Understanding Christ's Eternal Mission and Divine Love

Devotional

Day 1: The Eternal Nature of Christ

Understanding Jesus' eternal existence with the Father and the Spirit is crucial to grasping the doctrine of the Trinity. This truth affirms that Jesus is not a created being but co-equal and co-eternal with God, which is foundational to Christian orthodoxy. The pre-existence of Christ is a profound mystery that underscores His divine nature and His role in the Godhead. It is essential to recognize that Jesus' life did not begin in Bethlehem; rather, He has always existed, participating in the creation of the world and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity. This eternal nature of Christ assures us of His authority and power, as well as His intimate knowledge of the Father and the Spirit. [01:17]

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' eternal nature change the way you view His authority and presence in your life today?

Day 2: The Collaborative Work of the Trinity in Salvation

The distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Spirit in salvation highlight the unity and diversity within the Godhead. The Father plans, the Son procures, and the Spirit applies salvation, demonstrating the collaborative work of the Trinity in redeeming humanity. This divine teamwork reflects the perfect harmony and love within the Trinity, as each person of the Godhead contributes uniquely to the salvation of humankind. The Father, in His infinite wisdom, devised the plan of salvation; the Son, in His obedience, accomplished it through His life, death, and resurrection; and the Spirit, in His power, applies it to the hearts of believers, transforming them into the image of Christ. [03:34]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him." (Ephesians 1:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you see the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Spirit at work in your own journey of faith and salvation?

Day 3: Jesus' Mission to Fulfill the Father's Will

Jesus came not to do His own will but to fulfill the Father's will, which was to secure the salvation of those given to Him. This mission underscores the purpose and intentionality behind the incarnation, rooted in divine love and justice. Jesus' obedience to the Father's will is a testament to His humility and love for humanity, as He willingly took on human form to accomplish the divine plan. His mission was not self-serving but entirely aligned with the Father's desire to reconcile humanity to Himself. This act of obedience and sacrifice reveals the depth of God's love and the seriousness of His commitment to redeeming His creation. [06:26]

"For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me." (John 6:38, ESV)

Reflection: How can you align your daily decisions and actions with the will of God, following Jesus' example of obedience and submission?

Day 4: The Assurance of God's Sovereign Choice

The doctrine of election emphasizes God's sovereign choice and grace, assuring believers of their secure place in God's plan. It is not a barrier but a bastion of security for those who believe, highlighting the immensity of God's grace. This doctrine reminds us that our salvation is not based on our merit or efforts but on God's gracious choice to save us. It is a source of comfort and assurance, knowing that our place in God's family is secure because of His unchanging nature and promises. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and a greater sense of humility and gratitude. [12:38]

"But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth." (2 Thessalonians 2:13, ESV)

Reflection: How does the assurance of God's sovereign choice impact your sense of security and gratitude in your relationship with Him?

Day 5: Faith as a Gift and Evidence of Salvation

Faith is not a condition for salvation but evidence of it, a gift from God that draws us to Christ. The invitation is open to all who recognize their need and come to Him, assured that He will never turn them away. This understanding of faith as a divine gift emphasizes the grace of God in initiating and sustaining our relationship with Him. It is a reminder that our ability to believe and trust in Christ is not something we muster on our own but is given to us by God. This gift of faith should lead us to a life of dependence on God, continually seeking His presence and guidance in our lives. [20:27]

"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: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the gift of faith, trusting God to work in and through you?

Sermon Summary

The essence of the message is the profound truth of Jesus Christ's pre-existence and His divine mission. Jesus did not merely come into existence at His birth; He existed eternally with the Father and the Spirit, co-equal and co-eternal. This foundational truth is crucial to understanding the doctrine of the Trinity, which affirms that God is one in essence but three in persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity plays a distinct role in the divine plan, particularly in the work of salvation. God the Father plans, the Son procures, and the Spirit applies salvation to our lives.

Jesus' coming from heaven was not just a miraculous event but a mission to fulfill the will of the Father. His purpose was not self-serving but entirely aligned with the divine will, which was established in a pre-incarnational agreement within the Trinity. This mission was to secure the salvation of those given to Him by the Father, a concept rooted in the doctrine of election. This doctrine emphasizes God's sovereign choice and grace, assuring believers of their secure place in God's plan.

The incarnation of Christ, His coming to earth, was an act of divine love and humility. It was not merely to promote goodwill among people but to address the profound need for redemption and reconciliation with God. Jesus' mission was to bear the sins of humanity, fulfilling the justice and righteousness of God. This act of love is not about elevating humanity's worth but about glorifying God, who desires a relationship with us despite our unworthiness.

In response to this divine initiative, the question arises: Where do we fit into this grand scheme? The answer lies in recognizing our need for God's grace and responding in faith. Faith is not a condition for salvation but evidence of it, a gift from God that draws us to Christ. The invitation is open to all who recognize their need and come to Him, assured that He will never turn them away.

Key Takeaways

1. existence of Christ:** Understanding Jesus' eternal existence with the Father and the Spirit is crucial to grasping the doctrine of the Trinity. This truth affirms that Jesus is not a created being but co-equal and co-eternal with God, which is foundational to Christian orthodoxy. [01:17]
2. The Trinity in Salvation: The distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Spirit in salvation highlight the unity and diversity within the Godhead. The Father plans, the Son procures, and the Spirit applies salvation, demonstrating the collaborative work of the Trinity in redeeming humanity.

3. Jesus' Mission from Heaven: Jesus came not to do His own will but to fulfill the Father's will, which was to secure the salvation of those given to Him. This mission underscores the purpose and intentionality behind the incarnation, rooted in divine love and justice.

4. The Doctrine of Election: This doctrine emphasizes God's sovereign choice and grace, assuring believers of their secure place in God's plan. It is not a barrier but a bastion of security for those who believe, highlighting the immensity of God's grace.

5. Faith as Evidence of Salvation: Faith is not a condition for salvation but evidence of it, a gift from God that draws us to Christ. The invitation is open to all who recognize their need and come to Him, assured that He will never turn them away.

** [01:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:17] - The Pre-existence of Jesus
[01:30] - The Council of Nicaea and the Trinity
[02:08] - Understanding the Trinity
[03:34] - The Trinity in Salvation
[04:18] - The Incarnate Christ
[05:19] - Jesus' Mission from Heaven
[06:26] - Fulfilling the Father's Will
[07:13] - Jesus' Obedience and Mission
[08:05] - Jesus: A Man with a Mission
[09:40] - The Purpose of Jesus' Coming
[11:52] - The Will of God and Salvation
[12:38] - The Doctrine of Election
[14:25] - God's Holiness and Love
[16:26] - The Invitation to Believe

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 6:38-40
- John 17:4
- John 5:30

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Observation Questions:

What does John 6:38 reveal about Jesus' purpose for coming to earth? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on Jesus fulfilling the Father's will? [06:01]
In John 17:4, Jesus speaks about completing the work given to Him by the Father. How does this verse illustrate the mission-oriented nature of Jesus' life as discussed in the sermon? [07:53]
According to John 5:30, how does Jesus describe His relationship with the Father and His approach to judgment? How does this reflect the pre-incarnational agreement mentioned in the sermon? [07:13]
How does the sermon explain the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the process of salvation? [03:34]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of Jesus' pre-existence challenge common perceptions of His birth and mission? What implications does this have for understanding the doctrine of the Trinity? [01:17]
The sermon discusses the doctrine of election as a source of security for believers. How does this doctrine assure believers of their place in God's plan, and what might be some common misunderstandings about it? [12:38]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' mission was not about elevating humanity's worth but about glorifying God? How does this perspective shift the focus of the Gospel message? [16:56]
How does the sermon describe faith as evidence of salvation rather than a condition for it? What does this mean for how believers understand their relationship with God? [20:27]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on the idea that Jesus came to fulfill the Father's will. How can you align your daily decisions and actions with God's will in your life? [06:26]
The sermon emphasizes the Trinity's collaborative work in salvation. How can understanding the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit deepen your appreciation for your salvation? [03:34]
Consider the doctrine of election as a source of security. How does this assurance affect your confidence in your faith journey, especially during times of doubt? [12:38]
The sermon highlights Jesus' mission as an act of divine love and humility. How can you demonstrate humility and love in your interactions with others this week? [15:18]
Faith is described as a gift from God. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God, especially in areas of your life where you struggle to believe? [20:27]
Reflect on the statement that Jesus' mission was to glorify God rather than elevate humanity's worth. How does this perspective influence your understanding of your purpose as a believer? [16:56]
The sermon challenges listeners to recognize their need for God's grace. In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge your dependence on God's grace, and how can you actively seek it? [13:03]

Sermon Clips

the fact that Jesus came from Heaven is of vital importance why because it is affirming and confirming this essential truth the truth of the pre-existence of Jesus of Nazareth and if you think that there was a time when Jesus did not exist then you are not Orthodox in your understanding of Christianity [00:01:03]

and when you go back into your Bible you will discover that the Trinity is at work God the Father initiating God the son complying and God the spirit executing think about it in relationship to Salvation God the Father plans it God the son procures it and God the spirit applies it to our lives [00:03:21]

the child in the manger the infant of Mary is none other than the Incarnate Christ veiled in flesh as the Cairo writer the godhead sea hail the Incarnate deity pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus our Emmanuel he is God With Us incidentally classic Unitarianism taught this and there's a lot of Unitarianism in Cleveland [00:04:14]

why have you come down from heaven Lord Jesus I have come down from heaven to please my father and to perform his will isn't that what he's saying I didn't come down here to do my own will but I came to do the will of him who sent me now this takes us back to where we were last week [00:06:19]

because it is impossible to understand the work of Christ in relationship to the will of God unless we see it in terms of a pre-time pre-incarnational agreement that takes place between the members of the trinity in which the Sun agrees to complete a specific task and the father promises to uphold the son in the fulfilling of the task [00:06:33]

the will of God which he came to fulfill the will of God who sent him is that he would lose none of all that the father has given him but instead raised them up at the last day in other words the coming of Jesus had a definite and well-defined objective namely the actual complete and sure salvation [00:11:45]

the doctrine of election that God has purpose from all of eternity to put together a people who are his very own that's what the Bible says that brings me to my final question where did Jesus come from from Heaven why did Jesus come to do the will of the father to fulfill his pleasure and what is that well it is the Salvation [00:12:33]

it is that God in all of his Holiness cannot bear to look on sin cannot be indifferent to sin and they are from eternity he purposes to send someone to be the sin Bearer so that sin will be punished and Justice will be fulfilled and righteousness will be extended to those who believe and God in the immensity of his being determines [00:14:22]

faith is not ultimately a condition of salvation faith is really an Evidence of salvation for the very Faith by which we believe is a gift from God himself therefore the question is not how much Faith do I have but is my faith placed away from myself and in Christ not whether I am able to stride out with great confidence [00:20:24]

where did Jesus come from well he came from above he came from Heaven why did he come he came to do the father's will what's the father's will that he would lose none of those that he had given his son well does that mean then that my confidence has to do with a Doctrine no because we're not called to look to a Doctrine [00:21:16]

the Christ who said and whoever comes to me I'll never drive them away which is really quite remarkable when you think how many applications we've made for things and got one of those letters back sorry no can do sorry no entry sorry not smart enough sorry not rich enough sorry not popular enough sorry sorry sorry [00:21:40]

all the love that Drew salvation's plan or the grace that brought it down to man or the mighty Gulf that God did span at Calvary [00:22:28]

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Understanding Christ's Eternal Mission and Divine Love

Devotional

Day 1: The Eternal Nature of Christ

Day 2: The Collaborative Work of the Trinity in Salvation

Day 3: Jesus' Mission to Fulfill the Father's Will

Day 4: The Assurance of God's Sovereign Choice

Day 5: Faith as a Gift and Evidence of Salvation

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Understanding Christ's Eternal Mission and Divine Love

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