Trinity Bible Church Sermons 2n3t5

The same portion of sacred Scripture that says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23–24) and “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1), also says, “we will all stand before the judgment seat of God … each of us will give an of himself to God” (Romans 14:10, 12). In the context of denouncing the judgment of one another in matters of conscience and of extolling Christ as the one Lord of life and liberty, Paul now points to the reality that the justified will stand before the Judge. How shall the justified think of appearing before the judgment seat of God and giving an of himself? This sermon seeks to explain this non-trivial doctrine, a teaching that is thoroughly Christ-centered.

We are stewards. The Bible presents human life as a stewardship. Individuals are not owners but stewards of who they are, what they have, and what they can do. Life itself is a divinely appointed stewardship. Stewardship is a comprehensive concept in the Christian life. It acknowledges that everything belongs to God, and that we are able to be faithful in and with the life He gives. Life and regeneration in body and soul is a gift entrusted to us for the purpose of knowing and growing in our love and service to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

God came to us in unsuspecting glory. The advent of Christ reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways. Even when we stand in expectation of God’s promises, fulfillment can be unexpected. A depth of wonder is sounded here. Faith is a prominent feature in this story. It defines our trust and refines our expectations. And the glory that is here revealed, well, we are reminded that it exceeds all expectation. This sermon opens a lesser-known story that is connected to Christmas. A foreshadowing of the glory of Christ is put on display, with principles readily applicable to our present lives.