At its heart, Christmas is about the sovereign, holy God of the universe acting in human history to bring salvation to a human race that has rejected him.

I. In Jesus’ birth, God demonstrated his grace.

II. In Jesus’ birth, God demonstrated his power.

III. In Jesus’ birth, God demonstrated his faithfulness.

Under God, Christians have obligations to both government and God, and the obligation to know the difference.

I. We’re obligated to shun duplicity and practice honesty in all our dealings (vv. 19-21).

II. We’re obligated to give the government its due, while ultimate loyalty and obedience belong to God (vv. 22-26).

Big Idea: As God’s beloved Son, Jesus’ divine authority is a threat to the religious leaders, so they reject him, ultimately to their destruction.

I. Jesus has divine authority to dictate proper worship and teaching (19:45-48).

II. Jesus’ divine authority threatens man-made authority and autonomy (20:1-8).

III. Persistent rejection of Jesus and his divine authority results in destruction (20:9-18).

Big Idea: Jesus the humble and compassionate King brings heaven’s peace to those who recognize him for who he is.

I. Jesus intentionally and publicly asserts his kingship

(vv. 28-36).

II. While some rejoice, others reject

(vv. 37-40).

III. Rejecting Jesus and his peace ultimately leads to destruction

(vv. 41-44).

I. Devotion in kingdom prayer (vv. 2-4).

II. Wisdom in witness (vv. 5-6).

III. Ministry-oriented fellowship (vv. 7-18)

Main Point: Reverence for the Lord defines the Christian’s relationships at home and at work.

I. Wives, submit; Husbands, love (vv. 18-19).

II. Children, obey; Parents, don’t provoke (vv. 20-21).

III. Bondservants, obey your masters and work for the Lord; Masters, treat your servants well (3:22—4:1)

*For Our Day: Employees, obey your employers and work for the Lord; Employers, treat your employees well.

I. Put off animosity in all its forms (vv. 8-11).

II. Put on godly virtues, crowned with love (vv. 12-14).

III. Gratefully incorporate the benefits of Christ into church life (vv. 15-17).

Our union with Christ enables and demands radical reorientation of our lives.

I. Pursue the heavenly (vv. 1-4).

II. Kill the earthly (vv. 5-7).

I. The error of legalism (vv. 16-17).

II. The error of mysticism (vv. 18-19).

III. The error of asceticism (vv. 20-23).

Believe sin’s slavery is ended, and the cross did it.