Revision as of 22:35, 8 December 2019

Objectives

Introduction

• What does it mean to say something is valuable? There is a saying, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I want to tell you that, for the most part, value is somewhat similar. We live in a world in which value or worth is something that is determined by someone. Have you ever thought about it. What makes these two pieces of paper different (compare a 20 dollar bill to an equivalent piece of paper) In a very real sense, you get to determine value or worth. Many of you will open presents in a few days, and I dare say that for mpst of you, the value of that present will not be consistent with the price someone paid. Consider the ring on my finger, this ring is extremely valuable. Yet, I think we spent a whole $30 on my ring.

Main Body

Setting the Stage

• In Revelation 4 John is participating in a kaleidoscope of worship.

• John sees things he can't even describe.

• John hears words, "holy", "worthy".

Main Proposition

Worthless (Luke 2:1-7)

Ordinary by Earthy Standards (2:1-5)

• We see both Mary and Joseph heading for Bethlehem for the census. Joseph's ancestral home was Bethlehem and apparently Mary accompanied Joseph. Perhaps they knew that the Messiaih was to be born in Bethlehem? Regardless what we have is Jesus, born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of Micah 5:2 "“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” ^[1] The point is that Bethlehem was not the capital, and these visitors were nothing special coming from Nazareth. If you or I had passed them on the trail we would certainly have thought nothing of the trip.

Not Even Worth a Room (2:6-7)

• In verse 7, Luke describes Jesus as προτοτοκον that is first born. Today modern hospitals provide all the works for a new mother. Mary had none of that.
• We also see that there was no room for them in the inn or guest room.

This Christmas we need to worship Christ who in humility became as if worthless.

Worthless (Revelation 5:1-4)

The Heavenly Measuring Stick (5:1-2)

All Found to be Unworthy (5:3-4)

• No one is worthy
  • Abraham
  • Isaac
  • David
  • Peter
  • Paul
  • John Calvin
  • Martin Luther
  • No king
  • No dictator

We need to recognize that, without Christ, everything/everyone we know is worthless.

Worthy (Revelation 5:5-7)

• The Lion
• The Lamb (According to Goerge Hilman, the lamb anology is used 28 times in Revelation)
  • Seven denotes completeness,

This Christmas, don't just look at the baby in the manger, look at God become man.

Worthy (Revelation 5:8-14)

The Heavenly Measuring Stick (5:8-10)

• Why is he worthy?
  • Death
  • Redemption
  • Creation of kingdom of priests

Heavenly Worship (5:11-12)

Universal Worship (5:13-14)

This Christmas, don't forget who we are celebrating.

Conclusion

• Is Jesus worth it? Yes, why because he is worthy. Why is he worthy?