Sermons

Could this be a stated confession of the early church? This passage contains the whole of the gospel. It is good for us to use when witnessing. It contains an understanding of the person and work of Christ, and the timing of the advent, at the fullness of time. Timing: "At just the right time" Jesus came to earth. The Judaizers acknowledged Christ, but still advocated law-keeping. Paul reminded them of the purpose of the law. In Abraham's time, the law did not supersede the promise. The law served as a teacher, that we are sinners, and we need a savior. If we fail to keep it, we are under judgment. The law enslaves us, and we can't break free without a savior. The law functions as a guardian or a manager. In times past, a son was a servant until named the heir by his father. He could not yet claim the inheritance. Thinking that the law saves is an immature understanding. The law was preparatory, pointing to Christ. Why was the timing of Christ's coming the fullness of time? The Pax Romana was a time of relative peace. Infrastructure was advanced. These developments in the Roman Empire facilitated the rapid spread of the gospel. Calvin says the timing was the most connected with God's providence. We don't really know why the advent took so long. Nature: He was sent, and He was born of the woman. Being sent supports the eternal deity of Christ. In Colossians, we see Christ present at creation, which was made for Him. He is very God. In being born of a woman, He is fully a human being. He takes on our condition, being born under the law. He was born a Jew, circumcised, carried out all Jewish study, feasts and celebrations. He lived under the law with an inward perfect delight, never failing in any way. Purpose: His nature uniquely qualifies Jesus to be our savior, bringing us adoption as sons. He paid a ransom price. He will accomplish adoption for us by dying, becoming a curse for us. God saves us for Himself, that we may receive adoption as sons. Only sons receive the inheritance throughout history. But now, all who receive Him become sons of the Most High. This is an astonishing gift. If we are children, we are heirs. We should marvel at this love. The nativity is not the center of our belief; it is the cross. This is the turning point of history. We are now in the last days, the time between the first coming and the second coming. There is another fullness of time to come. We should all cry, "Come, Lord Jesus."