Wise men still seek him Pt. 2

A Study on the Wise Men

Introduction: The Mystery of Godliness

The pastor begins by establishing the context of the Christmas story, framing it within the "mystery of godliness" mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:16.

What is a Mystery? A mystery in the New Testament is something that cannot be figured out by human intellect alone. God reveals these mysteries to those who believe in Him. Unbelievers will remain confused, as God will "scramble their brains."
Stewards of the Mysteries: As believers, we are called to be "stewards of the mysteries." The pastor notes that many denominations with "whacked out beliefs" often misunderstand one of the seven key mysteries found in the Bible.
The Central Mystery of Christmas: The core mystery for this season is that "God was manifest in the flesh." This is a profound truth that is difficult to fully comprehend.

The Cultural Distortion of Christmas

The pastor contrasts the biblical truth with the cultural narrative of Christmas, highlighting how the holiday has become "jacked up."

Santa Claus vs. Jesus: The modern Christmas story often revolves around Santa Claus, flying reindeer, and magic snowmen. This narrative is built on a system of works-based righteousness ("naughty or nice list"), which is contrary to the gospel.
The Misrepresentation of God: Many people, even adults, subconsciously view God through the lens of the Santa Claus figure: a bearded man in the sky who rewards good works and punishes bad ones. The Bible does not teach that eternal life is earned by being a "good girl" or "good boy."
The Truth We Must Teach: While we don't need to boycott cultural traditions, it is essential to teach the truth of the Bible. The focus of this season is Jesus Christ, because no person is good enough to save themselves.

Who God Is and How He Responds to Humans

The sermon emphasizes God's character as a rescuer and His plan for salvation.

God's Rescue Mission: Since Adam's sin, all humanity is born into a state of sin—corrupted and separated from God. We are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. God is on a mission to rescue our sinful hearts.
God Manifest in the Flesh: Christmas represents the moment God came down in human flesh as the baby Jesus. As John 1 clarifies, God put on flesh.
The Virgin Birth: Jesus had to be virgin-born. Our sinful nature is passed down through the seed of our human fathers, tracing back to Adam. Because Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, He did not inherit this sinful nature. This is why the virgin birth is non-negotiable for the Christian faith.
God's Accessibility: God chose to be born in a barn and laid in a manger (a feeding trough) to be accessible to everyone, even the "average animal." He was not born in a palace or as an untouchable figure. He came from humble beginnings in Nazareth, a place from which people questioned if anything good could come.

Who I Am and How I Am to Live

The pastor shares his personal testimony to illustrate our human condition and the need for a Savior.

Our Inherent Sinfulness: We are born with a sinful nature. The pastor shares a childhood story of stealing a necklace, noting that no one had to teach him to do wrong. We are miserable and often don't know why, leading us down destructive paths in an attempt to fix what's broken inside.
The Need for a Hero: We eventually reach a point where we realize our "very best could never be enough." We need to be saved, rescued. We need a hero.
Jesus, the Mediator: Jesus Christ is the only one who can bridge the gap between our hearts and God. Salvation is not found in another person or achievement, but only in Him.
The New Birth: When we hear and believe the "seed of God's word," that incorruptible seed enters our hearts, and we are "born again" and made spiritually alive. This is what it means to be a Christian.

The Wise Men: A Deeper Look

The sermon transitions to the main text in Matthew chapter 2, providing context and application for the story of the wise men.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2 - "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
Who Were the Wise Men?
- They were not a one-time phenomenon but a recognized group of educated, skilled men seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., in Genesis with Pharaoh, with Moses).
- They were often astrologers who studied the stars and had access to Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah (referencing Micah 5:2, Hosea 11, Jeremiah 31, and Numbers 24).
- They were frequently called upon by kings and leaders for their wisdom and insight, much like modern experts or advisors.
The Timeline of Their Arrival:
- Matthew 2:9-11 reveals that the wise men arrived sometime after Jesus' birth. The star "stood over where the young child was."
- They found Jesus in a "house," not the stable. The text refers to Him as a "young child," not a baby in a manger.
- This means the popular manger scene, which includes both shepherds and wise men, is a conflation of two separate events. The wise men were "a little behind."
The Significance of Their Worship:
- Scripture: Matthew 2:11 - "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
- Joseph's Absence: The verse intentionally mentions "Mary his mother" but not Joseph as the father, reinforcing the truth of the virgin birth. Joseph's seed did not produce this child; it was a holy seed from God.
- The Act of Worship: Upon seeing the Christ child, the wise men immediately "fell down and worshipped." This is a profound act. Wise men were figures of authority and intellect to whom others submitted; they did not typically bow down to anyone. Their worship signifies their recognition of Jesus as the true King and Savior, fulfilling the prophecies they had studied.

Sermon Summary: Falling Down to Worship

Introduction: The Meaning of "Falling Down"

The pastor begins by clarifying the term "fell down" as used in the context of the wise men visiting Jesus.

This is not an accidental trip or a stumble into sin. People often describe falling into sin as an accident, but that is not the case.
The phrase "fell down" in this context means to willingly descend from a high place to a lower one.
The wise men willingly and purposefully lowered themselves before the baby Jesus. This is significant because they were not bowing before a king on a throne or a glorified, transfigured Christ, but a child.

The Act of Falling Down in Scripture

The act of falling down in worship is a common response to encountering the divine presence of God throughout the Bible.

In Heaven: The book of Revelation shows that falling down is the universal posture of worship in heaven.
- Revelation 1:17: When John sees the glorified Lord, he falls at His feet as though dead.
- Revelation 4:10, 5:8, 5:14, 7:11, 19:4: The 24 elders and all angelic beings in heaven consistently fall down before God's throne because they are in the presence of His eternal glory.
On Earth: Encounters with God's divine nature on earth also provoke this response.
- Matthew 17: During the Transfiguration, when Peter and John saw Jesus glorified and heard the voice from heaven, they were overwhelmed and fell on their faces in fear.

Who Falls Down Before Jesus in the Gospels?

The pastor notes that it is remarkable that "wise men," who were likely wealthy and intelligent, fell down to worship. Typically, those with earthly wealth and comfort feel self-sufficient and don't see a need for God. The people who fell before Jesus in the Gospels were often those in desperate need.

Those with a Debt They Cannot Pay:
- Matthew 18:24-26: A servant who owed an insurmountable debt fell down and worshiped his lord, begging for patience.
- Application: We all have a sin debt we cannot pay, as "the wages of sin is death." If we do not accept Jesus' payment for our sin, we are held responsible. The appropriate response is to fall down before the Lord in humility, acknowledging our inability to save ourselves.
Those Facing Overwhelming Circumstances:
- Matthew 26:39: Jesus Himself, in the Garden of Gethsemane, fell on His face in anguish, asking the Father to let the cup of suffering pass from Him.
- Application: When we face circumstances that feel crushing and we don't know how to move forward, the human response, even modeled by Christ, is to fall on our face before God.
Those with Suffering Family Members:
- Mark 5: A ruler of the synagogue fell at Jesus' feet, begging Him to heal his dying daughter after physicians had failed.
- John 11: Mary fell at Jesus' feet, grieving the death of her brother Lazarus.
- Application: When a loved one is suffering and the situation is completely out of our control, our only recourse is to fall on our faces before God. The pastor shared his personal experience of doing this when his daughter was diagnosed with cancer.
Those Seeking Healing and Cleansing:
- Luke 5: A leper, knowing only a supernatural cure could heal him, fell on his face before Jesus and asked to be made clean.
- Application: We should approach God with the same desperation for what we can never achieve on our own—spiritual cleansing. Later, one of the ten lepers who was healed returned, fell on his face, and gave thanks. We fall down in desperation and also in gratitude.

The Choice: Fall on the Stone or Be Crushed by It

The pastor presents a critical choice every person must make regarding Jesus, who is the "stone."

Matthew 21:44: "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."
Application: You have a choice. You can choose to "fall on the stone"—to humble yourself, bow before Jesus Christ now, and be "broken" in repentance. Or, if you refuse, that same stone will one day "fall on you" in judgment, and you will be crushed without hope of recovery.

Every Knee Shall and Should Bow

Scripture makes it clear that bowing before Jesus is an inevitability for some and a choice for others.

Romans 14:11: "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
- This is a future certainty. In eternity, everyone who enters the throne room of heaven will bow and confess that He is Lord. For those who have rejected Him, it will be too late.
Philippians 2:9-11: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him...That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord..."
- This is a present opportunity. Here and now, we should bow the knee and confess Him as Lord.
Key Point: The wise choice is to bow the knee now, before it's too late. No matter who you think you are, it is time to submit to the King.

Worship is Reserved for God Alone

The act of falling down is an act of worship, and worship is reserved exclusively for God.

Acts 10: When Cornelius fell down to worship Peter, Peter immediately told him to get up, affirming that he was only a man.
Revelation 22: When John fell down to worship an angel, the angel rebuked him, stating that only God is worthy of worship.
Application: We are never to worship men, angels, or any other being. The pastor warns against following modern religious leaders or movements that are based on angelic revelations that contradict Scripture (referencing Galatians 1:8). There is only One worthy of our worship: the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Meaning of Worship

The wise men "fell down and worshiped him" (Matthew 2:11).

Definition: To worship means to show reverence. It is an act of humbling oneself, like a dog licking its master's hand.
Example: The Canaanite woman in the Gospels was willing to accept the humble position of a dog eating crumbs from the master's table to receive a blessing from Jesus.
Conclusion: The wise men, despite their status, willingly took on this posture of absolute humility to worship the Christ child. This contrasts with King Herod, who falsely claimed he wanted to worship Jesus but secretly intended to kill Him (Matthew 2:8). True worship involves genuine, humble submission.

Sermon Summary: The Nature of True Worship

Introduction: Talk is Cheap

The sermon begins by examining the nature of false worship, using King Herod as a primary example.

Scriptural Context: The pastor references the story of the Magi visiting King Herod. Herod claimed he wanted to find the newborn king, Jesus, to "worship him."
Pastor's Analysis: Herod was lying. His true intention was to eliminate Jesus, whom he saw as a threat to his own power and rule.
- This illustrates a critical point: Talk is cheap.
- Many people may go through the motions of worship—singing songs, attending church, saying the right things—while their hearts are far from God. Their words claim submission, but their actions reveal a desire to do whatever they want.
- Herod's claim to worship was a public deception, masking a heart that had no intention of submitting to God.

What is Worship?

The pastor defines worship not just as a religious act, but as an act of submission and focus.

The Posture of Worship: True worship often involves a physical or spiritual posture of humility. "You can't worship when you're up high." The act of falling down or bowing is frequently paired with worship in scripture because it signifies lowering oneself before a greater power.
The Object of Worship: We worship whatever we are willing to "lick the hand of," meaning whatever we elevate above ourselves.
- Worship is what consumes our thoughts and attention. The thing you "just keep bowing down to" in your mind and life is your object of worship.
- The pastor warns against this, especially concerning earthly things, because they will ultimately "get you." The focus should be on the eternal.

Examples of Worship in Scripture

The sermon highlights both negative and positive examples of worship found in the Bible.

Negative Worship:
- The book of Revelation describes people who "bowed down and worshiped before the beast" and "worshiped before the dragon." This was often a result of cultural pressure—doing what everyone else was doing.
Positive Worship (Worship of Jesus):
- Lepers came to Jesus and worshiped Him.
- Rulers came and worshiped Him.
- Even the demon-possessed came before Jesus and worshiped Him. The pastor finds it convicting that a demon, when confronted with the presence of Jesus, fell to the ground in a posture of worship, getting "as low as they could get." This demonstrates the undeniable authority of Christ.

The Temptation to Worship Falsely

The central conflict is presented: the devil desires our worship, while God alone is worthy of it.

The Devil's Desire: The devil's primary goal is to get us to "get lower" by bowing to him or to the things of this world. He wants us to "take a knee" to something other than God.
The Temptation of Christ: The pastor directs the congregation to the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.
- Scripture: Matthew 4:9-10
- Context: The devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. The only condition was, "if thou wilt fall down and just worship me."
- Jesus's Response: Jesus refused, declaring, "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."
Application for Today:
1. Worship is not just overt satanic ritual. We often think of devil worship in extreme, cinematic terms (pentagrams, sacrifices). In reality, worshiping something other than God is simply whatever you are willing to "take a knee to."
2. What challenges your devotion to God? The pastor notes that many people profess love for Jesus but will easily set aside church or devotion when something else challenges it (e.g., convenience, hobbies, other opportunities). That which consistently wins out is the true object of worship.
3. Your focus reveals your worship. What you think about all the time—the object that consumes your energy and attention—is what you worship.

Conclusion: Putting Worship in its Proper Place

Jesus's response to Satan provides the model for how we should handle anything that vies for God's place in our lives.

When Jesus told Satan, "Get thee hence" (or as Luke's account implies, "Get behind me"), He was putting the tempter in his proper position.
By doing this, Jesus ensured His worship of the Father was unhindered.
Final Application: Whatever it is in our lives that competes for our worship—be it a valuable possession like an old shotgun, a relationship, a career, or our own comfort—we must follow Christ's example. We must command it to "get behind" us so that our worship of God can be pure and unhindered.

Sermon Summary: Wise Men Still Seek Him

Introduction: What Do You Worship?

The sermon begins with an illustration of a man who realized his prized shotgun, worth ten thousand dollars, had become an idol. It consumed his attention and conversation, leading him to get rid of it because it had captured his affection more than God.

Principle: An idol can be anything that receives the attention, affection, and worship that rightfully belongs to God. It might seem silly to others, but it is deeply personal and relevant to the individual.
Application: We must identify what in our lives is receiving our primary attention. Anything outside of the Lord Jesus Christ that we bow down to is, in biblical terms, a form of devil worship. This is a "slick deal," like the lukewarm principle mentioned in Revelation, where we may not consciously realize we are serving something other than God.

The Lordship of Christ

The pastor uses a football analogy to describe the concept of "lording" over an opponent. The goal is to dominate the person across from you, to make them bow down.

Principle: Jesus is called "Lord" because He has the right to dominate and rule our lives. One day, every knee will be forced to bow to Him.
Application: Today, God gives us the free will to choose whether we will bow to Him. The wise men willingly fell to their knees and worshiped. We are asked the same question: Are you willing to give Him your worship today—your attention, awe, hobbies, hang-ups, and habits?

The Actions of the Wise Men: A Model for Us

The pastor breaks down the actions of the wise men into a four-part model for our own faith and worship.

1. They Fell Down

The wise men, despite their status and wealth, humbled themselves and fell down.

Principle: True worship begins with humility. We should recognize our position before God, who is "God in the flesh."
Scriptural Context: The wise men had everything—wealth (gold), valuable ointments (frankincense and myrrh), and even the ear of the king. Yet, they bowed.
Application: We often compartmentalize our worship, giving God an hour on Sunday but then doing whatever we want the rest of the week. This creates a spiritual schizophrenia. To truly worship is to humble ourselves and put God first in all things, not just for a moment. We must recognize that the most valuable things on earth (like gold) are what heaven uses for pavement. Our perspective must shift.

2. They Worshiped

Worship is giving Jesus our full attention and acknowledging Him as Lord.

Principle: If you are choosing to do your own thing, you are essentially telling the Lord Jesus Christ to "get behind me."
Illustration: The pastor shared a skit about a Christian man who kept compromising his faith to hang out with his friends. Jesus, living inside him, would gently warn him, but the man ignored the voice. Eventually, to silence the conviction, the man "crucified" Jesus in his heart in front of everyone so he could do what he wanted. This is a convicting picture of what our divided worship looks like.

3. They Opened Their Treasures

The wise men opened their treasures before presenting them as gifts.

Principle: This act of opening is a picture of vulnerability and surrender before God. God is the great "door opener."
Scriptural Context:
- Jesus opens the eyes of the blind (Matthew 9).
- He opens tombs, calling Lazarus forth.
- He opens the mouths of the mute (Luke 1).
- He opens prison doors (Acts 16).
- He opens doors for ministry that no man can shut (Revelation 3, Acts 8, Acts 10).
Application: God doesn't need our material gifts; He wants our hearts. To "open our treasure" is to open our hearts to Him, cracking open the hardness so He can perform spiritual heart surgery. Many people avoid this vulnerability, even in church, because they don't trust others. But this refusal to open up often extends to their relationship with God, preventing them from receiving help and healing. We are called to be vulnerable and open up.
- 2 Corinthians 4:6 says God has placed a "treasure" (the Gospel) inside of us, these "earthen vessels." When we open ourselves up to God, we allow that treasure to be used by Him.

4. They Presented Gifts

After falling down, worshiping, and opening their treasures, they presented their gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This act of giving is a pattern seen throughout Jesus's life and a model for our own.

The Beginning of Jesus's Life: He was presented with gifts of wealth and honor (gold, frankincense, myrrh).
The Middle of Jesus's Ministry: The gifts people "presented" or "brought" to Him changed. The same Greek word is used.
- They brought Him the sick (Matthew 4).
- They brought Him the demon-possessed (Matthew 8).
- They brought Him the mute (Matthew 9:32).
- They brought Him the diseased (Matthew 14).
- They brought Him children to be blessed.
The End of Jesus's Life: On the cross, they "offered" Him vinegar.
Application: We come to Jesus and present Him with our "gifts": our insecurities, diseases, sicknesses, and troubles. We drop them at His feet, knowing He is the only one who can bring healing. In return, God uses our lives to spread the fragrance of who Jesus is.

The Gospel in the Wise Men's Actions

The actions of the wise men beautifully mirror the Gospel and God's gift to us.

Jesus Fell Down for Us: He humbled Himself. Philippians 2 says He "made himself of no reputation" and took the form of a servant.
Jesus Valued Us (Worship): John 15:13 states, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Jesus valued us so much that He put us before Himself. 1 John 3:16 reinforces that He laid down His life for us.
Jesus Opened His Treasure for Us: He opened up the treasure of heaven and offered us holiness, godliness, and righteousness.
Jesus Presented a Gift to Us: Salvation is a gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." He also gives us spiritual gifts (2 Corinthians).

Our Response Today

We are called to follow this same pattern in our own lives.

Fall Down: Recognize you are a sinner, created from "dirt," and humble yourself before God.
Worship: Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, as stated in Romans 10:9-10.
Open Up: Be vulnerable. Open your heart to God for healing and transformation. Don't just focus on the sickness; focus on the health He gives so you can take His treasure to the world (Revelation 3:20).
Present Your Gift: Offer your life to Him. Romans 12:1-2 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." This is "reasonable" because He gave His all for us.

Conclusion

The process is simple: Fall down, worship, open up, and present your life as a gift to Him. For the rest of our days, our purpose is to be used by God as the body of Christ, taking His message to the world. There is no better feeling than to know God is using you, even in the midst of your own troubles.