The True Message of Christmas: Divine Intervention and Hope

 

Summary

In Romans 8:3-4, we find a profound message about the essence of Christianity, especially relevant during the Advent season. This passage reveals the true message of Christmas, which is not merely a beautiful story or a philosophical teaching but a historical fact with deep theological significance. Many perceive Christmas as a time of carols and joy, but the true message is far more profound. It is about God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin in the flesh, fulfilling the righteousness of the law in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.

The Christian message is not a call to adopt a philosophy or a teaching but a proclamation of what God has done. It is a message of good news, especially to those who recognize their need for salvation. Humanity, in its natural state, is under condemnation, unable to fulfill the law due to the weakness of the flesh. The law, though perfect, could not save because of human frailty. This is where the good news comes in: God, in His infinite love, sent His Son to do what the law could not. Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh, lived a sinless life, and offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin, thus condemning sin in the flesh.

This message is transformative for those who realize their helplessness and need for a Savior. It is not about human effort but about divine intervention. The gospel is good news because it offers deliverance from condemnation and the wrath of God. It provides a new life, a new power, and a new hope. Through faith in Christ, we are made children of God, heirs with Christ, and are given the strength to live a life pleasing to God. This is the true message of Christmas: God’s love manifested in the sending of His Son to save us from our sins.

Key Takeaways:

- The Christian message is not a mere philosophy or teaching but a historical fact with profound theological implications. It is about God sending His Son to fulfill the law's righteousness in us. [06:38]

- Humanity is under condemnation due to sin, unable to fulfill the law because of the weakness of the flesh. The law, though perfect, could not save us, highlighting our need for divine intervention. [13:39]

- The gospel is good news because it offers deliverance from condemnation and the wrath of God. It is a message of hope for those who recognize their helplessness and need for a Savior. [19:15]

- Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh, lived a sinless life, and offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin, thus condemning sin in the flesh. This act of divine love provides a way for us to be reconciled with God. [42:29]

- Through faith in Christ, we are made children of God, heirs with Christ, and are given the strength to live a life pleasing to God. This new life is marked by hope, power, and a future glory that far surpasses present sufferings. [48:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Romans 8:3-4
- [01:13] - The Real Message of Advent
- [02:06] - Misconceptions About Christmas
- [03:59] - Philosophy vs. Historical Fact
- [06:24] - The Christian Message as History
- [09:25] - Explanation of Historical Facts
- [11:22] - The Gospel as Good News
- [13:02] - Humanity's Condition Without the Gospel
- [15:08] - The Reality of Condemnation
- [19:00] - The Wrath of God Revealed
- [22:13] - The Law's Inability to Save
- [25:02] - The Weakness of the Flesh
- [31:47] - God's Intervention Through Christ
- [35:00] - The Incarnation of God's Son
- [42:29] - Christ's Sacrifice for Sin
- [48:42] - New Life in the Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:3-4

Observation Questions:
1. What does Romans 8:3-4 say about the limitations of the law and the role of Jesus in addressing those limitations? [00:31]
2. How does the sermon describe the common misconceptions about the message of Christmas? [02:06]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus coming in the "likeness of sinful flesh"? [36:13]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the true essence of the Christian message during the Advent season? [06:38]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the difference between viewing Christianity as a philosophy versus a historical fact? Why is this distinction important? [06:24]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the gospel is "good news" for those who recognize their need for salvation? [19:15]
3. How does the sermon interpret the concept of "condemnation" and its relevance to humanity's condition without the gospel? [15:08]
4. What does the sermon imply about the transformative power of faith in Christ and its impact on a believer's life? [48:42]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of the Christmas message. How has this sermon challenged or reinforced your perspective on the true meaning of Christmas? [03:59]
2. The sermon emphasizes the historical reality of Jesus' coming. How does this understanding affect your faith and daily life?
3. Consider the idea that the gospel is "good news" for those who recognize their need for a Savior. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of your need for Christ in your life? [19:15]
4. The sermon discusses the limitations of the law and human effort. In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than seeking divine intervention? [22:32]
5. How can you practically live out the new life and hope that comes through faith in Christ, as described in the sermon? [48:42]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of recognizing our helplessness without Christ. How can this realization impact your interactions with others who may not yet know the gospel? [30:53]
7. Reflect on the transformative power of being made a child of God and an heir with Christ. How does this identity influence your goals and priorities? [48:42]

Devotional

Day 1: The Historical Reality of the Christian Message
The Christian message is not just a philosophy or teaching but a historical fact with profound theological implications. It centers on God sending His Son to fulfill the law's righteousness in us. This truth is especially significant during the Advent season, as it reminds us that Christmas is not merely a time of carols and joy but a celebration of God's intervention in history. The essence of Christianity is rooted in the reality of what God has done, not in human ideas or efforts. This historical event has deep implications for our faith, as it assures us that our beliefs are grounded in reality, not myth or legend. [06:38]

"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." (2 Peter 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the historical reality of Jesus' life and work impact your faith today? Can you identify one way this truth can change how you approach the Advent season?


Day 2: Humanity's Need for Divine Intervention
Humanity is under condemnation due to sin, unable to fulfill the law because of the weakness of the flesh. The law, though perfect, could not save us, highlighting our need for divine intervention. This realization is crucial for understanding the gospel's significance. The law serves to reveal our shortcomings and our inability to achieve righteousness on our own. It points us to our need for a Savior, someone who can do what we cannot. This is where the good news of the gospel comes in, offering hope and salvation through Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law on our behalf. [13:39]

"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself trying to earn God's favor through your own efforts? How can you shift your focus to rely more on God's grace and intervention?


Day 3: The Gospel as a Message of Hope
The gospel is good news because it offers deliverance from condemnation and the wrath of God. It is a message of hope for those who recognize their helplessness and need for a Savior. This hope is not based on human effort but on the finished work of Christ. Through faith in Him, we are offered a new life, free from the bondage of sin and death. This message is transformative, providing a new power and a new hope that transcends our current circumstances. It assures us of our identity as children of God and heirs with Christ, giving us strength to live a life pleasing to God. [19:15]

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How does the hope offered by the gospel change your perspective on your current struggles? What is one practical way you can live out this hope today?


Day 4: Christ's Sacrifice and Our Reconciliation
Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh, lived a sinless life, and offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin, thus condemning sin in the flesh. This act of divine love provides a way for us to be reconciled with God. It is through Christ's sacrifice that we are able to stand justified before God, not because of our own righteousness but because of His. This reconciliation is a gift of grace, inviting us into a restored relationship with our Creator. It calls us to respond in gratitude and to live in a way that reflects the love and sacrifice of Christ. [42:29]

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you express gratitude for Christ's sacrifice in your daily life? How can you actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation in your relationships?


Day 5: New Life in the Spirit
Through faith in Christ, we are made children of God, heirs with Christ, and are given the strength to live a life pleasing to God. This new life is marked by hope, power, and a future glory that far surpasses present sufferings. As believers, we are called to walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. This transformation is not about human effort but about yielding to the Spirit's work in our lives. It is a journey of growing in Christlikeness and experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for us. [48:42]

"But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power? How can you intentionally seek to walk in the Spirit this week?

Quotes



The Christian message is primarily not a philosophy; it is a recital of facts. It is an announcement and a proclamation of certain things that have happened and have taken place. Ah yes, but it doesn't stop at that because, you see, if it had stopped at that, well then, there we would have nothing to do tonight. [00:07:15]

The gospel is good news because of the condition, the state in which we were. Now then, let us work out this a little. Had you realized your estate by nature as you come into this world? Do you know the meaning of this term, condemnation? What's this man talking about? Well, this is the message, you know, the whole Bible. [00:16:25]

The law of God, you see, couldn't save anybody. It wasn't meant to save anybody because of the weakness of men, this weakness in the flesh. Now again, here's a marvelous exposition of this in the previous chapter, chapter 7, where the great Apostle puts it all in terms of himself as it were in this way. [00:25:40]

Thank God the message of Christmas and of Christianity is not a philosophy, a teaching which I've got to believe and apply. I can't do it. I can't keep my own resolutions. I can't rise to my own moral concepts. How still less can I love people and stop to hate them. I wish I could. I cannot. [00:28:30]

God announces that he's going to do something, and then he does it. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God—oh, thank God for that. Men can do nothing, weak through the flesh, and he pred and his fail, but there is none righteous, no, not one. [00:31:28]

God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh. What is it? Oh, let me tell it you again, and may the Holy Spirit of God so illuminate it to you and so illuminate your mind and heart and understanding that you may see it as you've never seen it before. [00:32:54]

The Son of God came into this world to bear our sins and our guilt and our shame. He has taken the responsibility all upon himself, and God has condemned your sins and mine. He's judged them. He's punished them in the flesh of his own son there on Calvary's hill. [00:47:01]

Through faith in Christ, we are made children of God, heirs with Christ, and are given the strength to live a life pleasing to God. This new life is marked by hope, power, and a future glory that far surpasses present sufferings. [00:48:42]

The Christian message is not primarily a call to you or to me to do anything. It is primarily a proclamation of what God, in His infinite love and mercy and compassion, has done for us. What is it? Well, listen to the way he puts it: God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh. [00:32:44]

The gospel is good news because it offers deliverance from condemnation and the wrath of God. It is a message of hope for those who recognize their helplessness and need for a Savior. Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh, lived a sinless life, and offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin. [00:19:15]

The Christian message is not a mere philosophy or teaching but a historical fact with profound theological implications. It is about God sending His Son to fulfill the law's righteousness in us. Humanity is under condemnation due to sin, unable to fulfill the law because of the weakness of the flesh. [00:06:38]

The gospel is good news because it offers deliverance from condemnation and the wrath of God. It provides a new life, a new power, and a new hope. Through faith in Christ, we are made children of God, heirs with Christ, and are given the strength to live a life pleasing to God. [00:48:42]

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Transcript
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