In this opening message of our Christology series, we turn to the person and nature of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1 presents a breathtaking vision of the deity of Christ: He is the heir of all things, the agent of creation, the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of God’s nature, the sustainer of the universe, the co-regent with God, and the one far superior to angels. These seven truths call us to behold Christ as truly God. As we consider His divine nature, we also reflect on what it means to know Him, worship Him, and listen to Him.
Paul anchors the church’s practice of male leadership in three doctrines: creation (Adam first, then Eve), the fall (Eve deceived, not Adam), and salvation (“the childbirth” that points to Christ). See why the church upholds male leadership, how Jesus the second Adam fulfills the role Adam failed to play, and why “a woman will be saved through the childbirth” is good news for all who abide in faith, love, holiness with a sound mind.
God has designed and ordained the church to be the place where disciples are made. This purpose of God includes, not excludes, women. Even as Jesus taught women, so the church of God is to let women learn and mature as disciples of Christ. This matter of women’s role in discipleship is what Paul addresses in this passage. Four facets of his instructions are expounded in this sermon: learning (discipleship), teachers, quietness, and submissiveness. Complementarianism raises many questions of biblical interpretation and application. Several of these FAQs are addressed at the end of this sermon.
As God’s redeemed community, the church is to engage in profound spiritual worship, giving God all our attention and praise. Given this aim of our corporate gathering, even our attire should be ordered toward this singular objective. This means practicing self-restraint and sound judgment, even in the very practical matter of clothing, but doing so without pharisaism or overzealousness.
Before David became king over Israel, he was a shepherd boy. In the fields, he gained firsthand knowledge of the skill, vigilance, courage, and care required to tend sheep, which prepared him to lead a nation. Drawing on that experience, David presents the LORD as the expert and faithful Shepherd of His people.