born to you unless you are born to this child, all who have an interest in Christ are in the fullness of time by Grace converted quickened and renewed, all the redeemed are not yet converted but they will be, before the hour of death arrives their nature shall be changed their sins shall be washed away they shall pass from Death unto life. [00:08:44]
Are your loves the very opposite of what they were, do you now hate the vain things you once admired and do you seek after that precious Pearl which you at one time despised, is your heart thoroughly renewed in its object can you say that the bent of your desire is changed that your face is Zion wood and your feet set upon the path of Grace, that whereas your heart once longed for deep drafts of sin it now longs to be holy that whereas you once loved the pleasures of the world they have now become as draft and drost to you. [00:09:56]
The proof of the Christian is in the living, to other men the proof of our conversion is not what you feel but what you do, to yourself your feelings may be good enough evidence but to the minister and others who judge of you the outward walk is the main guide, at the same time let me observe that a man's outward life may be very much like that of a Christian and yet there may be no faith in him at all. [00:13:00]
When we are in sin we live to self, but when we are renewed we live to God, while we are unregenerate our principle is to seek our own pleasure our own advancement, but that man is not truly born again who does not live with a far different aim from this, change a man's principles and you change his feelings you change his actions, now Grace changes the principles of man, it lays the acts at the root of the tree. [00:15:36]
For unto as many as received him to them gave you power to become the sons of God, Christ became a son that in all things he might be made like unto his brethren, the Son of God is not mine to enjoy to love to Delight in unless I am a Son of God too, now my hero have you a fear of God before your eyes, a filial fear a fear which a child has lest it should grieve its parent. [00:22:00]
Are you given up to Christ, do you feel that you have nothing on Earth to live for but to glorify him, can you say in your heart great God if I be not deceived I am Holy thine, are you ready today to write over again your consecration vow cons thou say take me all that I am and all that I have shall be forever thine I would give up all my goods all my Powers all my time or my hours and thine I would be holy thine. [00:23:36]
If it is so why am I doubtful today why is my spirit questioning why do I not realize the fact, my hearer if the son is given to thee how is it that thou art this day asking whether Thou Art Christ or not why does thou not labor to make thy calling and election sure, why tarry is thou in the planes of doubt get the up get the up to the high mountains of confidence and never rest till thou can say without a fear that thou art mistaken I know that my redeemer liveth. [00:27:01]
What matters your poverty unto you a child is born, what matters your sickness unto you a son is given, what matters your sin for this child shall take the sin away and this son shall wash and make you fit for heaven, I say if it be so lift up the heart lift up the voice Rejoice aloud ye Saints rejoice. [00:32:47]
Oh beloved Brethren yield yourselves up this morning, what have you got in the world, I will saith one I have nothing I am poor and penniless and all but homeless give thyself to Christ, you have heard the story of the pupils of a Greek philosopher, on a certain day it was the custom to give to the philosopher at present one came and gave him gold another could not bring him gold but brought him silver, one brought him a robe and another some delicacy for food, but one of them came up and said oh Solon, I am poor I have nothing to give thee but yet I will give thee something better than all these have given, I give thee myself. [00:34:09]
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