2/11/07

Intro: ch.3:16- 6 lines that show Incarnation, Vindication,

Observation, Declaration, Affirmation and Exaltation of Jesus.

I. “Justified in the Spirit” –Vindication- same word as

Romans/Galatians to express position of believing sinner.

 

1. In OT, the aid and support of God, the Holy Spirit marked

a man as chosen by God-

2. Such power & evidence of God’s Spirit vindicated that

person before other men as a divine vessel-

3. The words & works of Jesus revealed Him as the Spirit-

Anointed Promised Redeemer- “words”-Mt.9:33, 22:23,33,46

Tender words- Mt.18- shepherd/sheep   Prodigal Son

“works”- healings     Transformed lives- Peter, Matthew,

Saul-Paul

4. Ultimate vindication of Jesus was His bodily resurrection

from the dead- Romans 1:1-4

 

II. “Seen by angels”- Observation- in Rom.empire,

angels/gods were categories of deity

1.  Angels served Jesus’ needs- Mt.4:11

2.  Their presence at other significant events in His life

validate His identity as God’s Son- birth- Lk.2

Passion- Lk.23:39-44

3.  At His resurrection & ascension, angelic presence and

angelic reports give support to His uniqueness-

resurrection- Lk.24:2-6      ascension-Acts 1:10-11

4.  As agents of divine government, angelic submission

to His exaltation elevates His person- Heb.1:4, 2:9

I Peter 3:22

5.  As observers of the divine undertakings of God’s grace,

angels are an audience to the power/redemption of God.

Creation- Job 38:7     Service- Rev.3:5    I Peter 1:12

6.  They act as agents of judgment under Christ as

Mediator of world judgment in Revelation-