Jesus: Our Exalted Mediator and Source of Hope
Summary
Summary:
In Philippians 2:9, we are reminded of the exalted position of Jesus, who has been given a name above every name. This is foundational to our faith, as it underscores the authority and credibility of Jesus as Lord, deserving of our worship and obedience. Just as we trust an investment based on the credibility of the advisor, we trust in Jesus based on the credibility of God the Father, who has exalted Him. Jesus' obedience to the cross and His subsequent exaltation by God is a testament to His worthiness of worship.
After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father, a position of power and authority. This ascension was witnessed by His disciples and affirmed by angels, signifying His return to His eternal home. Jesus' current position at the right hand of God is significant for believers, as He intercedes for us, providing hope and assurance in our faith journey. He is the mediator between God and humanity, the only acceptable sacrifice for sin, and the one who saves to the uttermost.
The benefits of Jesus' exalted position are profound. He offers us a living hope, an eternal inheritance, and the assurance of His intercessory work on our behalf. Our faith is sustained by His power, and we are guarded through faith by God's power. Jesus is our advocate, standing for us when we sin, and preparing a place for us in eternity. This great salvation calls us to recognize Jesus as the glorified, risen Son of God, above all earthly powers, and to dedicate our lives to Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus' Exalted Position: Jesus has been given a name above every name, signifying His authority and worthiness of worship. This exaltation is based on His obedience to the cross and God's accrediting of His position. As believers, we are called to recognize and worship Jesus as Lord, trusting in the credibility of God the Father. [02:50]
2. The Ascension and Its Significance: After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, witnessed by His disciples and affirmed by angels. This event signifies His return to His eternal home and His current position at the right hand of the Father, a place of power and authority. This provides believers with hope and assurance in their faith journey. [08:38]
3. Jesus as Mediator and Intercessor: Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity, the acceptable sacrifice for sin, and the one who saves to the uttermost. His intercessory work on our behalf is a profound benefit, offering us a living hope and sustaining our faith. [16:45]
4. The Assurance of Salvation: Jesus' exalted position assures us of our eternal inheritance and the security of our salvation. Our faith is guarded by God's power, and we are kept in the faith by the Spirit of God. This assurance calls us to recognize Jesus as the glorified, risen Son of God. [28:01]
5. The Call to Worship and Dedication: Recognizing Jesus' exalted position and the benefits of His intercessory work calls us to dedicate our lives to Him. He is worthy of worship, and our faith is sustained by His power. This great salvation invites us to live in the hope and assurance of His eternal promises. [35:11]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:50] - Jesus' Exalted Position
[04:03] - The Significance of Jesus' Name
[05:04] - Questions on the Resurrection
[05:50] - The Ascension of Jesus
[08:38] - Our Eternal Hope
[10:06] - Jesus at the Right Hand of God
[10:59] - No Condemnation in Christ
[12:44] - Jesus' Authority Over All
[14:48] - The "So What" Question
[16:45] - Jesus as the Only Mediator
[19:31] - Jesus' Intercessory Work
[22:14] - Ever Living to Intercede
[25:35] - Boldly Approaching God
[28:01] - The Assurance of Salvation
[35:11] - The Call to Worship and Dedication
[38:43] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 2:9-11
- Acts 1:8-11
- Hebrews 7:25
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Philippians 2:9-11, what is the significance of Jesus being given a name above every name? How does this relate to His authority and our response to Him? [02:50]
2. In Acts 1:8-11, what event is described, and how did the disciples and angels react to it? What does this event signify about Jesus' current position? [05:50]
3. Hebrews 7:25 mentions Jesus' role at the right hand of God. What does it mean for Jesus to "save to the uttermost" and how does this relate to His intercessory work? [22:14]
4. How does the sermon describe the benefits believers receive from Jesus' exalted position and His intercessory work? [16:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for Jesus to have a name above every name, and how does this impact the way believers should view His authority and role in their lives? [02:50]
2. How does the ascension of Jesus, as described in Acts 1:8-11, provide hope and assurance for believers in their faith journey? [08:38]
3. In what ways does Jesus' role as the only mediator between God and humanity challenge or affirm the beliefs and practices of different religious traditions? [16:45]
4. How does the assurance of salvation, as discussed in the sermon, influence a believer's daily life and relationship with God? [28:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the authority of Jesus in your life. Are there areas where you struggle to acknowledge His lordship? How can you begin to submit those areas to Him? [02:50]
2. The ascension of Jesus signifies His return to His eternal home. How does this truth provide comfort in times of uncertainty or difficulty in your life? [08:38]
3. Jesus is described as the only mediator between God and humanity. How does this understanding affect your approach to prayer and your relationship with God? [16:45]
4. Consider the assurance of salvation that comes from Jesus' exalted position. How does this assurance impact your confidence in sharing your faith with others? [28:01]
5. The sermon calls believers to dedicate their lives to Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your commitment and worship of Him? [35:11]
6. Jesus' intercessory work is a profound benefit for believers. How can you remind yourself of this truth when facing challenges or feeling distant from God? [22:14]
7. Reflect on the hope of an eternal inheritance. How does this hope influence your priorities and decisions in your daily life? [31:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Supreme Authority and Worthiness
Jesus has been given a name above every name, signifying His unparalleled authority and worthiness of worship. This exaltation is rooted in His obedience to the cross and God's accrediting of His position. As believers, we are called to recognize and worship Jesus as Lord, trusting in the credibility of God the Father. This trust is akin to relying on a credible advisor for an investment, but infinitely more significant, as it pertains to our eternal destiny. Jesus' exalted position invites us to a deeper understanding of His divine nature and our response in worship. [02:50]
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 ways can you intentionally acknowledge Jesus' authority in your daily life today, and how might this change your approach to worship?
Day 2: The Ascension and Our Hope
After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, witnessed by His disciples and affirmed by angels. This event signifies His return to His eternal home and His current position at the right hand of the Father, a place of power and authority. For believers, this provides hope and assurance in their faith journey, knowing that Jesus is actively involved in our lives from His exalted position. His ascension is not just a historical event but a present reality that impacts our understanding of His ongoing work and presence in our lives. [08:38]
Acts 1:9-11 (ESV): "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'"
Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' ascension and His current position in heaven influence your perspective on the challenges you face today?
Day 3: Jesus as Our Mediator and Intercessor
Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity, the acceptable sacrifice for sin, and the one who saves to the uttermost. His intercessory work on our behalf is a profound benefit, offering us a living hope and sustaining our faith. As our mediator, Jesus bridges the gap between us and God, ensuring that our prayers and needs are presented before the Father. This role of Jesus is not just a theological concept but a daily reality that provides comfort and assurance in our spiritual journey. [16:45]
1 Timothy 2:5-6 (ESV): "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to rely on Jesus' intercession today, and how can you actively bring this before Him in prayer?
Day 4: Assurance of Salvation
Jesus' exalted position assures us of our eternal inheritance and the security of our salvation. Our faith is guarded by God's power, and we are kept in the faith by the Spirit of God. This assurance calls us to recognize Jesus as the glorified, risen Son of God, above all earthly powers. It is a reminder that our salvation is not based on our efforts but on the finished work of Christ, providing us with peace and confidence in our relationship with God. [28:01]
1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Reflection: What doubts or fears about your salvation can you bring to God today, trusting in His power to guard and sustain your faith?
Day 5: The Call to Worship and Dedication
Recognizing Jesus' exalted position and the benefits of His intercessory work calls us to dedicate our lives to Him. He is worthy of worship, and our faith is sustained by His power. This great salvation invites us to live in the hope and assurance of His eternal promises, committing ourselves to a life of worship and service. Our response to Jesus' exaltation should be one of wholehearted devotion, reflecting His love and grace in every aspect of our lives. [35:11]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "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. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to dedicate more of your life to Jesus, and how can this dedication be reflected in your daily actions and decisions?
Quotes
"We've been working in Philippians chapter 2 verse 9 we've been being reminded it by God's accrediting to Jesus this lofty position of Lord and in fact the scripture says that he has been given a name above every name and I think it's very good for us as believers to reflect on this this is gospel foundational this this tells us what God is doing is crediting his son with an exalted position and therefore that gives us the reasonable the reasonable requirement to obey him and worship Him." [00:00:04] (39 seconds)
"Therefore, God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name. Jesus' obedience to the cross for our salvation positioned Jesus under the authority of God's will that He would be given a name above every name so that at 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 the Father." [00:02:11] (31 seconds)
"Jesus ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. And this is where He ever lives to make intercession for us. This is a very beautiful concept here. Jesus was obedient, obedient enough to humble Himself and die on a cross for our sins. And God says, you've got a name then. I'm counting on, I'm giving to you a name better than every other name, superior over all earthly powers." [00:04:03] (32 seconds)
"Acts chapter 1, verses 8 through 11, it tells us what happened after the resurrection. So let's read this. It's a good bit of a... verses here number eight but you will receive power when the holy spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in jerusalem and judea and samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth and when he had said these things as they were looking on he was lifted up jesus jesus said that and then he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight and while they were gazing into heaven as he went behold two men stood by them in white robes two angels and so the two angels stood there and they watched jesus go up into the clouds and the two angels said men of galilee why do you stand looking into heaven this jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come again in the same way just as you saw him go into heaven so that's what happened simple as that." [00:06:01] (73 seconds)
"He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature. He, Jesus, is the glowing radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature. What is God like, Jesus? They said, show us the Father. And Jesus said, if you've seen me, you've seen the Father. He's the express image of the invisible God." [00:09:32] (28 seconds)
"You're not walking the Christian journey by yourself. You do not succeed in living well and serving others and loving God. You do not succeed based on your own strength. You have Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father. He is there for us. He is there for us because He ever lives to make intercession for us. He is seated at the right hand of the majesty on high." [00:10:44] (27 seconds)
"There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man, Christ Jesus. In His position, exalted, His authoritative position at the right hand, He has become the only acceptable mediator between God and man. Without being too caustic or without naming any names or denominations, I submit to you that 1 Timothy 2, 5 puts aside most, if not all, other religions in the world." [00:16:18] (47 seconds)
"what else is he doing what benefit is this that he is seated at the right hand Hebrews 7 25 through 27 and Jerry read some of this or Matt did listen to it again here's the words on the screen we're talking talking about the benefit of his being positioned and exalted and seated at the right hand of the father consequently he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him stop right there for a minute what benefit of this one exalted he saves to the uttermost he doesn't give you some tips he doesn't give you some energy he saves to the uttermost you hear me say that Christianity is supernatural thing it's not where you assign certain disciplines in your life and you follow these these these strategies we don't have a strategy we've got to save you we don't have someone who says to us I'm gonna help you do better so you can earn your way into heaven he says I've done it perfectly and you're welcome in you're adopted into the family this is a religion is of grace not do done makes Christianity stand out in a beautiful way because in this world there is no such thing as a religion of grace in this way we're not calling people to come we're saying he has come and he says if we only believe we can be saved he saves to the uttermost uttermost means to the max." [00:20:03] (103 seconds)
"Jesus ever lives to hear your prayers. And therefore we can come boldly before the throne of grace that we can find help in our time of need. On what basis could we say we could come to God? We couldn't come and say we're holy and we deserve a credit. We deserve a repayment. We come to God by faith, understanding that we can come even boldly in this trust. That he loves us." [00:25:35] (28 seconds)
"What benefit do we have as believers? We have a living hope brought about by the resurrected Christ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, unfettered. We have a living hope brought about by the resurrection of Jesus Christ We have a living hope brought about by the resurrection of Jesus Christ through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. What benefit do we have? This Savior at the right hand of God doing all the things we've mentioned is also guarding, keeping your salvation by keeping your faith alive." [00:31:09] (33 seconds)
"What benefit does the Christian have by Jesus being exalted and given this great authority over every earthly power, over every... every cosmic power? We have an advocate. We have an intercessor. We have a mediator. We have one saving with power to the uttermost. We have one keeping us. We have an advocate for the Father, with the Father when we sin. You say, well, all of this, what if I sin?" [00:33:42] (28 seconds)
"What benefit has the believer? We have an eternal inheritance kept by our faith, by the Spirit of God holding us in the faith and coming again in power and glory. This is a great salvation. This is a so great salvation. Don't you want to know? Don't you want to be involved? Don't you want to dedicate yourself because Jesus is worthy?" [00:35:11] (29 seconds)
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