The Concealing and Revealing of Truth
Mack Tomlinson teaches that Jesus uniquely mediates divine truth, affirming God's sovereign choice to conceal truth from some and reveal it to others, calling believers to rest in His authority and revelation.
This sermon delves into the profound invitation extended by Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, where He calls the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. The sermon emphasizes the exclusivity of Christ's relationship with the Father, His delegated authority, and the importance of taking His yoke, learning from Him, and finding true rest in Him. It challenges listeners to respond to this invitation and find rest in Jesus, the only source of true peace and fulfillment.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Jesus' prayer of thanksgiving for God's sovereign concealment and revelation of truth
- The significance of God hiding truth from the wise and revealing it to babes
- The biblical foundation of divine election and revelation
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II
- Jesus' declaration of His unique relationship with the Father
- The exclusive knowledge between Father and Son
- Jesus as the sole mediator and revealer of God to humanity
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III
- The reality of spiritual blindness and the hardening of hearts
- The necessity of divine revelation for true knowledge of God
- The offense and challenge of God's sovereign choices in revelation
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IV
- The delegated authority of Jesus over all things
- The call to rest in Jesus' yoke amid opposition
- The encouragement to trust God's sovereign will in difficult times
Key Quotes
“Father, I thank You, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hid these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them unto babes.” — Mack Tomlinson
“No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” — Mack Tomlinson
“All things are delivered unto Me by My Father; I am the only one who can make Him known to anybody.” — Mack Tomlinson
Application Points
- Trust in God's sovereign wisdom even when His ways of revealing or concealing truth are difficult to understand.
- Seek to know Jesus personally as the exclusive mediator who reveals the Father to believers.
- Rest in the gentle yoke of Christ amid opposition and spiritual challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God conceal truth from some people?
God's reasons for concealing truth are ultimately unknown to us, but it is a sovereign choice that pleases Him, often related to His divine election and timing.
How can Jesus be the only one who reveals the Father?
Jesus has a unique, intimate relationship with the Father and is the exclusive mediator who reveals God to those whom He chooses.
What does it mean to 'see' Jesus with the heart?
Seeing Jesus with the heart refers to a spiritual perception and recognition of His true identity and glory, beyond physical sight.
How should believers respond to the idea that God hides truth from some?
Believers should respond with thanksgiving and trust in God's sovereign wisdom, acknowledging His authority even when we do not fully understand His ways.
What is the significance of Jesus' delegated authority?
Jesus' delegated authority from the Father means He has full power over all things and will be the final judge of all humanity.