Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Preached And Believed, Part 5

Faith

‘And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.’
I Timothy 3:16

Paul is known as one of the greatest preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He preached with enthusiasm, conviction, and boldness. Every word that was spoken about Jesus was believable.

Indeed Christ is to be preached unto all, even the Gentiles. Because many of the Jews despised the Gospel, Paul preached unto the Gentiles who received the Good News with gladness of heart. Churches formed and Christianity spread throughout the world.

Some people believe that the Gospel is a message that only unbelievers need to hear. But the Bible teaches that followers of Jesus need to continue hearing the Gospel even after they are born again. We need to continually meditate on the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

Hearing the Gospel encourages us to praise the name of Jesus and calls unto repentance. If preaching does not involve Jesus, it is useless. If people are not increasing in their faith, they are hopeless and helpless.

Jesus changes everything. The only thing that will change the world is the Gospel of Jesus preached unto all people and believed by all who hear. Preach the Word!

Pray

Lord, Your name is powerful and causes even the demons to flee. May Your Word be preached by all who can speak and believed by all who hear. Let me be a witness of Your great love.

Seen By Angels, Part 4

Faith

‘And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.’
I Timothy 3:16

Angels have an attentive role in the ministry of Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:16 stresses the fact that the ministry of Jesus was seen by angels and here are some of the ways.

  • They predicted the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:30-33),
  • They were present at His birth (Luke 2:13-14),
  • They warned of king Herod’s plot to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:19-20),
  • They ministered to Jesus after the temptation of the Devil (Matthew 4:11),
  • They ministered to Him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43),
  • They rolled the stone away from His tomb (Matthew 28:2),
  • They announced His resurrection (Matthew 28:5-6),
  • They were present at His ascension (Acts 1:10),
  • They will be with Him at His Second Coming (Matthew 24:31),
  • They will separate the evil from righteous (Matthew 13:41,49).

The fact that angels have an important role in the ministry of Jesus is another testimony of His Deity. Just as they surround the throne of God and fill the presence of heaven, they also were around Jesus in His earthly ministry.

Today, angels surround us! They are ministering spirits sent to assist us in our life. Just as they were important to the ministry of Jesus so are they important to our life today. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” (NLT)

Pray

Lord, I praise You in the presence of angels and in the presence of others. I make known to others Your great salvation. Help me to always know that I am protected by You.

Justified In The Spirit, Part 3

Faith, Salvation

‘And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.’
I Timothy 3:16

Did you ever think that 1 Timothy 3:16 could be so deep? Great is the mystery of godliness. These truths unpack such a powerful meaning into our lives.

Just as God was manifested in the flesh through the person of Jesus Christ, He was also justified in the Spirit. Not because He was sinful and then made righteous, but that He was declared to be justified by the Holy Spirit. There are two passages of Scripture that shed light upon this truth.

At Jesus’ baptism, Matthew tells us, ‘When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”’ Matthew 3:16-17

At the resurrection of Jesus, Luke records, ‘This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.’ Acts 2:32-33

Jesus was declared to be righteous and holy by the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity. He always was justified before the Father. He didn’t have to prove Himself righteous; He always was righteous. Therefore He rightly took our place on the cross and provided salvation to all who believe.

Pray

Lord, thank You for revealing the truth of the gospel to me and opening my eyes to Your great salvation plan. You alone are God and able to save. I pray that I may show the love of Christ in all that I say and do.