Lessons from the Incarnation

Last week - His Advent (coming)
Today - His Incarnation - ie: God in the flesh, took on human nature
Matt. 1:18-23

Exactly how??? We're not told. But, we are told..... A. it's so, and, B. by the Holy Spirit --- Matt. 1:18/20
Luke 1:34-35 - foundational truth of Christianity

Compare: Isa. 9:6-7 John 1:1/14 - God Incarnate Col. 1:15/19, 2:9 image of the invisible God

Summary verse: 1 Tim. 3:16

Many truths/lessons .... so, here are a few....

The Incarnation helps me see...... (perceive, understand, glimpse)

#1. God's Character. Phil. 2:5-8
THE Almighty God, creator of all, omniscient, needs nothing, all powerful, absolute, complete, etc. ,
but He gave all that up to became a man.

#2. Our Model - John 13:12-16 - this is more than foot washing. Speaks of what we should be - Christlike - not me, me, me, even people who hate us and did us wrong.

#3. My Failure. (to live up to the model)
Measure self by Christ - Rom. 3:23 - we are short of what we should be.

#4. The Remedy (solution/redemption) Rom. 3:23-25 (a)

#5. The Reconciliation - Col. 1:19-22 - God wants a relationship

#6. My Helper (advocate/mediator/console-er/counselor/comforter/encourager, etc.
Heb. 2:17-18 Heb. 4:15-16 - He knows exactly what we go through.

#7. My Ministry - John 14:12 - what are you going to do with your life? We're talking about being used of God - scope of ministry.

#8. My Hope - 1 Thess. 5:9-10 Rev. 1:17-18
Christian hope is joyous expectation of what's to come!