The Lord Jesus makes four things clear to us.
1. We have intimacy with God (vs1-6)
2. He came to save sinners (vs7)
3. His promises are sure (vs8-11)
4. We taste His power (vs12)
First, we have intimacy with God (vs1-6). Caesar Augustus thought that he ruled the world, but God ruled everything to save His people, appointing the birthplace of His Son, and then moving the world by this evil man to work out events perfectly, so that Jesus was born in Bethlehem as promised. This personal God has worked all things perfectly to save me, and that is the confession of faith - “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. And this enrollment was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David: to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered”.
Secondly, Christ came to save sinners (vs7). He didn’t come with pomp and show to be admired and yet inaccessible. Instead, born in a stable, He came to save the poor who trust in Him. If you believe the Son to save you, then He will, and you have salvation as promised - “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in torn clothes, and laid him in a trough; because there was no room for them in the inn".
Thirdly, the promises are sure (vs8-11). The Lord is the reason the promise is good: it has NOTHING to do with us.
He is Lord over Satan and sin, and He has redeemed us by blood and the Spirit’s sin-conquering power. We shall be and do what He has said - “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shined round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (vs9-11).
Darkness is strong but not stronger than God.
Fourthly, Christ assures us of victorious salvation (vs12). He gives the Spirit to persuade the heart, so that we know by EXPERIENCE that He is true - “And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in torn clothes, lying in a trough”, so that just as the Baby was actually seen, even so, we experience love, joy, peace, and assurance from believing.
Lastly, these promised blessings make us say, “Glory to God in the Highest”. We praise Him, seeing Him in beauty, and glorifying Him in harmony with the saved - “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (vs13-14).
1. We have intimacy with God (vs1-6)
2. He came to save sinners (vs7)
3. His promises are sure (vs8-11)
4. We taste His power (vs12)
First, we have intimacy with God (vs1-6). Caesar Augustus thought that he ruled the world, but God ruled everything to save His people, appointing the birthplace of His Son, and then moving the world by this evil man to work out events perfectly, so that Jesus was born in Bethlehem as promised. This personal God has worked all things perfectly to save me, and that is the confession of faith - “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. And this enrollment was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David: to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered”.
Secondly, Christ came to save sinners (vs7). He didn’t come with pomp and show to be admired and yet inaccessible. Instead, born in a stable, He came to save the poor who trust in Him. If you believe the Son to save you, then He will, and you have salvation as promised - “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in torn clothes, and laid him in a trough; because there was no room for them in the inn".
Thirdly, the promises are sure (vs8-11). The Lord is the reason the promise is good: it has NOTHING to do with us.
He is Lord over Satan and sin, and He has redeemed us by blood and the Spirit’s sin-conquering power. We shall be and do what He has said - “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shined round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (vs9-11).
Darkness is strong but not stronger than God.
Fourthly, Christ assures us of victorious salvation (vs12). He gives the Spirit to persuade the heart, so that we know by EXPERIENCE that He is true - “And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in torn clothes, lying in a trough”, so that just as the Baby was actually seen, even so, we experience love, joy, peace, and assurance from believing.
Lastly, these promised blessings make us say, “Glory to God in the Highest”. We praise Him, seeing Him in beauty, and glorifying Him in harmony with the saved - “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (vs13-14).
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