LOVE REVEALED: TO GIVE LIFE

Sermon Notes, December 6, 2015

Rev. Garry McGlinchy

Rev. McGlinchy preached the second sermon in his third sermon series based on 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love.”  He has spoken of Faith Redefined: Obedient; Miraculous; and Tested, and Hope Restored: Rest; Submit; and Acknowledge.  This series is titled Love Revealed. The first sermon was Love Revealed: To Bring Justice; this one is titled Love Revealed: To Give Life.

Instant communication is important in our modern life, but sometimes slow communication is needed: we call this “thinking before speaking!”   Advent is a time of slowing, of waiting, to make sure we don’t misunderstand God’s communication of Jesus.  Jesus is a message from God: He is the Word. (John 1:1)  The Word was the powerful means of God’s activity in the Old Testament, such as in creation. (Psalm 33:6) To the Greeks, the Word was the rational principle behind the universe.  John combines both of these concepts to tell the story of Jesus, in John 1:1-18.

We must REGARD the Word of God (vv.3-5) John paints a picture of the world as light and dark, and the darkness attempts to overcome the Word.  When we wrestle against the Word—the centrality of God’s communication in Jesus—it is like wrestling against gravity.  Properly regarding the Word of God means elevating your value and the value of other people.  John says that we were created through the Word. (v.3)  Angels—powerful and majestic beings before whom people mistakenly fell down in worship—are not strong enough to make humans.

We must RECOGNIZE the Word of God (v.10) Yet John says that in spite of being made through Him, the world does not recognize the Word—does not recognize Jesus.  Paul’s example of a seared conscience (1Timothy 4:2) points out what this means.  Because we are made through the Word, we ought to have a connection to the Word.  Our consciences are meant to guide us, but they have been damaged and do not work.  Because we have been part of the darkness, because we have not regarded the Word, we also cannot recognize the Word.  But Advent can help us to change that!  Just like reading slowly can help us improve communication, so can refocusing on Jesus help us to recognize Him again.

We must RECEIVE the Word of God (v.11)  The Greek word for “receive” is lambano.  It means to associate, like a friend; to have as a close companion.  John says that we belong to the Word—we are His own, but we do not receive Him.  Advent is a time of waiting so that we may receive Him properly.  Advent is a time to help us receive the Word properly—with meekness, receiving Him as a gift from the Father.  John says that all who receive Him, He gives the power/authority to become the children of God. (v.12)  Jesus being close to us is what truly elevates who we are; it is what truly gives life.

If Jesus really is who the Gospel of John says He is—the Word of God, the active presence of God, the foundation of the entire universe—then the only reasonable decision is to submit to Jesus, to live under His authority.  Stay close to Jesus, which is how you submit to Him; because it’s the only way you can recognize Him.  Speak about Jesus.  John the Baptist realized that his highest calling was pointing to Jesus.  We’re still talking about John the Baptist today because he pointed to Jesus.  Let the discipline of waiting help you grasp who Jesus is and the life He offers.