Is Jesus in There
Series: Highway 316
Is Jesus in There
I. The 3:16 Highway Continues
· Reflecting on the foundations of John 3:16, Matthew 3:16, and Galatians 3:16.
John 3:16 (NIV84) "“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Matthew 3:16 (NIV84) "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him."
Galatians 3:16 (NIV) "The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ."
· Today’s stop: A letter to a young preacher navigating a massive, influential, and pagan city.
II. The Blueprint for Godliness
· Paul’s practical instructions for the Church.
1 Timothy 4:13 (NIV84) "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching."
1 Timothy 6:3–4 (NIV84) "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing…"
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (NIV84) "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
1 Timothy 3:14–15 (NIV84) "Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
· Godliness isn't just a checklist of moral behavior; it's about making sure Jesus is truly there.
III. The Mystery Revealed
· God’s mysteries are too vast for human comprehension
Isaiah 55:8–9 (NIV84) "“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
· An early church hymn reveals the truth:Jesus IS the mystery of godliness
1 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) "Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."
IV. The Final Authority
· The Bible is not a theological smorgasbord; it is God-breathed
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV84) "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
· We cannot substitute man’s flawed reasoning or cultural preferences for God’s eternal wisdom
Matthew 15:9 (NIV84) "They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’”"
· “No book but the Bible, No creed but Christ, No law but love.”
V. Letting the Master Play
· Obedience and church attendance aren't enough if you haven't yielded the keyboard of your heart to the Master.
· The ultimate hope in the darkness: Christ in you
Colossians 1:27 (NIV84) "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."