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The Hope of the Gospel

By Joe Boot/ November 27, 2016

Series  Advent 2016: The Royal Gift

Context  Westminster Chapel Toronto

Topic  Salvation

Scripture  Philippians 4:1-23; Lamentations 3:19-26

The power of the incarnation is to be manifest in our lives, that we may lead transforming lives in our world.

Sermon Notes:

  1. Advent is a season of anticipation and remembering the coming of the Lord’s salvation.
  2. Christmas is a time when we reflect on the past year and its struggles. Jeremiah reminds is that in the midst of our struggles we are to remember the salvation of the Lord (Jer. 3:23).
  3. We have the privilege of sharing the gospel. It’s not a burden or a job; it’s a lifestyle.
  4. If the gospel is in us, it will naturally flow out of our lives. Paul spread the gospel wherever he was, whether in prison, shipwrecked, or on trial.
  5. Paul’s closing words reflect the shared hope of the gospel (Phil 4: cf. Acts 28:20-31).
  6. Every believer is a saint; we now have the special status with God that Israel had under the old covenant (Cf. Ex. 19:5).
  7. The wonder and fruit of the gospel for us is that we are actually God's special treasure.
  8. We are the firstfruits of the gospel, treasured by God, and members of God’s global people (2 Thes. 2:13).
  9. Paul’s chains were for the furtherance of the gospel; he saw every circumstance as an opportunity for the gospel.
  10. The believers who send greetings from Rome (Phil. 4:22) are the freed men in Christ who were nonetheless servants of Caesar Nero.
  11. This greeting reflects the power of Jesus as Lord of all, transforming the entire Roman Empire, including the palace.
  12. People today are waiting for the hope of the gospel.
  13. Many in the Roman world eked out a living by victimizing others; early Christians created a powerful counter-culture of giving, and ministering to the needs of others.
  14. Jesus exchanged His riches for our poverty, in His incarnation, death and resurrection.
  15. The power of the incarnation is to be manifest in our lives, that we may lead transforming lives in our world.
  16. The grace of Christ is to be with us in the core of our beings.

Application Questions:

  1. What is the significance and opportunity of the Advent season for the church this year?
  2. What is the fruit of the gospel, what is the hope that we have?
  3. In what sense are we saints? By virtue of what are we God’s special treasure?
  4. How will we make the gospel known to our neighbours and colleagues this season