Embracing Death: The Path to True Discipleship
Summary
In my sermon today, I delved into the profound and often uncomfortable subject of death, particularly as it relates to our Christian faith and the call to discipleship. I began by discussing the natural human aversion to death, our tendency to avoid the subject, and the various euphemisms we use to soften its reality. However, I emphasized that death is not only a crucial part of the Gospel but also a vital aspect of our salvation.
I recounted the story of Jesus in Matthew 16, where He asks His disciples to understand who He truly is. Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, which Jesus affirms as a revelation from the Father. Yet, when Jesus begins to explain that He must suffer and be killed, Peter rebukes Him, unable to accept the necessity of Jesus' death. Jesus' strong response, "Get behind me, Satan," underscores the importance of embracing the path of suffering and death as integral to God's plan.
I explored the concept of atonement and the historical practice of animal sacrifices to cover over sins. I explained that these sacrifices were insufficient for the sin problem, which is why God presented Christ as the ultimate sacrifice. Through His death, Jesus separated us from sin and purified us, allowing us to be justified and made right with God.
I challenged the congregation to consider what it means to take up our cross and follow Jesus. This involves a daily denial of self, a willingness to let go of the gods of comfort, control, entitlement, and pride that we often serve. I shared personal reflections on how dying to self has led to profound experiences in my own life, such as pastoral ministry and adopting children.
Finally, I invited the congregation to reflect on what needs to die in their own lives, whether it be sin, bad habits, or even their entire selves, in order to fully commit to God. I encouraged everyone to consider making a daily practice of offering themselves as a living sacrifice to God.
Key Takeaways:
- Death is an inescapable reality that brings separation, but in the context of the Gospel, it is also the means by which we are separated from sin and its eternal consequences. As Christians, we must understand that death is not the end but a transition into a new life with Christ. [55:00]
- The act of atonement through sacrifice is a theme that runs deep in Scripture. The sacrifices of old were a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death was necessary to fulfill the law and demonstrate God's righteousness, justice, and mercy. [57:40]
- Taking up our cross daily is not about bearing burdens or personal flaws; it is about the daily decision to die to self and live for Christ. This means letting go of our desires and aligning our will with God's purpose for our lives. [01:06:24]
- The concept of the "Messianic secret" in the Gospels points to the deeper understanding that Jesus wanted His disciples to grasp: that being the Messiah meant walking a path of suffering and death. This understanding is crucial for us as we follow Jesus, knowing that our discipleship may lead us through hardship. [51:00]
- Our response to the call of Jesus to deny ourselves and take up our cross is a testament to our faith. It is not enough to acknowledge Jesus' sacrifice; we must also be willing to make sacrifices in our own lives, to live out the Gospel in tangible ways. [01:08:19]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 16:13-24 - Jesus asks His disciples who they think He is, Peter's confession, and Jesus' teaching on His suffering and death.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:3 - "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures."
3. Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Peter's response when Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?" and how did Jesus react to it? ([46:28])
2. How did Jesus describe the path He must take as the Messiah, and what was Peter's reaction to this? ([47:42])
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me"? ([01:00:24])
4. According to the sermon, why is death a crucial part of the Gospel and our salvation? ([52:21])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter rebuked Jesus when He spoke about His suffering and death? What does this reveal about Peter's understanding of the Messiah? ([47:42])
2. How does Jesus' response to Peter's rebuke ("Get behind me, Satan") highlight the importance of His mission? ([49:04])
3. What does it mean to "deny yourself and take up your cross daily"? How does this concept challenge our modern understanding of discipleship? ([01:06:24])
4. How does the concept of atonement through Jesus' death fulfill the Old Testament practice of animal sacrifices? ([57:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: What are some "gods" of comfort, control, entitlement, or pride that you might be serving? How can you begin to let go of these to follow Jesus more closely? ([01:03:19])
2. Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily. What practical steps can you take to deny yourself and align your will with God's purpose this week? ([01:06:24])
3. Think about a time when you resisted God's plan because it conflicted with your own desires. How did that experience shape your faith, and what can you learn from it? ([01:08:19])
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of dying to self in various aspects of life, such as pastoral ministry and adopting children. What is one area in your life where you feel called to die to self, and how can you take a step in that direction? ([01:08:19])
5. How can you make a daily practice of offering yourself as a living sacrifice to God? What specific actions or prayers can help you start this practice? ([01:06:24])
6. Reflect on the idea that death is not the end but a transition into a new life with Christ. How does this perspective change the way you view your own mortality and the challenges you face? ([52:21])
7. Identify one sin or bad habit in your life that needs to die for you to fully commit to God. What steps can you take this week to address and overcome it? ([01:09:35])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Death as a Gateway to Life
Death is often shrouded in fear and avoidance, yet it holds a pivotal role in Christian theology. It is not merely an end but a transition that offers a profound paradox: through death comes life. This concept is deeply rooted in the Gospel message, where death is not the final word but a passage to eternal life with Christ. The natural aversion to death is understandable, but as believers, it is essential to recognize that death is also the means by which we are separated from sin and its eternal consequences. This separation is not a loss but a gain, as it leads to a new existence in the presence of God.
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are central to the Christian faith, illustrating that death can lead to a more glorious reality. By dying on the cross, Jesus overcame the power of sin and death, offering believers the hope of resurrection and eternal life. This transformative perspective on death encourages Christians to live with the end in mind, understanding that their earthly journey is a preparation for the life to come.
[55:00]
Bible passage: 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
"When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does the reality of death shape your understanding of life, and how might this perspective change the way you live today?
Day 2: The Ultimate Sacrifice for Atonement
The theme of atonement through sacrifice runs deep in Scripture, with the sacrifices of old serving as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. These ancient practices were a temporary solution, pointing to the need for a more profound remedy for humanity's sin problem. Christ's death on the cross was the necessary fulfillment of the law, showcasing God's righteousness, justice, and mercy. It was through His sacrifice that believers are justified and made right with God.
Understanding the significance of Jesus' sacrifice is crucial for grasping the depth of God's love and the extent of His grace. The cross is not only a symbol of suffering but also of the complete redemption and restoration available to all who believe. This sacrifice calls for a response from believers, not just to appreciate the gift but to live in a manner that reflects its value.
[57:40]
Bible passage: Hebrews 9:26-28
"But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."
Reflection: In what ways can you more deeply appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus, and how might this appreciation transform your actions and attitudes?
Day 3: Dying to Self to Live for Christ
Taking up our cross daily is a call to die to self and live for Christ. This is not about enduring life's hardships or accepting personal flaws; it is a conscious decision to surrender one's desires and align with God's will. It involves letting go of the gods of comfort, control, entitlement, and pride, and instead serving the true God with humility and obedience.
This daily act of self-denial is a powerful expression of faith, demonstrating a willingness to follow Jesus' example of sacrifice. It is a journey of transformation, where the old self is crucified with Christ, and a new self is raised to live in the power of His resurrection. This process is not easy, but it is the path to true freedom and fulfillment in the Christian life.
[01:06:24]
Bible passage: Galatians 2:19-20
"For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 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: What is one specific way you can practice dying to self today, and how can this practice bring you closer to living out Christ's life within you?
Day 4: Understanding the Messianic Path of Suffering
The "Messianic secret" in the Gospels reveals a profound truth: being the Messiah meant walking a path of suffering and death. This understanding is essential for followers of Jesus, as it sets the expectation that discipleship may involve hardship and sacrifice. Recognizing that Jesus' mission was not to conquer through power but through surrender and sacrifice allows believers to embrace their own journeys with courage and faith.
The path of the Messiah was counterintuitive to the expectations of many during Jesus' time, and it remains challenging for many today. However, it is through this path that the power of God is made perfect in weakness. As believers walk in the footsteps of Jesus, they are called to adopt the same attitude of humility and willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel.
[51:00]
Bible passage: 1 Peter 4:12-13
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus' path of suffering impact your view of discipleship, and what steps can you take to more fully embrace this path in your own life?
Day 5: Living Sacrifices in Response to the Gospel
The call to deny oneself and take up the cross is a testament to one's faith. Acknowledging Jesus' sacrifice is not enough; believers must also be willing to make sacrifices in their own lives, living out the Gospel in tangible ways. This means offering oneself as a living sacrifice to God, actively seeking to serve and glorify Him in all aspects of life.
Living as a sacrifice involves more than just words; it requires action. It is a daily commitment to put God's will above personal desires, to serve others selflessly, and to pursue holiness. This lifestyle is a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and a reflection of the love and grace that believers have received through Christ.
[01:08:19]
Bible passage: Romans 12:1-2
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can offer yourself more fully as a living sacrifice to God, and what practical steps can you take to make this offering today?
Quotes
1) "Jesus is not talking about a physical death right he's talking about death of self that that idea that like I'm the king of the world and everything revolves around me Must Die your self must die and there's no resurrection of this self that's not even on the table yet right it's a permanent death." [01:02:45]
2) "We love that he sacrificed for us we just don't want to offer ourselves up as a living sacrifice for him. We are so thankful that he separates us from sin and purifies us from sin but we don't want to walk away from that sin we want to hold on to sin and self instead." [01:03:19]
3) "Jesus showed us that the only way to solving this sin problem is death we must die. The cross shines a light on all the ridiculous and pointless ways we go about trying to purge Sin from our life... but that's the thing though you don't bear a cross forever you bear a cross to die." [01:05:51]
4) "Imagine the difference it could make in your life if you denied yourself daily and resolutely followed Jesus wherever he asked you to go... It's a daily battle, it's a daily surrender, it's a daily sacrifice." [01:06:56]
5) "What about us are we echoing the cries of the mob crucify him crucify him or are we willing to pick up our cross and follow after him... when I think back over my life there are so many good things that happened when I killed the god of control." [01:08:19]
6) "So when it comes to yourself what needs to die what needs to die what needs to be brought to the foot of the cross and left there to die what sin have you been holding on to is it control like me is it pride is it a bad habit or an addiction." [01:09:35]
7) "Death is the worst death is the absolute worst death is terrible because death separates death separates that's what death does... death separates us from our loved ones it does separates us from our loved ones the people we connected to in our lives." [53:46]
8) "God used death the great separator to disentangle us from sin's Eternal consequences but it couldn't just be any death it had to be a pure and holy sacrifice someone who thems was not entangled in the Sin and thus did not deserve to die." [55:44]
9) "God provided the sacrifice for us our loving gracious merciful perfect and holy God provided the sufficient sacrifice for us from Romans chapter 3 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement right to cover over through the shedding of his blood to be received by us by faith." [59:10]
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