We kicked off a brand-new sermon series this weekend titled “Let’s Be Clear.” This series is all about navigating our faith in a time of increasing cultural hostility toward Christianity. The theme verse for this series is Proverbs 25:25-26:
“Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain nis a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.”
Our culture is confused, and in that confusion, there is a temptation for believers to stay silent, to avoid controversy, and to blend in. But God has called us to clarity. Clarity answers confusion. In this series, we aim to boldly and unapologetically teach what the Bible clearly says about controversial topics.
This isn’t about being combative; it’s about being authentic and courageous in proclaiming truth. My prayer is that this series will give believers the courage to be clear in their convictions and speak the truth in love.
In this first sermon of the series, we examined Philippians 2:9-11, where Paul declares that Jesus has been exalted to the highest place and given the name above every name. Because of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection, God has elevated Him to a position of ultimate authority. The passage reminds us that every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Here is the big idea for this week: Jesus is Lord, and there is no other.
Jesus Was Honored by God Because He Was Humiliated by Man
Take a moment to read Philippians 2:9-11. This text begins with the word “therefore.” Here’s a little bit of Bible Study 101 for you: when you see the word “therefore,” you must ask yourself, “What is it there for?” In this case, the exaltation of Christ and the name bestowed upon Him were given because of His willingness to become a man and endure the humiliation of crucifixion. In other words, Jesus was honored by God because He was humiliated by man.
Think about Bill Belichick and his recent acceptance of the head football coaching position at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Widely regarded as one of the greatest football coaches in history, Belichick earned his qualifications through years of hard work and dedication. Therefore, he was recently elevated to this prestigious position at UNC.
In a much greater way, we see Jesus exalted in this text because of His perfect obedience and sacrifice.
Jesus Is Either Lord of All or Not at All
In today’s culture, it’s popular to respect Jesus as a good teacher or a wise prophet, but the Bible leaves no room for that halfway view. Jesus can’t just be a great moral figure; He must be acknowledged as Lord. Whether or not we want to bow before Jesus, Philippians 2:10 makes it clear that one day every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. This truth may offend some, but offense only matters if the claim is false.
Many in our society reject the exclusivity of Jesus’ Lordship, but ironically, even the claim that no one has the answer is an exclusive answer itself. The popular “COEXIST” bumper sticker might seem humble and open-minded, but in reality, it’s steeped in arrogance. It dismisses the claims of every faith by asserting they are all equally wrong.
The Bible teaches that Jesus is Lord, and Church, we need the moral and intellectual courage to say that this is true.
Application: Worship Jesus as Lord
The call of Philippians 2:11 is to recognize Jesus’ Lordship and respond with worship. We don’t make Him Lord—He already is. Our role is to align our lives with that truth. As believers, we spell Lord “B-O-S-S.” In practical terms, this means asking ourselves: “Is Jesus really the boss of my life?” Take a moment to reflect on your life. What needs to change in 2025 for your life to reflect His Lordship more fully?
- Is there uncontrolled anger in your home?
- Are you battling hidden sexual sin?
- Are you reluctant to give generously?
It’s a new year, but the calendar moving to 2025 doesn’t have the power to change you. Only Jesus can do that. Let’s begin this year by asking God to transform us through His Spirit so that our lives line up with the truth of His Lordship.
If you’re not a believer today and haven’t made Jesus the Lord of your life, don’t focus on behavior modification—focus on the gospel. You should want Jesus as Lord because of what He did for you. In our sin, we deserve death and hell, but Jesus took our place, died for us, and rose again to offer us new life.
We don’t muster love for Him—we respond to the love He first showed us. If you’re ready to make Jesus the Lord of your life, don’t wait. Respond to His love today.
-Andrew Hopper, Lead Pastor
Watch the full sermon from week one of the “Let’s Be Clear” series below:
