2. Cravings…What do we crave?
Survival
Significance
Vindication
Relationship
Satisfaction
Appreciation

3. Cravings…What do we crave?
Cravings are insightfully revealing
Who we are
What motivates us
Our values
Much can be known by examining what we crave

4. 1st Peter 1:10-12 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries,

5. seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.

6. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.
New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995

7. Angelic Longings “long” – means “to lust” Lust
A dominating drive
A powerful compulsion
Amoral…neither good nor evil
Angels…the salvation of sinners

8. A little bit about Angels
Inappropriately romanticized
Wrongly worshipped
They are created beings (Psalm 148:2-5)
Not created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28)

9. A little bit about Angels
They currently are higher in rank than humanity (Hebrews 2:7)
One day ruled by redeemed humanity (1st Corinthians 6:3)

10. A little bit about Angels
Their concern is with worship (Revelation 5:11-12)
Their concern is with God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:1-7)

11. A little bit about Angels
Their fall (Revelation 12:1-9)
There is no salvation for them (Hebrews 2:14-18)
They are servants, minister to those who are being saved (Hebrews 1:14)

12. Angels and Jesus Announced Christ’s Coming (Luke 1 and 2)
Bore Christ’s burdens (Matthew 4:11)
Ministered to Christ’s agony (Luke 22:43)
Announced Christ’s Resurrection (Luke 24:4-7)

13. Why the craving? They know God’s holiness.
They know the effects of sin
They see our depravity
They must be overwhelmed by grace.
How? Why? What? When? HUH???

14. Christmas Cravings Those who know best, long the most.
To know Christ is to long for Christ.
To serve Christ is to long for His glory.