Seeing God's Salvation

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This sermon was given during Advent and it discusses the words of Simeon that were spoken when he saw the baby Jesus in the temple as he was being presented by Joseph and Mary. The message emphasizes the necessity for every one of us to see Jesus as our only salvation.

Written Excerpts:

Luke 2:30 ^(NKJV) For my eyes have seen Your salvation

Introduction:

What is the one thing in your life that you passionately hope you get to do or get to see before you die?

We’ve heard of people who create their “bucket list.”

Some people really hope to:

·     Do something dangerous like skydiving or bungee jumping;

·     Do something extravagant like traveling to every country in the world;

·     Experience some new ability like learning another language; publishing a book;

I haven’t really created a list myself, but if I were to make a list I think a couple of things I might put on it would be:

·     Take a trip to Israel

·     Go big game hunting out west

Is anyone here today willing to reveal 1 item you have on your bucket list?

I think the person we heard about in our Scripture reading today might have had a “bucket list.” The main item on his list was an experience that God had already revealed would actually happen to him before his death. Why do I think that? Because his words recorded in the Bible are: “Now, you are letting your servant depart in peace…”

Bible scholars tell us that his words describe a slave being released by his master. It might mean that Simeon is ready to die now since he has experienced this great privilege. Or, it simply could mean that he is released from the “search” because he has seen the Messiah. We usually understand the meaning to be, “now I’m ready to die” because a previous verse states that God had revealed to him that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

As Simeon holds this child in his arms, he immediately becomes aware that this is the person he’d been searching for. He makes an interesting statement in his response. “My eyes have seen your salvation.”

During the next several minutes I want to explore with you the meaning of this statement as well as some of its implications.

The meaning of the statement

Salvation is a major theme throughout the Bible. All through the prophets God had repeatedly promised salvation for His people. Salvation or deliverance is depicted both in a political / military sense and in a spiritual / moral / eternal sense. One major example of God’s salvation in a literal political sense is the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. That historical event was used repeatedly to illustrate God’s redemptive power. It was also used to illustrate the spiritual deliverance God gives from bondage to sin.

If we compare v. 30 with v. 26 “…before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” then we can conclude that he expected salvation to come through a person, and that person is the child lying in his arms. Simeon is testifying to the fact that he has now witnessed the One through whom God would bring salvation to the Jews and to the whole world. In this holy child, he sees the redemption of his own soul and the redemption of the entire human race.

Important Implications of the statement

1. Salvation was His primary purpose/mission.

Not only did Simeon understand that Jesus was to be a savior, but many others understood that as His primary role as well.

Mary:

Luke 1:46-47 (NKJV) And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷  And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 

Zacharias: 

Luke 1:69-75 (NKJV) ⁶⁹  And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, ⁷⁰  As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, ⁷¹  That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, ⁷²  To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, ⁷³  The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: ⁷⁴  To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, ⁷⁵  In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 

The angel to Joseph:

Matthew 1:21 (KJV) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 

Notice that the primary emphasis here is salvation from sins, not salvation for oppressive political enemies.

Jesus:

Matthew 18:11 (KJV) For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 

Luke 6:9 (KJV) Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? 

John 12:47 (KJV) And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 

Paul:

1 Timothy 1:15 (KJV) This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 

Hebrews 7:25 (KJV) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 

2. To understand the significance of salvation, we must understand our own need of it.

You’ve heard me say before: In order for the gospel to truly seem like “good news” (which is what the word “gospel” means), then we have to understand what the “bad news” is first. In order to see that salvation is great and wonderful, we must see that we are helplessly lost and doomed for hell. We must see our selfishness and self-will as it truly is – rebellion against God’s will, design and purpose. We must understand our failure to obey His Word is sin; a violation of His purpose and will.

So many offenses are sugar-coated these days and are not understood for what they really are. We don’t need to “turn over a new leaf,” we need to turn our hearts and lives over to the control of Jesus. We do not often hear people use the term “saved” these days. Instead, they use phrases such as: “accept Christ;” “put faith in Christ;” etc. These are fine and accurate descriptions to a degree, but when we say, “I have been saved,” it implies the fact that I came to the realization that I was lost, condemned, and bound for judgment, but Jesus saved me from that awful condition.

3. To understand the significance of salvation is to realize that it is for the whole world.

Luke 2:32 (KJV) A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

“Gentiles” – a word that could be translated “nations.”

Simeon knew that God not only wanted to save/redeem Israel, but God intended to save the Gentiles as well.

4. It takes certain kind of people to recognize God’s salvation when they see it.

Faith – being able to “see” the invisible. (Heb. 11)

Luke 2:25 (NKJV) And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Have you recognized the Son of God who was born in Bethlehem as the only Savior of the world? Do you truly believe that apart from Him there is no salvation, and we are all condemned?

If you have confessed your sins and put your trust in Jesus Christ to be saved from judgment, are you now looking forward to His return? We need that expectation for His second coming just like Simeon and Anna had for His first coming.

Let us close the service by standing together and singing:

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day 

Personal Testimony by Rev. Chester Rowan

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This is the audio recording of a message by Rev. Chester Rowan in which he shared his personal life story of recovery from alcoholism and finding Jesus as his personal Savior.

I've Been to Calvary

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This is a sermon that was given during a communion service discussing the different people who are reported as being at the cross when Jesus was crucified and making applications for our own responses to His sacrifice on the cross.

Written Excerpts:

Luke 23:33 ^(NKJV) And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.

Introduction:

Many of you have probably heard the song titled, “I’ve Been to Calvary.”

VERSE 1
I've never traveled far around the world
I've never seen the many thrills and sites unfurled
But I have taken the journey of journeys for me
Up Calvary's mountain there my Savior to see

VERSE 2
I walked the Calvary road where Jesus trod
I saw Him hanging there, the Son of God
With tear-stained eyes I knelt and prayed, Jesus hear my plea
Oh praise the Lord, I'm glad I've been to Calvary

CHORUS
I've been to Calvary
I can say I've seen the Lord
I've been to Calvary
Through the witness of His word
Each day at Calvary
What a thrill of love divine
Just to know that the Savior in mine

The verse I read from Luke’s Gospel uses the word “Calvary” for the place where Jesus was crucified. The other Gospel writers used the word “Golgotha” rather than “Calvary.” In any case, the place was just outside the city of Jerusalem and was the place of the crucifixion.

For just a little while this morning I want to talk about some of the people who were there at Calvary when Jesus was crucified and draw some analogies for our spiritual benefit today.

The Multitude 

Luke 23:27a ^(NKJV) And a great multitude of the people followed Him, 

Not much is stated about the great multitude that followed. Based on what we know about human nature, it is probable that these people were curious. We read of many occasions when the multitudes followed Jesus. Sometimes we are clearly informed that they did so because of the “loaves and fishes.”

What about your “trip” to Calvary. Have you truly worshiped the Lord or have you just been curious about Him, and interested to see what He does or what happens to Him?

I remember reading a quote from an old publication from 1886 that was put out by the Methodist movement in England. “Beware of just being friendly with Christ.”

The Women Who Mourned

Luke 23:27b ^(NKJV) and women who also mourned and lamented Him.  

The description given of these women would indicate that they were sympathizers and empathizers. 

Matthew 27:55-56 ^(NKJV) And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, ⁵⁶among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

Luke 8:1-3 ^(NKJV) Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, ²and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities--Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, ³and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. 

(Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) – This is valuable as giving us one of the few glimpses we have of the way Jesus’ needs during his ministry were met… Here we learn that these women responded in love and gratitude for what Jesus had done for them (cf. Mark 15:40f.). It seems to have been not uncommon for godly women to help religious teachers….

At least some of these women there by the cross were those who had been following Him and providing support for Him and the disciples. We know for sure that one of them (Mary Magdalene) had been delivered from demons. It might be very safe to assume that each of them had some significant prior experience with Jesus. For them, I’m sure there was genuine sorrow and grief over what was transpiring.

We too, can join them in grieving over the suffering Jesus went through, but our response needs to be greater than just grief.

The Mocking Thief

Luke 23:39 ^(NKJV) Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us."

Some people consider the crucifixion and sneer at the very idea that the Son of God would willing die. There are plenty of people who mock the very idea that God would send His own Son into our world just to die for humanity. I read a statement recently (I’m not sure where I saw it) that some atheist was claiming that, if there was a God, He was the ultimate “child abuser” for sending His Son to die.

I would assume that most all of us here today would respond by saying, “I would never mock and make fun of Him!” I am sure that is true, but if we are not taking full advantage of the sacrifice Jesus made there that day, I think there is a sense in which we are disrespecting what He did. If we fail to surrender to the Lord and allow His precious blood to cleanse our hearts, then we are despising the price He paid for us to be redeemed.

The Repentant Thief

Luke 23:40-42 ^(NKJV) But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? ⁴¹And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." ⁴²Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."

Of all the people we know who were there at Calvary, the response of this man is the most logical response anyone can make.

Recognize my own guilt and deserving judgment.

Throw myself on the mercy of the Lord.

Conclusion:

We have observed a sampling of the people who were at Calvary, and tried to draw some applications from their examples for our lives today. After talking about the people who were there at Calvary, I want to bring the message to a close by talking about one more person that wasn’t there (at least we don’t have any record that he was). His name is: Barabbas.

I suppose it is possible that Barabbas could have been in the crowd. If we go by the description of him that is written in the Bible, it is not hard to imagine that he would also be there mocking and jeering. 

When I emphasize the possibility that he wasn’t there it is mainly in regards to the fact that he was supposed to be there, but his place was filled by the sinless and perfect Son of God. Barabbas was scheduled for execution, but the people were incited by the Jewish leaders to beg for his release and for Jesus to take his place.

Barabbas is not the only one who deserved execution. This Thanksgiving season, I am thankful that Jesus Christ took my place so I could receive forgiveness and pardon.

Before we share the emblems of Communion, let us sing together the song, “Calvary Covers It All”

An End-Time Perspective

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This is the final message in a series of sermons on the book of 2 Peter. The message emphasizes Peter's admonition for holy living in light of the coming "Day of the Lord."

Written Excerpts:

2 Peter 3:11 ^(NKJV) Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness

Introduction:

I’ve been preaching a series of messages through the book of 2 Peter for the past several weeks. The sermon today is the 9^th and last message, which will address the second half of chapter 3. Last Sunday we spoke on the first half of the chapter and talked about the judgment and the mercy of God. Peter assures his readers that a day of judgment is coming regardless of what the scoffers may say. He also assured them that the primary reason it hadn’t come yet was because God is longsuffering and does not want anyone to perish (to be lost).

Today we are picking up at verse 10 and are reminded that the coming “day of the Lord” will be overwhelming in many ways. The phrase “Day of the Lord” was understood by the early Christians as well as ancient Jews as a term that referred to the coming of God when He would eliminate all evil and establish righteousness.

Let us take a few minutes to consider the description he provides of that notable day, then we will follow-up with three specific admonitions given in light of what’s coming.

I.     The Day of the Lord Described (Verses 10 and 12)

A.  The Day will arrive suddenly and unexpectedly.

“as a thief in the night” – This is a description that was used repeatedly by Jesus and other Apostles to represent the unexpected arrival of the Lord.

B.  Everything will change.

“heavens pass away”

“elements melt”

“fervent heat” “burned up” 

“being on fire” 

There is some debate among scholars whether all these descriptions are to be understood literally or if Peter is simply employing apocalyptic language to emphasize the fact that everything that was thought to be permanent is gone.

(Tyndale) But the most important point is the moral implications in this coming of the Lord and that is what Peter turns his attention to next.

II.    The Admonitions for Preparation

A.    Live holy (11, 14)

“Holy conversation” – clean, pure, separated and devoted to one person –the Lord Jesus Christ. We don’t keep making excuses for why we don’t live holy, but we keep striving for more of Christ and His grace to make us what we ought to be. As soon as we say, “I can’t …” We limit the power and the grace of God.

“Godliness” – Back in chapter 1 we learned that godliness was… a compound word literally meaning to “worship well”; thus, worship rightly directed. (Robertson’s Word Pictures/Vincent Word Studies)

The word emphasizes the inward attitude of worship and reverence and piety toward God along with conduct and other outward actions that confirm the heart attitude.

Live holy because of what’s coming.

v. 11 “seeing that…” – Peter definitely links the kind of life his readers should live with the “day of the Lord.”

Live holy because that’s all that really matters.

When this day arrives, and everything of material value is destroyed as verses 10 & 12 describe, then the only thing that will survive or matter is the spiritual/moral life. You and I won’t be able to depend on material possessions, bank accounts, positions and popularity then. The only thing that will be important then is our relationship with Christ and whether we let Him transform our lives.

B.    Live carefully (12-14, 17)

The next admonition Peter gives is what I describe as “living carefully.” Living holy has to do with our spiritual and moral life and character, but living carefully speaks more of our attitudes as we go about living holy.

Living carefully means living with expectation. (12-14a)

“looking for & hasting;” “we…look for;” “seeing that ye look for” – These words give the idea that these believers are not ones who will be caught by surprise. 

Jesus gave several parables in his earthly ministry that described a master showing up unexpectedly when the servants least thought he would come. In those parables He often would admonish the hearers, “So watch therefore…” We all need to live with the expectation that Jesus is coming soon. If we do, we will not allow ourselves to get careless about the important principles for righteous conduct.

Living carefully includes diligence and caution. (14b, 17)

v. 14 – “be diligent” – This literally means “make haste” and gives the idea of giving a zealous effort.

v. 17 – “beware” – so that you don’t fall from your own steadfastness. Don’t become self-confident and smug.

It’s amazing sometimes how so many people exercise such intense effort and awareness or caution about many things in life EXCEPT their spiritual condition.

C.    Live healthy (18)

Healthy living is implied in the imagery of growth. (18)

“grow in grace and in knowledge” – We talked about this at the very beginning of this series in the beginning of chapter 1. The Christian life is never presented in the Bible as a life that is stale and stagnant. If we are in relationship with Jesus Christ, that is a vital and vibrant relationship that is intended to mature and grow and develop.

If God is infinite – and He is! Then there is always new truths and new heights and depths for us to reach in our knowledge of Him and His will for us.

Healthy living refers to moral and spiritual health.

When Peter urges his readers to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” he is essentially summarizing what he was urging them to do in 1:5-7 in the list of virtues or qualities that they were to add to their faith.

Conclusion:

Peter ends his letter with a short doxology (praise).

…To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

All of human history is leading up to one final climax – the complete and total triumph of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. He will be glorified by every creature in heaven and earth. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Let us close our worship service by standing together and singing the hymn: Jesus Is Coming Again