December 8, 2019

Sunday School

God, All By Himself

God is infinitely far above our ability to fully understand who He really is but He tells us through the Scriptures.

God is Jehovah. The name of the independent, self-complete being – “I AM WHO I AM.”  Exodus 6:3 – And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not know to them. Psalm 83:18 – That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth. Isaiah 26:4 – Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.

 

God is Jehovah-M’Kaddesh. This name means “the God who sanctifies.” God, who is separated from all that is evil requires that the people who follow Him be cleansed from all evil. Leviticus 20:7-8 – Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify (to set apart or separate) you.

We, as Christians (believers in Christ) have 3 aspects of sanctification.

(1)           Positional = Justification – positional change occurs the moment we trust in Jesus Christ. Justification comes the moment we trust Christ.

(2)           Progressive = Sanctification = progressive growth is becoming more like Christ. It begins when we are saved and continues until we die. Romans 8 28-29 – And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose, because those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

We are sanctified on the basis or our redemption in Christ – no redemption, no sanctification.

(3)           Permanent = Glorification – This is the permanent change that awaits every believer. 1 Corinthians 15:50-52 – Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

This speaks of the time when we will exchange our old bodies for new bodies. This is the glorification.

How does Jehovah-M’Kaddesh bring

about sanctification?

(a)           Through the Word of His truth.  John 17:17-19 – Sanctify them through thy truth: they word is truth. As thou has sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

(b)           Sometimes through chastisement. Hebrews12:10-11 – For they disciplined (chastened) us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness. Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it.

(c)            Through personal discipline. Psalm 139:23 – Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.

Romans 12:1-2 – Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice – alive holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

Sermon
Matthew 2:2 - "Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
Subject: The Real Christmas Star!

Traditions:

• Cut down a tree or buy a tree
• Decorate tree with lights, balls, etc.
• Place star on top of tree

• Advent means the coming or arrival.
• Epiphany means the manifestation of Christ.
• The Word in the flesh is Jesus the Christ.
• The morning star is the brightest star before the sun rises.
• Question? Could anyone tell by looking at you that Jesus lives in you?
• Are you a flicker of light or a blazing flame of light?

For the light to shine in us we must....

1. Purge sin from our lives
2. Recognize Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords.
3. Be guided or led by the one real Christmas Star.

And His name shall be called (Isaiah 9:6) Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.