Text:
1 Timothy 3:16
Topic:
What the angels have seen
Introduction:
- 1 Timothy 3:16 is one of the earliest Christmas carols.
- Consider the Christmas story through the eyes of the angels.
- As the pinnacle of heavenly creation, angels are present when heaven and earth meet.
- The Gospels give us seven answers to what the angels saw.
1. The angels saw Christ in heaven.
- The Christ brought the angels into being.
- Isaiah 6:13
2. The angels saw Christ in the manger.
3. The angels saw Christ in the desert.
- Jesus was tempted at every point as we are, yet was without sin.
- Angels ministered to him after his exhausting struggle.
-
Illustration: John Henry Newman's poem on Christ's temptation.
4. The angels saw Christ in the garden.
- An angel appeared to strengthen him in the agony of Gethsemane.
5. The angels saw Christ on the cross.
6. The angels saw Christ at the Resurrection.
7. The angels will see Christ at the Second Coming.
We are to tell the nations what the angels have seen.
Conclusion:
- We should share the angels' sense of awe in worship.
- Because of Christ we will be exalted with Christ and above the angels.