The Baptism of Jesus: Identity and Assignment, Matthew 3:13-17; Isaiah 42:6-9

 Earlier this year I was given the opportunity to preach on Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. The key thought of the sermon was simple: Identity comes before assignment. What God says is more important than any other word. Below are the notes for my sermon. The material comes from my own research and from others who have treated this topic. I hope this is a blessing to you! 

Baptism of the Lord Sunday (January 11, 2026)

The Baptism of Jesus: Identity and Assignment, Matthew 3:13-17; Isaiah 42:6-9 (supplementary—Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 29)

Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of God’s kingdom on earth. This story reminds us that God provides our identity and from that identity God gives us our call. Identity comes before assignment. What God says is more important than any other word. We have to know who we are in order to accomplish best the service to which God calls us.

Introduction: On the first day of school, a parent walks their child to the door. The child is nervous—new teacher, new classmates, unfamiliar hallways. Before the child steps inside, the parent kneels down, looks her in the eye, and says something like this: “Remember who you are. I love you. I’m proud of you. You’ve got this.” The child doesn’t yet know the schedule, the expectations, or what challenges might come. But she walks in carrying something far more important: She knows she is loved.

Something similar happens at the baptism of Jesus. Before Jesus preaches a sermon. Before he heals a sick person. Before he casts out a demon. Before he walks the road to the cross. Before he begins his “official” ministry.

God speaks. God calls him “beloved.”

Baptism of the Lord Sunday invites us to stand with Jesus at the Jordan River and to listen—to hear who Jesus is, and to remember who we are. This story reflects a conflict of cultures between how God sees things and how humans often respond to those things. For now, let’s recognize that at Jesus’ Baptism, God speaks. What God says is more important than any word. More than a parent’s affirmation, more than a spouse’s declaration of love, more even than the kind words of a friend—God’s speech reveals who we are and directs us to what we should do. What God says is more important than any word.

Read Matthew 3:13-17. Let’s address the hard question. Why is Jesus baptized? Baptism is about washing your sins away—but Jesus had no sin! John the Baptist had said, “I baptize with water for repentance”—but Jesus didn’t need to repent! Why would Jesus receive baptism? The answer in Matthew’s narrative is: Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of what God had promised. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He did it for us. His baptism was God ordained.

Two things happen at Jesus’ baptism: God made a claim, and God issued a call. At Jesus’ baptism, the kingdom of God invades the earth, and when God shows up, people respond. Let’s see some responses to this event in Matthew.

Point 1) The first response is identity. Jesus identifies with sinners even though he is sinless (note John’s question—“I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”). John’s baptism was a call to repentance because “the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Many people came out of a sincere desire to produce fruit of repentance because of their sins. Jesus identifies with those who come to God honestly, and God declares that Jesus is his beloved. God claims Jesus, and in Jesus he claims us. Are we willing to be his people?

Jesus identifies with sinners, but God declares Jesus to be his “beloved son.” In Isaiah 42:1, 4 (read), God identifies Jesus as his servant, his chosen one, the one through whom justice/righteousness comes to the earth. This servant is upheld by God, chosen by God, and—this is important—delighted in by God. God does not merely tolerate his servant. God does not reluctantly approve. God delights in him. He is favored by God!

This favored servant brings justice not by crushing the weak, but by preserving them (even identifying with them!). God’s salvation comes gently, faithfully, patiently. God’s holiness does not trample wounded people. It heals them. Some may intentionally resist God’s will, but we should embrace it.

Jesus identifies with humanity. He willingly stands where sinners stand. He enters the waters where sinners identify as broken. He begins his ministry not from a throne but from the river. This is the shape of God’s salvation, the beloved servant. God does not save us from a distance. God intentionally steps into the waters with us.

Jesus is the source of our true identity. Read Isiah 42:6-7. In Jesus, we are God’s covenant bearers, we are called to bring his light to others because Jesus brought us out of darkness to light; from bondage to belonging. Are we willing?

Jesus’ obedience identifies how God wants every human to be. In Jesus, God has claimed us for his own, but we must return that claim by accepting the identity God has given us in Jesus. God has claimed us; now we need to claim God. 

Jesus identifies with us in his baptism, so also we need to find our identity in him as we face a culture and a world that resists or opposes him. Like Jesus, we must identify with the weak and the broken to bring them the salvation of God. People may not understand our message, they may question our motives, but we must obey God and bear his message. All who trust in God’s Beloved Son can be beloved! What God says is more important than any word.

Point 2) The second issue revolves around understanding. Jesus acts out of obedience to God: “It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” John is confused by Jesus’ request. He isn’t quite clear on what is happening, but he defers to Jesus. This is a reminder to us that obedience should be our response to God even when others do not quite understand it. John was confused, Jesus obeyed. God spoke into John’s confusion, and God’s word affirmed Jesus’ work and identity. What God says is more important than any other word.

Obedience to God’s Word does not always remove confusion, but it provides identity and direction. God acknowledges Jesus as his Son, and in Jesus God calls us his children. We must remember this truth. Of course, this truth is quickly tested. We juggle many different names and roles. Some of them fit in well with the idea of being a child of God, while others may not. And sometimes, instead of letting God proclaim who we are, we allow the world around us to define us. 

Patricia J. Calahan writes:

“…as we grow, we sometimes forget the heavenly voice, and we begin to listen to other voices that confuse us. Perhaps we hear voices…that tell us that we are not smart enough.…we hear voices…who tell us that we are not cool enough…we hear voices that tell us we are not successful enough…Somehow, as God’s voice gets drowned out, we listen to these other voices, and we are tempted to forget who we are. We are tempted to forget that God…claimed us as beloved children.”

We need reminders of this divine claim. We need to hear God, claiming us not just in moments of our obedience but throughout our lives. When others express confusion at our obedience, or even confusion at our commitment to hear and to follow God, we must return to what God claims, to what God says. Remember, What God says is more important than any word. Jesus is his final Word, and we must find our identity in him. We must also learn to walk in humble service as Jesus walked. He is our example.

Point 3) Jesus give us an example to follow. Humility (read Phil 2:5-8)—Even though he is God, Jesus does not use his equality with God to benefit himself. He humbles himself. He gets baptized. He hears the Spirit and obeys. He does not immediately start a ministry, he waits on God’s guidance.

Many Jewish leaders came to see what was happening at the Jordan. They apparently wanted to be a part of the action. Earlier in Matthew 3, John chastises them and warns them of their lack of repentance. The Jewish leaders may be trying to manipulate John’s ministry or to get in on the “newest” trend, but they are not responding with humility. They are working contrary to God’s kingdom. They are trying to improve their situation on their own terms. They want to use God for their own advantage.

But God issues a different call—a call to humble service. The coming of the Spirit on Jesus is a reminder to us that God has called us by his Spirit to imitate the example of Jesus. Like our Lord, we have a call to serve. As Christians, we are called to become like Christ in word and in deed. We know we can’t do it alone, so it makes sense that God would reach out to us through his Spirit, to help us be the kind of servants that are described. We can reject the call if we want. God has given us free will (think of Jonah or Moses). There are all kinds of calls, but if you’re a follower of Jesus, you’ve got one.

So, you say, “How am I supposed to know what God is calling me to do? How do I find my call?” A theologian named Frederick Beuchner said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” 

Think of it this way: Take your two hands. With one hand, get a grip on how God has made you. What are your gifts, your talents, your abilities, your passions? And then with the other hand, get a grip on the world around you. What do you see going on? What are the needs out there? What problems in the world keep you awake at night? And then bring your two hands together in prayer and your call will emerge. God will make it clear. Hear his voice, obey him, let his Word identify you: What God says is more important than any word.

Isaiah (42:6-7) describes what God’s servant will do: “I…will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”

Jesus’ baptism launches a mission of restoration and liberation. This event marks not an ending but a beginning. In Acts 10:37, Peter later reflects on this truth, saying that Jesus’ ministry began “after the baptism that John preached.” From that moment forward, Jesus goes about “doing good and healing all who were oppressed.”

What begins at the Jesus’ baptism continues through the life of Christ—and through the life of the church. We are now called to humble service and obedience like Jesus. Paul says: “Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus.” Will we lower ourselves to serve when our culture encourages us to exalt ourselves? Will we die so that others may live? Will we obey even when others are confused about God’s declaration? Will we be immersed in Jesus and in his identity, obedience, and humility? Will we accept God’s call and the identity and assignment he provides? What God says is more important than any word.

How will we respond?

1. Remember Your Identity

In Jesus, God claims us. In Jesus, God names us. In Jesus, God sends us.

As a follower of Jesus, your life should be grounded in grace not achievement. You are not defined by your failures. You are not reduced to your fears. You are beloved. Read the following passages and learn from them what God says about you and what he wants you to do: Exodus 3; Isaiah 49; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1; John 1.

2. Live Gently and Faithfully

Jesus’ way is marked by compassion, patience, and faithfulness. In a harsh world, the church is called to reflect the gentle strength of Christ. In divided times, we bear witness through love. In weakness, we trust God’s sustaining power.

Holiness is about God and about relationships. In his holiness, Jesus surrendered his life and died for human sin. Holiness requires relationship: with God and with others. Holding on to selfish desires does NOT promote relationship. Holiness is not selfish, it is humble and selfless; it is dialogue instead of monologue.

Holiness is not withdrawal—it is love made visible.

3. Step Into God’s Mission

Jesus’ baptism sends him into the wilderness, into ministry, into the world. In Jesus, God sends us too: To serve quietly. To love faithfully. To bear witness to God’s grace in ordinary places.

We are not sent because we are perfect—we are sent because we are loved.

Returning to the Voice of God

Remember the child in our earlier story. The identity of the child was in the voice and authority of the parent. The parent defined the child as loved, accepted, and capable. The voice of the parent was the strong foundation for the child’s life and action. So also, God’s voice provides these things for his children. Those who are followers of Jesus must remember that before they had answers, before they had clarity, before they had strength, God had already called them “beloved.”

Today, we may not stand physically in the Jordan River hearing the literal voice of God—but spiritually, we return to the voice that thundered over the waters. What God says is more important than any word.

We remember who Jesus is. We remember who we are. And we listen again for the voice that says, “You are my beloved child.”

Invitation

Today, I invite you to respond in one of several ways:

• Take a moment to renew your commitment to Christ—remember God’s grace and your calling.
• If you are longing to hear again that you are loved, come forward for prayer.
• If you are sensing a call into deeper obedience or service, offer yourself anew to God.
• And if you have never been saved or baptized, hear this invitation as an open door—God’s grace is already reaching toward you.

The heavens are still open. The Spirit is still moving. And God is still speaking love over his people. What God says is more important than any word. Amen.

Some Thoughts on Legacy Revisited

 About 17 years ago I wrote much of the material below after attending a Liberty graduation and a retirement party for a beloved pastor. As I read through these notes, I thought they still had relevance even today. I pray that the students who just graduated and those pastors who have run their race will continue to inspire us to cultivate a legacy of obedience and service to God through Jesus our Messiah. I hope this note is a blessing to you! 

Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than a good ointment, And the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth.

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold.

In the past two weeks I have experienced several occasions that caused me to think seriously about the idea of legacy. I attended Liberty Theological Seminary's graduation, in which I watched several students and good friends walk across the stage to receive their degrees and launch into their ministries. On May 15, I paused to remember the life of Dr. Jerry Falwell who passed away many years ago. I also thought about the retirement of my pastor Dr. A. Ray Newcomb from 33 years of being a pastor at First Baptist Church, Millington, TN. He retired in 2009. These events made me think of beginnings and endings, but more importantly they reminded me of the impact a legacy can have on people. Let me try to explain.

I'm not sure how much we think of the impact of our lives. Some of the students who walked across the stage have already begun their legacy. Many of them left home and nice jobs to pursue a degree at the seminary. They said no to "success" as the world measures it so that they would have the opportunity to labor for God. Some will labor in obscurity, some will never have "the largest Sunday School in America," some will never make the "big money," or write the most impressive "how to" book for other pastors. I know their lives, their hearts, and I know that their legacy will be greater than any can imagine. 

Does anyone remember "James the Less"? He was one of the twelve chosen by Jesus, but even church history and tradition has trouble determining who he was. Yet, he was one of the twelve, one of the original disciples, one of the eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Not as famous as James the son of Zebedee, this James nonetheless left enough of an imprint on history to be regarded as one of those individuals who "turned the world upside down" with his life and preaching. 

We no doubt graduated a lot of these individuals, folks we may have a hard time identifying who will nonetheless make a great impression on many they will bring to Christ or love in God's name. "Less" may describe our knowledge of them, but it will not define their impact on those to whom they minister. I bet there were people in the first century who didn't think of James as "the Less" because of what God did through him. Nonetheless, James built a legacy, and like him, many of these graduating seminary students are building a legacy.

That brings me to two pastors--Dr. Jerry Falwell and Dr. Ray Newcomb. They may have taken decidedly different paths to ministry, but they have something in common--their lives and ministries encouraged and affected many who now try to follow in their footsteps. Both men gave multiple decades to one congregation (Dr. Falwell served at Thomas Road for over 50 years, Dr. Newcomb at First Baptist for over 30 years), and the dreams and plans they received from God have inspired many to pursue the purposes of God for the love of Christ. Both men played a role in helping me grow as a new Christian, in helping me understand the concept of "call," and in helping me define the ministry to which God appointed me. I do not know where I would be without the legacies of these two men. 

Years ago we celebrated the ministry of Bro. Ray in Millington, TN. During the singing of "Thank You," the minister of music asked all of us who had become Christ followers under Bro. Ray's ministry to come forward and stand by the stage. It seemed like over half of the crowd came forward to testify that God used this man's life and ministry to bring them to Jesus! There were doctors, lawyers, postal employees, politicians, teachers, and even one seminary professor. I was fine until then, but that scene brought tears to my eyes. Bro. Ray was getting to see his impact in a very visible form. Here were dozens, even hundreds of people whose lives will never be the same simply because he obeyed God to serve at First Baptist Church in Millington. That number doesn't even count the lives that have been touched by those individuals as they went out to emulate their pastor. 

I want to close with one more legacy to bring this full circle. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention one person who still influences me even though he is no longer with us--my father. My dad, Bobbie Percer, Sr. passed away in August 2004, yet his impact still hovers over me--some might even say his very existence and love for others haunts me. You see, my father's legacy is bigger than I can explain.

When my father passed away, my family and I drove to Millington, TN from Waco, TX for the funeral. On Friday night before the funeral, we had the traditional "viewing" when people would come to give their condolences to the family. I stood there in the line, greeting people in a line that stretched so far outside of the funeral home that the people were literally standing in the parking lot. I met folks I did not know, and they told me things I had not heard. 

One fellow told me how he came to Christ because my dad gave him shoes and a ride to church. This fellow's family was embarrassed to go to church because they did not have proper clothing. My dad not only clothed them, he gave them a ride to church. Another young man told me that he never would have graduated college if my father hadn't helped pay for his education. A young woman (with several children) told me of how my dad had helped her family and been instrumental in leading her husband and several children to the Lord. A line of nearly 1000 people marched through that funeral home and praised the life of this man, my father, in ways I could not even imagine. 

My dad was a great man. No, you'll never hear his name mentioned with luminaries, but what a large footprint this one man left in a small town in west Tennessee. Lives were changed (including those in his family), and eternities were determined. He did not even recognize all that he had accomplished, but he continued to love and to serve others because he loved a great God. His legacy is intact because he followed the example of his Lord. Bobbie Percer, Sr. was a hero to many, and he is a hero to me. If I can have half the influence on others that my father had, I'll be a happy man. He left a legacy and a good name.

I watched all of these scenarios open before me, and it made me a bit introspective. What kind of legacy am I leaving? Where will my footprints lead others if they follow me? Who would attend a celebration of my life and what would they say? Would my love for Jesus be obvious? Would my love for others be mentioned? 

God has blessed me to walk with giants (and some giants in training too), and I have to admit that I am often overwhelmed by their collective witness. I am reminded of a conversation I had with Dr. William L. Lane. I admitted to him that I didn't think I could live up to his example of a godly life and scholarship, and he said to me, "Never covet another person's gift, and never despise your own." He went on to remind me that God had not called me to be identical to Dr. Lane or to anyone else. God had called me to use my unique gifts and abilities for his glory. 

I do not have to live up to the stories of these giants, I simply need to live the legacy God has given me. No matter how obscure or unrecognized or inconsequential a life may seem, if it is lived for God it will have a legacy. What kind of legacy are we leaving the next generation?

Thanks for reading!

Repost: The Sacrament of Life

 Almost 18 years ago I wrote the post below on my wife's birthday. While certainly things have changed in those quickly passing years (although today is again her birthday), there is truth in the post that I need to share again today. Our beloved pets (cats, dogs, and bunnies) are no longer with us, but their memory makes me smile. My children are no longer "kids" in age, but their laughter still makes me smile. Nonetheless, the reality of the post below is just a strong today as it was when I first posted it. I hope it blesses you! 

I don't have a lot to say today, and I'd rather let two authors whose writings I respect speak for me. I want to say, however, that I have been thinking a bit today about how life is sacramental--how all that we experience can be full of the holy awesomeness that is God. Remember, Jeremiah said that God's mercies were new every morning, just like the morning dew. Today can be full of the sort of radical presence of God as to overwhelm us. In 1999, Ray Bradbury gave the following view of life:

"It is neither all beautiful nor all terrible, but a wash of multitudinous despairs and exhilarations about which we know nothing. Our history is so small, our experience so limited, our science so inadequate, our theologies so crammed in mere matchboxes, that we know we stand on the outer edge of a beginning and our greatest history lies before us, frightening and lovely, much darkness and much life."

This description of life sees our existence as awe inspiring and frightening, and such it is on many occasions. Storms come and blow and bluster against us, threatening to undo not only our homes, but our very lives. As Bradbury said, life can be frightening and lovely at the same time. For the child of God, however, life has a more sacramental flavor. Oh, we may not "feel" it every day, but the truth is (as the Greek Orthodox say) Jesus' very life has in some sense sanctified the mundane daily experiences of human life. His birth sanctified the birth process, his childhood sanctified childhood, yes, even his teen years consecrated those experiences in our own lives. As Frederick Buechner said:

"[C]hurch isn’t the only place where the holy happens. Sacramental moments can occur at any moment, any place, to anybody. Watching something getting born. A high school graduation. Somebody coming to see you when you’re sick. A meal with people you love. Looking into a stranger’s eyes and finding out he’s not really a stranger. If we weren’t blind as bats, we might see that life itself is sacramental." From Wishful Thinking.

I like that last part--"if we weren't blind as bats, we might see that life itself is sacramental." Yesterday God spoke to me in a silent moment, today I seem to hear his voice in the mundane. As Paul reminds us in Romans, God's very nature and character are obvious to us in nature, but of course we must take the time to look and listen. We ignore the very evidence that surrounds us, we brush it aside and pretend it isn't there. We make a god out of that which is natural and wonder why it doesn't save us in our time of weakness and great need.

Today God spoke to me in the simple things of life--celebrating my wife's birthday, playing with the bunnies with my children, feeding my dog, petting my cat and hearing his gentle purring, watching mindless cartoons and hearing the voice of God in the laughter of my children.

God is here, and he is not silent. He speaks, sometimes in whispers, sometimes with a strong voice, but as he speaks he changes our lives; no, that's not right, he changes us. We become a type of living embodiment of the grace of God. Our lives become (in a sense) sacramental. As Messiah invades our existence, his sanctifying grace creates holy places in our simple lives. Our lives become his, and by being intertwined with him we find something beyond ourselves.

Life is sacramental and sacred. Don't take it for granted.

Enjoy the sacramental wine of your life, drink deeply from the grace of God in the everyday.

You won't be sorry.

Thanks for reading!

Easter: What Did We Expect?

 A few years ago I wrote the note below as I contemplated the days leading up to Easter Sunday. As I read the note, I thought it might be worth posting again. I hope it is a blessing to you!

The week before Easter is commonly called "Holy Week" by Christians. During this week we celebrate (is that the right word?) the last week of Jesus' life on earth. People sometimes make pilgrimages to Israel and retrace Jesus' final steps (the Via Dolorosa), they may pause at the "rock of agony" and cry where Jesus cried out to God in Gethsemane, they may go to the pit where Jesus was interrogated, they could pause where Jesus supposedly stumbled under the load of his cross, they could visit and contemplate Golgotha, they may visit the empty tomb, and they will most likely weep and cry and mourn.

Rightfully so . . . this was THE WEEK for which Jesus lived his entire human life, and it was a rough one for him. On Sunday before his crucifixion he entered Jerusalem with cheers ringing in his ears. The (usually fickle) populace embraced him for all the great miracles he performed, and they hailed his coming as though a conquering warrior had entered the city. Like paparazzi following a Hollywood star, they trailed behind this carpenter from Nazareth and looked for ways to become part of his entourage or to at least get a "piece of the action" as Jesus came to town.

Some of these same folks quite possibly yelled "Crucify him!" a few days later.

When Jesus offered them something tangible to grab, they wanted to be a team player, they wanted the fishes and loaves, the healings, the wonders, the mighty signs.

How soon their tune would change . . . how quickly they would turn on the one who was innocent of any sin except the failure to live up to THEIR expectations.

How like them we are today . . .

When things are going our way, we look to heaven and sing God's praises. We celebrate and sing and run to join the band as God rides triumphantly over all our "enemies." But as soon as Jesus fails to live up to OUR expectations, what do we do?

I'm struck with how Jesus routinely challenged the popular expectations of the crowds who showed up hoping for another demonstration of heavenly power and flash. In John 12, just after the people have celebrated his "triumphal entry," Jesus tells them that the way to jump on his bandwagon is for his followers to hate their lives in this world. Just think how that must have sounded to the celebrants rejoicing in the coming of their conquering hero!

"You want to be a part of my movement, a part of my thing?" Jesus asks, "Then you will have to regard your life in this world as a dead man would. You have to become the least, the slave, the dead one, in order to get in on my movement."

Come and die.

What an invitation!

Of course, Jesus knew that in just a few days he would literally fulfill that invitation. The innocent would die for the unquestionably guilty . . . and he would die horribly.

I can just imagine how this conversation must have put a damper on the celebration in Jerusalem. Jesus took a party and turned it into a wake. The next thing we know he is engaged in theological discussions with the people and with the Jewish leaders. He created a controversy that caused folks to take sides. All he had to do was accept the adulation and promise to "win the war that must be won," but Jesus decided to go against expectations again. He decided to allow God to get the glory through humility and death.

Hasn't this happened to us? Just when we think we have God's agenda all spelled out like it ought to be, He throws us a curve ball that reminds us we aren't in charge! We have a hard time "boxing Jesus" into a neat package.

What's the point then? The point is that we should reverse the procedure. Instead of putting expectations on God, we should look for HIS expectations for us. What has He required of us? What does He want? How should we respond to His voice?

The week of Easter we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. In the process maybe we should participate in a funeral of our own. Maybe we should let die our selfish expectations about how God "ought" to act towards us. Bury them, and let God resurrect them in His image.

As we contemplate the price of our salvation, let us willingly become slaves to the one who has paid such a price to purchase our freedom. Like Jesus, let our prayer be "Father glorify your name." Remember, if a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it will yield much fruit. It is, however, pretty useless in a bag with other seeds. Let's allow God to plant us where he wants so that our service can produce fruit for his glory. Let's follow our crucified Lord by living cruciform lives.

What would the world look like if we did?

I'd really like to find out!

Thanks for reading!

God is Faithful (Even in Hard Times)

 1 Thessalonians 5:23-25

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
25 Brethren, pray for us. NASU

Job 5:17-27

17 "Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves,
So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
18 "For He inflicts pain, and gives relief;
He wounds, and His hands also heal.
19 " From six troubles He will deliver you,
Even in seven evil will not touch you. . .
27 "Behold this; we have investigated it, and so it is.
Hear it, and know for yourself." NASU

Faithful--God is faithful to finish what he starts.

Faithful--God is faithful to stand with us in our hour of desperation.

Faithful--God will not fail, he will not give up.

Faithful--if God has called us, he will complete that calling in us. He finishes what he starts (see Isaiah 66:9).

Think of Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Gideon, Samson, Deborah, Barak, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Habakkuk, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Jesus, the apostles, James, John, Peter, and Paul.

Think of poor young Timothy--his spiritual "father" Paul just died--he had his head removed by the Romans for preaching Christ. And there sits Timothy. He arrived at the prison, the final home of Paul, but Timothy arrived just a bit too late. "Come before winter" Paul requested. Timothy hurried to Rome with parchments and supplies, only he arrived too late. Paul was dead.

We might be tempted to ask Timothy--"Is God really faithful? Does God finish what he starts?"

Tear stained eyes look up at us. A smile shows on a face that was just a moment ago contorted with grief.

"Is God faithful?" Timothy responds incredously. He looks at us like we had three heads. "Of course God is faithful!" the disciple of Paul exclaims.

But, we might ask, you just lost your friend, your spiritual father. He is dead, gone, his life ingloriously snuffed out by the mad man Nero. Where is God's faithfulness in all of that?

Remember, dear reader, that God's constant faithfulness is not a guarantee against harm or even hard times. Paul knew that, and he knew the risks. But Paul was confident that God would empower him for the task at hand. He even wrote to dear Timothy--"If we are faithless, God is faithful" (2 Timothy 2:13).

Why is God faithful? Paul tells us it is because God cannot deny himself! God is always true to his own character.

Paul also reminded his disciple that hard times would come since "those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:2). In the midst of the storm, God is unable to deny his own essential nature of covenant love, of covenant fidelity, of faithfulness.

If God suddenly became unfaithful, the universe would literally fly apart at the seams, the world would cease spinning, the moon would crash into the ocean, life would cease, the sun would be snuffed out, the universe would cease its almost infinite growth. God can no more be unfaithful than a human can sprout wings or develop gills. God IS faithful because he is God! God does not change!

So, friend, what trial of darkness are we experiencing? Is it one of our own making, the result of mistakes and missteps in life? Is it an accident, simply the ebb and flow of life? Is it the result of righteousness?

I'll tell you a secret--it doesn't matter where it originated--God is faithful still! Romans 8:28 is still in effect.

Have we blown it? Hundreds of times no doubt! We need to make things right and remember--God works all things together for good.

Have you been treated badly for some good thing you've done? Be glad and remember that all things work together for good. Your present circumstances do not hinder God's faithfulness. God does not falter because your situation is too BIG.

GOD IS FAITHFUL!

For God to be unfaithful, he would have to deny himself. And that, dear friend, will never happen.

Thank you, God, for your steady commitment to us. Thank you for being constant and unmoving in your love for us. Thank you for your kindness that leads us to repent and for your faithfulness that calls us to faith. Thank you for the life and example of Jesus. Teach us to live as he lived. Thanks for listening to us!

Thank you, dear reader, for reading!

Valentine's Day: I Want to Know What Love Is--Love Manifested, 1 John 4:7-12

These notes come from a lesson I taught years ago for a Life Group at Thomas Road Baptist Church. The lesson covered 1 John 4:7-12. The topic seems timely, so I hope it blesses you! 

Introduction

How many of you know the rock group Foreigner? One of their hits was “I Want to Know What Love Is.” I liked the song, but the point I want to make is this—there are lots of people in our world who make the same statement.

People want to know love, they want to experience it, they want to see it. Just look at the movies and social media today. Many of the materials give instructions on finding love and on keeping love in your life. Some items even exemplify romantic love as the goal of human existence. 

I would dare say that love is a dominant theme in many areas. The problem is that the love exemplified in these “sources” rarely offers real satisfaction or any sense of fulfillment. Love in the world often ends in hurt or disappointment. 

Think about a time when you thought you experienced real love. What did it look like? How did you know it was "real" love? 

Our passage in 1 John 4 today addresses the issue of what love looks like. Verses 7-12 offer us John’s view of love, and in them we find three points to consider. 

1. The character of love

2. The definition of love 

3. The result of love

In this chapter, John indicates that “Love resembles Jesus” in the character, action, and empowerment that come from Messiah.

1. The Character of Love 

First John 4:7 reveals that John likes to repeat himself. This is now the third time he has instructed his readers to “love one another.” In 1 John 2:7-11 and 3:11-12 John has already given this command, now he returns to his earlier message.

John's repetition reminds me of a story. A preacher who was hired by a church. On the first Sunday in the church he preached a message entitled “Love One Another.” The congregation was impressed by the sermon, but imagine their surprise when on the second Sunday his title was the same. They were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt until on the third Sunday he preached the same message. They were irate and demanded an explanation. The preacher said, “Well, if you would do this sermon, I’d move on to the next one.”

John may repeat himself in an effort to make sure the point gets across. When John is older, church tradition/history tells us that his message becomes simply “Little children, love one another.” Jerome, in his Commentary on Galatians, 6:10 describes it this way: “The blessed John the Evangelist lived in Ephesus until extreme old age. His disciples could barely carry him to church, and he could not muster the voice to speak many words. During individual gatherings he usually said nothing but, ‘Little children, love one another.’ The disciples and brothers in attendance, annoyed because they always heard the same words, finally said, ‘Teacher, why do you always say this?’ He replied with a line worthy of John: ‘Because it is the Lord's commandment and if it alone is kept, it is sufficient.’”

“Love one another” in John’s mind flows naturally from the basic character of love. John defines the character of love as being tied to the character of God, especially God's character as revealed in the life and ministry of Jesus. 

Notice that John says in v. 7 “love is from God.” The kind of love to which John is encouraging us is not a mere emotion or an expression of human concern. The love mentioned in 1 John 4 usually refers to a divine source, a heavenly origin (cf. 1 Corinthians 13). We don’t learn this kind of love simply by attending seminars, reading books, or trying harder. We learn to love one another in this way only as we draw closer to God through the work of Messiah Jesus in our lives. 

Love’s true character is divine.

Notice that in v. 8 John says, “God is love.” As John Stott says: "This is the most comprehensive and sublime of all the biblical affirmations of God's being."

On the other hand, we must not confuse this with the idea that “love is God.” We do not define God by our view of love. Rather, we define love by God’s nature, by God's character, by God's actions. Remember, being precedes action. Action tends to result from the character of the one acting! 

As a result, we must remember that God’s love includes his holiness—Psalm 138:2 (On Holiness cf. Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:14-16). God’s character is just and loving. We will see that these two always go together and the next few verses will indicate that. 

So, John tells us we should love one another because of God’s nature or character. John adds that those who know God (i.e., know his character or know him well) will love others as a direct result of knowing God. John’s argument is simple—if the life of God is present is us, then his love should be present as well. If we know God’s love for us, then we should love others. For John, Jesus is the example of God's love (cf. 2 Timothy 1:13; John 8:42; 1 John 2:5-7). 

Love resembles Jesus in his character. To love others is to treat them as Jesus would treat them. 

2. The Definition of Love

In 1 John 4:9-10, John shifts from discussing the character of love to giving the supreme example of love. He defines love for his readers. John describes the manifestation of God’s love and sums it up in one historical event—Jesus’ crucifixion (cf. John 3:16-19). In this one event God revealed a love that has never since been surpassed (2 Cor. 4:6-7; 9:15). This love sacrifices to make things right. This love empowers others to do the right things.

Let’s try to unpack these ideas. 

Love is sacrifice. John says that love was manifested (i.e., made known, made visible, made clear) by God’s act of sending his only Son Jesus into the world. The reference to Jesus as God’s “only begotten” refers to their unique relationship. Only Jesus is God’s “only begotten” Son—it refers to Jesus’ divine status. The Greek word here lends itself to the idea of "only on of its kind." There is no "Son of God" like Jesus is the "Son of God."

Please remember that this sending of Jesus was not simply to tell the world what it needed to hear—(John 3:16-19)—rather God had another thing in mind. Jesus is sent to be the “propitiation” (or "expiation" or "atonement") for our sins—1 John 2:1-2. Jesus was sent for the purpose of reconciliation. Reconciliation recognizes that two groups are estranged—one is angry at the other (Rom. 1:18-19). 

God’s wrath was aimed at humanity because of sin. We were guilty and deserving of death (Romans 6:23). 

Instead of holding us guilty for our own sins, however, God decided to appease his own wrath by his own plan. Jesus took our place and received the just punishment of our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6). Jesus became the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 

 

Do you see in this act the coming together of God’s justice and love? God’s justice demanded holiness and required an ultimate sacrifice for sin, while God’s love provided the only true means to atone for that sin. Love is sacrificial—it does what is necessary to set things right. 

But God’s love is not simply sacrificial, it does not simply “cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). It also gives us what is needed to live love ourselves. In other words, love empowers us to emulate Jesus. God’s love was manifested “in us.” This may mean either “on our behalf” or “in our midst.” The point is that God’s love is manifested in space and time. It is not ethereal, it is real and really experienced. It is not simply theoretical—it is real—it is “in us.”

 

In v. 9 John says that God sent Jesus into the world so that we could “live through him.” Let that sink in for a moment. We who deserved death for our sins are being given life by the one who actually died for the sins of the world! The greatest sign of love is the bloody cross—there by God’s grace and love we lost our burden, our guilt, even our inability to live as God intended—in the cross our Lord died so that we might live through him. What inexpressible love! What an amazing gift!

God’s love is for our benefit—it enlivens us--it is empowering. That is the true definition of love—It sacrifices that others may gain. 

How does our love for others measure up?

Love resembles Jesus in his sacrifice.

3. The Result of Love 

Let's consider 1 John 4:11-12. Now that he has shown the character and definition of love, John now offers a description of the result of love. “If God so loved us” is reminiscent of the “so” in John 3:16 (by the way, that "so" may be better interpreted as "in this way"). It refers to the manner in which God loved us. John says, “If you have received love in this way, you should then love others in a similar manner.” In other words, the way we love should be sacrificial and for the benefit of others—that they may gain God.

This God kind of love also has a moral imperative to it—because God has done this, we “ought” to respond in a similar manner (1 John 2:4-11). 

How and when did God love us?

God loved us when we were sinners (Romans 5:6-8). We cannot understand grace or the love of God until we understand the nature of sin. We will not understand the wonder of the atoning sacrifice until we grasp the horror of that which needed atoning. God loved us by giving a means for us to be reconciled to him—he gave Jesus as our atoning sacrifice  (Romans 3:25; 5:9-11). As already noted, Jesus died so that we could live. God’s love is our motivation to love others.

First John 4:12 is incredible! Here John states a well known doctrine—As a Spirit, God is not visible to the human eye. Yet John seems to claim that when we love one another, God becomes apparent. The verse claims that when we love with the love God has given us in Christ, then God abides in us and his love is “perfected” (i.e., made complete, accomplished, finished, brought to its goal) in us. Our relationships of love become the place where God and his love become visible to others.

When we love, we show God to others.

 

Love resembles Jesus as we make him known by loving others.

Application 

This is a weighty thing—how are we to be “ambassadors of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20-21) when we are still fallen and prone to let God down? How can we claim to know God when we cannot love those closest to us? How do we respond to John’s exhortation in these verses?

First, we must recognize our need to experience and live in God’s great grace and love—knowing God through Messiah Jesus is the starting point. Remember that John says that loving others comes from loving God. This week make it a point to spend extra time with the God who loves you. Take about 15 minutes a day to look up verses that speak of God’s love (start in 1 John 2, 3, and 4, but don’t neglect John’s Gospel—chapters 3, 5, 13-15)—learn of his love. Ask God to empower you to emulate his love. 

Next, take some time to ask where you can share this love of God. Start with your brothers and sisters in Christ, but don’t neglect those outside of the household of the faith. Look for opportunities to tell others how God’s love has changed your life, just be sure to love them while you tell them.  

Here are some suggestions:

Seek for ways to get beyond feelings of competition.

Speak of others with honor instead of gossiping about or enjoying their shortcomings, struggles, or inconsistencies.

Rally to the side of those who are hurt or experiencing injustice—offer them a word of encouragement or stand with them in prayer.

Look for opportunities to help those who can’t help you back—give sacrificially into the life of one who  may not pay you back.

Extend forgiveness to those who offend.

Be patient with someone  who desperately needs it.

Be quick to show hospitality to others.

Be willing to pray for and with each other.

Share the story of Jesus with someone.

Bake cookies for someone who is down and write them a note of encouragement.

Remember, John's main point is simply this: Love resembles Jesus.

How are we doing?

Thanks for reading! 

"Bells Across the Snow" by Francis Ridley Havergal

This poem is especially pertinent this Christmas as I remember the loved ones gone before us, particularly my mom and dad among many others. The memories of Christmases past are wonderful solace, and the promise of a glorious Christmas future reminds me to find the joy of Christmas present in the wonderful Incarnation of God in Jesus of Nazareth, Immanuel. May you all have a blessed Christmas!

BELLS ACROSS THE SNOW

O Christmas, merry Christmas,

Is it really come again,

With its memories and greetings,

With its joy and with its pain!

There’s a minor in the carol

And a shadow in the light,

And a spray of cypress twining

With the holly wreath tonight.

And the hush is never broken

By laughter light and low,

As we listen in the starlight

To the “bells across the snow.”

O Christmas, merry Christmas,

’Tis not so very long

Since other voices blended

With the carol and the song!

If we could but hear them singing,

As they are singing now,

If we could but see the radiance

Of the crown on each dear brow,

There would be no sigh to smother,

No hidden tear to flow,

As we listen in the starlight

To the “bells across the snow.”

O Christmas, merry Christmas,

This never more can be;

We cannot bring again the days

Of our unshadowed glee,

But Christmas, happy Christmas,

Sweet herald, of good will,

With holy songs of glory

Brings holy gladness still.

For peace and hope may brighten,

And patient love may glow,

As we listen in the starlight

To the “bells across the snow.”

—Frances Ridley Havergal

Lettie B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert (Los Angeles, CA: The Oriental Missionary Society, 1925), 369.