December 19, 2004
Morning Worship
Text: John 1:1-5; 14-18; 29-34
Subject: The Lamb of God
Title: Receive the Gift
The last two weeks I have been preaching with the focus being on this season of giving. We in the church understand that God has given us the greatest gift of all, His Son Jesus Christ. I want to share with you today just some of the powerful statements about Jesus and the gift that are mentioned in John Chapter 1 and other places in scripture to help you to see just how significant the gift is.
Giving gifts at Christmas has over taken the real meaning of Christmas in many households. The bible says that it is more blessed to give than to receive, but at Christmas it seems that people really enjoy receiving. Now I must admit, it is special to receive a gift from a loved one who really knows a personal need or a desire. But when we give gifts just because that’s what we’re expected to do it appears that something is amiss. Someone wrote, “The trouble is that too many people are spending money they don’t have for things they don’t need to impress people they don’t like.”
Today I want to look at the perfect gift that was given to you so many years ago.
I. THE ORIGIN OF THE GIFT. (John 1:1-5)
A. The Gift Existed Long Before it Was Given. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. One of the things I like to talk about with people is just who Jesus is. In discussing this topic I always get a variety of answers. Some say Jesus was a prophet. Some say He was a holy man. Others say that He was a great teacher. Some say that He was the Son of God. All are good answers, but are somewhat lacking in the totality of who Jesus really is. When we look at Jesus in these terms, we make Him no more than a godly individual. We throw in the truth that Jesus was sinless and that narrows it down considerably. As a matter of fact, no one else could ever fit that definition. But let’s go one step further. Verse 2 says, “He was in the beginning with God.” He was where? With God! Where was that? In heaven! But notice that He was there in the beginning. The beginning of what? In the beginning of time! When the creation began, Jesus was already there. It isn’t too hard to comprehend when you understand that in the beginning the Word was with God and the Word was God. Jesus is the Word. Thayer’s Greek dictionary says that the Word (the logos) is a word, uttered by a living voice that embodies a concept or idea. Therefore, Jesus, the Word of God, is the embodiment of God, the very nature of God, and in fact is God. That makes the gift even more special. God in reality, has given Himself to mankind, the perfect gift for a less than perfect people. So Jesus is a man who also was and is the eternal God. He had no beginning and had no end, and yet was a man just like us, except He never sinned.
B. The Gift Was Given Before Men Could See. Verses 4-5 say that Jesus is the light. His life was given so that He could be the light of men. Psalm 119:105, “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” God’s word (that’s who Jesus is) is the light that shows us the right path. 2 Corinthians 2:14 states it this way. “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Jesus came to be the light of the world, but before He can light up anything for you, you must accept the light. Why? Because in Him is life… “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting – what? – life.”; “The enemy came but to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that you might have - what? – life, and have it more abundantly.” “I am the way, the truth, and the – what? – life!” The gift was given before we could ever understand it. The Amplified Bible says it like this, in Romans 5:8, “But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ, (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” Verse 5 says, “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
C. The Plan Was Forged Before the Creator Created. Did you know that Jesus had involvement in the creation? “All things were made through Him…” You know, I’m glad I’m not Jesus, because if I were as I was involved in creation I’m afraid that when I got around to creating man I would have said, “Why bother? He’s just going to fall into sin and then I am going to have to go down there and suffer for his sin.” That’s the way I think. I bet you’re glad that I’m not Jesus. But Jesus, knowing what was to come, created anyhow. Revelation 13:8 describes Him as “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Even though His creation would rebel, He willingly created and then willingly came to earth to give eternal life.
II. THE SETTING FOR THE GIFT (John 1:14-18)
A. Coming in the Form of Man. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” Have you ever wondered about that? Why would God come to earth as man? I don’t understand it but I do know this, it is a reality. Just because we don’t understand doesn’t make it less real. It is like the law of gravity. I don’t know why it works, but I know that if you step off the edge of a roof, you’ll find out that it does work. Let’s look at the reality of the incarnation. 1:1 says that the Word was God. This describes His eternal condition. But Verse 14 says the Word became flesh, which involves a change of state. Jesus went from spirit to flesh. The Word that is translated “dwelt” or “lived” means to “pitch a tent, to dwell temporarily.” Jesus left His usual place and took His place among men as one of us. But it was temporary.
B. Pouring Out the Fullness of Grace. When the Word became flesh John says that there was something that specifically happened while Jesus was with them that made them realize that He was the Messiah. “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father…” Let’s break this down a little. 1) We- Turn over to Mark 9:2-8. Who was it that beheld Jesus’ glory? Peter, James and John. 2) beheld – the word translated “beheld” means a close inspection of or perception. It is not referring to casual vision, but to an emphatic and intensive inspection on a continual basis. The word translated “glory” indicates that this glory was very apparent. It would have been hard to miss. 3) Jesus was God’s only begotten. The emphasis here is not that Jesus was born and hence was a created being, but that He was the only person ever born who had God as His biological Father. “full of grace and truth.” Jesus is full – covered over or complete in grace. Look at the different meanings of the word “grace” and then put them in the context of who Jesus is. Grace= one who is accepted, who has found favor, a benefit, a gift, one who has a divine influence on his heart and the reflection of that influence on his life. And He is truth.
C. The Result of Grace. Verse 16, “And of that fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” The same fullness of grace that Jesus has we too have available to us. It is the ability for us to have that same divine influence on our lives and to live our lives the same way Jesus did, grace for grace. When we run out of grace more is available. When God gives grace for a specific purpose and we use it, He gives more – grace for grace. The ability that Jesus had to live a life pleasing to God, we have it too. The power that Jesus walked in – that’s ours. The love that Jesus had for others – it’s yours to receive and give. The way that Jesus selflessly gave Himself for others – now wait a minute Pastor Mike. You’re going a bit too far. I’m OK with power and blessing and holiness, but now you saying I’m supposed to give my life away? Yeah, you know, that’s part of what grace is all about too. Can you have the benefits without the sacrifice? I don’t think so. Obedience brings blessing and obedience to the word of God requires sacrifice. Don’t worry though, when you sow yourself into the lives of others just think of the harvest you will reap.
III. THE PURPOSE OF THE GIFT. (John 1:29-34)
A. Removal Of Sin. John the Baptist made a bold proclamation that the Jews would understand. “You offer lambs for the remission of sin, but behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” You know that is one of the differences we have with some of our church friends. They believe that every time they take communion that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ. So Christ is sacrificed every day, over and over again. But the Bible says 5 times that Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all. Romans 6:10, “He died to sin once for all…” Hebrews 7:27, “for this He did once for all when He offered Himself up.” Hebrews 9:12, “but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all…” Hebrews 10:10, “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all…” Jude 1:3, “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints…” So by what I have just read how many times was it necessary for Christ to offer Himself as the sacrifice for sin? Once for all!!!!!!
B. Baptized in the Spirit. Verse 32, “And John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.” Why was Jesus baptized in the Holy Spirit? We have often taught as a common belief that Jesus could not begin His ministry until He was baptized in the Holy Spirit. But if we stop and look at what power the seventy disciples were sent out in and what they did we will see something a little different. Luke 10:17, “Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name’.” So if Jesus had power before, why be baptized in the Holy Spirit? Because He knew that would be the pattern for all believers to follow. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”. That was confirmation to John the Baptist because the Lord had spoken to him saying that was what would happen. “Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” The grace that was poured out on the cross, once for all, is extended in power through the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Jesus the giver of the gift of eternal life is also the baptizer in the Holy Spirit. His gifts never end. Jesus Himself said “I will be with you always even to the end of the age.” How marvelous, how wonderful and my song shall ever be. How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior’s love for me.
How many of you have ever watched in amazement as your children opened their gifts at Christmas and then ignored the gift and played with the paper? Did you ever stop and wonder what God must think as people spend so much time playing with the wrappings of Christmas – gift giving and parties – and ignore the greatest gift of all – the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Bob Perks tells this story:
A little boy was with his father at church looking curiously at the nativity scene that was set up.
"Daddy, look the manger!" the young boy said. "Is that Santa over there?" he asked pointing to one of the three wise men.
"No, son. They are the Three Kings bringing presents to Jesus." replied Dad.
"Christmas presents?"
"No. I guess you can say they are birthday presents. Remember we told you that Christmas is really our celebration of the birth of Jesus."
The young boy paused for a moment seemingly satisfied with Dad’s answer. Then, as children will do, asked the unanswerable question that warms your heart and often puts you in your place.
"Daddy, what are we giving Jesus for His birthday this year?"
Silence. Then drawing on the wisdom of the ages and the creative parental genes that make us what we are, Daddy said..."I don’t know. Ask your Mom."
Bob Perks Bob@BobPerks.com
So the question goes out to you today. What are you going to give Jesus for his birthday?
He continues his story - Peace and quiet returned to this great sanctuary leaving me to think about what that child had to say. If I were there that sacred evening drawn by the light of the star of Bethlehem what gift would I offer Him?
I really had no idea. First, I can’t begin to imagine kneeling before Him in the presence of Joseph and Mary.
But a gift from me to Jesus? What thing of value could I possible give to my Lord?
This was a thought that overwhelmed me. I pride myself in having the ability to at least come up with options, choices for people who share their personal problems with me. But the thought of me having anything that Jesus would want brought tears of sadness for I felt I had nothing to offer Him.
So I did what the young child had done earlier. I turned to my Father and asked..."Oh, God what could I possibly offer your Son as a gift? I really have nothing of value."
I sat quietly and totally oblivious to the world. A small voice inside my soul said "The same thing He had given you. His Life! Give Him your life. Not sacrificed on a cross. But lived to honor Him."
For those of you who know Jesus Christ as your Savior the call goes out to you. What are you willing to give?
For those who do not know Jesus, He is inviting you today to take that step, to receive the greatest gift of all – His life – that you might have eternal life. When you accept His gift, you can immediately begin to give back to Him, by giving your life to Him.
