The Deity of Jesus: Foundation of Our Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truth of the deity of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of our faith. We began by acknowledging the joy and privilege of being in God's house and the importance of our Articles of Faith, which guide our beliefs and behaviors. Our focus was on the deity of Jesus Christ, affirming that He is the second person of the Triune God, eternally existent, and not a created being. Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, died as the perfect Lamb of God, and rose bodily, ascending to heaven where He intercedes for us.
We delved into the biblical foundation of Jesus' deity, starting with John 1:1-3, which affirms that Jesus, the Word, was with God and was God from the beginning. We explored the creation narrative, emphasizing that the light of the first days came from God Himself, highlighting the triune nature of God present at creation. We also discussed the importance of defining deity correctly, as the power to define is the power to control. Our belief in the one true God, Jehovah, sets us apart from polytheistic religions and underscores our worship of Him alone.
We examined the significance of Jesus' deity in our lives, noting that many believe in Jesus' existence but not in His divinity. However, the scriptures affirm that Jesus is God in the flesh, who humbled Himself to die for our sins, offering us redemption and salvation. This truth should transform how we live, as we recognize Jesus as our high priest and advocate.
We also touched on the "Eve syndrome," a tendency to desire what we cannot have, leading to disobedience and sin. This principle is evident in our culture today, where people often prioritize self-gratification over God's will. We are called to turn away from such tendencies and embrace the gospel's transformative power.
Finally, we reflected on the significance of the gospel, which is the good news of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. This message is not only central to our faith but also essential in our daily lives, relationships, and service to others. The gospel calls us to live lives that reflect the love and truth of Jesus, impacting those around us and fulfilling our mandate to spread this good news.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Deity of Jesus Christ: Jesus is the second person of the Triune God, eternally existent and not created. He was born of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, died as the perfect Lamb of God, and rose bodily, ascending to heaven where He intercedes for us. This foundational truth should shape our faith and daily living. [24:50]
2. Biblical Foundation of Jesus' Deity: John 1:1-3 affirms that Jesus, the Word, was with God and was God from the beginning. The creation narrative highlights the triune nature of God, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit present at creation. This understanding deepens our appreciation of Jesus' divine nature and His role in creation. [25:26]
3. Defining Deity Correctly: The power to define is the power to control. Our belief in the one true God, Jehovah, sets us apart from polytheistic religions and underscores our worship of Him alone. This correct understanding of deity is crucial for maintaining the purity of our faith and worship. [26:44]
4. Transformative Power of Jesus' Deity: Many believe in Jesus' existence but not in His divinity. However, the scriptures affirm that Jesus is God in the flesh, who humbled Himself to die for our sins, offering us redemption and salvation. This truth should transform how we live, recognizing Jesus as our high priest and advocate. [29:24]
5. Significance of the Gospel: The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. This message is central to our faith and essential in our daily lives, relationships, and service to others. The gospel calls us to live lives that reflect the love and truth of Jesus, impacting those around us and fulfilling our mandate to spread this good news. [52:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:09] - Introduction and Articles of Faith
[23:53] - The Deity of Jesus Christ
[25:26] - Biblical Foundation of Jesus' Deity
[26:44] - Defining Deity Correctly
[29:24] - Transformative Power of Jesus' Deity
[31:47] - Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearance
[40:21] - The Eve Syndrome
[46:43] - Turning Away from Ungodliness
[52:30] - Significance of the Gospel
[55:08] - Paul's Letter to the Romans
[59:44] - The Mandate and Message of the Gospel
[01:06:34] - Paul's Journey to Rome
[01:09:39] - Eternal Life and the Good News
[01:10:10] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 1:1-3
2. Genesis 1:1-3
3. Matthew 1:21-23
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 1:1-3, what is the relationship between Jesus (the Word) and God? How does this passage affirm Jesus' deity? ([25:26])
2. In Genesis 1:1-3, who was present at the creation, and what does this imply about the nature of God? ([26:12])
3. What does Matthew 1:21-23 reveal about the purpose of Jesus' birth and His identity? ([30:04])
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of Jesus' deity in our daily lives? ([29:24])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand that Jesus is not a created being but eternally existent as part of the Triune God? How does this shape our faith? ([24:50])
2. How does the creation narrative in Genesis 1:1-3 highlight the triune nature of God, and why is this significant for understanding Jesus' role in creation? ([26:12])
3. The sermon mentions that many believe in Jesus' existence but not in His divinity. Why is belief in Jesus' divinity crucial for our salvation and daily living? ([29:24])
4. How does the "Eve syndrome" described in the sermon relate to our current cultural tendencies, and what lessons can we learn from it? ([40:21])
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on John 1:1-3, how does recognizing Jesus as God change the way you approach your daily life and decisions? ([25:26])
2. In what ways can you deepen your understanding of the triune nature of God as seen in Genesis 1:1-3, and how might this impact your worship and relationship with God? ([26:12])
3. Considering Matthew 1:21-23, how can you live out the truth that Jesus is "God with us" in your interactions with others this week? ([30:04])
4. The sermon emphasized the transformative power of Jesus' deity. What specific changes can you make in your life to better reflect Jesus as your high priest and advocate? ([29:24])
5. How can you guard against the "Eve syndrome" in your own life, prioritizing God's will over self-gratification? What practical steps can you take to turn away from such tendencies? ([40:21])
6. The gospel is central to our faith and daily lives. How can you more effectively share the good news of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection with those around you? ([52:30])
7. Reflect on a time when you desired something that was not in line with God's will. How did that impact your relationship with God, and what did you learn from that experience? ([40:21])
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Deity of Jesus Christ
Jesus is the second person of the Triune God, eternally existent and not created. He was born of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, died as the perfect Lamb of God, and rose bodily, ascending to heaven where He intercedes for us. This foundational truth should shape our faith and daily living. [24:50]
Jesus Christ is not merely a historical figure or a moral teacher; He is the eternal Son of God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. From the beginning, He was with God and was God, participating in the creation of the world. His incarnation, born of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, was a divine act of love and humility. Jesus lived a sinless life, fulfilling the law perfectly, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His resurrection and ascension affirm His victory over sin and death, and He now intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father.
Understanding the deity of Jesus Christ is crucial for our faith. It assures us that our salvation is secure in the hands of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present God. This truth should transform our daily lives, leading us to worship Him with reverence and awe, and to live in obedience to His commands. As we recognize Jesus as our high priest and advocate, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that He understands our struggles and intercedes on our behalf.
John 1:1-3 (ESV): "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the eternal Son of God change the way you approach your daily life and challenges?
Day 2: The Biblical Foundation of Jesus' Deity
John 1:1-3 affirms that Jesus, the Word, was with God and was God from the beginning. The creation narrative highlights the triune nature of God, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit present at creation. This understanding deepens our appreciation of Jesus' divine nature and His role in creation. [25:26]
The Bible provides a clear and compelling foundation for the deity of Jesus Christ. In John 1:1-3, we see that Jesus, referred to as the Word, was with God and was God from the very beginning. This passage emphasizes that Jesus is not a created being but is co-eternal with the Father. The creation narrative in Genesis also reveals the triune nature of God, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all present and active in the creation of the world. This understanding helps us appreciate the divine nature of Jesus and His integral role in the creation and sustenance of all things.
Recognizing the biblical foundation of Jesus' deity is essential for our faith. It assures us that our belief in Jesus as God is not based on human tradition or opinion but on the authoritative Word of God. This truth should deepen our worship and devotion to Jesus, knowing that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. As we meditate on the scriptures that affirm His deity, we are reminded of His power, wisdom, and love, which are beyond our comprehension.
Colossians 1:16-17 (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. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' role in creation enhance your worship and relationship with Him?
Day 3: Defining Deity Correctly
The power to define is the power to control. Our belief in the one true God, Jehovah, sets us apart from polytheistic religions and underscores our worship of Him alone. This correct understanding of deity is crucial for maintaining the purity of our faith and worship. [26:44]
Defining deity correctly is of utmost importance in our faith. The power to define is indeed the power to control, and our understanding of who God is shapes our worship, beliefs, and behaviors. As Christians, we believe in the one true God, Jehovah, who is revealed in the Bible as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This sets us apart from polytheistic religions that worship multiple gods. Our belief in the triune God underscores our worship of Him alone and helps us maintain the purity of our faith.
A correct understanding of deity is crucial for our spiritual growth and maturity. It helps us avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and false teachings that can lead us astray. By grounding our faith in the biblical revelation of God, we ensure that our worship is directed towards the true and living God. This understanding also helps us appreciate the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man, and the significance of His work of redemption.
Isaiah 45:5-6 (ESV): "I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your understanding and worship of God remain true to the biblical revelation of His nature?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Jesus' Deity
Many believe in Jesus' existence but not in His divinity. However, the scriptures affirm that Jesus is God in the flesh, who humbled Himself to die for our sins, offering us redemption and salvation. This truth should transform how we live, recognizing Jesus as our high priest and advocate. [29:24]
Believing in the existence of Jesus is not enough; we must also recognize and affirm His divinity. The scriptures clearly teach that Jesus is God in the flesh, who came to earth to redeem humanity. He humbled Himself, taking on human form, and lived a sinless life. His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection offer us redemption and salvation. This truth is transformative, as it calls us to live in a way that reflects our faith in Jesus as our high priest and advocate.
Understanding the deity of Jesus should change how we approach our daily lives. It should lead us to a deeper sense of gratitude and worship, knowing that God Himself came to save us. This truth also gives us confidence in our relationship with God, as we know that Jesus intercedes for us and understands our struggles. As we live out our faith, we should strive to reflect the love, humility, and obedience of Jesus in our interactions with others.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV): "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as both God and your high priest influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?
Day 5: The Significance of the Gospel
The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. This message is central to our faith and essential in our daily lives, relationships, and service to others. The gospel calls us to live lives that reflect the love and truth of Jesus, impacting those around us and fulfilling our mandate to spread this good news. [52:30]
The gospel is the heart of the Christian faith. It is the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This message is not only the foundation of our salvation but also the guiding principle for our daily lives. The gospel calls us to live in a way that reflects the love, grace, and truth of Jesus. It impacts our relationships, our service to others, and our witness to the world. As we embrace the gospel, we are called to share this good news with others, fulfilling the Great Commission.
Living out the gospel means allowing its truth to transform every aspect of our lives. It means loving others as Jesus loved us, serving selflessly, and proclaiming the message of salvation with boldness and compassion. The gospel is not just a message to be believed but a life to be lived. As we reflect on the significance of the gospel, we are reminded of our responsibility to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing His love and truth with a world in need.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (ESV): "Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."
Reflection: How can you intentionally live out the gospel in your daily interactions and relationships this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We live in a world that's filled with violence, hatred and a love for self. We live in a culture that has embraced the mind of Eve... But there is a policy there is a principle there when we call it the principle or the policy of Eve... God has provided for every one of their needs and he's given them the ability to make decisions... He comes to them every day and speaks to them in the cool of the garden in the cool of the day." [40:21] (105 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What changed his mind on the road to Damascus? The gospel. What will change in your minds in our daily lives? What will change the way that we think? What will change what we do? What will change how we behave? What will change in our lives because of the good news that Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, came, born of a virgin, lived a perfect life in a world that hated him, in a world that despised him, in a world that didn't understand him, in a religion that could have cared less about him unless they only wanted to kill him." [01:07:37] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The good news is that our lives matter, our Christian life matters in our everyday life... He will be today and he will be tomorrow. By the way, he'll be there until the rapture takes place. So let's think the good news is that our lives matter, our Christian life matters in our everyday life." [01:00:49] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We worship Jehovah God, and he alone. What a biblical truth. What a fantastic place. We don't have to concern. We don't have to care. We don't have to be careful. We don't have to be consumed. We know for sure that our God is real. We know these things. What a biblical truth." [28:09] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do you think that whenever Christ had this conversation with those disciples, do you think it changed what they thought? Do you think it changed how they lived? Do you think it changed their futures? I not only think so, I know it did. It'll do mine and yours too, if we'll allow it to. We thank the Lord for it this morning." [33:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What do we believe about the deity of Jesus? I've said this in many different ways. There's a lot of religions out there, and in their belief system, they believe in Jesus. They do. They believe in Jesus. Listen, a lot of them that we call Christians in America today believe in Jesus, but do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, and Jesus was God in the flesh. But we know from the scriptures that give us that knowledge and truth that he was." [28:43] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul said that's me. That's what he said. I just read it for you and that's what he said. He said called to me an apostle separated on the gospel of God then he says in verse 6 among whom are ye also of Jesus Christ so the gospel is not only important in our local church as we send missionaries around the world to spread the gospel and bring others unto the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ you and I are called to be significantly impacted by the gospel there's a truth to that." [59:11] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The significance of the gospel is amazing. Paul here gives us two or three different things I'm going to read them with you this morning in the epistle of the apostle to the Romans he is separated in the gospel look at verse 2 which he had promised to forby his prophets in the holy scriptures Paul is a student of the Old Testament he knows exactly Romans 3.15 great text he knows exactly Isaiah 9 he knows exactly the number of scriptures in the Old Testament that prophesy and promise the Messiah will come and what he will do and what he will do." [57:14] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The significance of the gospel and the servant of the gospel listen to what Paul tells him we don't have much here but I want to share it with you Paul says in verse 7 to all that be in Rome beloved of God called to be saints to be saints grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ look at verse number 8 he said first I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world." [01:03:26] (-733 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The significance of the gospel then I want to talk about the servant of the gospel Paul says this he said Paul a servant of Jesus Christ servant how you know when I read 1 Timothy 2 Timothy when I read that how many of us we're still serving ourselves I don't feel like it I don't feel good today I think I said this probably on Wednesday night or maybe one other time how many of us pick up our phone in the morning and check the weather listen I check the weather in India I check some of you I check the weather in Sikkim I check the weather in Ghana I check the weather in Sierra Leone I check the weather in Danville I got kids that live there it's here." [01:01:53] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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