The sermon titled "I will make the place of my feet glorious," preached by Gerald Buss, primarily addresses the theological theme of the Incarnation of Christ and its implications for the glory of God’s dwelling place among His people. Buss emphasizes that the "place of His feet" refers not only to physical buildings like the temples in Jerusalem but ultimately to the church and the hearts of believers, where Christ's presence brings divine glory. He supports his arguments through various Scripture references, such as Isaiah 60:13, and accounts from Kings and the New Testament, highlighting how past temples were made glorious by Christ's presence, particularly in the New Covenant context. The sermon illustrates the significance of Christ in the life of the church and the believer, asserting that true glory comes from the manifest presence of Jesus, who fulfills God’s redemptive promises and ultimately guarantees victory over sin and death. The practical significance lies in encouraging believers to recognize and cherish the glory of Christ in their own lives and communities.
Key Quotes
“We worship not the bricks and the mortar, but it has made nonetheless a precious spot, as Bethel was to Jacob.”
“The glory of the latter house was greater than that of the former.”
“That is what happens... through grace, the very feet of the Beloved are now placed in that sinner’s heart.”
“There is a glory, a glorious thing being accomplished. A sinner praying.”
The Bible teaches that God's glory fills His house, as seen in passages like Isaiah 60:13.
According to Isaiah 60:13, God promises to make the place of His feet glorious. This is reflected in the history of the temple, where God's presence was tangible. As the first temple was dedicated, God's glory filled it, overwhelming the congregants. Although the first temple was destroyed, the rebuilding of the second, although less magnificent, was rendered glorious because the incarnate Christ walked within its walls. This emphasizes that the true glory of a place is not in its physical structure, but in God's presence and the worship offered there.
Isaiah 60:13, 1 Kings 8:10-11, Haggai 2:9
Jesus Christ is glorious as He embodies the fullness of the Godhead and fulfills God's promises.
Jesus Christ reflects the glory of God in numerous ways. Scripture indicates that in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9). His incarnation marked the arrival of divine glory on earth, providing redemption to mankind. Every significant event in His life—from His birth in the manger to His baptism and even His suffering and death—demonstrates His glory. When Simeon saw Jesus in the temple, he recognized Him as God's salvation, pointing to the deep glory embedded in the Savior's life, death, and resurrection.
Colossians 2:9, Luke 2:30-32
The resurrection is significant because it validates Christ's victory over sin and death, assuring believers of eternal life.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to Christian faith as it underscores the validation of His work on the cross, where He conquered sin and death. The resurrection signifies His triumph over the grave, guaranteeing that believers will also rise from the dead, just as He did. This hope sustains Christians through trials and afflictions, reminding them that death is not the end but a transition to eternal glory with Christ. Furthermore, it provides assurance of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises of redemption and eternal life.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Romans 6:5
God's Spirit dwells in believers, transforming their hearts and making them a place of His glory.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a profound facet of the Christian life that assures us that God is with us. When a sinner is converted, the Holy Spirit comes to reside in their heart, making it a glorious dwelling place for Christ. This transformation involves not just a passive presence, but an active work that subdues sin and empowers the believer to grow in holiness. The Spirit's work includes illuminating our understanding of Scripture, prompting us to pray, and guiding us in our daily lives. Believers are encouraged to cultivate this relationship by remaining sensitive to the Spirit's leading and seeking His power to live faithful lives.
Romans 8:9-11, Haggai 2:5
Believers are made glorious in Christ because they share in His righteousness and are united with Him in His resurrection.
Being made glorious in Christ denotes the transformation and elevation of believers through their union with Him. This union means that those who are in Christ are declared righteous, not based on their own merit, but through the righteousness of Christ imparted to them. The glory of Christ becomes their glory, providing them with a standing before God that is secure and permanent. Additionally, this concept reinforces the hope believers have of one day sharing in Christ's resurrected glory, looking forward to a time when they will be wholly sanctified and perfected in His presence, fully reflecting His image.
2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 8:17
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