Sermon Snippet – The Dignity of Doctrine and the Doctrine of Dignity
INTRODUCTION – It has become unfortunately fashionable within the Church as a whole to minimize the importance of Biblical doctrine. Worship has frequently become man-centered, with some churches replacing worship services with “experiences.” Prayer meetings are increasingly rare, as well. Solid exposition of Scripture, a staple of evangelical churches, is sometimes shoved aside by gimmicks and short talks (rather than sermons). All churches are commanded, “But speak thou the things which become [are consistent with] sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Titus 1:9, 13; 2:2, 7-8 – these verses pound home this point. Such healthy teaching is necessary for healthy spiritual living; even with this “sound doctrine,” we can still fail, of course. However, with it, we have a good opportunity to grow. Let us see how an appropriate regard for the dignity of doctrine provides a foundation for the doctrine of human dignity.
1. WE ARE CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE
Genesis 1:26-27 states unequivocally that humans are created in God’s image. Some of His attributes are incommunicable (for example, infinity and anything that starts with “omni-” – omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence); logically, only God can be God. Some of His attributes, though, are communicable: justice, truth, love, will. Modern assaults on human dignity (including the slaughter of the innocents and the mutilation of children) are driven by crass greed, no doubt. However, the philosophical underpinning of these attacks on humanity is a rejection of God as Creator and of His image in all people – yes, even in those who virulently and violently oppose Him (think of Saul who became Paul the Apostle).
2. WE ARE CREATED BY GOD PERSONALLY
Psalm 139:13-17 is a well-known passage that rejoices in God’s personal superintendence of each one of us. Jeremiah 1:4-5 is a specific example of the personal interest that the Creator takes in us. God truly is our Father, and each one of us is far more than a blob of biochemistry.
3. THE INCARNATION OF GOD THE SON FURTHER CONFIRMS THE DIGNITY OF HUMANITY
Philippians 2:5-8 tells us that Jesus, fully divine, also became fully human. If we had no other teaching on this subject, this greatest of all examples would be sufficient to teach us the value of each person, for God the Son chose to be human.
4. THE CROSS FURTHER CONFIRMS THE DIGNITY OF HUMANITY
In addition to Philippians 2:5-8, Galatians 4:4-5 focuses on the saving work of Jesus on the Cross. Only as One Who was fully human could Jesus take our place and pay the full penalty for all of our sins.
5. EVEN OUR FUTURE RESURRECTION BODIES REVEAL THE DIGNITY OF HUMANITY
The Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-3) teaches many things; one is that He retains His human body. We note also that Moses and Elijah were completely recognizable as who they had been in their earthly lives. This glimpse into eternity reveals the value of humanity, even the human body.
CONCLUSION – Mark 8:36-37 records these probing questions of Jesus: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” The “soul” is who a person really is. Jesus cares about each soul, about your soul – now and forever. He cares so much that He died on the Cross so that each one of us can live forever with Him. May each of us trust in Him for His eternal salvation, and may we value what He values, including the dignity of huymanity.