Divine Law, Human Rebellion, and Grace's Assurance
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon delved into the profound themes of God's law, human rebellion, and divine grace. We began by examining the story of John the Baptist's beheading by King Herod, a narrative that underscores the human tendency to resist God's word, especially when it confronts our sins. Herodias' grudge against John for condemning her unlawful marriage to Herod exemplifies how deeply we can resent divine correction. This resistance to God's law is not just a historical phenomenon but a present reality in our lives, where we often react with anger and rebellion when confronted with our shortcomings.
We then transitioned to the book of Amos, where God's judgment on Israel for their disobedience serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring His commands. The imagery of a plumb line, used to measure the straightness of a wall, symbolizes God's standard of righteousness. When we fall short, it is not to condemn us but to call us back to Him in love.
In contrast to the judgment and rebellion, the epistle reading from Ephesians offers a message of hope and grace. It speaks of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, who chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless. This status is not something we earn but a gift given to us through Jesus' sacrificial love. The concept of predestination is highlighted, emphasizing that our salvation and sanctification are entirely the work of God, not our own efforts.
The sermon concluded with a reflection on the mystery of God's will, revealed through Jesus Christ. Despite the chaos and darkness we see in the world, we are assured of God's overarching plan of redemption. This hope is not just for the future but a present reality, marked by the Holy Spirit's seal in our lives. We are called to live in this hope, trusting in God's promises and His ultimate plan to bring all things under Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Human Rebellion Against Divine Correction: The story of John the Baptist's beheading by King Herod illustrates our natural resistance to God's word, especially when it confronts our sins. Herodias' grudge against John for condemning her unlawful marriage shows how deeply we can resent divine correction, a reflection of our own struggles with accepting God's discipline. [21:29]
2. The Consequences of Ignoring God's Commands: The book of Amos serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience. The imagery of a plumb line symbolizes God's standard of righteousness, and when we fall short, it is not to condemn us but to call us back to Him in love. This is a call to self-examination and repentance. [34:09]
3. Spiritual Blessings in Christ: The epistle reading from Ephesians speaks of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, who chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless. This status is not something we earn but a gift given to us through Jesus' sacrificial love. It emphasizes the grace and mercy of God in our lives. [37:04]
4. The Mystery of God's Will Revealed: Despite the chaos and darkness we see in the world, we are assured of God's overarching plan of redemption. The mystery of God's will is revealed through Jesus Christ, and we are called to live in this hope, trusting in His promises and His ultimate plan to bring all things under Christ. [43:24]
5. The Assurance of Our Salvation: Our salvation and sanctification are entirely the work of God, not our own efforts. The concept of predestination emphasizes that God chose us before the creation of the world, and this assurance is marked by the Holy Spirit's seal in our lives. We are called to live in this hope, trusting in God's promises. [49:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:29] - Human Rebellion Against Divine Correction
[34:09] - The Consequences of Ignoring God's Commands
[37:04] - Spiritual Blessings in Christ
[43:24] - The Mystery of God's Will Revealed
[49:08] - The Assurance of Our Salvation
[55:38] - Prayers and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 6:14-29 - The beheading of John the Baptist by King Herod.
2. Amos 7:7-9 - The vision of the plumb line and God's judgment on Israel.
3. Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual blessings in Christ and the concept of predestination.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reason behind Herodias' grudge against John the Baptist? ([21:29])
2. In the book of Amos, what does the plumb line symbolize, and what does it reveal about Israel's condition? ([34:09])
3. According to Ephesians 1:3-14, what are some of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ? ([37:04])
4. How does the sermon describe the mystery of God's will as revealed through Jesus Christ? ([43:24])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of John the Baptist's beheading illustrate human resistance to divine correction? ([21:29])
2. What are the consequences mentioned in Amos for ignoring God's commands, and how do they apply to us today? ([34:09])
3. How does the concept of predestination in Ephesians challenge our understanding of salvation and sanctification? ([40:50])
4. What does it mean to live in the hope of God's overarching plan of redemption, despite the chaos in the world? ([43:24])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you resisted divine correction. How did it affect your relationship with God and others? ([21:29])
2. The plumb line in Amos calls for self-examination and repentance. What areas of your life need realignment with God's standard of righteousness? ([34:09])
3. Ephesians speaks of spiritual blessings in Christ. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for these blessings in your daily life? ([37:04])
4. The sermon emphasizes that our salvation is entirely the work of God. How does this assurance impact your daily walk with Christ? ([40:50])
5. Despite the chaos in the world, we are called to live in hope. What practical steps can you take to trust in God's promises and His ultimate plan? ([43:24])
6. How can you remind yourself of the Holy Spirit's seal in your life, especially during times of doubt or struggle? ([49:08])
7. Think of a specific area where you struggle with accepting God's discipline. What can you do this week to open your heart to His correction and love? ([35:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Resisting Divine Correction
Human rebellion against divine correction is a recurring theme throughout history and in our personal lives. The story of John the Baptist's beheading by King Herod is a stark illustration of this resistance. Herodias' grudge against John for condemning her unlawful marriage to Herod exemplifies how deeply we can resent divine correction. This resistance is not just a historical phenomenon but a present reality in our lives, where we often react with anger and rebellion when confronted with our shortcomings. We must recognize this tendency within ourselves and seek to embrace God's correction with humility and openness. [21:29]
Amos 5:10-12 (ESV): "They hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks the truth. Therefore because you trample on the poor and you exact taxes of grain from him, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not dwell in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine. For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins—you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate."
Reflection: Think of a recent instance where you felt defensive or angry when someone pointed out a flaw or mistake. How can you approach such situations with a heart open to God's correction and growth?
Day 2: The Call to Repentance
The book of Amos serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's commands. The imagery of a plumb line symbolizes God's standard of righteousness, and when we fall short, it is not to condemn us but to call us back to Him in love. This call to self-examination and repentance is crucial for our spiritual growth. Ignoring God's commands leads to spiritual decay and separation from Him. Instead, we are invited to align our lives with His standards, seeking His forgiveness and striving to live in obedience. [34:09]
Amos 7:7-8 (ESV): "This is what he showed me: behold, the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord said to me, 'Amos, what do you see?' And I said, 'A plumb line.' Then the Lord said, 'Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them.'"
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you have been ignoring God's commands. What steps can you take today to realign yourself with His standards and seek His forgiveness?
Day 3: Embracing Spiritual Blessings
The epistle reading from Ephesians speaks of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, who chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless. This status is not something we earn but a gift given to us through Jesus' sacrificial love. It emphasizes the grace and mercy of God in our lives. Understanding and embracing these spiritual blessings can transform our perspective and lead us to live in gratitude and humility. We are called to recognize the depth of God's love and the richness of His grace, which empowers us to live out our faith with confidence and joy. [37:04]
Ephesians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the spiritual blessings you have in Christ? What practical steps can you take to live in gratitude and humility today?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Plan
Despite the chaos and darkness we see in the world, we are assured of God's overarching plan of redemption. The mystery of God's will is revealed through Jesus Christ, and we are called to live in this hope, trusting in His promises and His ultimate plan to bring all things under Christ. This assurance gives us a sense of purpose and direction, even in the midst of uncertainty. By focusing on God's plan, we can find peace and strength to navigate the challenges of life, knowing that He is in control and working all things for our good. [43:24]
Ephesians 1:9-10 (ESV): "Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's plan? How can you remind yourself of His promises and find peace in His overarching plan of redemption?
Day 5: Assurance of Salvation
Our salvation and sanctification are entirely the work of God, not our own efforts. The concept of predestination emphasizes that God chose us before the creation of the world, and this assurance is marked by the Holy Spirit's seal in our lives. We are called to live in this hope, trusting in God's promises. This assurance of salvation provides a foundation for our faith, giving us confidence and security in our relationship with God. It encourages us to live out our faith boldly, knowing that our salvation is secure in His hands. [49:08]
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
Reflection: How does the assurance of your salvation impact your daily life and faith? What steps can you take to live more boldly and confidently in the security of God's promises?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "In Him, we have redemption through His blood. The forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God's grace. These words are just dripping with honey. In the Psalmist language. Dripping with the love of God. That He lavishes on us with all wisdom and understanding." [42:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It’s so interesting that we are so obsessed in today’s world with everything being in our control. Being our decision. My way of doing things. You know, we can even sing old Frank Sinatra. My way is very popular. This is not what this entire reading confesses. It’s exactly the opposite. Everything about God." [40:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You know, the psalmist sings of even in the womb of our mothers. God. God knew us. us. Put His name on us. Made us His children. This goes even before that. Predestined. A creation. Already. God knew your name. It kind of blows my mind. I hope it does yours." [40:50] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It doesn’t matter what your age is. You have been made. A child of God. And I loved that when my grandfather could tell to me and talk to me. That he knew he had a good good father in heaven. Coming from him I was like he’s older than the hills as far as I was concerned when I was a little kid. Like wow he’s talking to God as his father. That humbled me." [49:08] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Despite all the things around us. Despite the accusing language of the law. Despite the plumb line. That’s there accusing us. Saying, you’re not standing straight. You’re not walking the straight line. And we have the overabundance and forgiveness of sins in Christ." [45:59] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "When all it is is a call of love back to him. We see this in huge form in the gospel reading today. Long wind up, but it all comes down to this. A protest, rebellion against God’s word, condemning sin. In fact, it’s so visceral, it demands the life of someone who proclaims it. This is the old nature in us, the protests. Against discipline, against the word of God that is intended for our very best." [35:31] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In Him. In Jesus Christ, you are blameless and holy. That’s a status you’re given. God gives you that. Miraculously. Graciously. In His mercy. In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons. Through Jesus Christ. His children. The right we have to go before. Heavenly Father, as His dear children, and to say, and give acclaim, and do this in boldness is something He gives us. He gives us this right." [38:30] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Everything about God. About Him. Everything that leads towards salvation and sanctification. Keeping us in that relationship. Is all the work of God. Is a gracious act of mercy. He even predestined us to be adopted. Before you were born. You know, the psalmist sings of even in the womb of our mothers. God. God knew us. us. Put His name on us. Made us His children." [40:13] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In Him we were also chosen. Having been predestined. Using the same word again. According to the plan of Him who works out everything. In conformity with the purpose of His will. I mean, we’re getting bombarded with this. It’s not what you want. It’s what I want. Man, it’s actually tough. Tough language to hear. But on that is the basis of your salvation. On that is the basis of your sanctification." [46:46] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And He made known to us the mystery of His will. According to His good pleasure. Which He purposed in Christ. To be put into effect. When the times will have reached their fulfillment. To bring all things in heaven and on earth. Together under one head. Even Christ. That’s the hope we stand in. That’s the hope we live in." [45:25] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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