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Was
Jesus God?
Introduction:
Certain religious groups teach that Jesus is lesser than the
Father. They believe He was not fully divine. One text they use is
John 14:28.
Yet other verses claim that He was fully diving. (John
17:5) How can
these be reconciled?
Body:
I. Submission Is Not
Inferiority
-
“Greater” – in what
respect? (John
14:28) The
President is greater that I am in terms of military authority
and executive power. But he is not superior to me.
-
While Jesus was on
earth, He voluntarily submitted to the Father. (John
6:38) This
submission was during His incarnate state. (I
Corinthians 11:3)
-
Jesus chose to
temporarily give up certain rights and privileges when He
came to earth. (Philippians
2:5-7) He
had to become human to suffer and die on Calvary.
II. Jesus Is Fully
God
-
John 17:5
Jesus is asking the Father to restore Him to His original place
of honor and authority. In the upper room, His disciples were
distressed because He told them He was going away. He is
telling them here that they should be glad that He is going back
to where all of His honor will be restored.
-
John 8:54-58
One of the most powerful statements in the Scripture is about
Jesus’ divinity. Two things of great importance: He claimed He
existed before Abraham. He also applied God’s holy name to
Himself. (Exodus
3:13-15)
-
John 6:39-40,
44, 54
He had the power to raise men up at the last day unto eternal
life.
-
John 1:1-3, 14
He was in full possession of divine nature. (Colossians
1:19,
Colossians 2:9)
Jesus possessed all qualities and characteristics of God. (Philippians
2:6, 9)
Jesus, the Word, was all-powerful; all-knowing; eternal.
Invitation:
Philippians 2:12
Bobby Stafford
January 29, 2012
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