Embracing True Christ-Centrality for Authentic Living

In our time together, I sought to explore the profound concept of what it truly means to be Christ-centered, both individually and as an institution. The term "Christ-centered" can be interpreted in two distinct ways. One is a superficial centrality, where Christ is made central due to external pressures or for personal gain. This is akin to students studying a book they don't appreciate simply because it's assigned. The other, more authentic form of centrality, is where Christ is central due to His intrinsic worth and glory, much like the sun's gravitational pull that naturally holds planets in orbit. This is the kind of centrality we should strive for, where Christ's wisdom, power, love, and beauty irresistibly draw us to Him.

I emphasized that Christ is the most Christ-centered being, and God is the most God-centered being. This is evident throughout redemptive history, from predestination to creation, incarnation, propitiation, sanctification, and consummation. Each of these acts is driven by God's desire to glorify Himself. This might seem self-centered, but it is, in fact, the most loving act because it directs us to what will satisfy us most deeply—God Himself.

The challenge lies in overcoming the cultural notion that love is about making much of ourselves. True love, as demonstrated by God, is about laboring and sacrificing to enthrall others with what will satisfy them eternally—God's glory. Jesus' prayer in John 17 exemplifies this, as He prays for His own glorification so that we might see and be satisfied by His glory. This is not arrogance but the ultimate act of love, as only Christ's self-exaltation can fulfill our deepest longings.

In conclusion, embracing God's God-centeredness and Christ's Christ-centeredness is essential for our joy and the authenticity of our mission. It is the foundation upon which we can build a truly Christ-centered life and institution.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Centrality:** Christ should be central in our lives not because of external pressures but due to His intrinsic worth and glory. This authentic centrality is like the sun's gravitational pull, naturally drawing us to Him. [03:44]
  2. God's Self-Exaltation: God's actions throughout history, from creation to consummation, are driven by His desire to glorify Himself. This is not self-centeredness but the most loving act, as it directs us to what will satisfy us most deeply—God Himself.
  
  3. Redefining Love: True love is not about making much of ourselves but about laboring and sacrificing to enthrall others with what will satisfy them eternally—God's glory. This challenges the cultural notion of love as self-exaltation.
  
  4. Jesus' Prayer for Glory: In John 17, Jesus prays for His own glorification so that we might see and be satisfied by His glory. This is not arrogance but the ultimate act of love, as only Christ's self-exaltation can fulfill our deepest longings.
  
  5. Embracing God's Centrality: Embracing God's God-centeredness and Christ's Christ-centeredness is essential for our joy and the authenticity of our mission. It is the foundation upon which we can build a truly Christ-centered life and institution.
  
  ** [03:44]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:13] - Opening Prayer
• [01:00] - Defining Christ-Centrality
• [02:42] - Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Centrality
• [04:46] - Persuasion of True Centrality
• [06:20] - Christ's Christ-Centeredness
• [07:22] - Predestination and God's Glory
• [08:22] - Creation for God's Glory
• [09:39] - Incarnation and God's Glory
• [11:01] - Propitiation and God's Righteousness
• [13:11] - Sanctification for God's Glory
• [14:55] - Consummation and Christ's Return
• [17:12] - Addressing Objections
• [19:26] - Redefining Love
• [22:39] - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer
• [27:45] - The Most Loving Verse
• [29:23] - Embracing God's Centrality

1. Ephesians 1:5-6
2. Isaiah 43:6-7
3. John 17:1-5

1. In Ephesians 1:5-6, what is the reason given for God's act of predestination? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on God’s self-exaltation? [07:36]
2. According to Isaiah 43:6-7, for what purpose did God create us? How does this purpose reflect the concept of being Christ-centered as discussed in the sermon? [08:22]
3. In John 17:1-5, how does Jesus begin His prayer, and what does this reveal about His priorities? How does this relate to the idea of Christ's self-exaltation being an act of love? [24:04]
4. The sermon mentions two types of Christ-centrality. What are they, and how do they differ in terms of motivation and authenticity? [02:42]

1. How does the concept of God’s self-exaltation as the most loving act challenge common cultural notions of love? What implications does this have for how we understand love in our own lives? [18:29]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christ's self-exaltation is necessary for our deepest satisfaction? How does this perspective influence our understanding of worship and devotion? [27:03]
3. How does the analogy of the sun's gravitational pull help us understand the authentic form of Christ-centrality? What does this suggest about the nature of our relationship with Christ? [03:24]
4. The sermon discusses the potential for Christ-centeredness to become a cloak for self-centeredness. How can individuals and institutions guard against this tendency? [06:02]

1. Reflect on your own life: Is Christ central due to external pressures or because of His intrinsic worth? What steps can you take to ensure your relationship with Christ is authentic and not superficial? [02:42]
2. Consider the cultural notion that love is about making much of ourselves. How can you redefine love in your relationships to focus on enthralling others with God’s glory? [21:32]
3. Jesus prays for His own glorification in John 17. How can you incorporate this understanding of Christ’s self-exaltation into your daily prayer life and spiritual practices? [24:21]
4. Identify an area in your life where you might be seeking self-exaltation. How can you shift your focus to glorifying God in that area? What practical changes can you make this week? [06:02]
5. How can you make God central in various aspects of your life, such as work, family, and leisure activities? Choose one area to focus on this week and plan a specific action to take. [30:22]
6. Think of a time when you felt loved because someone made much of you. How does this compare to feeling loved because you are enabled to enjoy making much of God? How can this shift in perspective impact your relationships? [20:08]
7. In what ways can you contribute to making your church or community more Christ-centered? Identify one specific action you can take to support this goal. [29:23]