Moe Bergeron

Tag: Make Disciples

  • Seated Above the Fray: How Ephesians 2:6 Reshapes Our View of Suffering

    Seated Above the Fray: How Ephesians 2:6 Reshapes Our View of Suffering

    There is a single word in Ephesians 2:6 that carries more comfort than a thousand sermons on coping: seated. Paul does not say that God will one day seat us with Christ, as though this were a distant hope suspended on our performance. He says that God has seated us there. The verb is past tense—a completed action in the mind and purpose of God. And this one word changes everything about how the believer faces the trials of this present age.

    Ephesians 2:6

    And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.

    To understand why, we must first consider what it means that Christ Himself is seated. The writer of Hebrews tells us that after Jesus had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, “He sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12). In the ancient world, a priest never sat down. The tabernacle had no chair in the Holy Place because the work of atonement was never finished—sacrifices were offered again and again, day after day, year after year. But when Jesus cried, “It is finished,” He did what no priest had ever done: He sat down. His posture declared that the work was complete, the debt was paid, and nothing remained to be added. Now Paul says that we are seated with Him. Our posture, in the sight of God, is the posture of rest. We are not standing anxiously before the altar, wondering if we have done enough. We are seated beside the One whose sacrifice was sufficient.

    This changes the way we view our daily struggles in at least three ways.

    First, it means that our struggles do not define our position. The believer who lies awake at night wrestling with fear, illness, grief, or temptation is, in the deepest and most real sense, already seated above those very things in Christ. This does not mean the struggles are imaginary or insignificant. Paul knew hunger, shipwreck, beatings, and sorrow. But it means that the final word over our lives is not spoken by the affliction but by the One who has raised us and seated us with Himself. When the waves rise, we are not clinging to the side of the boat, hoping to survive. We are, by faith, already with the One who calms the sea (cf. Matthew 8:26–27). The struggle is real, but it is beneath the feet of Christ—and we are in Him (Ephesians 1:22).

    Second, being seated with Christ means we fight from victory, not for victory. There is a world of difference between a soldier storming a beachhead and a king surveying a conquered land. The believer’s struggle against sin, the flesh, and the devil is not a battle to determine the outcome—that was settled at the cross and confirmed by the empty tomb. Christ has disarmed the rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them (Colossians 2:15). Our resistance, therefore, is the resistance of those who stand on already-won ground. We do not wrestle in order to earn God’s favor but because we already possess it. This does not make the fight easy, but it makes it hopeful. The enemy rages, but he rages as a defeated foe. The chain has been broken; the prisoner has been set free. Our calling is to live in the freedom that is already ours (cf. Romans 6:11).

    Third, being seated with Christ lifts our gaze above the immediate horizon of pain. Paul writes in Colossians 3:1–2, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This is not a call to escapism or denial. It is a call to perspective. When we are consumed by the present trial—when the diagnosis is grim, when the relationship is fractured, when the temptation feels overwhelming—we are seeing reality from ground level. But there is a truer reality: we are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. The unseen world is more real and more lasting than the seen (2 Corinthians 4:18). To set our minds on things above is not to pretend that suffering does not hurt; it is to remember that our present afflictions are producing an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs them all (2 Corinthians 4:17). The seating of the believer is God’s way of anchoring the soul so that the storms of this age cannot drag it under.

    Practical Reflection

    There will be mornings when the weight of life presses down so heavily that the thought of being “seated with Christ” feels like a theological abstraction rather than a living reality. On those mornings, the believer does not need to climb up to the heavenly realms by sheer willpower. The Spirit of God, who is the guarantee of our inheritance, is already at work within us, enabling us to believe what we cannot yet feel. The practice of the Christian life is not mustering greater effort but recalling greater truths. When the heart is faint, preach this to yourself: I am not my circumstances. I am not my failures. I am not my fears. I am seated with Christ, and His finished work is my resting place. Let the posture of the Savior—seated, at rest, work complete—become the posture of your soul. And from that place of rest, face the day not with clenched fists but with open hands, trusting that the One who raised you and seated you will sustain you through every valley until the day you see Him face to face.

  • The Unshakeable Inheritance: What We Possess in Christ 

    The Unshakeable Inheritance: What We Possess in Christ 

    When the Apostle Paul pauses to bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, he does not begin with a list of things we must do to earn favor, but with a proclamation of what God has already done for us. To believe in Jesus Christ is not merely to assent to a set of truths; it is to enter into a vast, pre-arranged inheritance that the Father prepared before the foundations of the world. In the New Covenant, the believer is no longer a stranger seeking a foothold in God’s family but a son and daughter, fully adopted and sealed by the Spirit. The question is not whether we have enough faith to grasp these blessings, but whether we have eyes to see the treasure that is already ours.

    Ephesians 1:3-14 BSB

    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.

    In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.

    In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.

    And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.

    The Blessing of Spiritual Riches The first and most profound reality we possess is the blessing of every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. This is not a future hope that waits until death, but a present possession secured by the resurrection of Christ. Because Jesus has ascended and been seated at the right hand of the Father, we are seated with Him. This means that the fullness of God’s grace, mercy, and power is available to us right now. We do not strive for acceptance; we rest in it. The “spiritual blessings” include the forgiveness of sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the assurance of eternal life. These are not rewards for our performance but gifts of His grace, flowing from the finished work of the cross.

    Adoption and the Spirit of Sonship Perhaps the most comforting truth for the weary soul is the reality of adoption. In the ancient world, adoption was a legal act that transferred a person from one household to another, granting them all the rights and privileges of a natural-born child. In Christ, we are not merely servants who obey out of fear, but sons and daughters who obey out of love and identity. The Spirit of God cries out within us, “Abba, Father,” confirming that we belong to the family of God. This relationship is secure, not because of our fluctuating emotions or our occasional failures, but because it is rooted in the eternal decree of the Father. We have the privilege of approaching the throne of grace with boldness, knowing that we are heard and loved.

    Redemption and Forgiveness Believing in Jesus Christ grants us the glorious freedom of redemption. The word implies a purchase price paid to set a slave free. Through the blood of Christ, we have been bought back from the slavery of sin and the condemnation of the law. This redemption is complete; there is no debt left to pay, no penalty to suffer. The record of our sins has been nailed to the cross, and the accuser has been silenced. We possess a clean conscience, a heart washed white as snow, and a standing before God that is as perfect as Christ’s own righteousness. This freedom is not a license to sin, but the power to live a life of holiness, liberated from the crushing weight of guilt.

    The Seal and Guarantee of the Spirit Finally, we possess the seal of the Holy Spirit, who serves as the guarantee of our inheritance. In the ancient world, a seal indicated ownership and authenticity, while a guarantee (or down payment) assured the buyer that the full payment would follow. The Holy Spirit living within us is the proof that we belong to God. He is the active presence of God in our lives, guiding, comforting, and empowering us. He is the down payment of the future glory that awaits us, a foretaste of the resurrection life. This seal is unbreakable; it marks us as God’s own possession until the day of final redemption. No force in heaven or earth can snatch us from the Father’s hand or nullify this divine seal.

    Practical Reflection For the believer walking through the valleys of life, these truths are not abstract doctrines but anchors for the soul. When anxiety whispers that you are alone, remember that you have the Spirit of adoption crying out within you. When guilt tries to condemn you, recall that you have been fully redeemed and forgiven. When the world seems chaotic, rest in the fact that you are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, possessing every spiritual blessing. The Christian life is not about striving to gain what we lack, but about believing in what we have. It is a journey of waking up to the reality that in Christ, we are rich, we are free, we are loved, and we are secure. May we live each day in the light of this magnificent inheritance, allowing the certainty of our position in Christ to transform our perspective, our prayers, and our peace.

  • John 1:19-23

    John 1:19-23

    John 1:19–23 marks the beginning of the narrative proper in the Gospel of John. The Apostle now shifts from theological prologue to historical testimony. Here, John the Baptist is formally introduced in his public ministry as the voice preparing the way for the Lord. This passage is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy and highlights John’s self-understanding: not as the Christ, not as Elijah in person, but as the forerunner. His humility and prophetic clarity serve as a model for gospel ministry, pointing entirely to the coming Christ.

    “And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.’”
    (John 1:19–23, ESV)

    John 1:19 — “And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’”

    Cross References:

    • Malachi 3:1 – “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.”
    • Matthew 3:5–6 – “Then Jerusalem and all Judea… were going out to him…”
    • Luke 3:15 – “As the people were in expectation…”

    The phrase “this is the testimony of John” connects this moment with the prologue’s emphasis on John’s role as a witness (John 1:7–8). The delegation from Jerusalem—priests and Levites—signifies official religious scrutiny from the Jewish establishment. John’s public impact has provoked attention from the Sanhedrin, the religious authorities, who must investigate.

    The term “the Jews” in John’s Gospel often refers to the religious leadership, not the nation as a whole. They come not with curiosity, but with concern and potential opposition. Their first and central question is theological and political: “Who are you?”—as in, What role or authority do you claim?

    This scene unfolds like a courtroom, with John delivering a legal testimony not about himself, but about Christ.

    John 1:20 — “He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’”

    Cross References:

    • Luke 3:16 – “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming…”
    • Acts 13:25 – “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.”
    • John 3:28 – “I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.”

    This is a deliberate threefold emphasis: “he confessed,” “did not deny,” “but confessed.” John’s denial of messianic identity is clear and absolute. In a time when messianic expectations were high (cf. John 6:15), John refuses to receive the glory that belongs only to Christ.

    This confession is a model of humility and theological clarity. John knows who he is not, before he declares who he is. His denial sets the stage for exalting Christ. He is not a savior—he is a signpost.

    John 1:21 — “And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’”

    Cross References:

    • Malachi 4:5 – “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet…”
    • Deuteronomy 18:15 – “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me…”
    • Matthew 11:14 – “If you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.”

    The religious leaders now probe whether John claims to be Elijah, or the Prophet promised by Moses. These expectations were widespread: Elijah was to return before the Day of the LORD (Malachi 4:5), and a Prophet like Moses would arise (Deuteronomy 18:15).

    John denies both, though Jesus later identifies him as fulfilling Elijah’s role (Matthew 11:14; Luke 1:17). John likely means he is not Elijah literally, nor is he the Prophet in the sense of a second Moses. Again, John does not assert himself, but preserves the singularity of Christ’s role.

    This dialogue highlights the misunderstanding of Scripture by the leaders and the distinctiveness of John’s mission.

    John 1:22 — “So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’”

    Cross References:

    • Isaiah 40:3 – “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD…’”
    • Matthew 3:3 – “For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah…”

    The persistence of the delegation reflects the urgency of John’s impact. His baptizing, preaching, and drawing of crowds demand explanation. They seek not only information but authorization. John is forced to speak about himself—but only in order to exalt another.

    John 1:23 — “He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.’”

    Cross References:

    • Isaiah 40:3 – “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD…”
    • Luke 1:76 – “…you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways…”
    • Mark 1:2–4 – “Behold, I send my messenger before your face…”

    John finally answers—not with titles or claims, but with Scripture. He quotes Isaiah 40:3, identifying himself as the voice, not the Word; the herald, not the King. His mission is preparatory: to call for repentance and spiritual readiness.

    In Isaiah, the call is to prepare the way for Yahweh. By applying this to Jesus, John is not only fulfilling prophecy but affirming the deity of Christ. He prepares the way for God Himself.

    This is also a typological echo of Exodus imagery: just as God led His people through the wilderness into promise, now Christ will lead the new exodus—from sin to life.

    Summary for Discipleship & Teaching

    John the Baptist’s testimony in these verses teaches disciples the heart of gospel ministry:

    • Know who you are not (you are not the Christ).
    • Know who you are in God’s calling (a voice, a servant).
    • Point always and only to Christ.

    His humility and scriptural clarity reveal a prophet who refuses self-glory and insists on exalting the coming Messiah. His ministry is shaped by truth, Scripture, and a Christ-centered vision. For teaching, this passage emphasizes preparation, clarity of calling, and the urgency of repentance in light of God’s arrival in Christ.

    God always sends a messenger before a major movement of redemption. In John, the long-awaited prophecy is fulfilled—the voice has spoken, the Lord is near.

    Outline: John 1:19–23 (ESV)
    The following information is intended for preparation.

    Scripture (ESV):

    19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
    20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”
    21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”
    22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
    23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

    1. The Inquiry About John (vv. 19–20)

    • “The Jews sent priests and Levites… to ask him, ‘Who are you?’” — Religious leaders investigated John’s identity and mission.
      • 📖 Cross Reference: Luke 3:15 — “All were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ.”
    • “He confessed… ‘I am not the Christ.’” — John clearly denied being the Messiah.
    • Key Idea: John’s identity was questioned, but he made his role clear.
    • Key Words:testimony, who are you, not the Christ

    2. Clarifying Misconceptions (v. 21)

    • “Are you Elijah?”… “I am not.” — He denies being Elijah in the literal sense.
    • “Are you the Prophet?”… “No.” — Refuses the title linked to Deuteronomy 18:15.
      • 📖 Cross Reference: Deuteronomy 18:15 — “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet…”
    • Key Idea: John denies being the expected figures of messianic prophecy.
    • Key Words:Elijah, the Prophet, No

    3. Declaring His True Role (vv. 22–23)

    • “What do you say about yourself?” — The leaders press him for a direct answer.
    • “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness” — John identifies as the forerunner, not the Messiah.
    • “Make straight the way of the Lord” — His mission is to prepare people for the coming of Jesus.
      • 📖 Cross Reference: Isaiah 40:3 — “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord…’”
    • Key Idea: John fulfills prophecy by preparing the way for the Lord.
    • Key Words:voice, wilderness, make straight, Isaiah