Christ: The Final Word
Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life
Release Date: January 1, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Christ: The Final Word," renowned pastor and author Tim Keller delves deep into the theological significance of Jesus Christ as presented in the Book of Hebrews. Addressing urban Christians grappling with life's hardships amidst a pluralistic society, Keller offers profound insights into understanding God's unwavering love and the transformative power of focusing on Jesus.

Overview of the Sermon

Keller embarks on a sermon series through the Book of Hebrews, aiming to answer the pressing question: "If God loves us so much, why is life so hard?" He explores the journey from weariness to rest and alienation to the presence of God, emphasizing that the path home is paved by fixating on Jesus Christ, the ultimate revelation of God.

Key Themes

1. God's Communication Through Jesus

Keller begins by contrasting the Old Testament method of God's communication through prophets with the New Testament revelation through Jesus Christ.

"In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways. But in these last days, he has spoken to us by His Son."
(00:20)

He underscores that Jesus is not merely another prophet but the definitive expression of God's character and essence, providing a personal and direct relationship with God.

2. The Nature of Jesus Christ

Delving into Hebrews 1:3, Keller portrays Jesus as the "radiance of God's glory" and "the exact representation of his being."

"Jesus Christ is the radiance of his glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word."
(02:16)

He illustrates the omnipotence and divinity of Jesus, comparing Him to the overwhelming and transformative manifestations of God's glory in the Old Testament, such as the fiery pillar that guided the Israelites.

3. The Challenge of a Personal Relationship

Using the analogy of marriage, Keller explains that true intimacy requires accepting the other's unchangeable aspects or "finalities."

"There's no intimacy without finality, or there's no intimacy of relationship unless you're willing to accept the other person's finalities."
(08:45)

He challenges listeners to embrace the aspects of God that may seem difficult or contrary to personal desires, emphasizing that a genuine relationship with God necessitates surrender and acceptance of His will.

4. Obsessing on God's Grace

Keller emphasizes the importance of a fervent and continuous focus on Jesus' sacrifice and God's grace to foster genuine transformation.

"Obsess on the grace of God until you become what you know you should be, the person you know you can be through Him."
(20:12)

He argues that relying solely on adherence to the law leads to either superficial morality or despair, whereas embracing God's grace leads to profound internal change.

5. Responding to Finalities

Addressing the modern reluctance to accept God's judgment, Keller asserts that rejecting the authority of the Bible compromises the very foundation of a personal relationship with God.

"Unless you accept the authority of the Word of God, it can't unless you are willing that there's some finalities about God."
(17:35)

He contends that denying God's non-negotiable truths leads to a diluted faith, akin to interacting with an impersonal appliance rather than a living, relational God.

Notable Quotes

• On God's Final Communication Through Jesus:
  "In these last days, he has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things and through whom he made the universe."
  (00:20)

• On the Transformation Through Jesus:
  "The glory of God in the face of Jesus, the glory of God, as you read the scripture, coming into contact with a heart that is melted by the sense of God's grace... will change you."
  (35:50)

• On the Necessity of Extreme Commitment:
  "There's nothing in the middle. You need to be extreme. Jesus forces you to be extreme... extremely devoted and extremely committed to him."
  (26:30)

• On Christianity's Radical Nature:
  "Christianity either means that [Jesus is God incarnate] or it means nothing. It is the most devastating disclosure of the deepest reality in the world or it is a sham, a total nonsense."
  (31:15)

Conclusion

Tim Keller's sermon "Christ: The Final Word" offers a compelling exploration of Jesus Christ's pivotal role in God's communication and the believer's journey. By emphasizing the necessity of a deep, unwavering focus on Jesus and the acceptance of God's unchangeable truths, Keller provides a roadmap for navigating life's challenges with faith and resilience. His insights encourage believers to embrace the transformative power of God's grace and to understand that true intimacy with God requires surrendering personal desires in favor of divine will.

This summary encapsulates the core teachings and reflections presented by Tim Keller in the sermon "Christ: The Final Word." For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian faith amidst modern challenges, Keller's insights offer both guidance and inspiration.