“Revealed Again”
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Isaiah 64:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Introduction: In preparing this sermon, I asked some people “What is your favorite Christmas experience?” Many of the answers that were given were memories of childhood Christmases. It is not uncommon for the Christmas experiences we had as child to stay with us for the rest of our lives! Why is this? Probably because Christmas is best experienced with childlike behavior, and when we reach adulthood we lose much of the joy and fantasy that Christmas can bring.
As we enter this advent season, we work our way through the four areas of advent: hope, joy, love, and peace. I hope that you would allow yourself to experience this season with childlike faith; that Christmas could be revealed again to you. Now in one sense, we know that Jesus has been born and come to this earth. But the wonder of the Advent season is that it is a season of hope, as we once again anticipate many things. As Isaiah 64:1 tells us, “O that You would tear open the heavens and come down…”
The Advent season reminds us that Jesus has come down from heaven, and at every Christmas it is revealed to us again that God has torn open the heavens and come down to us in the baby Jesus. This morning, our scripture passages remind us of three ways that Jesus reveals Himself to us time and time again as we await His second coming!
I. Enriched in Christ- (1 Corinthians 1:5; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:13)
a. Without enrichment- There is a movie called “The Stuntman,” which
I have not seen, but have heard about. This movie is about the making of a film, and is filled with images of greed and lust, manipulation and exploitation, fearful and painful sensations. As I thought about the explanation of this movie, it occurred to me that so many of today’s popular movies are filled with these exact things!
Why is it that those in our world try to fill themselves with these kinds of things? Why does greed, lust, manipulation, and power so dominate the desires of our world? Why would we rather let these things be that which gives us hope, rather than seeking God for hope? Now as I say this, you may be thinking that you don’t allow those things to give you hope. But many people we encounter every day do. Many people who have influence in our lives do. So we have to be aware of these desires, and guard ourselves against them.
Even more, when we seek after any of these things (often without realizing we are doing it), what we are doing is saying that we believe the answer to our fulfillment is to make things happen for ourselves. We have this strong inclination to try and bring hope into our lives. This is especially true in this time of a down economy. So many are feeling hopeless, and trying to do it on their own; trying to make something happen. In doing this, we tend to seek after the wrong things, and hope for the wrong things, and give our energy over to the wrong things!! Our lives are spent in pursuit of that which cannot enrich us.
b. Enriched in Christ- The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:5
something that should give us hope and remind us of Christ’s coming; Paul says- “For in every way you have been enriched in Him, in speech and knowledge of every kind.” We who have Christ, who know Christ as Savior and Lord, are enriched in Christ. BUT WHAT DOES THIS MEAN AND HOW DOES IT GIVE HOPE?
A missionary once told the people he was ministering to: “If you will accept Christ, you will find wonder upon wonder—and every one of them true.” We cannot argue people into the kingdom of God; into believing that Jesus is their Savior. We cannot argue with people to get them to believe that hope is found in Christ. All we can do is say: “Try it, and see what happens.” Being enriched by Christ means that God’s promises come true through Christ.
God promises that we will become a new person; a better person; a more loving, giving, and kind person. Those who have tried it, I mean really given themselves over to Christ, have found this to be true. God promises that we will be forgiven; our guilt and sin taken away. Those who go to God regularly for confession find this to be true. God promises that our lives will have purpose and meaning. Those who have followed the path that God lays before them finds that purpose, and experiences deep meaning for life. And on and on it goes; God’s promises for us will come true!!
A second way that we will be enriched is that we will understand God, this world, and life itself more fully. While this world and life can seem complex, it can be broken down so that we might understand it. Let’s highlight a few verses from the book of Romans to see this a little better:
Romans 3:23- “For all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” There is sin in our lives, and sin in this world. God not only desires that we be sinless, but God cannot be in the presence of sin. So to be in a relationship with God, and to shine forth God’s glory, we have to have our sin removed. Our sin separates us from God. But there is hope, as Paul tells us in Romans 6:23- “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The penalty for our sin is death; eternal separation from God. But because God loves us so much, God wants to remove what causes that separation; our sin. So God allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to come down from heaven, and die on the cross to pay the penalty for us. With Christ in our lives, we can have a relationship with God, and can live with God for eternity in heaven. It is a free gift, there to be received.
How do we receive this gift? Romans 10:13 tells us: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord is saved.” By asking Jesus to be our Savior, acknowledging that it is in Christ we are saved, we WILL be saved from any penalty. The penalty has been forgiven and done away with for us.!
This is the enrichment of knowledge we have. We understand why Jesus came, and what Jesus has done for us. We understand that life is about loving God, and with God’s love we can better love those around us. That is why the advent season is filled with hope. It is the hope of salvation and love found in Jesus.
II. Strengthened in Christ- (1 Corinthians 1:6-8a)
a. Strengthened in Christ- But just having the knowledge of God’s
promises and knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ is never enough. Knowledge must be put into practice for it to be valuable, other wise it is wasted knowledge. So Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:6, 8a- “Just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you…He will also strengthen you to the end…”
We can only live out this life, as God has intended for us to live, with the strength we receive through Christ. It starts with a knowledge of Christ (what Christ has done for us), and the knowledge of the example that Christ sets for us, but it can’t stop there. Too many people who claim to be Christians have this knowledge, but don’t put it into practice. In the book of James we are told in 2:18- “But someone may say to you, ‘You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’” After we receive Christ into our lives, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. With the Spirit of God in our lives, we have the power of God available to us. It is in this power that we put our knowledge into practice; that we live our lives in the way God calls us to.
Whatever is going on in your life, God can come and strengthen you. Whatever struggle you are going through, God’s strength can get you through it. That is why Paul puts these words in verse 7 between verses 6 and 8 (the verses I just read to you)… “So that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
b. A gift given- The Greek word that Paul uses here for “gift” is one of
his favorite words; it is the word Charisma. Paul tells us that we have not only been given a gift from God, but this gift is given freely to us. It is a gift that is not deserved or earned, but comes to us from God out of love. When we accept in faith that Jesus Christ came out of love, to die for our sins (as we just talked about), and that through this faith we have forgiveness from our sins and eternal life with God, through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit we are given certain gifts to use in our life. And remember how last week we talked about these gifts being a strength for us to be used in service to others. This gift strengthens us to live out our life in fullness.
As we fully realize our gifts, it brings a new ability for us to live as we were created to live, and to achieve great things for God. And as with any gift, we use it well, only when we practice it often.
Illus. “Play like the Pros,” 1001 Humorous Illustrations; p. 331, #878- Australian golfer Greg Norman was playing in the Australian open one year. On this one hole, he sliced the ball to the right into the woods; out of play. He then dropped a new ball and hit again. A second time the ball went into the woods. His third ball he hit into the rough (the thick grass to the side of the fairway). After finally getting the ball to the green, it took him 3 putts to hit the ball into the hole. His score was an 8 on a par 5! Writer Paul Harvey said this of Norman’s hole: “I always wanted to play like Greg Norman; now I can.” You can bet Greg Norman went out after his round of golf and practiced.
As an athlete needs to practice his or her sport to get better, as a writer needs to practice their skill to get better, as a musician needs to practice to get better, so we must practice using our gifts and living out our faith to do it better each day.
As we reflect on Christmas being less than 4 weeks away, one of our first thoughts is the gifts that we will give and receive. There is no better gift that can be received than discovering anew our spiritual gifts that can be utilized for the work of Christ. Christ is revealed to us again every time we exercise our gifts! This not only brings hope into our lives, but hope to everyone who is blessed when we use our gift.
III. Fellowship in Christ- (1 Corinthians 1:9)
a. Fellowship with Christ- Advent season is also the time that we
remember the hope that Christ is always with us, and His presence has not ended with His birth, death, and resurrection. God continues to give us hope in this world by the faithfulness of continuing to have fellowship with us. As Paul says in
1 Corinthians 1:9- “God is faithful; by Him who were called into the fellowship in His Son; Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Story: “The Tale of the Three Trees.” (Stories for the Heart, p. 248)- Once upon a mountaintop stood 3 trees. Each tree had a dream, a hope of what they would become. The first dreamed of becoming a beautiful treasure box, holding some of the greatest treasures in the world. The second dreamed of becoming a great ship that would carry powerful kings. The third wanted to grow tall so that when people looked at the tree, they would look to heaven and think of God. Years passed, and one day 3 woodcutters came and each cut down a tree.
The first tree was taken to a carpenter’s shop who worked the tree into a feed box for animals. The beautiful tree was not covered with treasure, but with sawdust and hay for the hungry animals.
The second tree was taken to a shipyard, but no mighty ships were being made that day. Instead the tree was fashioned into a simple fishing boat. Too small to sail on an ocean, the ship was brought to a lake where fish were loaded onto her.
The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into strong beams only to leave her at the lumberyard.
Many days passed as the trees forgot their dreams. One night however, the first tree was surprised when a young woman placed a newborn baby in him, saying: “This will make a beautiful manger for Jesus.” At this the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world. Many years later, Jesus was with his friends, and they all crowded together in an old fishing boat. When a storm arose, Jesus calmed the storm, and the fishing boat knew that she was carrying the king of kings. One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when she was yanked from the woodpile and carried to a hill. Then she shuddered when soldiers nailed a man’s hands to her. She felt ugly and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when she heard the joyoft Jesus being raised from the dead, she knew that every time people thought of her, as she had been made into a cross, they would think of God!!
In a way, each tree had an experience of fellowship with Christ, and this fellowship fulfilled their dreams, and fulfilled the hope that they had. We too have fellowship, communion with God. And each time we do, the hope of Christ reigns in our hearts.
b. Fellowship with one another- This season can be exciting for some,
but hard and lonely for others. Those who have lost loved ones come to this time feeling a little less hope in their lives. The phrase in 1 Corinthians 1:9, “fellowship in His Son,” is not just referring to fellowship with Christ. It also refers to the fellowship Christ (God’s Son) leads us and enables us to have with each other. Just as God’s love helps us to love others, so the fellowship we have with God through Christ helps us to have fellowship with others.
This is a season where we are to join together with other Christians in hope and love. We should allow this fellowship to brighten our lives, and be aware of those whose lives need brightening because of the difficult and lonely time they may be going through. To do this, it may mean giving a gift to a family who doesn’t have much, or inviting someone to dinner so they don’t have to eat by themselves. It might mean taking some time out of your day to talk to someone who needs a friend, or including someone you might not normally include in a party you are having. By sharing the fellowship of Christ with others, we share God’s hope to this world!
Conclusion: “S-4 Submarine is Sunk,” …The Tardy Oxcart, p. 275. Years ago an S-4 submarine was rammed by a ship off the coast of Massachusetts. The submarine sank immediately. The entire crew was trapped in the submarine. Every effort was made to rescue the crew, but all attempts failed. Near the end of the ordeal, a deep-sea diver, who was doing everything in his power to release the crew, heard a tapping on the hull. He placed his helmet up against the side of the submarine, and realized it was Morse code. The tapping was asking a question: “Is……there….hope?”
That is what so many in our world wonder today: is there hope? And the answer is, “Yes.” There is hope because we can be enriched in Christ, and in turn enrich others. We can be strengthened by Christ, and use our strength to bring strength to others. We have fellowship with Christ, which leads us to have fellowship with others. This is what the advent season is all about: having the hope, joy, love, and peace revealed to us again, and remembering that they are found in the Christ child. Let us give praise to God this day, and throughout this season of Advent. Let us commit ourselves to Him, the One who gives hope. Amen.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Isaiah 64:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Introduction: In preparing this sermon, I asked some people “What is your favorite Christmas experience?” Many of the answers that were given were memories of childhood Christmases. It is not uncommon for the Christmas experiences we had as child to stay with us for the rest of our lives! Why is this? Probably because Christmas is best experienced with childlike behavior, and when we reach adulthood we lose much of the joy and fantasy that Christmas can bring.
As we enter this advent season, we work our way through the four areas of advent: hope, joy, love, and peace. I hope that you would allow yourself to experience this season with childlike faith; that Christmas could be revealed again to you. Now in one sense, we know that Jesus has been born and come to this earth. But the wonder of the Advent season is that it is a season of hope, as we once again anticipate many things. As Isaiah 64:1 tells us, “O that You would tear open the heavens and come down…”
The Advent season reminds us that Jesus has come down from heaven, and at every Christmas it is revealed to us again that God has torn open the heavens and come down to us in the baby Jesus. This morning, our scripture passages remind us of three ways that Jesus reveals Himself to us time and time again as we await His second coming!
I. Enriched in Christ- (1 Corinthians 1:5; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:13)
a. Without enrichment- There is a movie called “The Stuntman,” which
I have not seen, but have heard about. This movie is about the making of a film, and is filled with images of greed and lust, manipulation and exploitation, fearful and painful sensations. As I thought about the explanation of this movie, it occurred to me that so many of today’s popular movies are filled with these exact things!
Why is it that those in our world try to fill themselves with these kinds of things? Why does greed, lust, manipulation, and power so dominate the desires of our world? Why would we rather let these things be that which gives us hope, rather than seeking God for hope? Now as I say this, you may be thinking that you don’t allow those things to give you hope. But many people we encounter every day do. Many people who have influence in our lives do. So we have to be aware of these desires, and guard ourselves against them.
Even more, when we seek after any of these things (often without realizing we are doing it), what we are doing is saying that we believe the answer to our fulfillment is to make things happen for ourselves. We have this strong inclination to try and bring hope into our lives. This is especially true in this time of a down economy. So many are feeling hopeless, and trying to do it on their own; trying to make something happen. In doing this, we tend to seek after the wrong things, and hope for the wrong things, and give our energy over to the wrong things!! Our lives are spent in pursuit of that which cannot enrich us.
b. Enriched in Christ- The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:5
something that should give us hope and remind us of Christ’s coming; Paul says- “For in every way you have been enriched in Him, in speech and knowledge of every kind.” We who have Christ, who know Christ as Savior and Lord, are enriched in Christ. BUT WHAT DOES THIS MEAN AND HOW DOES IT GIVE HOPE?
A missionary once told the people he was ministering to: “If you will accept Christ, you will find wonder upon wonder—and every one of them true.” We cannot argue people into the kingdom of God; into believing that Jesus is their Savior. We cannot argue with people to get them to believe that hope is found in Christ. All we can do is say: “Try it, and see what happens.” Being enriched by Christ means that God’s promises come true through Christ.
God promises that we will become a new person; a better person; a more loving, giving, and kind person. Those who have tried it, I mean really given themselves over to Christ, have found this to be true. God promises that we will be forgiven; our guilt and sin taken away. Those who go to God regularly for confession find this to be true. God promises that our lives will have purpose and meaning. Those who have followed the path that God lays before them finds that purpose, and experiences deep meaning for life. And on and on it goes; God’s promises for us will come true!!
A second way that we will be enriched is that we will understand God, this world, and life itself more fully. While this world and life can seem complex, it can be broken down so that we might understand it. Let’s highlight a few verses from the book of Romans to see this a little better:
Romans 3:23- “For all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” There is sin in our lives, and sin in this world. God not only desires that we be sinless, but God cannot be in the presence of sin. So to be in a relationship with God, and to shine forth God’s glory, we have to have our sin removed. Our sin separates us from God. But there is hope, as Paul tells us in Romans 6:23- “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The penalty for our sin is death; eternal separation from God. But because God loves us so much, God wants to remove what causes that separation; our sin. So God allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to come down from heaven, and die on the cross to pay the penalty for us. With Christ in our lives, we can have a relationship with God, and can live with God for eternity in heaven. It is a free gift, there to be received.
How do we receive this gift? Romans 10:13 tells us: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord is saved.” By asking Jesus to be our Savior, acknowledging that it is in Christ we are saved, we WILL be saved from any penalty. The penalty has been forgiven and done away with for us.!
This is the enrichment of knowledge we have. We understand why Jesus came, and what Jesus has done for us. We understand that life is about loving God, and with God’s love we can better love those around us. That is why the advent season is filled with hope. It is the hope of salvation and love found in Jesus.
II. Strengthened in Christ- (1 Corinthians 1:6-8a)
a. Strengthened in Christ- But just having the knowledge of God’s
promises and knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ is never enough. Knowledge must be put into practice for it to be valuable, other wise it is wasted knowledge. So Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:6, 8a- “Just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you…He will also strengthen you to the end…”
We can only live out this life, as God has intended for us to live, with the strength we receive through Christ. It starts with a knowledge of Christ (what Christ has done for us), and the knowledge of the example that Christ sets for us, but it can’t stop there. Too many people who claim to be Christians have this knowledge, but don’t put it into practice. In the book of James we are told in 2:18- “But someone may say to you, ‘You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’” After we receive Christ into our lives, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. With the Spirit of God in our lives, we have the power of God available to us. It is in this power that we put our knowledge into practice; that we live our lives in the way God calls us to.
Whatever is going on in your life, God can come and strengthen you. Whatever struggle you are going through, God’s strength can get you through it. That is why Paul puts these words in verse 7 between verses 6 and 8 (the verses I just read to you)… “So that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
b. A gift given- The Greek word that Paul uses here for “gift” is one of
his favorite words; it is the word Charisma. Paul tells us that we have not only been given a gift from God, but this gift is given freely to us. It is a gift that is not deserved or earned, but comes to us from God out of love. When we accept in faith that Jesus Christ came out of love, to die for our sins (as we just talked about), and that through this faith we have forgiveness from our sins and eternal life with God, through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit we are given certain gifts to use in our life. And remember how last week we talked about these gifts being a strength for us to be used in service to others. This gift strengthens us to live out our life in fullness.
As we fully realize our gifts, it brings a new ability for us to live as we were created to live, and to achieve great things for God. And as with any gift, we use it well, only when we practice it often.
Illus. “Play like the Pros,” 1001 Humorous Illustrations; p. 331, #878- Australian golfer Greg Norman was playing in the Australian open one year. On this one hole, he sliced the ball to the right into the woods; out of play. He then dropped a new ball and hit again. A second time the ball went into the woods. His third ball he hit into the rough (the thick grass to the side of the fairway). After finally getting the ball to the green, it took him 3 putts to hit the ball into the hole. His score was an 8 on a par 5! Writer Paul Harvey said this of Norman’s hole: “I always wanted to play like Greg Norman; now I can.” You can bet Greg Norman went out after his round of golf and practiced.
As an athlete needs to practice his or her sport to get better, as a writer needs to practice their skill to get better, as a musician needs to practice to get better, so we must practice using our gifts and living out our faith to do it better each day.
As we reflect on Christmas being less than 4 weeks away, one of our first thoughts is the gifts that we will give and receive. There is no better gift that can be received than discovering anew our spiritual gifts that can be utilized for the work of Christ. Christ is revealed to us again every time we exercise our gifts! This not only brings hope into our lives, but hope to everyone who is blessed when we use our gift.
III. Fellowship in Christ- (1 Corinthians 1:9)
a. Fellowship with Christ- Advent season is also the time that we
remember the hope that Christ is always with us, and His presence has not ended with His birth, death, and resurrection. God continues to give us hope in this world by the faithfulness of continuing to have fellowship with us. As Paul says in
1 Corinthians 1:9- “God is faithful; by Him who were called into the fellowship in His Son; Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Story: “The Tale of the Three Trees.” (Stories for the Heart, p. 248)- Once upon a mountaintop stood 3 trees. Each tree had a dream, a hope of what they would become. The first dreamed of becoming a beautiful treasure box, holding some of the greatest treasures in the world. The second dreamed of becoming a great ship that would carry powerful kings. The third wanted to grow tall so that when people looked at the tree, they would look to heaven and think of God. Years passed, and one day 3 woodcutters came and each cut down a tree.
The first tree was taken to a carpenter’s shop who worked the tree into a feed box for animals. The beautiful tree was not covered with treasure, but with sawdust and hay for the hungry animals.
The second tree was taken to a shipyard, but no mighty ships were being made that day. Instead the tree was fashioned into a simple fishing boat. Too small to sail on an ocean, the ship was brought to a lake where fish were loaded onto her.
The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into strong beams only to leave her at the lumberyard.
Many days passed as the trees forgot their dreams. One night however, the first tree was surprised when a young woman placed a newborn baby in him, saying: “This will make a beautiful manger for Jesus.” At this the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world. Many years later, Jesus was with his friends, and they all crowded together in an old fishing boat. When a storm arose, Jesus calmed the storm, and the fishing boat knew that she was carrying the king of kings. One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when she was yanked from the woodpile and carried to a hill. Then she shuddered when soldiers nailed a man’s hands to her. She felt ugly and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when she heard the joyoft Jesus being raised from the dead, she knew that every time people thought of her, as she had been made into a cross, they would think of God!!
In a way, each tree had an experience of fellowship with Christ, and this fellowship fulfilled their dreams, and fulfilled the hope that they had. We too have fellowship, communion with God. And each time we do, the hope of Christ reigns in our hearts.
b. Fellowship with one another- This season can be exciting for some,
but hard and lonely for others. Those who have lost loved ones come to this time feeling a little less hope in their lives. The phrase in 1 Corinthians 1:9, “fellowship in His Son,” is not just referring to fellowship with Christ. It also refers to the fellowship Christ (God’s Son) leads us and enables us to have with each other. Just as God’s love helps us to love others, so the fellowship we have with God through Christ helps us to have fellowship with others.
This is a season where we are to join together with other Christians in hope and love. We should allow this fellowship to brighten our lives, and be aware of those whose lives need brightening because of the difficult and lonely time they may be going through. To do this, it may mean giving a gift to a family who doesn’t have much, or inviting someone to dinner so they don’t have to eat by themselves. It might mean taking some time out of your day to talk to someone who needs a friend, or including someone you might not normally include in a party you are having. By sharing the fellowship of Christ with others, we share God’s hope to this world!
Conclusion: “S-4 Submarine is Sunk,” …The Tardy Oxcart, p. 275. Years ago an S-4 submarine was rammed by a ship off the coast of Massachusetts. The submarine sank immediately. The entire crew was trapped in the submarine. Every effort was made to rescue the crew, but all attempts failed. Near the end of the ordeal, a deep-sea diver, who was doing everything in his power to release the crew, heard a tapping on the hull. He placed his helmet up against the side of the submarine, and realized it was Morse code. The tapping was asking a question: “Is……there….hope?”
That is what so many in our world wonder today: is there hope? And the answer is, “Yes.” There is hope because we can be enriched in Christ, and in turn enrich others. We can be strengthened by Christ, and use our strength to bring strength to others. We have fellowship with Christ, which leads us to have fellowship with others. This is what the advent season is all about: having the hope, joy, love, and peace revealed to us again, and remembering that they are found in the Christ child. Let us give praise to God this day, and throughout this season of Advent. Let us commit ourselves to Him, the One who gives hope. Amen.
posted by Logan's Blog at 3:35 PM
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