Choosing Christ: Sovereignty, Sacrifice, and Our Allegiance
Summary
The sermon begins with a reflection on the busyness of life and the necessity of setting aside time to be with Christ, recognizing Him as our sovereign king. The speaker draws attention to the hymn "It Is Well with My Soul" by Philip Bliss, using it as a segue into the heart of the message: the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The sermon paints a vivid picture of the suffering Jesus endured, including a brutal flogging that often killed individuals before they could be crucified. This suffering was not for His own wrongdoing but was borne out of love for humanity, with each person's sins in mind.
The speaker then delves into the biblical narrative, focusing on John 19 and the role of Pontius Pilate in the crucifixion. Pilate, though a negative figure, was used by God for His purposes, much like Esther was used to save her people. The crowd's rejection of Jesus, despite Pilate's attempts to release Him, is highlighted as a failure of moral influence theory. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus' ordeal was a direct result of human sinfulness, not the whims of political or religious leaders.
A personal anecdote is shared about the struggle to accept political leaders, especially when they do not align with one's preferences. The speaker confesses their own difficulty in this area but underscores the importance of praying for all authorities, recognizing that they are in power because God has allowed it. This is tied to the interaction between Pilate and Jesus, where Pilate's question about truth is left unanswered, illustrating Jesus' silent sovereignty even in the face of earthly power.
The sermon also addresses the misconception that Jesus never claimed to be God. The speaker clarifies that Jesus' crucifixion was precisely because He claimed to be the Son of God, a claim that was incomprehensible to many, including Pilate. The speaker relates this to contemporary situations where we might choose to remain silent rather than explain ourselves, drawing a parallel to Jesus' response to Pilate.
Finally, the speaker discusses the character of Pilate and the crowd's insistence on crucifixion, challenging the concept of karma and the lack of grace in today's culture. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the crowd's preference for Caesar over Jesus, urging the audience to examine their own allegiance and devotion to Christ as their true king.
Key Takeaways:
- The act of setting aside time for Christ amidst life's busyness is a declaration of His kingship over our lives. It is a conscious choice to prioritize our relationship with Him, acknowledging His ultimate sacrifice and enduring love. This practice is essential for Christians to maintain a deep and meaningful connection with their Savior. [22:53]
- The brutality of Jesus' crucifixion serves as a stark reminder of the depth of human sin and the extent of God's love. The physical torment He endured was not just a historical event but a personal sacrifice for each individual's transgressions. This perspective should profoundly impact how believers view their own sin and the grace that has been extended to them. [02:46]
- The story of Pilate and Jesus teaches us that God's sovereignty extends over all earthly authorities. Even when leaders seem to act against God's people or principles, they are ultimately part of His divine plan. This understanding should lead Christians to pray for their leaders and trust in God's overarching purpose, regardless of political climates. [18:39]
- Jesus' silence before Pilate when questioned about His identity as the Son of God demonstrates a powerful restraint and assurance in His divine mission. This example encourages believers to sometimes choose silence over explanation, trusting in God's understanding of our hearts and intentions, even when misunderstood by others. [12:46]
- The crowd's choice to reject Jesus as their king in favor of Caesar is a poignant reminder of humanity's tendency to choose earthly power over divine rule. Christians are called to examine their own loyalties and to ensure that Jesus reigns as the king of their hearts, above all worldly allegiances. [22:15]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 19:1-16
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific actions did Pilate take in an attempt to appease the crowd regarding Jesus? ([07:01])
2. How did the soldiers mock Jesus during His suffering? ([03:30])
3. What was Pilate's reaction when he heard that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God? ([04:50])
4. How did the crowd respond when Pilate presented Jesus to them after the flogging? ([05:33])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Pilate was hesitant to crucify Jesus despite the crowd's demands? ([07:01])
2. What does Jesus' silence before Pilate signify about His understanding of His mission and identity? ([12:03])
3. How does the crowd's choice of Caesar over Jesus reflect on their understanding of kingship and authority? ([19:21])
4. In what ways does the brutality of Jesus' crucifixion highlight the depth of human sin and the extent of God's love? ([02:46])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How often do you set aside time to be with Christ amidst your busy schedule? What practical steps can you take to prioritize this time? ([22:15])
2. How does understanding the physical and emotional suffering Jesus endured for our sins change your perspective on your own sin and the grace extended to you? ([02:46])
3. Think about a political leader you struggle to accept. How can you start praying for them, recognizing that they are in power because God has allowed it? ([14:39])
4. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you chose silence over explanation, trusting in God's understanding of your heart? How did that experience impact your faith? ([12:03])
5. Examine your own allegiances: Are there areas in your life where you are choosing earthly power or influence over divine rule? How can you realign your priorities to ensure Jesus reigns as the king of your heart? ([19:21])
6. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to remind yourself of His love and grace? ([23:37])
7. In what ways can you demonstrate grace and forgiveness in a culture that often lacks these qualities, especially in the context of social media and public discourse? ([09:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Prioritizing Christ's Sovereignty
In the relentless rush of daily life, consciously choosing to spend time with Christ is an affirmation of His rule over us. It's a deliberate act to place Him first, acknowledging the sacrifice He made out of love. This practice is not just a routine but a vital aspect of a believer's spiritual health and a testament to the recognition of Jesus' ultimate authority in their lives. [22:53]
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection: How can you rearrange your daily schedule to ensure that time with Christ is not just another task, but a cherished priority?
Day 2: Contemplating the Cost of Grace
The extreme suffering of Christ on the cross is a profound demonstration of the severity of sin and the magnitude of God's grace. It's a personal act of love for each individual's sins, meant to transform how one perceives their own failings and the forgiveness they've received. This understanding calls for a deep sense of gratitude and a renewed commitment to living a life worthy of such a sacrifice. [02:46]
Hebrews 12:2-3 - "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Reflection: In what ways does the reality of Jesus' sacrifice for your sins influence your daily actions and attitudes?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Sovereign Plan
The narrative of Pilate and Jesus serves as a reminder that God's sovereignty encompasses all earthly powers. Even when leaders' actions seem contrary to Christian values, they are part of God's greater plan. This truth should inspire believers to pray for their leaders and trust in God's ultimate purpose, regardless of the current political landscape. [18:39]
Daniel 2:21 - "He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning."
Reflection: How can you actively pray for your leaders, and what steps can you take to trust more deeply in God's control over political affairs?
Day 4: Embracing Silent Sovereignty
Jesus' silence in the face of Pilate's questioning reveals a powerful confidence in His divine mission. This example encourages believers to sometimes choose silence over explanation, trusting that God understands our hearts and intentions. It's a call to rest in the assurance of God's plan, even when we are misunderstood or misrepresented by the world. [12:46]
1 Peter 2:23 - "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you might need to embrace silence and trust in God's understanding, rather than trying to justify yourself?
Day 5: Examining Our Allegiance to Christ
The crowd's preference for Caesar over Jesus challenges us to consider where our true loyalty lies. It's a call to evaluate our devotion and to ensure that Christ is the supreme ruler of our hearts. This reflection is crucial for living a life that genuinely honors Jesus as our king, above all earthly powers and desires. [22:15]
Joshua 24:15 - "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your allegiance to Jesus in your daily life, and how can you resist the temptation to conform to worldly values?
Quotes
"When we carve out time to spend with Christ we are declaring you are my king." [22:53] (Download)
"The sins that separate us from God were now covered by the blood of Jesus." [24:29] (Download)
"Jesus says no you can't the power that you have you only have because it was given to you so this first part where Jesus doesn't give him an answer happens to us today." [12:46] (Download)
"God allowed Pontius Pilate to be in control. God allowed his personality." [16:39] (Download)
"Jesus did all of this because of you, because of me, because of our sins." [18:39] (Download)
"We have no King but Caesar." [20:12] (Download)
"Jesus is my king how much time do you spend with him in the week during the week how much time do you seek his face do you seek his presence." [22:15] (Download)
"The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe." [03:30] (Download)
"Pilate said to them, 'Here is the man.' As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, 'Crucify! Crucify!'" [04:09] (Download)
"Jesus answered, 'You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.'" [05:33] (Download)
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