Joy in the person and work of Jesus

“Never meet your heroes, they’re sure to disappoint you.”

The internet is filled with horror stories of people meeting those they idolize, only to find out that person isn’t at all what they expected. In fact, they’re often just the opposite. Sure, in some cases it could be chalked up to unrealistic expectations or “having our head in the clouds” about these things. Such is the reality of making heroes out of human beings. There’s a good chance your idea of them will be dashed on the rocks at some point. While it is natural for us to latch on to people and follow their example, all earthly relationships fail in some way. Our fallen state pretty much guarantees that. Still, too often we place these people on a pedestal, and allow our worlds to come crumbling down when we see them fall.

While we recognize there’s a need for grace for these people - we’re all sinners - it is a stark reminder for us of the fact that idolizing anything other than God, especially human beings, is devastating. Finding people whose examples we can follow is important (see Hebrews 11), but only when they’re pointing us to the right thing…rather, the right person. 

That person is Jesus Christ. The only real, true hero in our stories. Jesus, whose coming to this earth not only paved the way of salvation, but left the example, the benchmark, for us to chase after. It was the apostle Paul who said it best when he called the Corinthians to “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). There’s no other response to a proper understanding of who Jesus is, but to be compelled to follow him.

As we jump back into the book of Philippians, to a mind-blowing passage of high Christology, join me in praying for God to make much of Jesus in our lives. Pray that the implications of his example will rattle the cage of our faith and bring us to greater depths of joy in him as we enter the new year. Pray also for the Spirit to move powerfully and bring the clear truth of the Word to bear in the lives of those who need it.

Complete Livestream

Sermon Notes

Joy Unleashed
Joy in the person and work of Jesus
Philippians 2:5-11
Jordan Coros

Sunday, December 27, 2020

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Christ’s example compels me to a life of joyful obedience

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I humbly accept God’s plan and purposes… (v. 5-6)

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…and unselfishly surrender to his will… (v. 7-8)

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…so that he gets all the glory in my life. (v. 9-11)