Christmas 2013 #3: An exposition of 1 John 2:1-2. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, December 15, 2013.
Intro:
“Have a holly, jolly Christmas. It’s the best time of the year. Say hello to friends you know and everyone you meet,” I love Christmas music. Not just the church’s Christmas music but most all Christmas music. I enjoy the lights, the movies, the foods and the celebrating. I know there are some “spiritual Grinches” out there who want to spoil it all. “You know Jesus wasn’t born in the winter. All that greenery is pagan. December 25 was a Roman holiday adopted by the church.” Yes, I do know that. And yes I am concerned if that’s all people think Christmas is about. But I have no problem with feasting and celebrating. We, of all people, ought to celebrate.
For there is no greater news than, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord.” So sing. Celebrate. Feast. Gather with family and friends and rejoice just make sure that at the heart of your celebration is the celebration of the Gospel.
Remember that what brings joy and life and passion to the celebration of Christmas is to understand, to embrace and to delight in the Gospel. Our text this morning is found in the second chapter of 1 John.
Text: 1 John 2:1-2
John the beloved is writing to his “little children”.
The aged apostle is writing, pastorally, to a group of folks he dearly loves.
He is writing to encourage and strengthen them in difficult days.
He is writing to instruct, encourage and reassure his readers.
Yes, they live in a world that is in the hands of the Evil One – but they belong to God!
God is light and in him is no darkness at all.
Therefore – as His children – walk in the light.
Don’t claim perfection – confess your sin – for then you will know His cleansing.
The two verses of our text remind us of an important truth. A truth that ought to inform, instruct and guide the church in ministry. This truth not only sets the agenda but reminds us of what ought to characterize our work and worship. As we consider the great truths set forth in our text I remind you that:
Thesis: The hope of the world and the joy of the church is found in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.
There are three things I want us to note as we work our way through this text.
- The Gospel calls us to the heights of holiness. (2:1)
- The Gospel guarantees our deliverance. (2:1b-2)
- The Gospel embraces the world. (2:2b)