The Significance of Jesus' Ascension and Current Ministry

Devotional

Day 1: The Challenge of Spatial Limitation

When Jesus ascended to heaven, it was not merely a departure but a strategic move to ensure that His presence would not be limited by physical space. If He had remained on Earth, believers would have faced the challenge of competing for His physical presence, leading to confusion in their relationship with Him. This spatial limitation would have potentially diminished the role of the Holy Spirit, who glorifies Christ by dwelling within each believer, providing a personal and intimate connection to Jesus that transcends physical boundaries. The ascension allows every believer, regardless of location, to experience the fullness of Christ through the Spirit. [02:07]

John 16:7 (ESV): "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life today, acknowledging that He is your direct connection to Jesus?

Day 2: Christ's Exalted Authority

Jesus' ascension signifies His exalted role as the God-man who rules the cosmos. By sitting at the right hand of God, He demonstrates His authority over all creation and His headship over the church. This position of authority would be obscured if He were still physically present on Earth, as His heavenly throne represents His ultimate power and dominion. The ascension highlights the reality that Jesus is not just a historical figure but the reigning King who governs the universe and guides His church with wisdom and love. [03:39]

Ephesians 1:20-22 (ESV): "That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus' authority over all creation influence the way you approach challenges and decisions in your life today?

Day 3: The Coronation of Christ's Victory

The ascension of Jesus is the fitting coronation for His triumphant work on the cross. It highlights His superiority over angels and the greatness of His sacrifice, underscoring the significance of His victory over sin and death. This exaltation is not just a ceremonial act but a declaration of His new incarnate superiority, affirming that His work on the cross was complete and victorious. The ascension serves as a reminder of the profound impact of His sacrifice and the honor He receives as the risen and glorified Savior. [05:05]

Hebrews 1:3-4 (ESV): "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."

Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Jesus' victory on the cross. How can you live in a way that honors His sacrifice and acknowledges His superiority in your daily life?

Day 4: The Power of Intercession

Jesus' intercession for us at God's right hand is a crucial aspect of His current ministry. This role would be compromised if He were still physically present on Earth, as His presence in the exalted presence of God is essential for His intercessory work. Through His intercession, Jesus continually advocates for us, ensuring that we are covered by His grace and mercy. This ongoing ministry provides believers with the assurance that they are never alone and that Jesus is actively involved in their lives, interceding on their behalf before the Father. [05:57]

Romans 8:34 (ESV): "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is interceding for you at the right hand of God impact your prayer life and your sense of security in Him today?

Day 5: The Promise of Glorification and Second Coming

The sending of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the glorified Christ, was contingent upon Jesus' ascension and glorification. God's plan is for Christ to receive great glory at the end of the age through His second coming, showcasing His power and authority. This climactic event will be the ultimate demonstration of His victory over evil and His rightful place as King of Kings. Believers are called to live in anticipation of this glorious return, allowing the hope of His second coming to shape their lives and priorities. [07:38]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."

Reflection: In what ways can you live today with the expectation and hope of Christ's second coming, allowing this anticipation to influence your actions and decisions?

Sermon Summary

In today's discussion, we explored the profound reasons behind Jesus' ascension after His resurrection. The question posed was why Jesus didn't remain on Earth to continue His ministry alongside the Holy Spirit. This inquiry serves as a gateway to understanding the wisdom and goodness of Christ's current heavenly ministry.

Firstly, if Jesus had stayed on Earth, it would have created a spatial limitation, leading to competition among believers for His physical presence. This would have caused confusion in how Christians relate to Him, as some would experience Him face-to-face while others would rely on the Spirit, potentially diminishing the Spirit's role in glorifying Christ. Secondly, Jesus' exalted role as the God-man ruling the cosmos is better represented by His position at the right hand of God, rather than being physically present on Earth. This position signifies His authority over all creation and His headship over the church.

Thirdly, His ascension is the fitting coronation for His triumphant work on the cross, highlighting His superiority over angels and the greatness of His sacrifice. Fourthly, His intercession for us at God's right hand is a crucial aspect of His current ministry, which would be compromised if He were still physically present on Earth. Fifthly, the sending of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the glorified Christ, was contingent upon His ascension and glorification. Finally, God's plan is for Christ to receive great glory at the end of the age through His second coming, rather than through a prolonged earthly ministry. This climactic event will showcase His power and authority as He defeats evil and is marveled at by His people.

Key Takeaways

1. man ruling the cosmos. His position at the right hand of God represents His authority over all creation and His headship over the church, which would be obscured if He were still physically present on Earth. [03:39]
3. Coronation and Superiority: The ascension is the fitting coronation for Jesus' triumphant work on the cross, highlighting His superiority over angels and the greatness of His sacrifice. This exaltation underscores the significance of His victory and His new incarnate superiority.

4. Intercession and Ministry: Jesus' intercession for us at God's right hand is a crucial aspect of His current ministry. This role would be compromised if He were still physically present on Earth, as His presence in the exalted presence of God is essential for His intercessory work.

5. Glorification and Second Coming: The sending of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the glorified Christ, was contingent upon Jesus' ascension and glorification. God's plan is for Christ to receive great glory at the end of the age through His second coming, showcasing His power and authority.

** [03:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Introduction to the Question
[00:24] - Dalton's Inquiry
[00:40] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[01:15] - Understanding Christ's Ministry
[01:50] - Spatial Limitations of Christ's Presence
[02:39] - Confusion in Relating to Christ
[03:09] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[03:39] - Christ's Exalted Role
[04:16] - Authority and Headship
[05:05] - Coronation and Superiority
[05:57] - Intercession at God's Right Hand
[06:38] - The Sending of the Holy Spirit
[07:38] - Glorification and Second Coming
[08:48] - Conclusion and Reflection

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Ephesians 1:20-23
Hebrews 1:3-4
Romans 8:33-34

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Observation Questions:

According to Ephesians 1:20-23, what does Jesus' position at the right hand of God signify about His authority and role in the cosmos? How does this relate to His headship over the church? [03:39]
In Hebrews 1:3-4, what is highlighted about Jesus' superiority over angels, and how is this connected to His work on the cross and His exaltation? [05:05]
Romans 8:33-34 speaks of Jesus' intercession for us. How is His position at the right hand of God essential for this role? [05:57]
What potential confusion might arise among believers if Jesus had remained physically on Earth, according to the sermon? [02:39]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does Jesus' ascension and position at the right hand of God enhance our understanding of His authority and role as the head of the church? [03:39]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' physical presence on Earth could have diminished the role of the Holy Spirit? [03:09]
How does the concept of Jesus' intercession at God's right hand provide comfort and assurance to believers, as discussed in the sermon? [05:57]
What is the significance of Jesus' second coming in terms of His glorification and the defeat of evil, as mentioned in the sermon? [07:58]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on the idea of spatial limitation and competition for Jesus' presence. How can we ensure that our relationship with Christ is not dependent on physical proximity but on spiritual intimacy through the Holy Spirit? [02:07]
Considering Jesus' exalted role and authority, how can we better acknowledge His headship in our daily lives and decisions? [03:39]
The sermon highlights Jesus' intercession for us. How can this understanding influence the way we pray and seek His guidance in our lives? [05:57]
How can we actively seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit in our lives, ensuring that we glorify Christ in all we do? [03:09]
Reflect on the anticipation of Jesus' second coming. How does this future event shape your current priorities and actions? [07:58]
In what ways can we prepare ourselves and others for the second coming of Christ, ensuring that we are ready to marvel at His power and authority? [07:58]
How can we cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jesus' current heavenly ministry, and what practical steps can we take to align our lives with His ongoing work from heaven? [09:10]

Sermon Clips

if the Risen Christ remained on Earth for all of church history, a serious competition would be introduced into Global Christianity who has the Risen Christ nearby he would be spatially bound he could not be in one place and another place and another place at the same time [00:02:05]

his presence would introduce a serious confusion for how Christians are to relate to him some would be relating to him face to face at any given moment as he visits churches, some would be trying to relate to him by the spirit, but put off balance knowing that he's like a hundred or ten thousand miles away on Earth [00:02:41]

Christ's post-resurrection role as the God man ruling the cosmos is better signified if he's sitting at the right hand of God than walking on the earth and his role as the head of the church would be misrepresented if he were part of the church on Earth [00:03:39]

God raised him up from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the Heavenly places far above all Rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named not only in this age but also in the age to come and put all things under his feet [00:04:06]

the exaltation of Jesus to the right hand of God's Majesty is the fitting coronation for his triumphant work on the cross and his new incarnate superiority over Angels Hebrews 1 3 after making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high [00:04:56]

the present intercession of Christ at God's right hand would not be rightly exercised or exhibited if Christ were still here Among Us after the resurrection Romans 8 33 who shall bring any charge against God's elect it is God who justifies who is to condemn [00:05:47]

so it is fitting that Jesus be in the exalted presence of God as he intercedes for us and brings his sacrifice to bear on our behalf before God [00:06:23]

the holy spirit that Jesus promised to send when he returned to the Father John 15 26 is the spirit of the Risen Christ and according to John 7 39 the spirit of the Risen Christ could not come until Christ were completely glorified which included his Ascension to the father [00:06:39]

the glorification of Jesus at the right hand of God was essential because the spirit who would be sent by Jesus and the father is the spirit of the glorified Christ [00:07:25]

God's plan is that the Risen Christ would get great Glory at the end of this age not by itinerating on the earth for two thousand years but by descending from heaven in power and great glory and defeating the man of lawlessness and being marveled at by all his people [00:07:45]

the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels inflaming fire inflicting Vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of the Lord Jesus the man of lawlessness will be revealed the son of Destruction and the Lord Jesus will kill him [00:08:17]

so the second coming of Christ is the great climax of God's way of glorifying his son these are some of the reasons why Jesus did not stay on the earth after the resurrection and there are many more God's ways are great God's ways are good and wise let's Revel in what he's doing through Christ from Heaven [00:08:48]

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The Significance of Jesus' Ascension and Current Ministry

Devotional

Day 1: The Challenge of Spatial Limitation

Day 2: Christ's Exalted Authority

Day 3: The Coronation of Christ's Victory

Day 4: The Power of Intercession

Day 5: The Promise of Glorification and Second Coming

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

The Significance of Jesus' Ascension and Current Ministry

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