Revelation, Baptism, and Hope in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Epiphany as the Light of Revelation

Epiphany is a season that highlights the revelation of Jesus Christ as the light of the world. It is a time to reflect on the moment when the wise men recognized Jesus as the Savior, acknowledging His divine identity. This season invites believers to see Jesus as the Son of God and the promised Messiah, whose identity is revealed through His baptism and ministry. The baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River is a pivotal moment where God the Father declares Jesus as His beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him. This event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, revealing Him as the great prophet, priest, and king who brings God's word, offers the ultimate sacrifice, and rules with love and mercy. Understanding Epiphany transforms our perception of who Jesus is and deepens our faith. [32:29]

Isaiah 60:1-3 (ESV): "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."

Reflection: How can you let the light of Christ shine through you in your daily interactions this week? Identify one specific way to reflect His light to those around you.

Day 2: Baptism as a Spiritual Transformation

Baptism is not merely a ritual but a profound spiritual reality that connects believers to Christ's death and resurrection. It signifies a death to sin and a new life in Christ, making believers righteous before God. Through baptism, individuals are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, which assures them of eternal life. This sacrament is a powerful reminder of their identity in Christ and calls them to live in accordance with His will. Baptism is a call to live a life that reflects Christ's love and righteousness, resisting sin and embracing the new life He offers. [49:22]

Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively live out your baptismal identity today? Consider one area of your life where you can more fully embrace the new life in Christ.

Day 3: Death as a Gateway to Hope

While death is a difficult reality, it is also a gateway to eternal life with Christ. The reality of death is softened by the promise of resurrection and eternal life. As believers face the loss of loved ones, they are comforted by the assurance that those who have died in Christ are united with Him in death and will be raised with Him in glory. This hope empowers believers to live boldly for Christ, knowing that their ultimate destiny is secure in Him. Baptism assures believers of this hope, as they are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. [46:14]

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV): "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."

Reflection: How does the promise of resurrection and eternal life influence the way you approach life's challenges? Identify one specific challenge you are facing and consider how this hope can give you strength.

Day 4: Living a Life Transformed by Christ

Believers are called to live a life that reflects Christ's love and righteousness. Through baptism, they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist sin and pursue holiness, knowing that they are dead to sin and alive in Christ. This transformation is a daily journey of faith, where believers are continually shaped and molded into the image of Christ. Living a transformed life means actively seeking to align one's actions and attitudes with the teachings of Jesus, allowing His love and grace to guide every aspect of life. [52:03]

Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can more fully reflect Christ's love and righteousness? Consider a practical step you can take today to align your actions with His teachings.

Day 5: The Ongoing Battle with Sin

Despite their new identity in Christ, believers continue to struggle with sin. The scriptures encourage them to fight against these temptations, relying on God's grace and strength. Baptism reminds believers that they are no longer slaves to sin but are called to live for God's glory. This ongoing battle with sin requires vigilance and a constant reliance on the Holy Spirit to overcome the temptations that arise. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance and strength in their daily lives, trusting in His power to help them resist sin and live in accordance with His will. [54:45]

1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."

Reflection: What is one temptation you are currently facing, and how can you rely on God's strength to overcome it? Consider a specific strategy or prayer you can use to resist this temptation today.

Sermon Summary

In this first week of Epiphany, we reflect on the profound themes of light and revelation, as well as the solemn reality of death. Epiphany marks the moment when the light of Christ is revealed to the world, symbolized by the wise men recognizing Jesus as the Savior. This season invites us to see and understand who Jesus truly is—the Son of God, the promised Messiah. The baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River is a pivotal epiphany, where God the Father declares Jesus as His beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him. This event inaugurates Jesus' public ministry, revealing Him as the great prophet, priest, and king who brings God's word, offers the ultimate sacrifice, and rules with love and mercy.

The theme of baptism extends to our own lives, as we are baptized into Christ's death and resurrection. This baptism signifies a death to sin and a new life in Christ. It connects us to the cross, where Jesus bore our sins, and to His resurrection, which assures us of eternal life. Baptism is not merely a ritual but a profound spiritual reality that transforms us, making us righteous and holy in God's sight. It is a call to live a life that reflects our identity in Christ, resisting sin and embracing the new life He offers.

Death, though a difficult topic, is an integral part of our faith journey. It reminds us of our mortality and the hope we have in Christ. The reality of death is softened by the promise of resurrection and eternal life. As we face the loss of loved ones, we are comforted by the assurance that they are united with Christ in death and will be raised with Him in glory. This hope empowers us to live boldly for Christ, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Him.

Key Takeaways

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2. Baptism's Profound Significance: Baptism is a spiritual reality that connects us to Christ's death and resurrection. It signifies our death to sin and new life in Christ, making us righteous before God. This sacrament is a powerful reminder of our identity in Christ and calls us to live in accordance with His will.

3. Death and Hope in Christ: While death is a difficult reality, it is also a gateway to eternal life with Christ. Our baptism assures us of this hope, as we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. This hope gives us strength to face life's challenges and live with purpose.

4. Living a Transformed Life: Our baptismal identity calls us to live a life that reflects Christ's love and righteousness. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist sin and pursue holiness, knowing that we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. This transformation is a daily journey of faith.

5. The Ongoing Battle with Sin: Despite our new identity in Christ, we continue to struggle with sin. The scriptures encourage us to fight against these temptations, relying on God's grace and strength. Our baptism reminds us that we are no longer slaves to sin but are called to live for God's glory.

** [32:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[12:58] - Epiphany and Light
[29:56] - Seasons of the Church Year
[32:29] - Understanding Epiphany
[33:37] - Jesus' Baptism and Revelation
[35:44] - Grace, Peace, and Mercy
[41:00] - The Reality of Death
[43:09] - Jesus' Role as Christ
[44:42] - Baptism of Death
[46:14] - Death and Resurrection
[49:22] - The Significance of Baptism
[50:20] - Justification and Righteousness
[52:03] - New Life in Christ
[54:45] - Living for God's Glory

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What significant event in Jesus' life is highlighted during the season of Epiphany, and what does it reveal about His identity? [33:37]
How does the sermon describe the connection between baptism and Jesus' death and resurrection? [46:14]
What role does baptism play in the life of a believer according to the sermon? [49:22]
How does the sermon address the reality of death and its connection to our faith journey? [41:00]

Interpretation Questions

How does the baptism of Jesus serve as an epiphany or revelation of His divine identity? [33:37]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that baptism transforms a believer's life and identity? [49:22]
How does the promise of resurrection provide hope in the face of death, according to the sermon? [46:14]
What does it mean to live a life that reflects our baptismal identity in Christ, as discussed in the sermon? [52:03]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own baptism. How does understanding it as a connection to Jesus' death and resurrection change your perspective on your faith journey? [49:22]
The sermon discusses the ongoing battle with sin. What specific steps can you take to resist sin and live according to your new identity in Christ? [54:45]
How can the hope of resurrection influence the way you handle grief and loss in your life? [46:14]
In what ways can you let the light of Christ shine through you during this season of Epiphany? Consider specific actions or attitudes you can adopt. [32:29]
The sermon emphasizes living a transformed life. Identify one area in your life where you feel called to reflect Christ's love and righteousness more fully. What practical changes can you make? [52:03]
How can you support others in your community who are struggling with the reality of death or the fear of it? [41:00]
Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more open to the Spirit's guidance in resisting sin and pursuing holiness? [52:03]

Sermon Clips

"Epiphany is when the light turns on. And you get to see things the way they are. Ever been in a dark room? Like. Totally dark. No light. Shades are totally. You can't see at all. What happens if you're in a dark room like that, that you've never, ever been in before, and you've never seen what's inside, and you don't know where to go, where to walk? You're going to walk into things? Can you see anything? No." [00:31:07]

"And so you turn the flashlight on, you find the light switch, and you turn it on, and oh, look it. I can see that over there in that side of the room, and this over here, you can see, right? The light comes on. That's what epiphany means. The light comes on. I understand. I see. Hey, what do people need to see and understand that epiphany is about?" [00:32:03]

"Who baptized him? Yeah? Yeah. He was a Baptist. Anybody know what river he was in? Yeah? Yeah, the Jordan River. And there they are in the Jordan River, and Jesus is baptized, and he comes up out of the water, and there's a cloud there, and a voice comes to give us an epiphany to turn the light on of who Jesus is and who's talking. Yeah?" [00:33:37]

"Epiphany tells us he's the promised one, the Son of God, our Savior. And we thank God that he has turned the light on in your hearts, letting you know who he is. And we want that light to grow shiner, brighter, and brighter. And that's good news for kids." [00:35:17]

"Well, our theme for our message this day is a baptism of death. It's a solemn word one might say indeed but it is a good word but often the word death is not a word that we like to hear or to think about we certainly don't like to hear the word if the word is about us that your days are numbered your terminal illness is going to take you sooner than you had wanted we don't like that word for ourselves we don't like that word when it's spoken about someone else a loved one we don't like that word or even a good friend." [00:39:26]

"Death, it's not something that we really like to hear about. We shudder at the reality of things taking place. And the fires in California, and sometimes it's easy just to assume that, you know, that's over there and I'm not going to think about it. But, you know, when it's brought closer to one, one tends to think about it a little more." [00:41:23]

"The announcement comes from the Father. This is my Son, the Holy Spirit upon him. This one born to be the Christ, the great prophet, priest, and King. He would be the great prophet to bringing God's word to the world. He would be the great priest who would make the sacrifice, as John said, behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." [00:44:27]

"For his baptism would lead to his arms stretched out on that cross, baptized, a baptism of death. That's why he came. To take into his body your sin and mine. So that we might have the forgiveness of sin, life that is." [00:45:32]

"And so what does this mean in our baptism our reading gives us several items that you have died to sin baptized into Jesus' death buried with the blood of Jesus by baptism into death united with him in a death like his the old self was crucified with him." [00:47:23]

"And what does this mean? It means a strong, real when you get to heaven. I encourage you to study this portion of scripture, memorize it, let it go deep inside of you. Because when you get to heaven, what this scripture boiled down to is for you and me, is that when God gave you his name in holy baptism, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." [00:49:00]

"You died to sin. That means that that sin, that sin that pronounces you guilty, guilty in God's courtroom, guilty on judgment day, is gone. In the first five chapters of Romans, the apostle Paul talks about the righteousness of God and his justifying work. His justifying work. His justifying work of pronouncing you to be not guilty on account of Christ." [00:50:36]

"Our scripture reading ends with that strong encouragement that as you are you see and understand yourself as God sees you, as you know and begin each day as Luther encourages in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, knowing that you have died to sin because God put that sin away from you when you were baptized, put its guilt away from you, put its punishment away from you." [00:54:55]

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