Reflecting God's Love Through the Incarnation of Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth of God's love as demonstrated through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. We began by acknowledging the various ways our church has been actively involved in serving our community, from tutoring ESL students to providing meals for seniors. This is a testament to our commitment to being the hands and feet of Jesus, embodying His love in tangible ways. As we transitioned into the message, we focused on John 1:14, which speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. This verse encapsulates the essence of God's love—He showed up. Jesus' arrival on earth was not just a historical event but a divine act of love that teaches us how to love well.
The problem of the human condition, often rooted in sin, is also deeply connected to our inability to love well. In a world where love is often conditional and self-serving, Jesus provides a model of unconditional love. He came not to take advantage of us, as the mythical gods of old, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. This love is not about getting our own way but about selflessly giving and serving others. Jesus' love is full of grace and truth, a balance that we are called to emulate in our relationships.
Reflecting on the weight we bring into a room, we are challenged to consider whether we carry the light and love of Christ or the burdens of anxiety and self-interest. The incarnation of Jesus brought the weight of God's glory into the world, a glory characterized by grace and truth. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this glory, to be mirrors of His love in a world that desperately needs it.
In closing, we are reminded that love is not self-defined but flows from God. Our greatest example of love is found in Jesus, who taught us to love one another. As we reflect on His love, we are encouraged to let it transform us, so that we might bring His light and love into every room we enter.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Incarnation as Love's Ultimate Expression: Jesus' coming to earth is the ultimate demonstration of God's love. He showed up, not to take advantage, but to serve and give His life for us. This act teaches us that true love is selfless and sacrificial, challenging us to love others in the same way. [36:05]
2. Understanding Love Through Grace and Truth: Jesus embodied both grace and truth, showing us that love is not just about kindness but also about honesty. We are called to balance these two aspects in our relationships, offering grace while also speaking truth in love. [58:21]
3. Reflecting God's Love in Our Lives: As followers of Christ, we are mirrors of His love. Our lives should reflect the love of God brightly, influencing those around us. This reflection is not just about words but about actions that demonstrate God's love. [38:02]
4. The Weight We Bring into a Room: We are challenged to consider the weight we bring into any situation. Do we carry the light and love of Christ, or do we bring anxiety and self-interest? Jesus' presence brought grace and truth, and we are called to do the same. [53:48]
5. Love as a Divine Flow: Love is not self-defined but flows from God. Our understanding and practice of love should be rooted in God's character, allowing His love to transform us and flow through us to others. [01:02:59]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[24:36] - Community Outreach Highlights
[27:32] - Next Gen Involvement
[29:10] - Recognizing Our Limitations
[30:15] - Understanding the Problem
[32:23] - The Human Condition and Love
[33:09] - Learning to Love Well
[34:18] - If-Then Love
[36:05] - Jesus' Love as Our Model
[38:02] - The Word Became Flesh
[40:34] - Jesus' Divinity and Humanity
[42:35] - Love Shows Up
[44:20] - Love's Boundaries
[45:18] - Jesus' Presence and Disclosure
[49:46] - Vulnerability and Community
[53:21] - The Weight We Bring
[54:37] - Jesus' Glory and Our Reflection
[58:21] - Grace and Truth in Love
[01:02:59] - Love's Divine Flow
[01:03:46] - Reflecting on Jesus' Love
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 1:14
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 1:14 mean when it says "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us"? How does this relate to the concept of incarnation? [36:05]
2. In the sermon, what examples were given of the church being the "hands and feet of Jesus" in the community? [24:36]
3. How does the pastor describe the problem of the human condition in relation to love? [32:23]
4. What does the pastor mean by the "weight we bring into a room"? How does this relate to Jesus' presence? [53:21]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the incarnation of Jesus serve as the ultimate expression of God's love, according to the sermon? [36:05]
2. What does it mean to balance grace and truth in our relationships, as Jesus did? How can this be challenging? [58:21]
3. How does the pastor suggest we can reflect God's love in our lives? What are some practical ways to do this? [38:02]
4. What are the implications of love being a "divine flow" that is not self-defined but rooted in God's character? [01:02:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the weight of a room change due to someone's presence. How can you intentionally bring the light and love of Christ into your interactions this week? [53:21]
2. Consider your current relationships. How can you better embody both grace and truth in these interactions? What specific steps can you take to achieve this balance? [58:21]
3. Think about the ways you serve others. How can you ensure that your actions are a reflection of Jesus' selfless love rather than self-interest? [36:05]
4. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to love unconditionally. What can you learn from Jesus' example to improve in this area? [34:18]
5. How can you be more aware of the "weight" you bring into different situations? What changes might you need to make to ensure you are reflecting God's glory? [53:48]
6. Reflect on the concept of love as a divine flow. How can you allow God's love to transform you and flow through you to others in your daily life? [01:02:59]
7. What is one practical way you can show up for someone in your life this week, demonstrating the love of Christ through your presence and actions? [42:35]
Devotional
Day 1: The Incarnation as Love's Ultimate Expression
The incarnation of Jesus Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's love, as it signifies God showing up in the most profound way. Jesus' arrival on earth was not merely a historical event but a divine act of love that teaches us how to love selflessly and sacrificially. Unlike the mythical gods who sought to exploit humanity, Jesus came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. This act of love challenges us to love others in the same selfless manner, putting their needs above our own and serving them with grace and humility. [36:05]
"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you serve selflessly today, reflecting the sacrificial love of Jesus?
Day 2: Understanding Love Through Grace and Truth
Jesus embodied both grace and truth, showing us that love is not just about kindness but also about honesty. In a world where love is often conditional and self-serving, Jesus provides a model of unconditional love that balances grace and truth. We are called to emulate this balance in our relationships, offering grace while also speaking truth in love. This means being kind and compassionate, yet also honest and transparent, even when it is difficult. By doing so, we reflect the love of Christ in a way that is both genuine and transformative. [58:21]
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life where you need to balance grace and truth more effectively? How can you begin to do that today?
Day 3: Reflecting God's Love in Our Lives
As followers of Christ, we are called to be mirrors of His love, reflecting it brightly in our lives and influencing those around us. This reflection is not just about words but about actions that demonstrate God's love. The incarnation of Jesus brought the weight of God's glory into the world, characterized by grace and truth. We are challenged to carry this same weight into every room we enter, bringing the light and love of Christ rather than the burdens of anxiety and self-interest. [38:02]
"Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific action can you take today to reflect God's love to someone in your community?
Day 4: The Weight We Bring into a Room
We are challenged to consider the weight we bring into any situation. Do we carry the light and love of Christ, or do we bring anxiety and self-interest? Jesus' presence brought grace and truth, and we are called to do the same. This means being mindful of our attitudes and actions, ensuring that they align with the love and character of Christ. By doing so, we can positively influence the atmosphere around us and bring hope and encouragement to those we encounter. [53:48]
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." (Philippians 2:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally bring the light and love of Christ into a specific situation you will face today?
Day 5: Love as a Divine Flow
Love is not self-defined but flows from God. Our understanding and practice of love should be rooted in God's character, allowing His love to transform us and flow through us to others. This divine flow of love is not about getting our own way but about selflessly giving and serving others. As we reflect on Jesus' love, we are encouraged to let it transform us, so that we might bring His light and love into every room we enter. [01:02:59]
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to allow God's love to flow more freely? What steps can you take today to open yourself to His transforming love?
Quotes
"Thank you for the graciousness that you give, Lord, each and every day, and allowing us to be a part of your work, Lord. Thank you, God. Thank you, God, for the way that you move among your people, God, and that you cause us to stir one another to good works. And, Father, thank you, God, for Rebecca, for Michael and the team, for so many volunteers, Lord, for our housing team, Lord, God, to Father, so many other ministries, Lord, that have put sweat equity into the mission you've called us to. Father, thank you, God, for all of our local partners, Lord, and for this gracious, giving church who goes above and beyond, Lord, that giving to give to PHP. Father, thank you, God, for what you're going to do with and through us and in us in 2025. And we pray today, God, as we look at John 1 .14, Lord, that you would open up a way to acknowledge and to love you. We pray these things in Christ's name. Amen." [00:25:54] (69 seconds)
"Well, again, it's great to be with you guys. And if you have your Bibles, go ahead and turn to John. That's the Gospel of John. And I know in your weeklies, it says 1 John. That's my bad. That's my mistake. That's not on our communications, people. So that's my fault. All leaders need to take a personal responsibility and extreme ownership of that. But we're in John. Don't want to confuse anybody. The Gospel of John 1 .14. So you're going to go. No, Bible is in two halves. Old Testament, New Testament, fourth book in the New Testament. It's called the Gospel of John, first chapter. That's where we're going to be sitting down on. If you've looked and you saw our folks that were singing up here, leading us in worship, as well as many of our next gen that are on cameras and around and also appreciate not only the lighting of the candle, but also the prayers. We're all next gen kids, meaning our middle schools, high schoolers, and elementary." [00:27:32] (69 seconds)
"It's amazing if we, I think one of the things that is so key in understanding ourselves is to know what the problem is. Now, when I grew up in church, maybe many of you have come home from, you know, college, or maybe you're out -of -town guests, and you're getting ready for Christmas. When I heard a pastor preach, in most cases, most cases, when I would hear what the problem was, and he was saying do something, it was actually usually stop doing that. That's what I heard all the time. Quit doing that. Stop doing that. Now, one of the things that's happened in the church. In the coming is that we've noticed that in our whole area, and even in this generation, we're seeing that a lot of people are dealing with sometimes some things in our mind. Now, one of the things that I have heard from feedback from you guys is during this Advent season, we've touched on some topics that have been very helpful to you. And why?" [00:30:42] (65 seconds)
"Why when you talk on hope? Or why? Why when you talk on love like today or peace, why does it resonate, especially in this day? Why does it resonate with us? I want to tell you why. It's because we think on a lot of things that take our minds into dark places. We watch a lot of things sometimes that might take our mind into dark places. And we're put in a lot of different circumstances to where our mind and our emotions cannot handle the things that we're seeing. I see a lot of people live with that. A lot of people with angst. A lot of people with anxiety. And sometimes it's good to take the time to think on good things. Good things. That's what this Advent has been, is what we've been able to think through some good things." [00:31:47] (53 seconds)
"And so today we come to one verse, one verse to look at how do we love well. I think one of the things we think about what it means to love well and why we don't love well is is because I think that sometimes we're in a place to where we say we have an if -then understanding of the people around us and with loving. And here's how it goes. If that person, whoever it is, would do this, then I'd be okay. If the world was what? Whatever you need the world to be, then maybe I would love more. If my church would, if my family would, if my son, my daughter's teacher would, then I would respond in the proper way. And I will tell you, if you're caught in that, it's really easy to get caught in that." [00:34:18] (59 seconds)
"You and I, this is the big thing. If you're going to say, what does he want us to know today? Here it is. Okay. You and I are capable of loving one another because Jesus loved us enough to show up. That's what we're going to look at today. Okay. I love what C .S. Lewis says in the four loves about how our capability to love, is sometimes not as bright as it could be. He says this, My dear friends, you're going to reflect whatever is influencing you today. You're going to reflect it, no matter what it is. Whatever mindset you have, whatever worldview you have, you cannot but reflect it. You're going to reflect it. You're a mirror. Now, you're either going to reflect the love of God very dimly or brightly. That's what he's saying here. He says, So if there is any love, any consolation, it is all because Jesus Christ has taught us how to do this." [00:35:34] (71 seconds)
"We are capable of loving one another, even our enemies, because Jesus showed up and he's taught us how to love. All right? Let's dig in. Here we go. First thing I want you to understand, real simple, Jesus has come. What does that mean? Jesus has showed up. That's what it says. Jesus has come. What does that mean? Well, before you can really know what it means for Jesus that he showed up, I'm going to tell you what it does not mean. What it does not mean. You're going to see here that in this passage, this very short passage, it says, and the word became flesh. The word. What does it even mean with the word? Well, the Greek Stoics will use this word to denote reason." [00:37:14] (49 seconds)
"Not only that, this whole first chapter of John points back to this contrast between light and dark. Light and dark. And our thoughts and our feelings. And our emotions. And even our hands. Can often come out of a place of darkness. Or of light. And the word teaches us the difference between the two. It says in the beginning the word was not only God. He was with God in the relationship with God. So when it says that the word became flesh. He's not talking about a notion. An idea. He's not talking about reason or wisdom or anything like this. It means that the second person of the Trinity showed up. The one who was before all things. Who Colossians says is the cohesion of all things. The one who was with the Father. Delighting in all things. Has shown up." [00:39:22] (65 seconds)
"He loved us, and he was personal. You see, in the understanding of God and how you understand God and how you relate to divinity, especially in the Greek understanding of it, gods would take on flesh in all kinds of mythical stories. But you know what? When a God took on flesh, became a human, you know why they did it? To take advantage of humans, to get something they wanted. If you read the mythology on all the stories, that's what they did. But yet this God, this true God, when he came and he took on flesh, he didn't get them to take for his advantage. Love is not getting around. It says in Philippians that he emptied himself, taking on the very form of a servant. He doesn't just leverage our gifts and talents and abilities so that he has something. No, he came to give." [00:43:03] (49 seconds)
"To give away all I have, but deliver up my body to be burned. But have not love, I am nothing. You gain nothing without love. But Jesus has come. He has tabernacled with us. As the scripture says, the word, not reason, not just wisdom, not a concept, but the God -man showed up. The word became flesh. And that means something. That means something. That means a lot. So here it is. He showed up. You and I have got to deal with that. If Jesus showed up, Jesus showed up, what does that mean for us? Because he could show up and you don't see him, right? But look what the scripture says. It says, the word became flesh and dwelt among us. Right? So what does it mean that not only did he show up, but he said something about himself. He disclosed himself. He said, this is who I am. This is my way. This is my heart. This is my yoke. This is how you're to live. Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself. Take up his cross. Follow me. What does it mean that in history that he gave his life on a cross for us? What does it mean that he just didn't show up? What does it mean that he didn't show up, but he showed up and he disclosed himself to us? We have seen him. It means something, right?" [00:45:18] (92 seconds)
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