Embracing the Grace: Christ's First and Second Coming

 

Summary

In Paul's epistle to Titus, we find a profound message about the grace of God that brings salvation and the anticipation of Christ's return. This passage, particularly relevant during the Advent season, reminds us of the historical reality of the Christian faith, which is rooted in actual events rather than abstract ideas. Christianity is unique in that it is based on the historical actions of Jesus Christ, whose birth in Bethlehem is a factual event that marks the beginning of our salvation story.

The essence of Christianity is found in the person of Jesus Christ and His appearances in the world. The first appearance, His birth, was marked by humility and lowliness, as He came as a helpless babe in a manger. This was necessary for Him to fulfill His mission of salvation, taking on human nature to atone for our sins. His life, death, and resurrection are all part of this grand narrative of redemption. The grace of God that brings salvation is not just a message but an action that has been accomplished through Christ's life and work.

However, the story does not end with His first coming. We are also called to look forward to His second coming, which will be in glory and majesty. This future event is as much a part of the gospel as His first coming. The second coming will be a time of judgment and the fulfillment of the blessed hope—a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. This anticipation should not be met with fear but with hope and longing for those who believe.

The message of Christmas, therefore, is twofold: it invites us to look back at the historical reality of Christ's first coming and to look forward to His glorious return. This dual focus helps us to understand the full scope of God's redemptive plan and encourages us to live in light of both His past actions and future promises.

Key Takeaways:

1. Historical Reality of Faith: Christianity is grounded in historical events, not abstract ideas. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is a factual event that underscores the historical nature of our faith. This reality distinguishes Christianity from other religions and philosophies, emphasizing that our salvation is rooted in actual events. [03:26]

2. The Humility of Christ's First Coming: Jesus' first coming was marked by humility and lowliness, as He took on human nature to atone for our sins. This was necessary for our salvation, as He came to make atonement for sin and to bring reconciliation with God. His life, death, and resurrection are integral to this redemptive mission. [19:00]

3. The Anticipation of His Second Coming: The second coming of Christ will be in glory and majesty, contrasting with His first coming. This future event is a vital part of the gospel, promising judgment and the fulfillment of the blessed hope—a new heaven and a new earth. Believers are called to live in anticipation of this glorious return. [37:12]

4. The Full Scope of Redemption: The message of Christmas invites us to look back at Christ's first coming and forward to His second coming. This dual focus helps us understand the full scope of God's redemptive plan, encouraging us to live in light of both His past actions and future promises. [33:29]

5. Living in Light of His Return: The anticipation of Christ's return should not be met with fear but with hope and longing for those who believe. This blessed hope assures us of a future where righteousness dwells, and we are called to live in readiness for His return, embracing the full message of the gospel. [51:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Titus 2:11-14
- [01:14] - The Grace of God Appeared
- [02:08] - Advent Season Lessons
- [03:26] - Historical Character of Christianity
- [05:02] - Salvation Through Historical Events
- [06:12] - The Identity of the Babe in Bethlehem
- [08:00] - Two Appearings of Christ
- [10:32] - The Whole Message of Christ
- [13:23] - The Danger of Dividing the Message
- [17:05] - The Message of Christmas
- [19:00] - The Humility of Christ's First Coming
- [28:14] - Purpose of His First Coming
- [33:29] - Looking Forward to His Second Coming
- [37:12] - The Glory of His Second Coming
- [44:23] - Purpose of His Second Coming
- [51:29] - The Blessed Hope

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"? How is this grace described in the sermon? [00:11]

2. How does the sermon describe the historical reality of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem? Why is this significant for the Christian faith? [03:26]

3. What are the two appearances of Christ mentioned in the sermon, and how are they contrasted? [08:00]

4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' humble beginnings and life on earth? [19:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the historical nature of Jesus' birth and life impact the credibility of the Christian faith compared to other religions or philosophies? [03:26]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the humility of Christ's first coming was necessary for our salvation? [19:00]

3. How does the anticipation of Christ's second coming influence the way believers are encouraged to live their lives according to the sermon? [33:29]

4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of viewing Christ's first and second comings as a unified message? [10:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the historical reality of Jesus' birth. How does acknowledging this event as a factual occurrence affect your faith and daily life? [03:26]

2. Consider the humility of Christ's first coming. How can you embody humility in your interactions with others this week? [19:00]

3. The sermon encourages believers to live in anticipation of Christ's return. What practical steps can you take to live with this mindset daily? [33:29]

4. How can you balance looking back at Christ's first coming and forward to His second coming in your spiritual practices during the Advent season? [33:29]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of not dividing the message of Christ's work. How can you ensure that your understanding of the gospel remains holistic and complete? [10:32]

6. In what ways can the anticipation of a new heaven and a new earth, as described in the sermon, bring hope and motivation to your current life circumstances? [46:23]

7. How can you share the message of Christ's first and second comings with someone who may not be familiar with the full scope of the gospel? [33:29]

Devotional

Day 1: The Historical Foundation of Our Faith
Christianity is distinct in its grounding in historical events, particularly the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. This event is not merely a story but a factual occurrence that underscores the reality of our faith. Unlike abstract philosophies, Christianity is rooted in the tangible actions of God in history. The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of the salvation story, emphasizing that our faith is based on real events that have shaped the course of human history. This historical reality sets Christianity apart, providing a firm foundation for our beliefs and hope. [03:26]

"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." (2 Peter 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing that your faith is based on historical events impact your daily trust in God? Can you identify a specific area in your life where this understanding strengthens your faith?


Day 2: Embracing the Humility of Christ
The first coming of Jesus was marked by profound humility. Born in a manger, He took on human nature to atone for our sins. This act of humility was necessary for our salvation, as it allowed Jesus to fully identify with humanity and fulfill His redemptive mission. His life, death, and resurrection are integral to this mission, demonstrating the depth of God's love and the lengths He would go to reconcile us to Himself. As believers, we are called to reflect on this humility and let it shape our lives, leading us to live with humility and grace towards others. [19:00]

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:5-7, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you embody the humility of Christ in your interactions with others today? Is there a specific relationship or situation where you can practice this humility?


Day 3: Living in Anticipation of His Glorious Return
The second coming of Christ will be in glory and majesty, contrasting with His first coming. This future event is a vital part of the gospel, promising judgment and the fulfillment of the blessed hope—a new heaven and a new earth. Believers are called to live in anticipation of this glorious return, not with fear, but with hope and longing. This anticipation should shape our lives, encouraging us to live in readiness and to align our actions with the values of God's kingdom. [37:12]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of Christ's return influence your daily decisions and priorities? What is one specific way you can live in readiness for His return today?


Day 4: Understanding the Full Scope of Redemption
The message of Christmas invites us to look back at Christ's first coming and forward to His second coming. This dual focus helps us understand the full scope of God's redemptive plan, encouraging us to live in light of both His past actions and future promises. By embracing this comprehensive view of redemption, we can appreciate the depth of God's love and the completeness of His plan for humanity. This understanding should inspire us to live with purpose and hope, knowing that God's work in the world is both ongoing and assured. [33:29]

"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." (Titus 2:11-13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the full scope of God's redemptive plan into your daily life? Is there a specific area where you need to align your actions with His past and future promises?


Day 5: Living in Light of the Blessed Hope
The anticipation of Christ's return should not be met with fear but with hope and longing for those who believe. This blessed hope assures us of a future where righteousness dwells, and we are called to live in readiness for His return, embracing the full message of the gospel. By focusing on this hope, we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence and joy, knowing that God's promises are true and His plans for us are good. This hope should motivate us to live faithfully and to share the message of the gospel with others. [51:29]

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to set your hope fully on the grace of Christ's return? How can you actively prepare your mind and heart for His coming today?

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. [00:03:24]

Salvation has come to us who have it because the Son of God came into this world because he died upon a cross because he rose again. It isn't a teaching; it isn't something that God just says to us. It is something that God has made possible in that way and through those particular historic events. [00:05:35]

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, looking for and waiting for what? The Blessed hope and the Glorious appearing of the great God. [00:07:39]

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. [00:09:32]

The message of Christmas for us, what does Christmas tell us to do? Well, the first thing it tells us to do is this: it tells us to look back to his first Advent, to his first coming. It tells us to look back at what he has done. [00:17:09]

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 at this moment. He hasn't finished yet. He's coming again. [00:33:44]

The second coming is as much a part of the Gospel as is the first coming. You can't divide 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. [00:34:42]

The appearing of the glory of the great God. No longer will the veil of Flesh be there. No longer will it be hidden. What will it be like, says someone? Well, there are certain hints that we are given in the scriptures themselves. [00:37:14]

The Blessed hope is this: a 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. [00:46:30]

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. [00:48:04]

Look back in order to save you from judgment and Perdition. He has already come as a little babe, has taken on your flesh, has lived a life in this cruel, sinful world, and has gone deliberately to the Cross to suffer for your sins and for your shame. [00:50:21]

Look back, look forward, look at him as a whole, and give yourself to him. [00:51:58]

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Transcript
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