Exalted Jesus: Our Call to Transformation and Reconciliation
Summary
In today's reflection, we delve into the profound truth that God has exalted Jesus to a position above every name, a truth that provides us with the confidence to follow Him wholeheartedly. This exaltation is not arbitrary; it is rooted in Jesus' obedience and His work on the cross, where He solved the justice-mercy conundrum, bringing grace into a world of self-reliance. Jesus' sacrifice was the ultimate act of humility, and through it, He has been given a name that commands every knee to bow and every tongue to confess His lordship.
The essence of our faith is not a mere adherence to religious practices but a transformative new birth experience. In Christ, we become new creations, leaving behind the old and embracing the new. This transformation is not for our glory but for God's, as we are called to be His image bearers on earth. Our purpose is to live obediently and minister eagerly, reflecting God's glory through our lives.
The new covenant established by Jesus is a testament of grace, received through a new birth, and it calls us to be ambassadors of reconciliation. We are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, tasked with bringing others into the fold of God's family. This mission is not without challenges, as we face resistance from dark spiritual forces. Yet, we are equipped with the armor of God to stand firm against these adversities.
Our journey as new creation people is marked by the call to be eager witnesses, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. This mission is driven by the desire for the Lamb of God to receive the reward of His suffering, as we seek to bring glory to God through our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Exaltation of Jesus: Jesus' exaltation to a name above every name is rooted in His obedience and sacrifice on the cross. This truth gives us confidence in our decision to follow Him, knowing that His position is divinely appointed and worthy of our devotion. [01:01]
2. New Creation in Christ: Being in Christ means becoming a new creation, where the old has passed away, and the new has come. This transformation is not about religious rituals but a profound change brought about by the Spirit, enabling us to bear God's image rightly. [08:13]
3. Purpose of the New Covenant: The new covenant established by Jesus is a testament of grace, calling us to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Our mission is to bring others into God's family, reflecting His glory through our lives and actions. [23:37]
4. Resistance from Spiritual Forces: As new creation people, we face resistance from dark spiritual forces. However, we are equipped with the armor of God to stand firm, knowing that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers. [32:52]
5. Eager Witnesses for God's Glory: Our calling is to be eager witnesses, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. This mission is driven by the desire for the Lamb of God to receive the reward of His suffering, as we seek to bring glory to God through our lives. [42:28]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:01] - Confidence in Following Jesus
- [03:28] - Grace Over Self-Reliance
- [05:20] - New Creation People
- [08:13] - Transformation in Christ
- [09:16] - Bearing God's Image
- [11:25] - The New Covenant
- [13:38] - Jesus, the Last Sacrifice
- [16:32] - Born Again to Enter the Covenant
- [18:30] - The Gospel's Power
- [21:17] - God-Glorifying Purpose
- [23:37] - Ministry of Reconciliation
- [26:50] - Eager Witnesses
- [30:45] - Spiritual Resistance
- [36:08] - Armor of God
- [42:28] - Missionary Call and Conclusion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 2:8-11
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
3. Ephesians 6:11-12
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Philippians 2:8-11, what actions did Jesus take that led to His exaltation by God? How does this passage describe the response of creation to Jesus' exalted name? [01:01]
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, what does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ? How does this concept relate to the idea of leaving behind the old and embracing the new? [08:13]
3. What is the "ministry of reconciliation" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, and how is it connected to our role as ambassadors for Christ? [23:37]
4. Ephesians 6:11-12 speaks about spiritual warfare. What does it say about the nature of our struggle and the resources available to us? [36:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the exaltation of Jesus in Philippians 2:8-11 provide believers with confidence in their decision to follow Him? What implications does this have for our daily lives? [01:01]
2. In what ways does the concept of being a "new creation" challenge traditional views of religious practices and rituals? How does this transformation impact our identity and purpose? [08:13]
3. What does it mean to be an ambassador of reconciliation according to 2 Corinthians 5:18-20? How might this role influence the way we interact with others in our community? [23:37]
4. Considering Ephesians 6:11-12, how should believers prepare for and engage in spiritual battles? What practical steps can be taken to "put on the whole armor of God"? [36:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt confident in your decision to follow Jesus. How did the understanding of His exalted position influence that confidence? How can you remind yourself of this truth in moments of doubt? [01:01]
2. Identify an area of your life where you struggle to let go of the "old" and fully embrace the "new" as a creation in Christ. What steps can you take this week to live more fully in your new identity? [08:13]
3. As an ambassador of reconciliation, who in your life might God be calling you to reach out to with His message of grace and reconciliation? What specific actions can you take to fulfill this calling? [23:37]
4. Spiritual resistance is a reality for believers. What are some specific challenges you face in your spiritual journey, and how can you use the armor of God to stand firm against these adversities? [36:08]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of being eager witnesses for God's glory. How can you cultivate a sense of eagerness in sharing your faith with others? What practical steps can you take to be more intentional in your witness? [42:28]
6. Reflect on the story of the Moravian missionaries. What sacrifices are you willing to make to ensure that the Lamb of God receives the reward of His suffering? How can you align your life more closely with this mission? [41:21]
7. Consider the distractions in your life that may be hindering your focus on Jesus. What specific changes can you make this week to minimize these distractions and prioritize your relationship with Him? [43:42]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Exaltation and Our Confidence
Jesus' exaltation to a name above every name is a profound truth that provides believers with the confidence to follow Him wholeheartedly. This exaltation is not arbitrary but is deeply rooted in Jesus' obedience and His sacrificial work on the cross. Through His ultimate act of humility, Jesus solved the justice-mercy conundrum, bringing grace into a world often characterized by self-reliance. His sacrifice commands every knee to bow and every tongue to confess His lordship, affirming His divinely appointed position. This truth reassures us that our decision to follow Him is grounded in His worthiness and divine authority. [01:01]
Hebrews 1:3-4 (ESV): "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in Jesus' authority and exaltation? How can you actively demonstrate this trust today?
Day 2: Transformation into New Creations
Being in Christ means becoming a new creation, where the old has passed away, and the new has come. This transformation is not about adhering to religious rituals but is a profound change brought about by the Spirit. As new creations, believers are called to bear God's image rightly, leaving behind the old self and embracing the new life in Christ. This transformation is not for personal glory but for God's, as believers are called to reflect His glory through their lives. The essence of faith is a transformative new birth experience that enables believers to live obediently and minister eagerly. [08:13]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What old habits or mindsets do you need to leave behind to fully embrace your new identity in Christ? How can you start this transformation today?
Day 3: Ambassadors of Reconciliation
The new covenant established by Jesus is a testament of grace, calling believers to be ambassadors of reconciliation. This mission involves bringing others into God's family and reflecting His glory through their lives and actions. As ambassadors, believers are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, tasked with sharing the message of grace and peace with the world. This calling is not without challenges, as believers face resistance from dark spiritual forces. However, they are equipped with the armor of God to stand firm against these adversities, knowing that their battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers. [23:37]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of reconciliation? How can you be an ambassador of God's grace to them today?
Day 4: Standing Firm Against Spiritual Resistance
As new creation people, believers face resistance from dark spiritual forces. However, they are equipped with the armor of God to stand firm, knowing that their battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers. This spiritual resistance is a reality for those who seek to live out their faith and share the message of reconciliation. Yet, believers are not left defenseless; they have been given the tools to withstand these adversities and continue their mission with confidence and strength. The armor of God provides the necessary protection and empowerment to face the challenges of spiritual warfare. [32:52]
Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
Reflection: What spiritual battles are you currently facing? How can you put on the armor of God to stand firm in these challenges today?
Day 5: Eager Witnesses for God's Glory
Believers are called to be eager witnesses, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. This mission is driven by the desire for the Lamb of God to receive the reward of His suffering, as believers seek to bring glory to God through their lives. As eager witnesses, believers are motivated by the love of Christ and the urgency of the gospel message. They are called to live out their faith boldly and passionately, reflecting God's glory in all they do. This calling is not just a duty but a privilege, as believers participate in God's redemptive work in the world. [42:28]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: How can you be an eager witness for Christ in your community today? What specific actions can you take to share the message of reconciliation with those around you?
Quotes
"And God has appointed, because of Jesus' obedience, God has given to Jesus a name above every name. And you know what? If the Father has accredited to the Son this lofty position, an exalted position, a position where He is superior to every earthly thing, if the Father, in His great wisdom, has given and attributed to Jesus that lofty position, then this gives us confidence that we dedicate our lives to follow Him." [00:21:08] (31 seconds)
"Being found in human form, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted Him and bestowed upon Him a name that is above every name, so that in the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God." [00:115:76] (25 seconds)
"God positioned Jesus like this because Jesus solved the justice mercy conundrum and what a conundrum that was how could it be that he could be just and merciful he could forgive sin and yet punish the sins that through Jesus work on the cross God has given Jesus a name above every name because Jesus agreed and was willing and obeyed humbling himself even unto death of the cross thirdly he brought grace into a world of do -it -yourself why did God say to Jesus your name there's no name like yours because God knew that Jesus brought grace into a world of of do -it -yourself." [00:140:70]
"Jesus purchased for God's glory a new creation people who live obediently and minister eagerly. And that's why God smiles when He says, that's my son in whom I'm well pleased. Jesus, when He died on the cross, not only brought in adopted children, to make the Father's house full, but He prepared those adopted children to be ministers of reconciliation to the whole world." [00:292:81] (28 seconds)
"What we have in Christianity is not a doing religion. It's not a system of moral principles or practices of church activities. What we have is a new birth experience. What we have is where God calls people to Himself out of darkness into light. Where He softens hardened hearts and opens blinded eyes and awakens deafened ears. This is what we really have. If we don't have this, then we have a form of religion." [00:452:06] (32 seconds)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, and behold, the new has come. If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old has passed away, and behold, all things have become new. A new creation people are a people made by the Spirit and given new life by the Spirit for the glory of God." [00:502:32] (33 seconds)
"Why has God given Jesus a name above every name? Because He has established a new and better covenant to create a new creation people. Hebrews 9, 13 through 15. Let me read it to you. This is Bible drill at Manahawken Baptist this morning. See how you're doing. I hear the pages flipping. You're doing fine. Chapter 9, verse 13." [00:851:54]
"This new covenant, this new will and testament that God said this is how it's going to be going forward. We're under the new will and testament. Pity those who had to give the blood -letting to cover their sins for only a little while. This is why we rejoice. It's received. How do you enter into this new covenant? God's offering a gracious covenant. How do you enter into it? The Bible says you must be born again." [00:982:00] (30 seconds)
"All of this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. And that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So it was provided for a God -glorifying purpose, and that God -glorifying purpose in verse 18, He was reconciling the world to Himself." [00:1424:75] (33 seconds)
"Because we've been brought back to God, He says to us now, you go help other people be brought to God. The ministry of reconciliation. And Jesus said it this way, go into all the world and make disciples and baptize them in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is what we're here for. To be eager witnesses, and then, look, verse 20. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ." [00:1656:81] (32 seconds)
"These new creation people made for the glory of God to be eager witnesses. These people, us, we are resisted by dark spiritual forces all about us. These dark spiritual forces wreak havoc on our daily experience in the Christian life. You say, pastor, you're talking about being a new creation. You're talking about being reconciled. Last week, you talked about being adopted into the very family of God and being an heir of Christ and a joint heir with all the brothers and sisters." [00:1833:16] (38 seconds)
"against the spiritual enemy that we face we have a weapon we have a weapon of warfare and that weapon of warfare is given to us right here the Holy Spirit and genuine love by truthful speech power of God the weapons of righteousness for the power and the power of God the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left what sword you need is the sword of the Word of God it is the weapon of righteous and this weapon of righteousness stand against the devil and he will flee do not be surprised dear brethren when you suffer all manner of persecution and Jesus said do not be just don't be discouraged in this world you will suffer persecution and trouble Jesus said I've overcome the world this is true he's overcome the world though we have a real enemy attacking us surrounding I wonder if we could see into the spiritual realm this morning what we would see I wonder if we would see real demonic enemy forces trying to stop your concentration and your belief and your faith and your hope trying to bring you deeper in depression trying to break you trying to ruin your testimony trying to make sure you can never be a the ministry of reconciling or ambassadorship a real enemy oh certainly there's a real enemy and it says we have this weapon for the right hand and the left the righteousness of God verse 8 through honor and dishonor through slander and praise we are treated as imposters and yet we're telling the truth as unknown and yet well known as dying and behold we live as punished and yet not killed as sorrowful yet always rejoicing as poor yet making many rich as having nothing but possessing everything this is the Christian experience of being one involved in reconciling sinners persecution demonic attack spiritual problems financial problems intellectual problems mental problems emotional problems relational problems that's all under the umbrella of the trouble Jesus promised you would have this is all under the auspice of your readiness to take up your cross in the midst of all of it" [00:1986:93] (144 seconds)
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