Convictions

By Pastor Alex Ruelo

It is important to know what we really believe in. Philippinas 2:5-11 says, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” When you get to heaven, God will not ask you what to know about theology no how well do you know Christ. But during these times, it is important for believers to know what they really believe in so that their relationship with Christ will grow. what can we see from these verses?

The Humility of God (v.5-8) - You need to agree that Jesus Christ is God; therefore He can do anything, even become man. Why did God need to become man?

• Pre-existence and divinity

• Self-emptying

• Taking on humanity

• Obedience to the Father

• Example for believers

God’s being a man is the perfect example of humbling Himself.

1 Peter 1:20 says, “He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.”

The Exaltation of Christ (v.9-11) - Jesus was lifted on high. That’s why when we do things for Him, we do it with the highest honor and praise. He deserves nothing less.

The Significance of the Preincarnation and Incarnation of Christ (v.6-7A) - Christ existed before everything else because He is God. He also existed on earth because He was born as a human being. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

‭‭This verse shows Jesus’ preincarnation and incarnation too.

Why is it important for Christ to be born?

1. To reveal God to ys

2. To provide an example for our lives

3. To privide an effective sacrifice for sin

4. To be able to fulfill the Davidic kingdom

5. To destroy the work of the devil

6. To be sympathetic priest

7. To be a qualified judge

John 5:22-27 says, “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.” Jesus is the Son of Man. Before you judge, you must know how people live and what they have experienced.

The Promise of Christ’s Return (v.9-11) - One day, you will all stand before God and give report of everything you have done and what you did not do, good and bad. That is something you should look forward too.

APPLICATION:

Cultivate humility. 1 Peter 5:5-6 says, “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” God blesses the humble. Let go of your principles and excuses and surrender everything to the Lord.

Live with eternal perspective. Philippians 3:20-21 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Everything will pass. Be excited for eternity.

Extend forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Serve with a higher purpose. Acts 3:36 says, ““Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.” When David has served his higher purpose, he died. Many people die with a lot of regrets. But a lot also know that they have served their purpose. You can do things just for the sake of doing it, because somebody asked you to. But if you serve with a higher purpose, life will have more meaning. Let us serve God who made us and gave meaning to our life.