The Incarnation: God's Love Revealed in Jesus
Summary
The essence of the message today revolves around the profound mystery and significance of the Incarnation, the moment when God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. This event is not just a theological concept but the very core of our Christian faith. The Gospel of John provides a unique perspective on this, beginning with the Word, or Logos, which was with God and was God, becoming flesh and dwelling among us. This highlights the divine nature of Jesus and His mission to reveal God's true character to humanity.
The Incarnation answers three fundamental questions about God: Is God good? Does God understand us? Can we know God? The answer to all these questions is a resounding yes. God’s goodness is demonstrated through His willingness to become human, experiencing life with us, sharing in our joys and sorrows. Jesus lived a fully human life, understanding our struggles and heartaches intimately. Through Jesus, we can know God, as He reveals God's nature of grace and truth.
Athanasius, a church leader from the fourth century, described this as the divine dilemma, where God, out of His goodness, chose to save humanity by sending His Son. This act of divine love reassures us that our reality is defined not by our suffering but by God's fundamentally good character. Trusting in God's goodness can be challenging, especially during difficult times, but it is essential to remember that God is actively working in our lives.
As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the renewal and restoration that began with Christ's birth. The Incarnation is the first step in God's plan to redeem the world, assuring us that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives. This Christmas, let us respond to the Incarnation by welcoming Jesus into our hearts, acknowledging His sacrifice, and living out His love and grace in our daily lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Incarnation's Profound Mystery: The Incarnation is not just a theological idea but the core of our faith, where God became flesh in Jesus Christ, revealing His divine nature and mission to humanity. This event answers our deepest questions about God's goodness, understanding, and knowability. [53:36]
2. God's Goodness and Commitment: The Incarnation demonstrates God's commitment to humanity, showing that He is not distant but chose to experience life with us. This act of divine love reassures us that our reality is defined by God's fundamentally good character. [53:36]
3. Understanding Through Jesus: Jesus lived a fully human life, experiencing our struggles and heartaches, which allows us to know God intimately. Through Jesus, we see God's true nature of grace and truth, making Him accessible and relatable. [53:36]
4. The Divine Dilemma and Redemption: Athanasius described the Incarnation as the divine dilemma, where God chose to save humanity by sending His Son. This act of love reassures us that God is actively working in our lives, bringing renewal and restoration. [53:36]
5. Responding to the Incarnation: As we celebrate Christmas, we are invited to welcome Jesus into our hearts, acknowledging His sacrifice and living out His love and grace. Trusting in God's goodness can be challenging, but it is essential to remember that He is with us, actively involved in our lives. [53:36]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Announcements and Updates
- [05:00] - Upcoming Events and Gatherings
- [10:00] - Christmas Eve Service Invitation
- [15:00] - Community Needs and Opportunities
- [20:00] - Introduction to the Incarnation
- [25:00] - The Gospel of John's Perspective
- [30:00] - Understanding the Incarnation
- [35:00] - Answering Life's Deep Questions
- [40:00] - Athanasius and the Divine Dilemma
- [45:00] - God's Active Role in Our Lives
- [50:00] - Responding to God's Goodness
- [55:00] - Invitation to Receive Jesus
- [01:00:00] - Closing Prayer and Song
- [01:05:00] - Final Remarks and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Incarnation
Bible Reading:
- John 1:1, 14
Observation Questions:
1. According to John 1:1, how is Jesus described in relation to God and creation? [53:36]
2. What does John 1:14 reveal about the nature of Jesus and His relationship with humanity? [53:36]
3. How does the sermon describe the Incarnation as more than just a theological idea? [53:36]
4. What are the three fundamental questions about God that the Incarnation answers, according to the sermon? [53:36]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the Word (Logos) in John 1:1 help us understand Jesus' divine nature and mission? [53:36]
2. In what ways does the Incarnation demonstrate God's commitment to humanity, as discussed in the sermon? [53:36]
3. How does Athanasius' idea of the "divine dilemma" deepen our understanding of God's goodness and love? [53:36]
4. What does it mean for our reality to be defined by God's character rather than our suffering, as mentioned in the sermon? [53:36]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you questioned God's goodness. How does the Incarnation reassure you of His commitment to humanity? [53:36]
2. How can you actively welcome Jesus into your heart this Christmas season, acknowledging His sacrifice and love? [53:36]
3. In what ways can you live out God's grace and truth in your daily interactions with others? [53:36]
4. How can you remind yourself of God's active presence in your life, especially during challenging times? [53:36]
5. Consider the "divine dilemma" described by Athanasius. How does this perspective influence your understanding of God's plan for redemption? [53:36]
6. What specific steps can you take to trust in God's goodness, even when your feelings don't align with this belief? [53:36]
7. How can you share the message of the Incarnation with someone who may not fully understand its significance? [53:36]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Incarnation as the Heart of Faith
The Incarnation is a profound mystery that lies at the heart of Christian faith, where God became flesh in Jesus Christ. This event is not merely a theological concept but a transformative reality that answers our deepest questions about God's nature. Through the Incarnation, we see God's divine nature and mission to humanity, revealing His goodness, understanding, and knowability. The Gospel of John emphasizes this by describing Jesus as the Word, or Logos, who was with God and was God, becoming flesh and dwelling among us. This underscores the divine nature of Jesus and His mission to reveal God's true character to humanity. [53:36]
John 1:14 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How does the reality of God becoming flesh in Jesus challenge or deepen your understanding of who God is today?
Day 2: God's Commitment to Humanity
The Incarnation demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to humanity, showing that He is not distant but chose to experience life with us. This act of divine love reassures us that our reality is defined by God's fundamentally good character. By becoming human, God shared in our joys and sorrows, living a fully human life and understanding our struggles intimately. This commitment is a testament to God's goodness and His desire to be actively involved in our lives, even in the midst of our challenges. [53:36]
Hebrews 2:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
Reflection: In what ways can you recognize God's active presence and commitment in your life, especially during difficult times?
Day 3: Knowing God Through Jesus
Through Jesus, we can know God intimately, as He reveals God's true nature of grace and truth. Jesus lived a fully human life, experiencing our struggles and heartaches, making God accessible and relatable. This understanding allows us to see God's character more clearly and to trust in His goodness and love. By looking at Jesus' life and teachings, we gain insight into God's heart and His desire for a relationship with us. [53:36]
Colossians 1:15-16 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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."
Reflection: How does Jesus' life and teachings help you understand God's character and His desires for your life today?
Day 4: The Divine Dilemma and Redemption
Athanasius described the Incarnation as the divine dilemma, where God, out of His goodness, chose to save humanity by sending His Son. This act of love reassures us that God is actively working in our lives, bringing renewal and restoration. The Incarnation is the first step in God's plan to redeem the world, assuring us that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives. This divine intervention is a powerful reminder of God's love and His desire to restore and renew all things. [53:36]
Ephesians 1:7-10 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."
Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to invite God's renewing and redemptive work into today?
Day 5: Responding to the Incarnation
As we celebrate Christmas, we are invited to welcome Jesus into our hearts, acknowledging His sacrifice and living out His love and grace. Trusting in God's goodness can be challenging, but it is essential to remember that He is with us, actively involved in our lives. This season is a time to reflect on the Incarnation and respond by embracing Jesus' teachings and allowing His love to transform our daily lives. By doing so, we participate in God's ongoing work of renewal and restoration in the world. [53:36]
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Reflection: How can you actively welcome Jesus into your heart and life this Christmas season, and what steps can you take to live out His love and grace daily?
Quotes
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. It's an amazing introduction to who Jesus is, going all the way back to the very beginning of creation. And it kind of shows us. A larger picture than what we typically think of at Christmastime, of just Jesus in a manger. We know this as the Incarnation, and the Incarnation is kind of a profound mystery." [00:54:01] (33 seconds)
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. This Jesus, the Word, he became flesh and dwelt among us. It's a statement that truly captures the essence of the Incarnation. It highlights how God decided to become human while remaining fully divine. It's more than just a theological idea. It's really at the core of what we believe as Christians, as followers of Jesus Christ." [00:54:41] (32 seconds)
"John claims that Jesus represents the divine reason, showing God in his human nature. You know, when we gather at Christmas time, there are often questions. And all throughout life, we have questions about God. In life, we have deep questions sometimes about God. Is God good? Does God care about anything that I'm going through? Or can I even understand who God is?" [00:55:41] (27 seconds)
"John's declaration that Jesus the word became flesh gives us the answer to these three questions is God good the answer is yes yes God is good because he became flesh the incarnation demonstrates God's commitment to humanity he didn't remain distant but he actually came and he chose to experience life with each and every one of you chose to experience life with these kids with you and with me and Jesus is able to share in the joys and the sorrows of who we are because he came." [00:56:29] (35 seconds)
"Athanasius a church leader from the fourth century gives us a deeper look into this goodness the concept of the divine dilemma God with us he points out that while God made humans in his own image sin came into the picture bringing death and a divide between us and God the challenges were clear and God wanted to save humanity God wanted to save each and every once he wanted to save everybody up here he wanted to save all of us out there so what does he do well he says I'm going to send my son he wanted to save us so he sent God with us out of his goodness God decided to save us." [00:58:29] (41 seconds)
"Father i thank you this morning that we have been able to take this moment just to look into your word to hear from the kids and just to rejoice and celebrate together that you are with us so lord we take this time now to give you the praise and the glory in jesus name and amen amen i'm going to ask you to stand this morning and the kids are going to help us we're going to sing one last song so what do we do about this how do we celebrate god with us how do we celebrate the goodness of the lord well in response i think we're going to just kind of sing this song about how good god is the goodness of god is always with us the goodness of the lord is running after us and they're going to help us lead off in this song we're going to sing it one time the verse first verse and first chorus through with the kids then they're going to head out as we continue to sing and then we're going to sing one other final song together this morning go ahead and start playing that but would you join in singing cc winans is going to lead us this morning in this beautiful song the goodness of god let's just lift our voices and join together in singing hallelujah thank you jesus." [01:03:29] (72 seconds)
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