The Miracle of the Incarnation: God Becomes Flesh
Summary
In the sermon titled "The Incarnation - Hebrews 2:14-18," Associate Pastor Thomas from Redemption Church explores the profound mystery and significance of the Incarnation, the Christian doctrine that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The sermon delves into the importance of understanding the Incarnation correctly, as it is central to the Christian faith and the celebration of Christmas.
The Incarnation is presented as a miraculous event where the infinite Jesus took on human form, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose victorious. This act of God becoming flesh is not only unique but also essential for salvation. Thomas emphasizes that Jesus is both truly human and truly God, a truth that must be affirmed to maintain a correct understanding of Christian doctrine. He warns against the errors of denying either Jesus' humanity or divinity, as these would lead to heresy.
Thomas also discusses the inadequacy of the Old Testament priesthood and sacrificial system in dealing with the gravity of human sin. He explains that the offerings of livestock were insufficient to appease God's wrath, and only Jesus, as the perfect high priest, could offer a sacrifice that would satisfy divine justice. The Incarnation made Jesus the suitable and valuable sacrifice needed to atone for human sin.
The sermon encourages believers to be good Bible readers, seeking to understand the full counsel of God's word without adding to or taking away from it. Thomas advises against trying to comprehend the intricacies of the Incarnation, instead focusing on the simple truth that Jesus Christ became incarnate. He also highlights the importance of understanding the biblical and historical context of scripture to avoid misinterpretation.
Key Takeaways:
- The Incarnation is a central Christian doctrine that must be understood correctly. Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine, and this dual nature is essential for our salvation. Denying either aspect of Jesus' nature leads to heresy and undermines the Christian faith. It is crucial for believers to hold firmly to this truth and appreciate its significance in God's redemptive plan. [13:57]
- The Old Testament sacrificial system was inadequate for dealing with human sin, which is a serious offense against God's perfect creation. The Incarnation provided the perfect solution, as Jesus, being both God and man, could offer a sacrifice that was both suitable and valuable enough to satisfy God's righteous wrath. This understanding deepens our appreciation for the necessity and significance of the Incarnation. [45:09]
- Good Bible reading involves understanding scripture within its context and refraining from adding our own interpretations to fill in the gaps. We must trust that God's word is perfect as it is and use more detailed passages to help us understand less detailed ones. This principle helps us to avoid twisting the message of the Bible and to embrace its truths with humility. [19:29]
- The Incarnation is not just a theological concept to be analyzed but a divine reality to be proclaimed and celebrated. The mystery of how Jesus can be fully God and fully man may be beyond our full comprehension, but it is a truth that we must embrace with faith. This mystery should inspire awe and worship rather than confusion and doubt. [33:46]
- The celebration of Christmas is deeply rooted in the Incarnation. It is a time to remember and rejoice in the miracle of God becoming flesh, which made our salvation possible. As we celebrate Christmas, we should focus on the true meaning of the season, which is the Incarnation and the hope it brings to humanity. [48:09]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "The Incarnation - Hebrews 2:14-18"
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 2:14-18 - "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. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 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."
2. John 1:1, 14 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... 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."
3. 1 Timothy 2:5 - "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 2:14-18, why did Jesus have to partake in flesh and blood? What was the purpose of His incarnation?
2. In John 1:1 and 1:14, how is Jesus described in relation to God and humanity?
3. What does 1 Timothy 2:5 say about Jesus' role between God and men?
4. In the sermon, what are the two words Pastor Thomas uses to help explain the concept of the Incarnation? ([07:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus is described as both truly human and truly God in the sermon? How does this dual nature impact our understanding of salvation? ([32:01])
2. How does the inadequacy of the Old Testament sacrificial system highlight the necessity of Jesus' incarnation and sacrifice? ([40:08])
3. What does Pastor Thomas mean when he says that good Bible readers should not make the Bible say more or less than God wants it to? How does this principle apply to understanding the Incarnation? ([20:00])
4. How does the Incarnation inspire awe and worship rather than confusion and doubt, according to the sermon? ([36:25])
#### Application Questions
1. Pastor Thomas emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus as both truly human and truly God. How does this understanding affect your personal faith and relationship with Jesus? ([32:01])
2. Reflect on the inadequacy of the Old Testament sacrificial system. How does recognizing the sufficiency of Jesus' sacrifice change the way you view your own sin and forgiveness? ([40:08])
3. Pastor Thomas advises against trying to comprehend the intricacies of the Incarnation and instead focusing on the simple truth that Jesus became incarnate. How can you apply this advice to other complex theological concepts you encounter? ([36:25])
4. The sermon encourages believers to be good Bible readers by understanding scripture within its context. What steps can you take to improve your Bible reading habits and avoid misinterpretation? ([20:00])
5. Christmas is a celebration of the Incarnation. How can you ensure that your Christmas celebrations this year focus on the true meaning of the season? ([49:31])
6. Pastor Thomas mentions that the Incarnation should inspire awe and worship. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a sense of awe and worship in your daily life? ([36:25])
7. How can you share the significance of the Incarnation with someone who may not understand its importance? What specific actions or conversations can you initiate this week to explain this central Christian doctrine? ([49:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Incarnate Christ
The dual nature of Jesus Christ as fully human and fully divine is the cornerstone of salvation. Acknowledging this truth is vital, as it upholds the integrity of the Christian faith and the foundation of redemption. The Incarnation is not merely a doctrine to be understood; it is a reality to be lived out, shaping the believer's identity and purpose. [13:57]
Hebrews 2:17-18 - "For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus as both God and man influence your daily walk with Him?
Day 2: The Perfect Sacrifice for Sin
The Old Testament sacrificial system was a shadow of the good things to come, pointing to the necessity of a perfect sacrifice. Jesus, as both God and man, fulfilled this role, offering Himself as the ultimate atonement for sin. This act of love and justice brings into sharp focus the gravity of sin and the depth of God's mercy. [45:09]
Hebrews 10:1, 14 - "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason, it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship... For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."
Reflection: In what ways does the understanding of Jesus as the perfect sacrifice impact your view of sin and grace?
Day 3: Contextual Clarity in Scripture
To rightly handle the word of truth, one must read the Bible with a heart for context and clarity, resisting the urge to impose personal interpretations. Scripture is a tapestry, with each thread contributing to the greater narrative of God's redemptive plan. Understanding the context helps prevent distortion of its message and deepens one's faith. [19:29]
2 Timothy 2:15 - "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
Reflection: How can you improve your approach to Bible study to ensure you are considering the context of the passages you read?
Day 4: The Mystery of Faith
The Incarnation is a divine mystery that elicits worship and awe. While the full comprehension of how Jesus is fully God and fully man may elude us, the truth of this mystery is foundational to our faith. Embracing this mystery with humility leads to a deeper sense of wonder and devotion. [33:46]
Colossians 2:2-3 - "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Reflection: How does the mystery of the Incarnation inspire your worship and devotion to Jesus?
Day 5: Celebrating the Miracle of Christmas
The Incarnation is the heart of Christmas, a season to celebrate the miraculous entry of God into human history as Jesus. This event is the foundation of hope and joy for humanity, offering a time to reflect on the profound implications of God with us. The true meaning of Christmas is found in this miracle. [48:09]
Titus 3:4-5 - "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: As you celebrate Christmas, how can you more intentionally focus on the Incarnation and share its significance with others?
Quotes
"We had everything God offered us, everything, and we said, 'I would rather have nothing than have you.' That, my friends, is treason of the highest order." [42:36] (Download)
"As the Bible says, giving livestock and other goods to God is neither a suitable nor a sufficient sacrifice for our treacherous sins. It is not sufficient to make up what we owe God and to appease his wrath." [43:51] (Download)
"Serious human sins demand serious human payment. We would feel that way about anyone offending us, and God, in that sense at least, is no different." [45:09] (Download)
"Because Jesus was also truly God, He was a pure and valuable sacrifice, not stained by sin the way you and I are, a worthy payment to appease the wrath of God." [47:36] (Download)
"When Jesus our great high priest gave his own body on the cross and Resurrected, he sat down because it was done. His sacrifice had done what bulls and goats and animals could never do; he had paid it once and for all because he was truly God and truly man." [48:55] (Download)
"Christmas is the celebration of the Incarnation that made possible our Salvation. This is worth celebrating more than all other trappings that Christmas comes with." [49:31] (Download)
"Good Bible readers let more detailed passages help them understand less detailed passages. In other words, when one part of the Bible doesn't give you as much detail as you were hoping for, good Bible readers see if God has spoken about it elsewhere." [23:02] (Download)
"The Bible has an agenda and it's not yours. God wasn't looking for feedback, input, brainstorming help; he wrote a book with certain things he wanted to accomplish and when we come to scripture we submit to his intentions." [21:11] (Download)
"God is a masterful musician who beautifully blends both melody and moments of silence to create a symphony and in that sense, God's word is perfect." [21:49] (Download)
"We celebrate the Incarnation because there's no salvation without it; it's the pivotal moment where divinity and humanity converge in a way that changes everything." [38:47] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?