Jesus: The Supreme Revelation and Sustainer of All

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus, the Ultimate Revelation of God

Jesus is the Apex of God's Communication: Unlike the prophets who conveyed God's messages in various ways, Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. He is the peak, the pinnacle, and the climax of God's communication to us. This means that in Jesus, we have the most complete and perfect understanding of who God is and what He desires for us. [43:14]

In the past, God spoke to His people through prophets, using various methods and messages. These prophets were faithful servants, but their revelations were partial and preparatory. With the coming of Jesus, God provided the ultimate and final revelation. Jesus is not just a messenger; He is the message. He embodies the fullness of God's nature and will. In Him, we see the clearest picture of God's character, love, and purpose for humanity. Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection reveal God's heart in a way that no other revelation could.

Understanding Jesus as the apex of God's communication means recognizing that He is the definitive Word of God. When we look to Jesus, we see God's ultimate plan for redemption and His desire for a relationship with us. This truth calls us to prioritize Jesus in our lives, seeking to know Him more deeply and align our lives with His teachings.

Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV): "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."

Reflection: How can you make Jesus the central focus of your daily life, ensuring that His teachings and example guide your decisions and actions?

Day 2: Jesus, the Heir of All Things

Jesus is the Heir of All Things: Everything belongs to Jesus. He is the recipient of all things, as appointed by God the Father. This truth challenges the world's attempts to remove God's presence from various spheres of life. Despite these efforts, everything remains under Jesus' authority and ownership. [46:16]

Jesus being the heir of all things signifies that He holds ultimate authority and ownership over the entire creation. This inheritance is not just a future promise but a present reality. Everything in the universe, from the vast galaxies to the smallest particles, belongs to Him. This truth challenges the secular mindset that seeks to exclude God from various aspects of life, whether in education, politics, or personal decisions. Despite these attempts, Jesus' authority remains unchallenged.

Recognizing Jesus as the heir of all things calls us to live with a sense of stewardship and accountability. Since everything belongs to Him, we are merely caretakers of the resources, talents, and opportunities He has entrusted to us. This perspective should influence how we manage our time, finances, relationships, and even our environment. It reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus, and we are to honor Him in all areas of our lives.

Colossians 1:16 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to acknowledge Jesus' authority and ownership? How can you begin to surrender these areas to Him today?

Day 3: Jesus, the Creator of All Things

Jesus is the Creator of All Things: Jesus is the beginning of all things, having created everything from nothing. This foundational truth is essential to the Christian faith. It underscores the intelligent design behind the universe and our accountability to the Creator. [47:44]

The belief that Jesus is the creator of all things is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It affirms that the universe is not a product of random chance but of intentional design. Jesus, as the Word of God, spoke everything into existence. This includes not only the physical world but also the spiritual realms. Understanding Jesus as the creator helps us appreciate the complexity, beauty, and order of the universe, pointing us to a purposeful and intelligent Designer.

This truth also brings a sense of accountability. If Jesus is the creator, then we are His creation, and our lives have intrinsic value and purpose. We are called to live in a way that honors our Creator, recognizing that we are part of His grand design. This perspective should influence our worldview, ethics, and how we treat others, knowing that every person is a creation of Jesus.

John 1:3 (ESV): "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the creator of all things influence your view of the world and your place in it? What changes can you make to live more intentionally as part of His creation?

Day 4: Jesus, the Sustainer of All Things

Jesus is the Sustainer of All Things: Jesus not only created everything but also sustains it. He upholds the universe by His powerful word, ensuring that everything remains in order. This includes the laws of nature and the intricate details of our lives, such as our heartbeat and brain functions. [52:39]

Jesus' role as the sustainer of all things means that He is actively involved in maintaining the universe. His powerful word keeps everything in order, from the vast galaxies to the minute details of our daily lives. This sustaining power ensures that the laws of nature function correctly, and it also extends to our personal well-being. Our very existence, including our heartbeat and brain functions, depends on His continuous support.

Understanding Jesus as the sustainer brings comfort and assurance. It means that we are not left to navigate life on our own. Jesus is intimately involved in our lives, providing the strength and support we need. This truth encourages us to rely on Him in times of uncertainty and difficulty, knowing that He is in control and will uphold us.

Colossians 1:17 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust Jesus more as your sustainer? How can you lean on His sustaining power in your daily challenges?

Day 5: Jesus, the Purifier of Our Sins

Jesus is the Purifier of Our Sins: Jesus made a single, sufficient sacrifice for our sins, unlike the ongoing sacrifices made by Old Testament priests. His sacrifice was complete and perfect, allowing us to be cleansed and forgiven. This makes Jesus the ultimate purifier, capable of transforming our lives and granting us eternal life. [01:00:35]

The concept of Jesus as the purifier of our sins is central to the Christian faith. In the Old Testament, priests had to offer continuous sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. These sacrifices were temporary and could never fully cleanse the conscience. Jesus, however, offered Himself as a single, perfect sacrifice. His death on the cross was sufficient to atone for all sins, past, present, and future. This act of purification allows us to be cleansed and forgiven, restoring our relationship with God.

Jesus' role as the purifier means that we no longer need to rely on our efforts to achieve righteousness. His sacrifice is complete and perfect, providing us with the assurance of eternal life. This truth calls us to live in the freedom and joy of forgiveness, knowing that our sins have been washed away. It also challenges us to extend this grace to others, reflecting the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice in our lives.

Hebrews 9:14 (ESV): "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the purifier of your sins change the way you view yourself and others? What steps can you take to live in the freedom and joy of His forgiveness today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the foundational truth that Jesus is better than anything or anyone else. We began by acknowledging God's sovereignty and His role as our provider and healer. We then transitioned to the main text from Hebrews 1:1-3, which highlights six reasons why Jesus is supreme. First, Jesus is the apex of God's communication. Unlike the prophets who conveyed God's messages in various ways, Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. Second, Jesus is the heir of all things, meaning everything belongs to Him. Third, Jesus is the creator of all things, having made everything from nothing. Fourth, Jesus is the sustainer of all things, actively upholding the universe by His powerful word. Fifth, Jesus is God, the exact imprint of God's nature, reflecting His glory perfectly. Finally, Jesus is the purifier of our sins, having made a single, sufficient sacrifice that allows us to be cleansed and forgiven.

We also discussed the importance of making Jesus supreme in our lives, not just as an add-on but as the central figure who guides our decisions and actions. As we move into a new season, especially with the start of the school year, it's crucial to keep Jesus at the forefront of our lives. Whether you're a long-time believer or someone exploring Christianity, the best decision you can make is to surrender to Jesus, who will sustain and uphold you.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus is the Apex of God's Communication: Unlike the prophets who conveyed God's messages in various ways, Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. He is the peak, the pinnacle, and the climax of God's communication to us. This means that in Jesus, we have the most complete and perfect understanding of who God is and what He desires for us. [43:14]
2. Jesus is the Heir of All Things: Everything belongs to Jesus. He is the recipient of all things, as appointed by God the Father. This truth challenges the world's attempts to remove God's presence from various spheres of life. Despite these efforts, everything remains under Jesus' authority and ownership. [46:16]
3. Jesus is the Creator of All Things: Jesus is the beginning of all things, having created everything from nothing. This foundational truth is essential to the Christian faith. It underscores the intelligent design behind the universe and our accountability to the Creator. [47:44]
4. Jesus is the Sustainer of All Things: Jesus not only created everything but also sustains it. He upholds the universe by His powerful word, ensuring that everything remains in order. This includes the laws of nature and the intricate details of our lives, such as our heartbeat and brain functions. [52:39]
5. Jesus is the Purifier of Our Sins: Jesus made a single, sufficient sacrifice for our sins, unlike the ongoing sacrifices made by Old Testament priests. His sacrifice was complete and perfect, allowing us to be cleansed and forgiven. This makes Jesus the ultimate purifier, capable of transforming our lives and granting us eternal life. [01:00:35]
### [60:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:57] - Introduction and Prayer
[32:30] - Olympic Stories and Their Significance
[37:26] - Introduction to Hebrews 1:1-3
[39:23] - Jesus is Better: The Apex of God's Communication
[41:25] - Jesus is Better: The Heir of All Things
[46:16] - Jesus is Better: The Creator of All Things
[52:39] - Jesus is Better: The Sustainer of All Things
[57:02] - Jesus is Better: Jesus is God
[59:09] - Jesus is Better: The Purifier of Our Sins
[63:44] - Application: Making Jesus Supreme in Our Lives
[66:51] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[68:18] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 1:1-3, how did God communicate to our ancestors in the past, and how does He communicate to us now?
What does it mean that Jesus is the "heir of all things" as mentioned in Hebrews 1:2?
How does Hebrews 1:3 describe Jesus' relationship to God's nature and glory?
What significant action did Jesus take after making purification for sins, according to Hebrews 1:3? [59:09]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus is described as the "apex of God's communication"? How does this impact our understanding of God's message to humanity? [41:25]
What are the implications of Jesus being the "heir of all things" for how we view the world and our place in it? [46:16]
How does the concept of Jesus as the "sustainer of all things" challenge or reinforce your understanding of the natural world and its order? [52:39]
In what ways does Jesus being the "purifier of our sins" change the way we approach forgiveness and redemption? [01:00:35]

Application Questions

Reflect on the idea that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. How does this influence the way you seek to understand God's will in your daily life? [43:14]
Considering that Jesus is the heir of all things, how does this truth affect the way you handle your possessions and resources? Are there changes you feel led to make? [46:16]
Jesus is described as the creator and sustainer of all things. How does this understanding impact your trust in Him during times of uncertainty or chaos? [52:39]
The sermon emphasized making Jesus supreme in our lives, not just an add-on. What practical steps can you take to ensure Jesus is at the forefront of your decisions and actions this fall? [01:03:44]
How can you remind yourself daily that Jesus is better than anything or anyone else? Are there specific habits or practices you can adopt to keep this truth central in your life? [40:21]
Reflect on the idea that Jesus' sacrifice was complete and sufficient. How does this assurance of forgiveness and redemption influence your relationship with God and others? [01:00:35]
As you move into a new season, especially with the start of the school year, what are some specific ways you can keep Jesus at the forefront of your life and encourage others to do the same? [01:05:21]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Jesus is better. You can think about your life and you can fill in the blank. Jesus is better than you fill in the blank for you. What are you seeking joy in? Satisfaction, contentment, fulfillment, peace, success. But we need to constantly remind ourselves that the message that the world is portraying is to seek all of these other things. And the foundation of the book of Hebrews, these first three verses and really spread out throughout the book is the constant reminder that Jesus is better." [40:21] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus is better because he's the apex of God communicating. He's the apex. He's the peak. He's the pinnacle. He's the climax. Jesus is the apex of God. God communicating to us. Look at me in verse one of Hebrews chapter one. It says long ago at many times and in many ways. You see that variety there. God spoke to our fathers by or through the prophets. Now just let that sink in for a moment. That God speaks. That God communicates." [41:25] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus is better because he's the recipient of all things. Everything is Jesus's. All of this is his. Here's what it says. It says in verse two in the middle, it says, whom he appointed. God, the father has appointed Jesus, the heir of all things. All things are for Jesus. It says in Psalm chapter two, verse eight, God says about Jesus, ask of me and I will make the nations, your heritage and the ends of the earth, your possession. God, the father is giving all to Jesus." [46:16] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus is better because he's the beginning of all things. Jesus is the beginning. Could simplify that and just say, he's the creator. Look at me at the end of verse two says, through whom also he created the world. See, Jesus is the heir of all things because he is the creator of all things. And this is so foundational. We talk about foundational basic things in the Christian life. This is foundational. If you miss the foundational truth that Jesus is the creator of all things and is therefore the heir of all things, you miss so much of the Christian faith." [47:44] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus is better because he's the purifier. Jesus is the one that purifies us. Look with me in verse three at the end. It says, after making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high. Jesus is supreme. Jesus is better because he's able to cleanse of which no one else can do. He has the power. Jesus has the power and the authority to forgive your sins. Whatever your weekend has looked like, whatever your month of July looked like, whatever decisions maybe you made that didn't honor the Lord, he has the power. And the authority to forgive your sins based off his sacrifice for you." [59:09] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Jesus is better because he's the apex of God communicating. He's the apex. He's the peak. He's the pinnacle. He's the climax. Jesus is the apex of God. God communicating to us. Look at me in verse one of Hebrews chapter one. It says long ago at many times and in many ways. You see that variety there. God spoke to our fathers by or through the prophets. Now just let that sink in for a moment. That God speaks. That God communicates. He communicates religions all across the world." [41:25] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus is better because he's the beginning of all things. Jesus is the beginning. Could simplify that and just say, he's the creator. Look at me at the end of verse two says, through whom also he created the world. See, Jesus is the heir of all things because he is the creator of all things. And this is so foundational. We talk about foundational basic things in the Christian life. This is foundational. If you miss the foundational truth that Jesus is the creator of all things and is therefore the heir of all things, you miss so much of the Christian faith." [47:44] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus is better because he's the purifier. Jesus is the one that purifies us. Look with me in verse three at the end. It says, after making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high. Jesus is supreme. Jesus is better because he's able to cleanse of which no one else can do. He has the power. Jesus has the power and the authority to forgive your sins. Whatever your weekend has looked like, whatever your month of July looked like, whatever decisions maybe you made that didn't honor the Lord, he has the power. And the authority to forgive your sins based off his sacrifice for you." [59:09] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus is better because he's the beginning of all things. Jesus is the beginning. Could simplify that and just say, he's the creator. Look at me at the end of verse two says, through whom also he created the world. See, Jesus is the heir of all things because he is the creator of all things. And this is so foundational. We talk about foundational basic things in the Christian life. This is foundational. If you miss the foundational truth that Jesus is the creator of all things and is therefore the heir of all things, you miss so much of the Christian faith." [47:44] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus is better because he's the recipient of all things. Everything is Jesus's. All of this is his. Here's what it says. It says in verse two in the middle, it says, whom he appointed. God, the father has appointed Jesus, the heir of all things. All things are for Jesus. It says in Psalm chapter two, verse eight, God says about Jesus, ask of me and I will make the nations, your heritage and the ends of the earth, your possession. God, the father is giving all to Jesus." [46:16] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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