Seeing and Savoring the Glory of Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Incarnation as the Ultimate Revelation of God's Glory

The Incarnation is a profound mystery where the Word became flesh, revealing the glory of God full of grace and truth. This event is not merely historical but a present reality that invites us to see and experience the glory of Christ. The Gospel of John emphasizes that to know God, we must look to Jesus, whose life and teachings are the ultimate revelation of God's character and love. The glory of Christ is not just a display of divine majesty but is overflowing with grace, offering us grace upon grace. This grace is the means by which we are born again, enabling us to see and embrace the glory of God. [05:53]

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively seek to experience the grace and truth of Christ in your daily life today?

Day 2: Overcoming Spiritual Blindness and Worldly Darkness

Our spiritual blindness is overcome by the new birth, and the world's darkness is dispelled by the light of Christ. This dual transformation is essential for us to truly see and know God. The Gospel of John invites us to see the glory of God in the face of Christ and be transformed by it. The light of Christ shines into the darkest corners of our hearts and the world, offering hope and renewal. As we embrace this light, we are called to reflect it to others, becoming beacons of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness. [23:21]

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you let the light of Christ shine through you to dispel darkness in your community today?

Day 3: Jesus as the Full Revelation of God

Moses, who longed to see God's glory, could only glimpse the back of God's glory. In contrast, Jesus, who is in the bosom of the Father, reveals God fully. This revelation is not just for the learned or the religious elite but is accessible to the simplest believer who sees Jesus for who He truly is. The Incarnation makes the divine accessible and knowable, inviting all to come and see the fullness of God in Christ. This revelation challenges us to deepen our understanding and relationship with God through Jesus, who perfectly embodies the Father's heart. [41:29]

"No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." (John 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of Jesus as the full revelation of God in your personal study and prayer life today?

Day 4: Eternal Life as Joy and Satisfaction in Christ

The ultimate goal of this revelation is not just eternal life in a temporal sense but a life filled with the joy and satisfaction of seeing and savoring the glory of Christ. This is the true essence of eternal life, a life that is not just endless but filled with the fullness of God's presence. The joy and satisfaction found in Christ surpass all earthly pleasures and provide a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. As we journey through life, we are invited to continually seek and savor the glory of Christ, finding our ultimate joy in Him. [20:47]

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to find your joy and satisfaction in Christ rather than in temporary worldly pursuits?

Day 5: Praying and Laboring for Others to See God's Glory

As we journey through this season, let us pray and labor for those around us to see this glory and be drawn to it, becoming children of God. The Gospel of John is a testament to this truth, inviting us to see the glory of God in the face of Christ and be transformed by it. Our mission is to share this revelation with others, helping them to see and experience the transformative power of Christ's glory. Through prayer, witness, and service, we can be instruments of God's grace, drawing others into the light of His presence. [45:16]

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the glory of God? How can you intentionally pray for and reach out to them this week?

Sermon Summary

In this message, we explore the profound truth of the Incarnation, where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing the glory of God full of grace and truth. This is not just a historical event but a present reality that calls us to see and experience the glory of Christ. The Gospel of John emphasizes that to know God, we must look to Jesus, whose life and teachings are the ultimate revelation of God's character and love. The glory of Christ is not just a display of divine majesty but is overflowing with grace, offering us grace upon grace. This grace is the means by which we are born again, enabling us to see and embrace the glory of God.

The Incarnation is God's answer to the darkness in the world and in our hearts. Our spiritual blindness is overcome by the new birth, and the world's darkness is dispelled by the light of Christ. This dual transformation is essential for us to truly see and know God. The Gospel of John is a testament to this truth, inviting us to see the glory of God in the face of Christ and be transformed by it. The ultimate goal of this revelation is not just eternal life in a temporal sense but a life filled with the joy and satisfaction of seeing and savoring the glory of Christ.

Moses, who longed to see God's glory, could only glimpse the back of God's glory. In contrast, Jesus, who is in the bosom of the Father, reveals God fully. This revelation is not just for the learned or the religious elite but is accessible to the simplest believer who sees Jesus for who He truly is. As we journey through this season, let us pray and labor for those around us to see this glory and be drawn to it, becoming children of God.

Key Takeaways

1. The Incarnation is the ultimate revelation of God's glory, full of grace and truth. This glory is not just a display of divine majesty but is overflowing with grace, offering us grace upon grace. This grace is the means by which we are born again, enabling us to see and embrace the glory of God. [05:53]
2. Our spiritual blindness is overcome by the new birth, and the world's darkness is dispelled by the light of Christ. This dual transformation is essential for us to truly see and know God. The Gospel of John invites us to see the glory of God in the face of Christ and be transformed by it. [23:21]
3. Moses, who longed to see God's glory, could only glimpse the back of God's glory. In contrast, Jesus, who is in the bosom of the Father, reveals God fully. This revelation is not just for the learned or the religious elite but is accessible to the simplest believer who sees Jesus for who He truly is. [41:29]
4. The ultimate goal of this revelation is not just eternal life in a temporal sense but a life filled with the joy and satisfaction of seeing and savoring the glory of Christ. This is the true essence of eternal life, a life that is not just endless but filled with the fullness of God's presence. [20:47]
5. As we journey through this season, let us pray and labor for those around us to see this glory and be drawn to it, becoming children of God. The Gospel of John is a testament to this truth, inviting us to see the glory of God in the face of Christ and be transformed by it. [45:16]
** [45:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:18] - Prayer for Illumination
[01:39] - The Word Became Flesh
[02:56] - Glory Full of Grace and Truth
[05:08] - Seeing God Through Jesus
[07:06] - The Centrality of Christ's Glory
[09:15] - Incarnation as Proof of Glory
[12:04] - The Need for Grace
[14:02] - Not All Are Children of God
[16:53] - The Necessity of New Birth
[19:04] - Eternal Life and Seeing Glory
[22:10] - Overcoming Darkness
[25:09] - Grace as Goal and Means
[33:38] - Moses and the Glory of God
[40:48] - Jesus as the Full Revelation of God
[45:16] - Prayer for Revelation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

John 1:14-18
John 3:3
Exodus 33:18-23

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Observation Questions:

According to John 1:14, what does it mean that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us"? How does this reveal the glory of God? [02:00]
In the sermon, it was mentioned that grace is emphasized over truth in John 1:16. Why do you think the sermon highlights this emphasis on grace? [03:20]
How does the sermon describe the relationship between seeing the glory of Christ and being born again? [06:38]
What does the sermon say about Moses' experience with God's glory compared to the revelation of God through Jesus? [41:29]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of the Incarnation as described in John 1:14-18 challenge or deepen our understanding of God's presence in the world? [02:00]
The sermon suggests that seeing the glory of Christ is essential for salvation. How does this align with Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:3? [16:53]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the grace of God is both the means and the goal of the new birth? [25:09]
How does the sermon interpret Moses' request to see God's glory in Exodus 33:18-23 in light of the revelation of Jesus? [38:52]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually blind or in darkness. How can the light of Christ, as described in the sermon, help you overcome this darkness? [23:21]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeing Jesus' glory to truly know God. What practical steps can you take this week to focus more on Jesus and His teachings? [05:53]
How can you actively seek to experience the "grace upon grace" mentioned in John 1:16 in your daily life? What changes might you need to make to be more open to receiving this grace? [03:20]
The sermon calls us to pray and labor for others to see the glory of Christ. Who in your life needs to see this glory, and how can you be a part of that process? [45:16]
Consider the dual transformation of overcoming spiritual blindness and the world's darkness. How can you contribute to dispelling darkness in your community or family? [23:21]
The sermon contrasts Moses' glimpse of God's glory with the full revelation in Jesus. How does this understanding affect your view of the Old Testament and its relevance today? [41:29]
Eternal life is described as a life filled with joy and satisfaction in Christ's glory. What specific actions can you take to cultivate a deeper joy and satisfaction in your relationship with Jesus? [20:47]

Sermon Clips

The word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only son from the father, full of grace and truth. The word that became flesh is the word of verse one: in the beginning was the word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [00:01:50]

This glory is full of grace and truth, and even though truth is mentioned, grace gets the accent. From this fullness, we have received grace upon grace. He could have said we have received truth upon truth, and he didn't. This grace is overflowing; this glory is overflowing with grace and truth. [00:02:56]

If anybody wants to know God today, if anybody wants to see God today, if anybody wants to have any fellowship with God today, what they should do is look at Jesus Christ and His glory, with a very special attention to the fullness of that Glory, namely grace overflowing for sinners. [00:05:34]

The great issue of all humankind: do people see this? To see it is to be saved, to see it is to have eternal life, to see it is to have been born again. This is the great issue on this planet. He lived 33 years, God did, on this planet. Everything orients on that. [00:06:32]

The reason everybody needs grace, according to this context, is if the grace that comes in Jesus Christ doesn't land in power on them, they are not the children of God. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. [00:11:23]

When you're born of God the second time, not the first time born of mother and father, born of God, that's a work of free grace. A baby doesn't get himself born. Grace gets us born. That's a work of grace. It happens consciously through our faith. We experience that as faith. [00:12:53]

The glory of Christ, the King in the Kingdom, will be seen when God opens our eyes. Christianity is a supernatural religion. It is not decisionism converts. We preach and pray and labor and long and give out gospels and bring people to church and agonize over them. [00:17:06]

The ultimate goal of the Gospel of John is that people see and enjoy the glory of Jesus Christ. Now, I know in chapter 20 verse 31, it says these things are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and have life eternal life in his name. [00:18:03]

The goal of eternal life is to see Jesus. Behold what manner of love the father has shown to us that we should be called the children of God, and so we are. Now it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when we see him, we will be like him. [00:20:50]

Darkness in our souls is overcome by regeneration or new birth. Darkness in the world is overcome by incarnation. The word became flesh. There's my summary statement: darkness in here, my blindness, my deadness, my darkness is overcome by being born again, regeneration. [00:23:11]

The simplest believer in the world who sees Jesus Christ for who he is sees the glory of God full of grace and truth and are drawn to him forever. Jesus said, John 14:9, Whoever has seen me has seen what? The father. If you've seen me, you've seen the father. [00:43:57]

For the next eight weeks plus, through this holiday season, my prayer, I hope your prayer, is that that would happen for hundreds of people. He who believes in me doesn't believe in me; he believes in my father, and who sees me doesn't just see me; he sees my father. [00:45:16]

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Seeing and Savoring the Glory of Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Incarnation as the Ultimate Revelation of God's Glory

Day 2: Overcoming Spiritual Blindness and Worldly Darkness

Day 3: Jesus as the Full Revelation of God

Day 4: Eternal Life as Joy and Satisfaction in Christ

Day 5: Praying and Laboring for Others to See God's Glory

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Seeing and Savoring the Glory of Christ

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