Choosing Your Master: Sin or God?

 

Summary

In this message, we explore the profound contrast between two paths of life, as outlined by the Apostle Paul. These paths are defined by the masters we serve: sin or God. Every soul is confronted with this choice, and there is no neutrality in the spiritual realm. The Apostle emphasizes that the ultimate question is not about our moral actions or ethical standards, but rather, who is our master? This is the crux of the Christian Gospel, and it challenges us to examine our allegiance.

The Apostle Paul uses the analogy of slavery to illustrate the stark differences between serving sin and serving God. Serving sin results in wages, which are earned and deserved, leading ultimately to death. This death is not just physical but spiritual, culminating in the second death—a final and irreversible separation from God. On the other hand, serving God results in a gift, which is unearned and undeserved, leading to eternal life. This eternal life is not merely everlasting existence but a profound knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, resulting in unalterable holiness and imperishable glory.

The Apostle further explains that the conditions under which we serve these masters are entirely different. Sin offers rations, determined by the law, which leads to death. In contrast, God offers a free gift, rooted in grace, leading to eternal life. This grace is the unmerited favor of God, a kindness shown to those who do not deserve it.

Ultimately, the Apostle underscores that the end of these two paths is vastly different. The path of sin leads to death, while the path of God leads to eternal life. This eternal life is a life of glory, holiness, and perfection in the presence of God. It is a life that begins here and now but will be fully realized in the future.

The Apostle concludes by reminding us that all of this is made possible through Jesus Christ our Lord. It is through His life, death, and resurrection that we are justified and joined to Him. This union with Christ is the source of our sanctification and the assurance of our future glory.

Key Takeaways:

- The ultimate question in life is not about our moral actions but about who we serve: sin or God. This choice determines our spiritual allegiance and destiny. [15:10]

- Serving sin results in wages that lead to death, while serving God results in a free gift that leads to eternal life. This contrast highlights the difference between earning and receiving. [23:12]

- Eternal life is not just everlasting existence but a profound knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, resulting in holiness and glory. It is a life that begins now and will be fully realized in the future. [32:04]

- Our union with Christ is the source of our sanctification and the assurance of our future glory. It is through Him that we are justified and joined to God. [41:09]

- The grace of God is the only explanation for why any of us are Christians. It is His unmerited favor and kindness that draws us to Him and transforms our lives. [47:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [11:54] - The Two Paths
- [12:23] - The End of Each Path
- [13:13] - The Masters We Serve
- [14:29] - The Essential Question
- [15:29] - The Fight for the Gospel
- [16:13] - False Apostles
- [17:48] - Judging by the Right Standard
- [19:17] - The Conditions of Service
- [20:46] - The Law and Sin
- [22:23] - The Just Recompense
- [23:32] - The Gift of God
- [25:49] - The Different Ends
- [28:00] - The Wages of Sin
- [31:31] - Eternal Life Defined
- [35:02] - The Fullness of Eternal Life
- [39:02] - Through Jesus Christ Our Lord
- [42:28] - God's Purpose for Glory
- [44:39] - The Misunderstanding of the Gospel
- [47:22] - The Grace of God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 6:22-23
2. John 17:3
3. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 6:22-23, what are the contrasting outcomes of serving sin versus serving God? How does the Apostle Paul describe these outcomes in terms of wages and gifts? [12:23]

2. In John 17:3, how does Jesus define eternal life? What does this definition imply about the nature of eternal life beyond just everlasting existence? [32:04]

3. How does 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 describe false apostles, and what warning does it provide about appearances versus true spiritual allegiance? [17:48]

4. What analogy does the Apostle Paul use to describe the relationship between sin, law, and death? How does this analogy help us understand the consequences of serving sin? [20:46]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being a "slave" to either sin or God challenge common perceptions of freedom and autonomy in spiritual life? [13:59]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of grace in the Christian life, and how does it contrast with the concept of earning wages through sin? [23:47]

3. How might the description of eternal life as a profound knowledge of God and Jesus Christ influence a believer's understanding of their current spiritual journey? [32:04]

4. In what ways does the sermon emphasize the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as the source of our justification and sanctification? [39:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Who or what do you find yourself serving most often—sin or God? How can you realign your daily choices to reflect a commitment to serving God? [15:10]

2. The sermon highlights the unearned nature of God's gift of eternal life. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for this grace in your daily spiritual practices? [23:47]

3. Eternal life is described as a profound knowledge of God. What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God and grow in this knowledge? [32:04]

4. Consider the role of Jesus Christ in your life. How does recognizing Him as the source of your sanctification and future glory impact your faith journey? [39:02]

5. The sermon warns against being deceived by appearances. How can you develop discernment to recognize true spiritual allegiance in yourself and others? [17:48]

6. Reflect on the grace of God as the reason for your faith. How can you share this understanding of grace with others in a way that is both authentic and impactful? [47:22]

7. The sermon speaks of the ultimate end of eternal life as glory and holiness. How does this vision of the future shape your current priorities and actions? [34:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Allegiance Determines Destiny
The ultimate question in life is not about our moral actions but about who we serve: sin or God. This choice determines our spiritual allegiance and destiny. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that every soul is confronted with this choice, and there is no neutrality in the spiritual realm. Serving sin results in wages that lead to death, while serving God results in a free gift that leads to eternal life. This decision is the crux of the Christian Gospel, challenging us to examine our allegiance and the master we choose to serve. [15:10]

Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Reflection: What are some ways you can actively choose to serve God in your daily life, rather than being passive in your spiritual journey?


Day 2: The Gift of Eternal Life
Serving sin results in wages that lead to death, while serving God results in a free gift that leads to eternal life. This contrast highlights the difference between earning and receiving. The Apostle Paul uses the analogy of slavery to illustrate the stark differences between serving sin and serving God. While sin offers rations determined by the law, leading to death, God offers a free gift rooted in grace, leading to eternal life. This grace is the unmerited favor of God, a kindness shown to those who do not deserve it. [23:12]

Romans 6:23 (ESV): "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: How can you embrace the gift of eternal life today, and what does it mean for you to live in the freedom of God's grace?


Day 3: Eternal Life Begins Now
Eternal life is not just everlasting existence but a profound knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, resulting in holiness and glory. It is a life that begins now and will be fully realized in the future. The Apostle Paul explains that this eternal life is a life of glory, holiness, and perfection in the presence of God. It is through Jesus Christ that we are justified and joined to God, and this union is the source of our sanctification and the assurance of our future glory. [32:04]

John 17:3 (ESV): "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your knowledge of God and Jesus Christ today, and how does this impact your understanding of eternal life?


Day 4: Union with Christ
Our union with Christ is the source of our sanctification and the assurance of our future glory. It is through Him that we are justified and joined to God. The Apostle Paul underscores that all of this is made possible through Jesus Christ our Lord. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we are justified and joined to Him. This union with Christ is the foundation of our spiritual journey, providing the strength and assurance needed for our sanctification and future glory. [41:09]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: How does your union with Christ influence your daily decisions and actions, and what steps can you take to strengthen this union?


Day 5: The Transforming Grace of God
The grace of God is the only explanation for why any of us are Christians. It is His unmerited favor and kindness that draws us to Him and transforms our lives. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that serving God results in a gift, which is unearned and undeserved, leading to eternal life. This grace is the unmerited favor of God, a kindness shown to those who do not deserve it, and it is through this grace that we are drawn to Him and transformed. [47:22]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: Reflect on a specific area of your life where you have experienced God's grace. How can you extend this grace to others in your community today?

Quotes


The Apostle Paul uses the analogy of slavery to illustrate the stark differences between serving sin and serving God. Serving sin results in wages, which are earned and deserved, leading ultimately to death. This death is not just physical but spiritual, culminating in the second death—a final and irreversible separation from God. [00:28:00]

The ultimate question in life is not about our moral actions but about who we serve: sin or God. This choice determines our spiritual allegiance and destiny. The Apostle emphasizes that the ultimate question is not about our moral actions or ethical standards, but rather, who is our master? [00:14:29]

The grace of God is the only explanation for why any of us are Christians. It is His unmerited favor and kindness that draws us to Him and transforms our lives. This grace is the unmerited favor of God, a kindness shown to those who do not deserve it. [00:47:22]

Eternal life is not just everlasting existence but a profound knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, resulting in holiness and glory. It is a life that begins now and will be fully realized in the future. This eternal life is a life of glory, holiness, and perfection in the presence of God. [00:32:04]

Our union with Christ is the source of our sanctification and the assurance of our future glory. It is through Him that we are justified and joined to God. This union with Christ is the source of our sanctification and the assurance of our future glory. [00:41:09]

The Apostle further explains that the conditions under which we serve these masters are entirely different. Sin offers rations, determined by the law, which leads to death. In contrast, God offers a free gift, rooted in grace, leading to eternal life. [00:19:17]

The path of sin leads to death, while the path of God leads to eternal life. This eternal life is a life of glory, holiness, and perfection in the presence of God. It is a life that begins here and now but will be fully realized in the future. [00:22:23]

The Apostle concludes by reminding us that all of this is made possible through Jesus Christ our Lord. It is through His life, death, and resurrection that we are justified and joined to Him. This union with Christ is the source of our sanctification and the assurance of our future glory. [00:39:02]

The Apostle Paul uses the analogy of slavery to illustrate the stark differences between serving sin and serving God. Serving sin results in wages, which are earned and deserved, leading ultimately to death. This death is not just physical but spiritual, culminating in the second death—a final and irreversible separation from God. [00:28:00]

The grace of God is the only explanation for why any of us are Christians. It is His unmerited favor and kindness that draws us to Him and transforms our lives. This grace is the unmerited favor of God, a kindness shown to those who do not deserve it. [00:47:22]

Eternal life is not just everlasting existence but a profound knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, resulting in holiness and glory. It is a life that begins now and will be fully realized in the future. This eternal life is a life of glory, holiness, and perfection in the presence of God. [00:32:04]

Our union with Christ is the source of our sanctification and the assurance of our future glory. It is through Him that we are justified and joined to God. This union with Christ is the source of our sanctification and the assurance of our future glory. [00:41:09]

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Transcript
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