CHRIST THE MEDIATOR

SERMON BY CHARLES FINNEY

"For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus."--I Tim. ii. 5

In speaking from these words I propose to show:--

I. WHAT A MEDIATOR IS.

II. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THE OFFICE OF A MEDIATOR.

III. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE INDISPENSABLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A MEDIATOR.

IV. THE CONDITIONS OF SUCCESS IN THE EXECUTION OF THE OFFICE OF MEDIATOR.

V. APPLY THESE THINGS TO CHRIST AS THE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND MAN.

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Explicit Language

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. I Timothy 4:1-3 (New American Standard Bible)

Once again I was confronted by a warning given to potential viewers of a TV program. The warning stated that viewer discretion was advised because the following program contained scenes with explicit violence and sex. No doubt for some people curiosity would kick in and they would be drawn to the screen anticipating what was about to be viewed, and forever have those images etched in their minds.

The word “explicit” means, "Having no disguised meaning or reservation; definite; open; unreserved." Clearly the intent is to not leave anything to the imagination, but to clearly portray a circumstance or environment so that there can be no doubt about it. My brush with the advice that what was to follow was not disguised and unreserved caused me to think about some rather explicit language in the words of the Apostle Paul to a young Timothy…so be advised that what you have read contained explicit language that should be forever etched in your mind and scribed on your heart.

God’s Word contains rich passages of open, unreserved language with images that can only be called explicit. It’s a shame that curiosity levels aren’t raised high enough to cause people to pause long enough to permit them to investigate the one God who desires to have explicit relationships with those He has created.

Father, guide us in our habits and exposure to the explicit language that surrounds us each day. Encourage us to examine and retain the rich passages of unreserved language in your Word. Amen.