Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher - Jim Rickard Christmas Eve Special

Luke 2:1-20 Angelic Praise Announcing the Birth of our Lord!

Luke’s gospel gives the reality that Jesus Christ is God who became man so that He could take on the sins of the entire world, thereby providing salvation for all, especially those who would believe in Him.

1 Tim 4:10, “For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.”

Luke 2:14, “… with whom He is pleased.” EUDOKIA - “of good will or pleasure, favor, satisfaction, approval, etc.”, on God’s part.

Phil 2:13, “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

Eph 1:5, “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.”

In Luke 2:14 we could say, “Glory to God in the highest, and upon earth peace among men of (God’s) approval.”

There are two aspects to this praise. 1. Heavenly - Angels: 2. Earthly - Man:

What | Who | Where Glory | to God | in heaven Peace | among men of (God’s) approval | upon earth

Luke 2:10, “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.”

“All people”, everyone, every member of the human race has been given God’s Son as their Savior. He came and died for all of mankind.

In Luke 2:14, the multitude limit their praise of God’s work to, “among men of (God’s) approval.” This is in line with 1 Tim 4:10.

1 Tim 4:10, “For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.”

Jesus Christ died and rose for all men but “especially” for believers because His death is only effectual for salvation for those who believe.

In Luke 2:9, as it was for the angel, it is a privilege for you to share the good news of Christ with the world today.

The “glory of the Lord”, is God’s power, position, and honor that belongs immediately to Him as part of His supernatural being, expressed in many ways.

Luke 2:10, “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy.” He came to declare God’s merciful loving kindness; a matter of great joy.

Luke 2:11, “the city of David.” Emphasizing His humanity and the fulfillment of prophecy, that the savior would come through the line of David. Cf. Jer 23:5-6.

“Savior, Christ, Lord.”

“Savior” – God acting on behalf of His people. Psa 25:5; 27:1; Isa 45:15

Psa 25:5, “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day.”

Isa 45:15, “Truly, You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, Savior!”

This is an important early confirmation of Jesus’ role as Messiah and Savior, and to affirm the deity of Jesus in His role as Messiah- Lord, John 4:42.

John 4:42, “And they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.””

“Who is Christ”, CHRISTOS - “the Anointed One, Messiah, Christ.” The promised Messiah from prophecy. Dan 9:25-26 cf. Mat 1:1; John 4:25.

Mat 1:1, “The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah…”

John 4:25, “The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us”.”

“Lord”, (KURIOS) tells them that He is YAHWEH (YHVH), God.

Jer 23:6, “...and this is His name by which He will be called, ‘The LORD (YHVH) our righteousness.”

This told them that He was, “the promised Savior, anointed One (by God for the work of salvation), who was God Himself (incarnate).”

Communion

Grace Offering

Grace Fellowship Church Friday, December 24, 2010 Tape # Christmas Eve Special Worshipped by Angels upon His Birth Luke 2:1-20; 1 Tim 4:10; Jer 23:5-6 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2010