Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
The hymn repeatedly addresses “Christ our God”; what picture of Jesus’identity and worthiness of worship is assumed in the opening line “Christ our God to thee we raise,” and how does that challenge any modern tendency to treat Jesus mainly as a helper or example?
Another way to ask: When the hymn says “Christ our God,” what does it assume about who Jesus is and why he deserves worship? How does that push back against treating Jesus mainly as a helper or role model?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The hymn assumes Jesus is truly God and therefore the rightful receiver of worship, not merely a moral teacher or a personal assistant. Calling him “Christ our God” and raising a “hymn of grateful praise” to him challenges any view of Jesus that reduces him to a helpful resource.
- The repeated address is direct worship: “Christ our God to thee we raise; this our hymn of grateful praise.”
- Jesus is named as the receiver of praise for creation and providence: “For the beauty of the earth… Christ our God to thee we raise.”
- He is also praised for church life and worship: “For thy church… Christ our God to thee we raise.”
- The hymn attributes the central “gift divine” to him: “For thyself this gift divine, to our race so freely give.”
- The refrain’s repetition makes the relationship primarily doxological (worshipful), not merely practical help.