Sermon Central
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Finding God Above Our Heads Series
Contributed by Billy Ricks on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: What was God's real goal for Christmas? Philippians 2:9-11 makes clear that Jesus came so that all knees would bow and all tongues would confess in worship of the God of grace!!
1) They are never numbered in the Bible
Eastern tradition sets their number at 12 while western tradition sets it at 3.
2) They are never named in the Bible
Church tradition has named them Melchior a Persian scholar, Caspar an Indian scholar, Balthazar a Babylonian scholar.
3) They are never near the manger in the Bible
B) Personal dedication of the Magi
Came possibly because prophecy of Baalam 24:17
1) Their journey resulted in joy – Matthew 2:10
The star reported by Matthew resulted in anxiety and anger for Herod. The star resulted in indifference and apathy for the Priests and scribes. It resulted in Joy for the magi. If you understand what it means to be a Christian, then you realize you are justified by faith and satisfied by Jesus. This is the source of our joy!
John Stott in his commentary on Romans (The Bible Speaks Today). “It seems clear from this paragraph that the main mark of justified believers is joy.” Romans 5:1-11
2) Their journey resulted in worship -- Matthew 2:11
The wise men did not come to Jesus for what they could get. They came to Jesus for what they could give. In worship we offer Jesus our pride by bowing before Him! In worship we offer Jesus our resources by giving them to Him. In worship we offer Jesus our very life by singing praises to Him. God’s desire for our journey of faith is for us to constantly come to a point of worship.
3) Their journey resulted in obedience -- Matthew 2:12
How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, his precepts! O! ’tis easier to keep holidays than commandments. – Benjamin Franklin
Christmas should be not just a season but an attitude. We realize that God was the first gift giver. He gave Jesus to live our life and die our death. If we receive this gift then it should result in our giving our life to Him as the only gift worthy! We give Him our obedience, our worship and our obedience. These are gifts that declare the worthy of the on true king.
Lessons to learn:
1) See the gracious guiding hand of God in the story
2) Make sure you take people to Jesus
Don’t spend your time trying to change someone’s wrong theology
Don’t spend your time trying to change their ideas of God
Take them directly to Jesus! (What a Christmas present to Jesus this year)
Accept the responsibility of bringing people to Jesus.
3) Understand God’s gifts are based on need not desire!
