IT IS THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS AT CHRISTMAS

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4

Pastor Rick Jackson

The old saying, “It’s the thought that counts” may have more truth to it than you think. The Christmas spirit begins in the mind of Christ and God, is carried out in the actions of the blessed Trinity and is recorded in the Word of God for our edification. Consider:

1. He that was strong became weak so that we that are weak might become strong. [v. 5-7, 1 Cor. 9:22]

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

2. He that was rich became poor so that we that are poor might become rich [v. 6-7, 2 Cor. 8:9]

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

3. The Son of God became the Son of Man so that the sons of men might become the sons of God [v. 7-8, Heb. 1:1-3, 2:9-10; Jn. 1:12]

- God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

- But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

4. He that was alive DIED so that we that are dead might become alive [v. 8, 1 Th. 4:14, 5:10; Eph. 2:1]

-For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

-Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

-And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:;

 

5. He that was righteous became sin so that we that are sinners might become righteous [v. 8, 2 Co. 5:21]

-For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

 If you have never been saved- accept Christ as Saviour and give Him the satisfaction of saving your soul [Isaiah 53:11]

-He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

If you are saved- give yourself to Christ to live for Him [Rm. 12:1-2]

-I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.