sunday, APRil 4, 2021
RECOGNIZING THE RESURRECTED JESUS
Road to Emmaus – Luke 24:13 – 47
(Mk 16:12 “…He appeared in a different form to two of them…”)
24:15 “…Jesus Himself approached, and began traveling with them.”
24:16 “But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.”
- not seeing/recognizing Him because of
not seeing what they wanted (only death, not seeing LIFE)
24:17 “…looking sad.”
- not what soul desired or expected > disappointed & disenchanted
24:19 “…What things?...The things about Jesus…”
24:20 “…delivered Him up to…death and crucified Him.”
24:21 “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel…
besides…it is the third day…”
- hoping & believing the promise of restoration of glory of Israel/Kingdom
(promise of Davidic Covenant – 2 Sam 7:16 “…your throne…forever.”
(pedigree & genealogy – Matt 1:1 “…son of David…”
(proclamation of angel Gabriel – Lk 1:32-33 “throne of His father David”
(prophecy of Zacharias – Lk 1:68-69 “salvation…in the house of David…”
(pronouncement of Magi – Matt 2:2 “…born King of the Jews.”
(proclamation on Palm Sunday – Matt 21:9 “Hosanna…Son of David…”
- saw Roman rule as preventing & were looking for Israel’s deliverer
seeing through what they hoped for & the way they hoped
difference between their expectations & His revelation!
24:23 “…did not find His body…angles…said that He was alive.”
24:25 “…O foolish men…slow…to believe in all…prophets…”
- hoping in what wanted to ‘see’ -vs- hoping in what Scriptures say
24:26 “…necessary for the Christ to suffer…to enter into His glory?”
24:27 “…He explained to them…Himself in all the Scriptures.”
24:30 “…He took the bread…blessed…breaking it…giving it to them.”
- His pattern of partaking (communion & covenant relationship)
24:31 “…their eyes were opened… – saw Him in a different form & dimension
they recognized Him…” - recognized Him in communion & Scriptures
24:32 “…hearts burning…while He was speaking…explaining the Scriptures…”
- though eyes blinded by what they hoped for (desire/soul)
their hearts (spirits) burned in response to His word
24:34 “…The Lord has really risen, and…appeared…”
24:35 “…how He was recognized…in the breaking of the bread.”
- they recognized/saw him in communion (Bread of Life; New Covenant)
24:36 “…He Himself stood in their midst.”
24:37 “…frightened…thought that they were seeing a spirit.”
- seeing from their perspective – “frightened”
24:39 “See My hands and My feet…it is I Myself; touch Me and see…”
- seeing from Scripture’s revelation of cross & resurrection
- cross & resurrection opened their eyes to see Him
24:44 “…These are My words which I spoke to you…”
- key to ‘seeing’ is His word
24:45 “…He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,”
- ‘seeing’ what the Scriptures say, rather than
‘seeing’ what we hope for in situation we find ourselves
- always more than our expectations/hopes
24:46 “…it is written…Christ should suffer…rise again…the third day;”
- ‘see’ the cross (accomplished) & resurrection (Who He is now)
24:47 “…repentance for forgiveness…proclaimed in His name to all…”
- repent of not ‘seeing’ or ‘seeing’ in way I think or want
24:49 “…I am sending forth the promise of My father…power from on high.”
- Spirit opening our sight to ‘see’, to recognize Jesus in Cross/Communion
Spirit opening our minds to understand - our walk is by the Scriptures
Road to Emmaus – Luke 24:13 – 47
(Mk 16:12 “…He appeared in a different form to two of them…”)
24:15 “…Jesus Himself approached, and began traveling with them.”
24:16 “But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.”
- not seeing/recognizing Him because of
not seeing what they wanted (only death, not seeing LIFE)
24:17 “…looking sad.”
- not what soul desired or expected > disappointed & disenchanted
24:19 “…What things?...The things about Jesus…”
24:20 “…delivered Him up to…death and crucified Him.”
24:21 “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel…
besides…it is the third day…”
- hoping & believing the promise of restoration of glory of Israel/Kingdom
(promise of Davidic Covenant – 2 Sam 7:16 “…your throne…forever.”
(pedigree & genealogy – Matt 1:1 “…son of David…”
(proclamation of angel Gabriel – Lk 1:32-33 “throne of His father David”
(prophecy of Zacharias – Lk 1:68-69 “salvation…in the house of David…”
(pronouncement of Magi – Matt 2:2 “…born King of the Jews.”
(proclamation on Palm Sunday – Matt 21:9 “Hosanna…Son of David…”
- saw Roman rule as preventing & were looking for Israel’s deliverer
seeing through what they hoped for & the way they hoped
difference between their expectations & His revelation!
24:23 “…did not find His body…angles…said that He was alive.”
24:25 “…O foolish men…slow…to believe in all…prophets…”
- hoping in what wanted to ‘see’ -vs- hoping in what Scriptures say
24:26 “…necessary for the Christ to suffer…to enter into His glory?”
24:27 “…He explained to them…Himself in all the Scriptures.”
24:30 “…He took the bread…blessed…breaking it…giving it to them.”
- His pattern of partaking (communion & covenant relationship)
24:31 “…their eyes were opened… – saw Him in a different form & dimension
they recognized Him…” - recognized Him in communion & Scriptures
24:32 “…hearts burning…while He was speaking…explaining the Scriptures…”
- though eyes blinded by what they hoped for (desire/soul)
their hearts (spirits) burned in response to His word
24:34 “…The Lord has really risen, and…appeared…”
24:35 “…how He was recognized…in the breaking of the bread.”
- they recognized/saw him in communion (Bread of Life; New Covenant)
24:36 “…He Himself stood in their midst.”
24:37 “…frightened…thought that they were seeing a spirit.”
- seeing from their perspective – “frightened”
24:39 “See My hands and My feet…it is I Myself; touch Me and see…”
- seeing from Scripture’s revelation of cross & resurrection
- cross & resurrection opened their eyes to see Him
24:44 “…These are My words which I spoke to you…”
- key to ‘seeing’ is His word
24:45 “…He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,”
- ‘seeing’ what the Scriptures say, rather than
‘seeing’ what we hope for in situation we find ourselves
- always more than our expectations/hopes
24:46 “…it is written…Christ should suffer…rise again…the third day;”
- ‘see’ the cross (accomplished) & resurrection (Who He is now)
24:47 “…repentance for forgiveness…proclaimed in His name to all…”
- repent of not ‘seeing’ or ‘seeing’ in way I think or want
24:49 “…I am sending forth the promise of My father…power from on high.”
- Spirit opening our sight to ‘see’, to recognize Jesus in Cross/Communion
Spirit opening our minds to understand - our walk is by the Scriptures
sunday, april 11, 2021
A LIVING HOPE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST – 1 PETER 1:3
Jesus’ resurrection changes our view of life, its purpose, & its destiny.
Jesus’ resurrection is the only thing that gives us true hope – “a living hope”
“A living hope” that is the believer’s:
new identity that brings meaningful purpose while on earth
new nature that brings a restorative process of salvation (‘being’)
new destiny that brings assurance of eternity with Him
Amidst godlessness, secularism & socialism, craziness of our culture
Amidst the relentless attacks of the foundations of God’s Word
God’s Word in 1 Peter 1:3-9 so relevant for today
Historical context of writing of 1 Peter:
- Rome controlled; madman Nero was emperor & persecuting Christians
(burned alive as human torches; torn to pieces by dogs; nailed to crosses)
- amidst being hunted down & butchered – look at what God has promised
(things that Nero could never take away)
1:3 “…born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…”
- living hope of eternal life through the shed blood & resurrection of Jesus
- living hope that sustains no matter how disappointed or despairing
w/Peter – everything he had hoped for – hoping Jesus was the Messiah
now that hope was dead – died on a cross & laid in a tomb
Mk 16:6-7 “tell His disciples and Peter…you will see Him.”
- living hope based on what Jesus did when He arose – defeated death
living hope to faithful – overcome man’s greatest enemy – overcome death
w/two on the road to Emmaus – convinced was Israel’s Messiah (credentials)
- certain was Israel’s Deliverer (break Roman)
Lk 24:21 “we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel…
- living hope > our expectations; what was hope for/thought; soul desired
1:4 “…an inheritance…imperishable…undefiled…reserved in heaven for us.”
- a living hope is a lasting hope – when all other ‘hopes’ die
- living hope reserved in heaven for you – guaranteed, nothing can nullify
1:5 “who are protected by the power of God…” - heirs guarded
“for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” – fullness of salvation
Spirit/soul/body
- restoration of rule
1:6 “In this you greatly rejoice…” – in this living hope & its promised outcome
“even thought now…if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials.”
- a living hope is seasons of trials, times of testing > refining faith
- a living hope understands the necessity to save our souls
1:7 “that the proof of your faith…more precious than gold…” – proved as assayed
“even though tested by fire…” - proved by testing
“result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
- approved at revealing
w/1:13 “the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
w/4:13 “share the sufferings of Christ…at the revelation of His glory…rejoice
1:8 “…you have not seen Him, you love Him,
you do not see Him now, but believe in Him,
you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”
- now, a living hope that believes & loves Him
- now, a living hope that we rejoice in
1:9 “…the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”
- now, because of the resurrection:
- a living hope that sees through the trials
- a living hope that is confident of what’s to come
- a living hope that is saving our souls
Living hope via Jesus’ resurrection: heavenly inheritance, earthly protection, purposeful suffering, assurance of His return & completing process of salvation
Jesus’ resurrection changes our view of life, its purpose, & its destiny.
Jesus’ resurrection is the only thing that gives us true hope – “a living hope”
“A living hope” that is the believer’s:
new identity that brings meaningful purpose while on earth
new nature that brings a restorative process of salvation (‘being’)
new destiny that brings assurance of eternity with Him
Amidst godlessness, secularism & socialism, craziness of our culture
Amidst the relentless attacks of the foundations of God’s Word
God’s Word in 1 Peter 1:3-9 so relevant for today
Historical context of writing of 1 Peter:
- Rome controlled; madman Nero was emperor & persecuting Christians
(burned alive as human torches; torn to pieces by dogs; nailed to crosses)
- amidst being hunted down & butchered – look at what God has promised
(things that Nero could never take away)
1:3 “…born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…”
- living hope of eternal life through the shed blood & resurrection of Jesus
- living hope that sustains no matter how disappointed or despairing
w/Peter – everything he had hoped for – hoping Jesus was the Messiah
now that hope was dead – died on a cross & laid in a tomb
Mk 16:6-7 “tell His disciples and Peter…you will see Him.”
- living hope based on what Jesus did when He arose – defeated death
living hope to faithful – overcome man’s greatest enemy – overcome death
w/two on the road to Emmaus – convinced was Israel’s Messiah (credentials)
- certain was Israel’s Deliverer (break Roman)
Lk 24:21 “we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel…
- living hope > our expectations; what was hope for/thought; soul desired
1:4 “…an inheritance…imperishable…undefiled…reserved in heaven for us.”
- a living hope is a lasting hope – when all other ‘hopes’ die
- living hope reserved in heaven for you – guaranteed, nothing can nullify
1:5 “who are protected by the power of God…” - heirs guarded
“for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” – fullness of salvation
Spirit/soul/body
- restoration of rule
1:6 “In this you greatly rejoice…” – in this living hope & its promised outcome
“even thought now…if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials.”
- a living hope is seasons of trials, times of testing > refining faith
- a living hope understands the necessity to save our souls
1:7 “that the proof of your faith…more precious than gold…” – proved as assayed
“even though tested by fire…” - proved by testing
“result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
- approved at revealing
w/1:13 “the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
w/4:13 “share the sufferings of Christ…at the revelation of His glory…rejoice
1:8 “…you have not seen Him, you love Him,
you do not see Him now, but believe in Him,
you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”
- now, a living hope that believes & loves Him
- now, a living hope that we rejoice in
1:9 “…the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”
- now, because of the resurrection:
- a living hope that sees through the trials
- a living hope that is confident of what’s to come
- a living hope that is saving our souls
Living hope via Jesus’ resurrection: heavenly inheritance, earthly protection, purposeful suffering, assurance of His return & completing process of salvation
April 25, 2021
AGAINST THEE
Ps 51:4 “Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned…”
- David understood what sin was & against Who it was committed
Our minimizing view of sin – looking only at the act
& overlooking against Whom it is committed
Gen 2:17 “…from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,
for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die.”
- God had declared the penalty for sin as death and eternal separation
(seems harsh for only a ‘minor’ infraction)
- Not just eating forbidden fruit,
But deliberate defiance & rebellion against The One who had created
Sin = deliberate treason, open & defiant rebellion against the Creator &
Ruler of the universe
Penalty – of eternal separation from God’s presence
Sentence – of God’s high court for high treason against the Creator – Lake of fire
Our viewpoint – David’s sin was much more offensive than Adam’s
David – even with conviction & consequences of what he had done
not enough to repent of the deed
but must repent of Whom we have sinned against
2 Sam 12:1-4 – Nathan’s reproof of David
12:5 “…the man who has done this deserves to die.”
12:6 “…must make restitution…fourfold…”
12:7-8 “…You are the man!...”
12:9-12 “…you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight…”
12:13 “…I have sinned against the Lord…”
“Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned…” Ps 51:4
(others affected & 4-fold consequence
Understand the death that Jesus died; what really happened on the Cross
Isa 53:10 “But the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief;
If He would render Himself as a guilt offering…”
- not what man did to Christ
but what God did – bruising Him & making His soul a sacrifice for sin
Isa 53:11 “As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied…”
Isa 53:12 “…He poured out Himself (His soul) to death…”
- poured out His soul for sinful mankind trying to promote, protect &
preserve their soul-life
“…He Himself bore the sin of many…interceded for the transgressors…”
- He, who is the “last Adam” (1 Cor 15:45), poured out His soul as the
sacrifice for sin, sinners and the satisfaction of the offended One
Sacrifice for sin – cross
- Jesus willingly gave Himself as a guilt offering to satisfy the
penalty of our sins (“crush, grief, anguish…”)
- full payment for mankind’s sin – “It is finished”
Satisfaction of the One who has been offended – resurrection
- not only our penalty & sentence removed
but God’s wrath against sin satisfied
- not only the offense of our sin forgiven,
but the One we have offended satisfied
Acts 17:30 “…God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent,
- not enough to repent of the deed
confessing the horrors of what we have done
- but must repent of Whom we have sinned against
17:31 “…having furnished proof to all men by raising him from the dead.”
Ps 51:4 “Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned,
And done what is evil in Thy sight…”
51:17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.”
Ps 51:4 “Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned…”
- David understood what sin was & against Who it was committed
Our minimizing view of sin – looking only at the act
& overlooking against Whom it is committed
Gen 2:17 “…from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,
for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die.”
- God had declared the penalty for sin as death and eternal separation
(seems harsh for only a ‘minor’ infraction)
- Not just eating forbidden fruit,
But deliberate defiance & rebellion against The One who had created
Sin = deliberate treason, open & defiant rebellion against the Creator &
Ruler of the universe
Penalty – of eternal separation from God’s presence
Sentence – of God’s high court for high treason against the Creator – Lake of fire
Our viewpoint – David’s sin was much more offensive than Adam’s
David – even with conviction & consequences of what he had done
not enough to repent of the deed
but must repent of Whom we have sinned against
2 Sam 12:1-4 – Nathan’s reproof of David
12:5 “…the man who has done this deserves to die.”
12:6 “…must make restitution…fourfold…”
12:7-8 “…You are the man!...”
12:9-12 “…you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight…”
12:13 “…I have sinned against the Lord…”
“Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned…” Ps 51:4
(others affected & 4-fold consequence
Understand the death that Jesus died; what really happened on the Cross
Isa 53:10 “But the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief;
If He would render Himself as a guilt offering…”
- not what man did to Christ
but what God did – bruising Him & making His soul a sacrifice for sin
Isa 53:11 “As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied…”
Isa 53:12 “…He poured out Himself (His soul) to death…”
- poured out His soul for sinful mankind trying to promote, protect &
preserve their soul-life
“…He Himself bore the sin of many…interceded for the transgressors…”
- He, who is the “last Adam” (1 Cor 15:45), poured out His soul as the
sacrifice for sin, sinners and the satisfaction of the offended One
Sacrifice for sin – cross
- Jesus willingly gave Himself as a guilt offering to satisfy the
penalty of our sins (“crush, grief, anguish…”)
- full payment for mankind’s sin – “It is finished”
Satisfaction of the One who has been offended – resurrection
- not only our penalty & sentence removed
but God’s wrath against sin satisfied
- not only the offense of our sin forgiven,
but the One we have offended satisfied
Acts 17:30 “…God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent,
- not enough to repent of the deed
confessing the horrors of what we have done
- but must repent of Whom we have sinned against
17:31 “…having furnished proof to all men by raising him from the dead.”
Ps 51:4 “Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned,
And done what is evil in Thy sight…”
51:17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.”
|
Lexington Foursquare Gospel Church
(PO Box 570) 21 Snowy Egret Lane Lexington, VA. 24450 |