Choosing Life: The Redemption from Sin through Christ
Devotional
Day 1: The Pervasive Curse of Sin
Sin has cast a shadow over all creation, distorting the world from its original design. The environment suffers from pollution, the animal kingdom is marked by violence, and humanity experiences disharmony. This pervasive curse is a deviation from God's intent for peace and harmony. The world we see today is a testament to sin's destructive power, affecting every aspect of life. Understanding this helps us recognize the need for redemption and the hope offered through Christ. [02:36]
"For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." (Romans 8:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you see the effects of sin in the world around you, and how can you be a part of God's restorative work today?
Day 2: The Promise of Restoration through Christ
God's kingdom promises a future where the curse of sin is lifted, and harmony is restored. This vision of restoration is a beacon of hope for those who trust in Christ. In this renewed world, creation will reflect God's original intent, where peace reigns, and the natural order is restored. This transformation is not just a future promise but a present reality for believers who live in the light of Christ's redemption. [05:27]
"The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you live today in a way that reflects the peace and restoration promised in God's kingdom?
Day 3: The Dual Consequences of Sin
Sin affects both the physical and spiritual realms, introducing sickness, death, and separation from God. However, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross offers redemption and the breaking of the curse for those who choose to follow Him. This dual consequence of sin highlights the importance of spiritual and physical healing through Christ. Embracing His sacrifice leads to a life of wholeness and reconciliation with God. [12:09]
"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What areas of your life need healing and redemption, and how can you invite Jesus into those areas today?
Day 4: The Choice Between Life and Death
Each individual is presented with a choice between life and death, blessing and curse. Choosing to follow Christ leads to eternal life and the blessings of God's kingdom, while rejecting Him results in remaining under the curse of sin. This choice is a daily decision that impacts both our present and eternal destiny. Embracing Christ means living under the blessings of His love and grace. [35:14]
"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one decision you can make today that reflects your choice to follow Christ and embrace life?
Day 5: Living Under God's Law
God's laws are designed to protect us from harm and guide us towards a life of blessing. Defying these laws leads to consequences, much like defying physical laws such as gravity. Embracing God's laws leads to a life aligned with His will and purpose. Living under God's law is not about restriction but about experiencing the fullness of life He intends for us. [20:27]
"Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me." (Psalm 119:97-98, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you align your daily actions with God's laws to experience His blessings more fully?
Sermon Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound impact of sin on the world and the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. We began by acknowledging the crucifixion, where Jesus bore the curse of sin for humanity. This act of sacrifice was not just a historical event but a pivotal moment that changed the course of human destiny. The crucifixion, foretold in scriptures long before it became a method of execution, underscores the divine plan for redemption.
We delved into the consequences of sin, which have permeated every aspect of creation. The world, as we see it today, is not as God intended. Sin has brought about a curse that affects the environment, the animal kingdom, and humanity itself. The natural world suffers from pollution and destruction, while the animal kingdom is marked by violence and predation, contrary to God's original design of harmony and peace.
The sermon highlighted the transformative vision of God's kingdom, where the curse of sin is lifted. In this renewed world, peace will reign, and the natural order will be restored. The prophetic vision from Isaiah paints a picture of a world where predators and prey coexist peacefully, symbolizing the restoration of creation to its intended state.
We also examined the spiritual and physical ramifications of sin. Sin has introduced sickness, death, and spiritual separation from God. However, through Jesus' sacrifice, the curse is broken for those who choose to trust in Him. This choice between life and death, blessing and curse, is set before each individual. The decision to follow Christ leads to eternal life and the blessings of God's kingdom.
In conclusion, the message is a call to choose life, to embrace the redemption offered through Jesus Christ, and to live under the blessings of God's love and grace. This choice not only affects our present life but also determines our eternal destiny.
Key Takeaways
1. KyE&t=156s'>[02:36] 2. Restoration through Christ: The vision of God's kingdom is one of restoration and peace, where the curse of sin is lifted. In this renewed world, harmony will be restored, and creation will reflect God's original intent. This transformation is a promise of hope for those who trust in Christ.
3. Spiritual and Physical Consequences: Sin affects both the physical and spiritual realms, introducing sickness, death, and separation from God. However, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross offers redemption and the breaking of the curse for those who choose to follow Him.
4. The Choice of Life and Death: Each individual is presented with a choice between life and death, blessing and curse. Choosing to follow Christ leads to eternal life and the blessings of God's kingdom, while rejecting Him results in remaining under the curse of sin.
5. Living under God's Law: God's laws are designed to protect us from harm and guide us towards a life of blessing. Defying these laws leads to consequences, much like defying physical laws such as gravity. Embracing God's laws leads to a life aligned with His will and purpose.
According to Deuteronomy 21:22-23, what is the significance of a person being hung on a tree, and how does this relate to the crucifixion of Jesus? [24:28]
In Isaiah 11:6-9, what imagery is used to describe the peace and harmony in God's restored kingdom? How does this contrast with the current state of the world? [04:21]
How does Galatians 3:13 explain the role of Jesus in redeeming us from the curse of the law? What does it mean for Jesus to become a curse for us? [28:04]
What are some examples given in the sermon of how sin has affected the natural world and human relationships? [02:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
How does the concept of being "cursed" in Deuteronomy 21:22-23 help us understand the depth of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross? [24:28]
What does the vision of peace in Isaiah 11:6-9 suggest about God's original design for creation and His ultimate plan for restoration? [04:21]
In what ways does Galatians 3:13 challenge our understanding of justice and mercy in the context of sin and redemption? [28:04]
How does the sermon describe the choice between life and death, blessing and curse, and what implications does this have for our daily decisions? [35:14]
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Application Questions:
Reflect on a time when you felt the impact of sin in your environment or relationships. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of Jesus' redemptive work? [02:36]
The sermon calls us to choose life and embrace the redemption offered through Jesus. What specific steps can you take this week to live under the blessings of God's love and grace? [36:37]
Consider the areas in your life where you might be defying God's laws, much like defying physical laws such as gravity. What changes can you make to align more closely with God's will? [20:27]
How can the vision of God's restored kingdom in Isaiah 11:6-9 inspire you to work towards peace and harmony in your community? What practical actions can you take? [04:21]
The sermon mentions the spiritual and physical consequences of sin. How can you address any spiritual separation from God in your life and seek a closer relationship with Him? [12:09]
In what ways can you actively choose life and blessings over death and curses in your daily decisions? How can this choice impact your family and community? [35:14]
Reflect on the idea that God's laws are designed to protect us. How can you better understand and apply these laws in your life to avoid harm and experience God's blessings? [17:39]
Sermon Clips
We are happy to stand and to declare to a people that were not yet born that you indeed have done this. You paid the price to redeem us from sin, and we give thanks in Jesus name, amen. It may be seated as we are journeying through the Bible. [00:59:28]
Sin has brought a curse upon the world. As you look around at the world in which we live today, you do not see the world as God intended it to be. You see a world that is suffering as the result of sin, as the result of the curse of sin. [00:51:31]
God did not create all of the pollution, man has done that. God did not pollute the oceans, man has done that. God did not destroy the rain forest, man is doing that. And the curse of God because of sin affects everything here on the Earth. [03:03:30]
We see its effect in the animal kingdom. The animals have become carnivorous. We watch on television in the nature movies, the Lions as they are chasing down the wildebeests and tearing it to part and devouring it. We see the wolves devouring the Lambs. [03:31:44]
When Jesus establishes God's kingdom upon the Earth and he renews the Earth, brings it back to the state as it was in the Garden of Eden, that that fierceness of the animals will be gone. Isaiah's prophesies, the wolf shall dwell with the lamb. [04:21:28]
The entrance of sin brought a curse upon mankind physically. Sin introduced sickness and death. I believe that all sickness and physical infirmities, physical handicaps, have resulted as the result of the entrance of sin into the world. [08:57:00]
Sin affects man not only physically but spiritually because men are controlled by the lust of their flesh. We have wars, we have murder, we have rapes, we have all types of crimes that come from the effect of sin upon the human nature. [12:07:38]
God has established spiritual laws that govern our universe and our lives, and if I say I don't like that law, I don't have to obey that law, and I defy the spiritual laws, there is the cause and effect in the spiritual laws that is just as powerful. [20:35:39]
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, cursed is everyone that is hung on a tree. All of the curses that were declared by God for the person who violated the different laws were born by Jesus Christ. [27:42:39]
God sets before you today life and death, blessing or cursing, and you must choose which path you will take. Let's pray father, we thank you for what you have done for us in sending your son to take the curse for our sin and to die in our place. [36:39:00]
If God has spoken to your heart today and is speaking to you and urging you I encourage you, as did Moses, choose life, that you and your family might live as God intends and wants us to live, not controlled by our own lust, but controlled by the spirit of God. [40:35:68]
The good life can be yours, it's up to you, it's your choice. The Lord bless thee and keep thee, the Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and the gracious unto thee and be gracious unto thee the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give me peace. [40:41:64]