Merry Christmas! Just two quick thoughts as we look back on Sunday’s sermon and look forward to Christmas Eve (join us tomorrow at 7pm on our livestream!).
The first thought is the contrast between Jesus and false teachers. Pastor Babij has shown us from 2 Peter the wicked character of false Christian teachers who so frequently lead many astray. These teachers, under a guise of holiness, actually act arrogantly, speak nonsense, and pursue their lusts greedily. Yet Jesus the Son of God is so different. Though as the worthy God he rightly demands our worship and allegiance, he does so for our good, not for cruel exploitation. Furthermore, our great and exalted God also demonstrated extreme humility in his life and in his words (Phil 2:5-8; Mt 11:28-30). Never did Jesus use his position for sin. Rather, he only spoke the truth, and his attitude on earth was not to be served but to serve—even to give his life for many sinners (Mk 10:45)! Presently he continues to intercede for his people and even promises to wait on his disciples at the future kingdom banquet while they enjoy all he has prepared (Heb 4:16; 7:25; Lk 12:37). Who is like this God?
A second related thought is the contrast between the certainty of Christ and the increasing uncertainty all around us today. As some have said, we are moving from the Information Age to the Disinformation Age. Whether the issue is the election, racism, or Covid-19, we hear so many contradictory voices calling us to believe in only them and in their evidence/interpretation of evidence. Even leaders we respect, love, and trust sometimes take opposite positions on these issues! All of this, then, can fill us with great distress and anxiety about the future. While we still must do our best to discern between assertions and analyze the data presented to us—for we must still live in this world—how wonderful is the certainty of Christ! Christ’s words are the solid rock on which we can build our lives (Mt 7:24-27), and whatever he promises will come to pass (Mt 24:35). He will always be faithful to his word, for He cannot deny his own faithfulness (2 Tim 2:13). In his Bible he has given us the truth we need for life (2 Pet 1:3-4), and, whatever is coming in the future, our God has promised to perfectly provide for us and be with us every step (Mt 6:32-34; Mt 28:20). How blessed we are to have such a trustworthy savior!
John 10:7-10, So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Questions to Consider:
1. How should our difficult circumstances this Christmas cause us to treasure Christ more?
2. How should the contrast between Christ and false teachers also be reproduced in Christ’s disciples?
3. Is there someone/something you trust in or treasure more than Christ? Why is doing so extremely foolish?