The Incarnation Reveals God’s Presence

Colossians 2:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form

1 John 1:1-5 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life - and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us - what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all 

Central Truth: The incarnation reveals God’s presence among and within His people. 

Omnipresence: God is everywhere at all times.  

Manifest Presence: God’s presence around you, often felt or sensed.  

Indwelling Presence: God’s presence within you. 

Old Testament: God’s presence dwelt primarily in the temple. 

New Testament:  God’s presence dwells primarily in His people. 

God’s presence is a relational reality far more than a subjective experience. 

3 Ways We Can Experience the Presence of Jesus 

1. Stage 1: General exposure to the person of Jesus. (1 John 1:1) 

2. Stage 2: Explanation of the person of Jesus. (1 John 2:2) 

3. Stage 3: Experience the presence of God personally. (1 John 1:3) 

John 4:39-42 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. Many more believed because of His word; and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.” 

APPLICATION: How do you experience the presence of God? 

1. Get SAVED 

John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

2. Start SURRENDERING and SEEKING. 

James 4:7-8 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts.  

3. Remain SENSITIVE to the Holy Spirit’s leading. 

1 Corinthians 14:25 as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”  “Surely God is among you.”   

Psalm 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; 

Exodus 33:14 And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” 

Exodus 33:15 Then Moses said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here. 

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. 

Psalm 27:4-6 One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.