======================================================================== MATTHEW 1:21 by Chuck Smith ======================================================================== Summary: Jesus Christ was born to save His people from their sins and establish a kingdom of love, joy, and peace. Topics: "The Kingdom of God", "Salvation" Scripture References: Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 28:18, Luke 4:18-19, John 1:10-14, John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Philippians 2:10-11, Revelation 19:16 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of Jesus' birth, explaining that He came to save His people from their sins and to establish His kingdom. He highlights the universal nature of sin and its consequences, asserting that Jesus, the innocent babe, was destined to bear the sins of the world and die for humanity. Smith challenges listeners to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the implications of celebrating Jesus' birth, urging them to recognize Him as the Savior and King. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to consider what they are truly celebrating during this season. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "WHY HE CAME" Intro: What are you going to celebrate this week? The world this week is celebrating the birth of a child some 1971 years ago. Many traditions and customs have evolved around the celebration. Why was He born? His name implies His mission. I. HE CAME TO SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS. A. Sin is a universal malady that has inflicted every man. 1. "All have sinned." 2. "There is none righteous." 3. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive..." B. The effect or result of sin is death. 1. The wages of sin is death." 2. This is spiritual death. C. He came to save His people. 1. That baby lying in that manger was to become the Savior of the world. 2. Those that gathered to celebrate His birth; how little did they comprehend. a. That little baby is the creator of the world. 1. "He was in the world, and the world was..." 2. "In the beginning was the Word..." D. How was He to save His people? 1. By taking the guilt of all their sins upon Himself and dying in their place. 2. This beautiful innocent babe was destined for a cross. a. "All we like sheep have gone astray." b. "And God made Him to be sin for us..." E. Who are His People? II. HE CAME TO ESTABLISH A KINGDOM. A. Pilate said, "Art thou a King? " Jesus answered to this end was I born and for this cause came I into this world." B. He went about declaring His Kingdom's blessings. 1. Based on right relationship to God. Perpendicular axis. 2. The effects: Love, joy, peace. 3. He demonstrated the conditions of His kingdom. a. By healing the sick. b. By raising the dead. c. By forgiving sins. C. How can you become a part of this kingdom? 1. By bowing before the king and submitting yourself to His Lordship. D. His kingdom is forever. 1. "Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end..." 2. "King of Kings, and Lord of Lords..." III. WHAT ARE YOU CELEBRATING THIS YEAR? A. Jesus Christ is all I have said He is, or He is the greatest fraud, and has perpetrated the cruelest hoax of any man who has ever lived. 1. He is the Son of God or a mad man. 2. The greatest or the worse man in history. B. You are about to acknowledge again His birth. 1. Every time you write the date. C. Does it not seem rather ridiculous for us to celebrate His birth if He is not the Son of God. 1. Don't you see that you are condemning yourself by celebrating Christmas. 2. If you don't believe in Jesus Christ, why go through the phony motions of celebrating? D. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. 1. You will if you are one of His people. 2. You will if He is your king. E. I am going to celebrate the coming of my King the Savior of all who believe in Him. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO CELEBRATE? ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/chuck-smith/matthew-121/ ========================================================================