The Mystery and Significance of the Incarnation
Summary
In reflecting on the profound mystery of the Incarnation, we delve into the question, "Why the God Man?" This inquiry is not merely academic but deeply spiritual, touching the core of our faith and existence. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 2:1-6, provides a framework for understanding the significance of Jesus Christ as the sole Mediator between God and humanity. This passage challenges us to see beyond the political and social structures of our world, reminding us that Jesus triumphs over every earthly authority. In a world where political figures and cultural icons often capture our attention, Paul redirects our focus to the supremacy of Christ, the true Sovereign.
The Incarnation is not just a theological concept but the very foundation of our salvation. It is through the God Man, Jesus Christ, that we find the perfect Mediator who bridges the gap between our sinful humanity and the holiness of God. The Incarnation underscores the necessity of both the divinity and humanity of Christ. Without His divine nature, He could not bear the weight of God's wrath; without His human nature, He could not represent us. This dual nature is essential for our redemption, as it allows Christ to fully identify with us while also possessing the power to save us.
Moreover, the Incarnation is a rebuke to our self-sufficiency. It declares that we cannot save ourselves, no matter how hard we try. Our attempts at self-justification and self-salvation are futile. Instead, we are called to embrace the gift of the Incarnation, to lay down our pride, and to receive the righteousness that only Christ can provide. This truth challenges us to live lives of humility, recognizing our dependence on God for everything.
The humanity of Christ also offers us a model for true living. Jesus, the true Human, lived a life of perfect obedience and service, showing us that true happiness is found not in self-indulgence but in self-giving love. His life teaches us that the path to joy is through sacrifice and service, not through the pursuit of worldly success or comfort.
Key Takeaways:
- The Incarnation is central to our salvation, as it provides the necessary Mediator between God and humanity. Without the God Man, there is no redemption, no bridge to reconcile us to God. This truth calls us to a deeper appreciation of the mystery and necessity of the Incarnation. [11:44]
- Jesus' divinity is essential for bearing the weight of God's wrath and satisfying divine justice. Only God can absorb the wrath of God, highlighting the profound nature of Christ's sacrificial work on the cross. This understanding should deepen our gratitude for the Incarnation. [15:20]
- The humanity of Christ demonstrates God's profound identification with us. Jesus' willingness to become fully human, to experience our struggles and temptations, shows His deep love and commitment to us. This truth encourages us to find comfort and strength in His example. [30:51]
- The Incarnation challenges our self-sufficiency, reminding us that we cannot save ourselves. Our attempts at self-justification are futile, and we must rely on the righteousness of Christ. This calls us to live lives of humility and dependence on God. [22:29]
- Jesus' life as the true Human offers a model for true happiness and fulfillment. His life of service and obedience shows us that joy is found not in self-indulgence but in self-giving love. This challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of success and happiness. [38:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Reformed Theology and RC Sproul
- [01:16] - Introduction to the Topic
- [01:51] - Reading 1 Timothy 2:1-6
- [02:22] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
- [03:05] - Unexpected Discoveries
- [04:26] - Scripture's Sneaky Transitions
- [05:45] - Jesus' Supremacy Over Earthly Leaders
- [06:51] - The True Sovereign
- [08:12] - The Temptation of Misplaced Priorities
- [09:13] - The Complexity of 1 Timothy 2:5
- [11:44] - The Necessity of the Incarnation
- [13:06] - The Seamless Garment of Biblical Theology
- [14:18] - The Divinity of Christ
- [15:20] - The Weight of Divine Wrath
- [19:58] - The Mediator's Role
- [22:29] - The Futility of Self-Salvation
- [26:04] - Embracing the Gift of the Incarnation
- [28:09] - The Humanity of Christ
- [30:51] - Jesus' Identification with Us
- [38:20] - The True Human and True Happiness
- [45:34] - The Call to Stay and Serve
- [46:45] - The Astonishing Mystery of Godliness
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Mystery of the Incarnation
Bible Reading:
1 Timothy 2:1-6
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 1 Timothy 2:5 reveal about the role of Jesus as a mediator between God and humanity? How does this passage emphasize the uniqueness of Christ's role? [01:51]
2. According to the sermon, how does the Apostle Paul redirect our focus from earthly leaders to the supremacy of Christ? [05:45]
3. What are the two natures of Christ discussed in the sermon, and why are both essential for our redemption? [11:44]
4. How does the sermon describe the Incarnation as a challenge to our self-sufficiency? [22:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Incarnation is central to our understanding of salvation? How does this understanding affect our view of Jesus' divinity and humanity? [11:44]
2. How does the sermon explain the necessity of Jesus' divine nature in bearing the weight of God's wrath? What implications does this have for our understanding of justice and mercy? [15:20]
3. The sermon describes Jesus' humanity as a model for true living. How does this perspective challenge contemporary views of success and happiness? [38:20]
4. How does the sermon portray the Incarnation as a rebuke to our attempts at self-salvation? What does this reveal about our need for humility and dependence on God? [22:29]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea that Jesus is the sole Mediator between God and humanity. How does this truth impact your personal relationship with God? Are there areas in your life where you rely on other "mediators" instead of Christ? [01:51]
2. The sermon challenges us to see beyond political and social structures. How can you shift your focus from earthly authorities to the supremacy of Christ in your daily life? [05:45]
3. Consider the dual nature of Christ as both divine and human. How does this understanding influence your approach to prayer and worship? [11:44]
4. The sermon emphasizes the futility of self-sufficiency. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with self-reliance. How can you practice humility and dependence on God in that area this week? [22:29]
5. Jesus' life is presented as a model of true happiness through self-giving love. What practical steps can you take to prioritize service and sacrifice over self-indulgence in your pursuit of joy? [38:20]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the Incarnation challenging our self-justification. How can you embrace the righteousness of Christ in your interactions with others, especially when you feel the need to defend yourself? [22:29]
7. The sermon suggests that true happiness is found in following Jesus' example of obedience and service. How can you incorporate this perspective into your understanding of success and fulfillment in your personal and professional life? [38:20]
Devotional
Day 1: The Incarnation as the Bridge to Salvation
The Incarnation is the cornerstone of Christian salvation, providing the essential Mediator between God and humanity. Without the God Man, Jesus Christ, there is no redemption or reconciliation with God. This profound truth calls believers to a deeper appreciation of the mystery and necessity of the Incarnation. It is through Jesus' dual nature—fully divine and fully human—that He can bridge the gap between our sinful state and God's holiness. This understanding invites us to reflect on the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to restore our relationship with Him. [11:44]
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the Mediator change the way you approach God in prayer and worship today?
Day 2: The Divine Nature of Christ and the Weight of Wrath
Jesus' divinity is crucial for bearing the weight of God's wrath and satisfying divine justice. Only God Himself could absorb the wrath meant for humanity, highlighting the profound nature of Christ's sacrificial work on the cross. This understanding should deepen our gratitude for the Incarnation, as it reveals the extent of God's love and justice. The divine nature of Christ assures us that our sins are fully atoned for, and we are invited to live in the freedom and peace that His sacrifice provides. [15:20]
"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you express your gratitude for Christ's sacrifice in your daily life today?
Day 3: Christ's Humanity and God's Identification with Us
The humanity of Christ demonstrates God's profound identification with us. Jesus' willingness to become fully human, experiencing our struggles and temptations, shows His deep love and commitment to us. This truth encourages believers to find comfort and strength in His example, knowing that He understands our weaknesses and intercedes on our behalf. The Incarnation assures us that we are not alone in our struggles, and we can draw near to God with confidence, knowing He empathizes with our human experience. [30:51]
"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." (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)
Reflection: What specific struggle or temptation can you bring to Jesus today, trusting in His understanding and support?
Day 4: The Futility of Self-Sufficiency and the Call to Humility
The Incarnation challenges our self-sufficiency, reminding us that we cannot save ourselves. Our attempts at self-justification are futile, and we must rely on the righteousness of Christ. This truth calls us to live lives of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that our salvation is a gift we cannot earn. Embracing this gift requires laying down our pride and acknowledging our need for God's grace in every aspect of our lives. [22:29]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are relying on your own strength instead of God's grace? How can you surrender this to Him today?
Day 5: Jesus as the Model for True Happiness and Fulfillment
Jesus' life as the true Human offers a model for true happiness and fulfillment. His life of service and obedience shows us that joy is found not in self-indulgence but in self-giving love. This challenges believers to reevaluate their understanding of success and happiness, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from living a life of sacrifice and service to others. By following Jesus' example, we can experience the joy and peace that come from aligning our lives with God's purposes. [38:20]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:3-5, ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice self-giving love in a specific relationship or situation today, following Jesus' example?
Quotes
Paul wants us to see that Jesus triumphs over every earthly figure; every leader you can imagine, Jesus is greater than. Did you see that? Here he is, talking about kings and others in high authority, positions of power, and then he sneaks in, especially in 1 Timothy 2:5, this comment, this one-verse theology, about Jesus Christ. [00:05:52]
The Incarnation is not only connected to our salvation, our salvation is dependent upon the Incarnation. We depend upon the God-ness and the Man-ness of the God Man. Take away the Incarnation and there is no the Man Christ Jesus. There is none. There is no Mediator. There is no ransom to be paid. [00:11:26]
The Incarnation shows us this: that only God can save. It shows us that God will save. Fundamentally, we speak in terms of the Incarnation that are associated with, what is called in theological circles, high Christology – Christology from above, as the twentieth century theologians called it. [00:13:52]
The sinfulness of our sin, the weight of our total depravity, necessitates shoulders so large that they must be nothing less than Divine. This figure, the one Mediator between God and man – as Paul goes on to say in this verse – must be able, in other words, to bear and absorb the full fury of God’s wrath. [00:15:20]
We try so many different ways of saving ourselves, as sinful beings. We try to prolong our lives today because we know, that at some distant level, that we are going to die and face the judgment of God. We believe that we can righteously save the earth and somehow, through this work, we will save ourselves. [00:20:47]
Only God can intervene. Only God can save. Only God can absorb the wrath of God and satisfy the justice of God. Only God can provide the righteousness, passive and active, to first pardon us and then render us virtuous, righteous. Do you understand this about the Incarnation? [00:22:29]
Jesus is as much a rebuke to you as He is a comfort. Jesus is God saying to you and to me, and everyone, ‘You cannot save yourself. It’s failed. You are a failure,’ His mere presence says to us. But that’s how God remakes us, through this same Jesus, the same Jesus whose very existence on this earth is a rebuke to us. [00:23:20]
The marvel of the Incarnation is that Jesus became fully and totally human. But note this, Jesus will always be human, Jesus will always have a body. In other words, it is impossible for me and for you to underplay the identification Christ made with us. He will always be like us. [00:30:51]
Jesus’ condescension was so extreme because His mercy was so great. Only a man could represent us. As Ansell, once more, said, “As sin, the cause of our condemnation had its origin from a woman, so ought the author of our righteousness and salvation, to be born of a woman.” [00:33:03]
The true human is a servant. The true human is a man who cared nothing for the opinions of men. Nothing. Not even a little bit. Not at all. A man who cares nothing for the schemes of men, the plans of men, the politics of men. The true human is a man who did not celebrate himself, but rather chose to take on the form and life of a servant. [00:37:39]
The true human gave up glory, splendor, comfort and safety, and embraced the life of want, humiliation, and in the end, death. And do you know what? The true human was the happiest man who will ever live. What does that say about your life? What does that say about what happiness is going to look like for you in coming days? [00:38:20]
The world says that truly living is accruing fame, envy, plot, it’s frequent-flyer miles, and impressive honors. Jesus did the small stuff. He loved His family, He built shelves, He prayed. The world says that men are idiots, goofballs and outmoded. Jesus was a man. [00:41:45]
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