The Incarnation Paradox | John 1:14-18
January 14, 2024

Incarnation Paradox.jpeg

Sermon Video

The Incarnation Paradox

John 1:14–18 (NKJV)
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ”
16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

What is a
Reveal Answer
?

“A

Reveal Answer
is a statement or situation that appears to be internally contradictory, defying logic and conventional expectations. It may seem true but false, possible but impossible, at the same time holding opposing ideas. Paradoxes often challenge our assumptions and force us to think outside the box.”

Three Examples of Paradoxes

  1. The Ship of Theseus Paradox:
  2. Back to back to the Future Paradox
  3. The Joseph Heller’s “Catch 22” Paradox

The call of John 1:14-18:

“Embrace the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, as the ultimate source of God’s grace and truth, and seek a deep and intimate relationship with the Father through Him!”

Outline:

1. Paradox #1: God Becomes

Reveal Answer
(v. 14a)


Colossians 1:15–17
Philippians 2:6–8
Ephesians 6:4
Proverbs 22:6

2. Paradox #2:

Reveal Answer
and
Reveal Answer
Intertwined (v. 14b)


John 3:16
John 14:6
2 Corinthians 1:20
Ephesians 2:8–9
Romans 12:2

3. Paradox #3: God,

Reveal Answer
yet Accessible (v. 18)


John 1:18
1 John 4:12
John 1:1
Colossians 1:14–15
John 3:18
Mark 8:35

Encouraging Paradoxes for Believers

1. The first shall be last, and the last first.
(Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16)

2. To be someone of greatness you must be a servant.
(Matthew 20:26)

3. Blessed are the poor, for they will be “rich”
(Matthew 5:3)

4. It is better to give than to receive.
(Acts 20:35)

5. God’s power is made perfect in your weakness.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)