Remembering the True Meaning of Christmas

 

Summary

In the passage from the Second Epistle of Peter, the Apostle Peter emphasizes the importance of remembering the foundational truths of the Christian faith. As an old man nearing the end of his life, Peter is deeply concerned about the young Christian communities and their ability to withstand the challenges and persecutions they will face. He stresses that their faith is not based on "cunningly devised fables" but on the solid, concrete facts of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. This reminder is particularly relevant during the Christmas season, a time when the world often distorts the true message of Christ's birth.

Peter's exhortation is a call to hold fast to the facts of the Gospel, resisting the modern tendency to demythologize or reinterpret these truths to fit contemporary sensibilities. The facts of Christ's birth, life, and resurrection are not mere stories or myths; they are historical events that reveal the profound love of God. The incarnation, where the eternal Son of God took on human nature, is a mystery beyond human understanding, yet it is a fact that demonstrates God's immense love and condescension.

The Apostle underscores the importance of the apostolic witness and testimony, which form the foundation of the Christian faith. The apostles were eyewitnesses to Christ's majesty, and their accounts are not to be dismissed or reinterpreted. Additionally, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the life of Jesus provides further evidence of the truth of the Gospel. These prophecies, inspired by the Holy Spirit, foretold the coming of Christ and were fulfilled in precise detail.

Ultimately, the purpose of Christ's coming was not merely to teach or set an example but to taste death for every man, reconciling humanity to God. This is the true meaning of Christmas: the celebration of God's redemptive act in sending His Son to die for our sins, offering forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.

Key Takeaways:

- The Christian faith is grounded in historical facts, not myths or fables. The events of Christ's life, death, and resurrection are concrete realities that reveal God's love and purpose for humanity. These facts are essential to maintaining the integrity and power of the Gospel. [06:04]

- The incarnation of Christ is a profound mystery that demonstrates God's immense love and humility. By taking on human nature, the eternal Son of God entered into our world to bring salvation. This act of condescension is a testament to God's desire to be with us and to redeem us. [10:52]

- Apostolic witness and testimony are foundational to the Christian faith. The apostles were eyewitnesses to Christ's majesty, and their accounts provide a reliable basis for our beliefs. We must hold fast to their testimony and resist the temptation to reinterpret or dismiss it. [19:18]

- The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the life of Jesus is a powerful confirmation of the truth of the Gospel. These prophecies, inspired by the Holy Spirit, foretold the coming of Christ and were fulfilled in precise detail, providing a solid foundation for our faith. [26:27]

- The true meaning of Christmas is found in the redemptive purpose of Christ's coming. He came to taste death for every man, reconciling humanity to God. This is not merely a message of goodwill but a profound act of divine love and sacrifice, offering forgiveness and eternal life. [29:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Peter's Message
- [00:30] - Peter's Concern for the Early Church
- [01:10] - The Importance of Remembrance
- [02:14] - The Subtle Adversary
- [03:06] - The World's Misinterpretation of Christmas
- [04:13] - The Danger of Demythologizing
- [05:21] - The Denial of Christian Faith
- [06:34] - The Glory of the Gospel in Facts
- [08:15] - The Love of God in Action
- [09:39] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
- [11:26] - The Humility of Christ
- [13:16] - The Love of God Revealed
- [15:17] - The Importance of Facts and Interpretation
- [19:02] - The Certainty of Apostolic Witness
- [24:36] - The Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [27:20] - The Purpose of Christ's Coming
- [30:01] - The True Meaning of Christmas

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Peter 1:16-21

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Peter emphasize about the nature of the Christian faith in 2 Peter 1:16? How does he describe the basis of their message? [00:11]

2. According to the sermon, why was Peter so concerned about reminding the early Christians of the foundational truths? [00:30]

3. How does the sermon describe the world's tendency to reinterpret the message of Christmas? What are some examples given? [03:06]

4. What role do the apostles' eyewitness accounts play in the foundation of the Christian faith, according to the sermon? [19:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Peter insist on the importance of remembering the facts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection? How does this relate to the challenges faced by the early church? [01:10]

2. How does the sermon explain the significance of the incarnation of Christ as a historical fact rather than a myth? [09:39]

3. In what ways does the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies strengthen the truth of the Gospel, according to the sermon? [26:27]

4. How does the sermon interpret the true meaning of Christmas in light of Christ's redemptive purpose? [29:08]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the importance of historical facts in your faith. How can you ensure that your understanding of the Gospel remains grounded in these truths? [06:04]

2. The sermon warns against the modern tendency to reinterpret the Gospel to fit contemporary sensibilities. Are there areas in your life where you might be tempted to do this? How can you resist this temptation? [04:13]

3. Consider the role of apostolic witness in your faith journey. How can you deepen your appreciation for the testimonies of the apostles? [19:18]

4. The sermon highlights the fulfillment of prophecies as evidence of the Gospel's truth. How can you incorporate the study of these prophecies into your personal Bible study? [26:27]

5. How does understanding the true meaning of Christmas as a redemptive act change the way you celebrate the holiday? What specific actions can you take to reflect this understanding in your celebrations? [29:08]

6. The sermon emphasizes the love and humility demonstrated in the incarnation. How can you embody these qualities in your interactions with others this week? [10:52]

7. Reflect on the statement that Christ came to taste death for every man. How does this truth impact your view of God's love and your response to it? [29:08]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Foundation in Historical Reality
The Christian faith is not a collection of myths or fables but is grounded in the historical events of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. These events are concrete realities that reveal God's love and purpose for humanity. The Apostle Peter emphasizes the importance of remembering these foundational truths, especially in a world that often distorts the message of Christ. During the Christmas season, it is crucial to hold fast to the facts of the Gospel, resisting the temptation to reinterpret them to fit contemporary sensibilities. The integrity and power of the Gospel lie in its historical truth, which provides a solid foundation for our faith. [06:04]

2 Peter 1:16 (ESV): "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty."

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself daily of the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and how does this impact your faith today?


Day 2: The Mystery of the Incarnation
The incarnation of Christ is a profound mystery that demonstrates God's immense love and humility. By taking on human nature, the eternal Son of God entered into our world to bring salvation. This act of condescension is a testament to God's desire to be with us and to redeem us. The mystery of the incarnation is beyond human understanding, yet it is a fact that reveals the depth of God's love for humanity. As we reflect on this mystery, we are invited to marvel at the humility and love of God, who chose to become one of us to save us. [10:52]

Philippians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

Reflection: How can you embrace the mystery of the incarnation in your daily life, and what does it teach you about God's love and humility?


Day 3: The Certainty of Apostolic Witness
Apostolic witness and testimony are foundational to the Christian faith. The apostles were eyewitnesses to Christ's majesty, and their accounts provide a reliable basis for our beliefs. Peter underscores the importance of holding fast to their testimony, resisting the temptation to reinterpret or dismiss it. The apostles' witness is not just a historical record but a living testimony that continues to speak to us today. By grounding our faith in their testimony, we can be confident in the truth of the Gospel and the reality of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. [19:18]

1 John 1:1-2 (ESV): "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us."

Reflection: How can you actively engage with the apostolic witness in your daily spiritual practices, and what steps can you take to deepen your understanding of their testimony?


Day 4: The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the life of Jesus is a powerful confirmation of the truth of the Gospel. These prophecies, inspired by the Holy Spirit, foretold the coming of Christ and were fulfilled in precise detail, providing a solid foundation for our faith. The Apostle Peter highlights the significance of these prophecies as evidence of God's plan and purpose for humanity. By understanding the fulfillment of prophecy, we can see the continuity of God's redemptive work throughout history and be assured of the reliability of the Gospel message. [26:27]

Luke 24:44 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.'"

Reflection: What specific prophecies about Jesus have you found most compelling, and how do they strengthen your faith in the Gospel?


Day 5: The Redemptive Purpose of Christ's Coming
The true meaning of Christmas is found in the redemptive purpose of Christ's coming. He came to taste death for every man, reconciling humanity to God. This is not merely a message of goodwill but a profound act of divine love and sacrifice, offering forgiveness and eternal life. The Apostle Peter reminds us that the purpose of Christ's coming was not just to teach or set an example but to accomplish the work of redemption. As we celebrate Christmas, we are invited to reflect on the depth of God's love and the significance of Christ's sacrifice for our salvation. [29:08]

Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV): "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

Reflection: How can you live out the redemptive purpose of Christ's coming in your daily life, and what steps can you take to share this message of hope and salvation with others?

Quotes


The Apostle Peter here was writing as an old man he realized that his time on Earth was drawing to an end and he was very concerned about these Christians these early churches these young immature Christian communities should be certain after his departure of the things on which alone their faith could rest and stand the buffeting and the trials and the troubles and the persecution that were certain to come to them. [00:30:40]

The Apostle you see reminds these men he says I know that you know these facts but though I know that you know them I'm going on he says to remind you of them why well because he knew very well that we are confronted by a very subtle adversary who is Ever ready to make us misinterpret what we know to put a new Edge onto it to attach a new meaning to it and eventually to reach a point in which we have evacuated the truth of its real meaning and have turned it into something else. [00:39:50]

The whole world seems to have entered into a great conspiracy to turn this glorious message of the New Testament into something that is entirely different and rarely Bears very little relationship if any at all to that which is actually the truth and in particular it is doing so at the present time in this way it is putting all its emphasis upon ideas and withdrawing attention from the facts. [00:49:12]

We are told that if our Christian faith and gospel are to appeal to the modern intelligent men well then we must demythologize it the modern men we are told can't believe in miracles of course because he's scientifically minded and as long as we attach all these Miracles and Marvels and wonders to our presentation of Truth we are just antagonizing these men of understanding so we are told we must get rid of all that. [00:54:20]

Our Christian faith is based upon facts solid concrete facts and indeed if that isn't the case we simply Evacuate The Gospel as I say of its Central glory and of the thing that makes it most wonderful of all now if there are special occasions when we should remind ourselves of this it is on these days in the church's calendar when we remind ourselves of the Cardinal facts concerning the Lord Jesus Christ and here is the first his birth the fact of his birth in that little town of Bethlehem. [01:01:09]

The facts that are recorded in the four gospels and there is no doubt at all that that is why the church was led by the Holy Spirit to write the four gospels and to record them there were so many uh fables being circulated about our lord and there were others who were denying the facts altogether and saying that he rarely did not take unto him human nature but that he had had just a Phantom body that the Incarnation really didn't take place. [01:07:08]

It is in the facts that the love of God is rarely displayed to us it would I admit be a wonderful thing if God were to give some great phenomenon in the heavens in order to attract our attention that would be a great Act of condescension on God's behalf if God had sent his son into the world as some kind of apparition it would have been a wonderful thing if the Son of God had come into this world in a Phantom body it would have been amazing. [01:24:19]

The Eternal Son of God substance of the very Eternal substance letter and actually entered into the virgin's womb and there literally physically materially took unto himself human nature now it's a great mystery it's a great Marvel of course we don't understand it how can we understand something like this we are never meant to understand it we are meant to believe it but that is what it what that is the fact that that is what we are told. [01:38:40]

The love of God in every idea that is taught in the scripture if God merely tells us that he loves us it's a wonderful thing but it's an infinitely bigger and greater thing for God to tell us in this form in his son actually coming in the flesh and living in a world like this with its shame and its sorrow with all its evil and its sin he came and he endured the contradiction of sin against himself for 33 years he shared in the life of ordinary men and women like ourselves. [02:13:05]

Our faith our position is finally entirely dependent upon the apostolic witness and testimony now that is something that needs to be said very frequently during these present days with this Folly that seems to have gripped us all which leads us to think that every year is an advance upon the previous year and that every century is an advance upon the previous Century we in our ignorance and blindness tend to think think that because we are in the 20th century we know more about these things. [02:39:59]

The prophets were four tellers as well as fourth tellers of course the fin the the fashion today is to say a prophet is not really a man who foretells he's just a man with great Insight who gives a message for his age I agree he does that but he does something much more wonderful he sees ahead he for tells and centuries before this event happened in Bethlehem these men inspired mov by the Holy Ghost for told his coming. [02:58:48]

The primary object and purpose of his coming was that he might taste death for every man he came into this world deliberately to die in it why because it is the only way whereby men whereby men can be reconciled to God he was made a little lower than the Angels who was eternally above them as the sun because it was essential that if he was to rescue and redeem Fallen sinful human nature he should in human nature take our sins upon himself and bear their punishment. [03:15:52]

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Transcript
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