Embracing Deliverance: Victory Over Sin Through Christ
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the concept of deliverance from sin as outlined in 1 John 3:4-9. We began by reflecting on the challenge from last week: to say yes to God often requires saying no to something else, even if it's something good. This week, we explored the idea of proving our love for God by examining our deliverance from sin. We clarified that being delivered from sin doesn't mean we no longer sin, but rather that we hand over our sins to Christ.
We discussed four key aspects of deliverance. First, the reason for our deliverance is that sin is lawlessness, and we all fall short of God's perfect standard. Sin is not merely a mistake or a flaw; it is a deliberate choice to go against God's will. Second, the recipe for deliverance is Jesus Christ, who was fully human and fully God, and who took away our sins by His sacrifice on the cross. This was God's plan from the beginning.
Third, we examined the righteousness that comes from deliverance. When we accept Christ, we begin to live in Him, and this righteousness makes us not want to sin. It also helps us to distinguish between temptation and sin, reminding us that temptation itself is not sin. Finally, we looked at the result of deliverance, which is the victory over sin that we can have through Christ. Jesus came to destroy the devil's work, and although we will continue to struggle with sin, we have been delivered from its power.
We concluded by encouraging those who have not yet accepted Christ to seek a relationship with Him and for believers to stop living in spiritual defeat. We are children of God, empowered by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, and we should live in that victory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Saying Yes to God Requires Sacrifice: To truly follow God's calling, we must be willing to say no to other things, even if they are good. This creates the necessary space for God's work in our lives. Reflect on what you might need to let go of to fully embrace God's plan for you. [01:11]
2. Understanding Sin: Sin is not just a mistake or a flaw; it is a deliberate choice to go against God's will. Recognizing this helps us understand the gravity of our actions and the need for deliverance. Sin is living according to our desires instead of God's commands. [05:10]
3. The Role of Jesus in Our Deliverance: Jesus, being fully human and fully God, took away our sins through His sacrifice. This was God's plan from the beginning, and it underscores the importance of understanding and believing in the true nature of Christ. [11:02]
4. Righteousness and Temptation: Accepting Christ brings a righteousness that makes us not want to sin. It's crucial to differentiate between temptation and sin; temptation is not sin, but acting on it is. This understanding helps us navigate our spiritual struggles more effectively. [17:00]
5. Victory Over Sin: As believers, we can have victory over sin because Jesus has destroyed the devil's power. This victory is not just theoretical; it is practical and can be experienced in our daily lives. We are empowered by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. [24:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:11] - Introduction and Challenge Recap
[01:59] - Reading 1 John 3:4-9
[02:49] - Proving Our Love for God
[03:37] - Understanding Deliverance from Sin
[04:35] - The Nature of Sin
[06:05] - We Are All Sinners
[08:41] - The Need for Deliverance
[09:25] - Common Reactions to Sinfulness
[11:02] - The Recipe for Deliverance
[13:16] - Theological Differences
[15:26] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Righteousness
[17:00] - Righteousness and Temptation
[19:59] - Loving the Person, Hating the Sin
[21:32] - Understanding Continuous Sin
[23:02] - Result of Deliverance: Victory Over Sin
[24:40] - Truths About Deliverance
[27:37] - Call to Action for Believers and Non-Believers
[30:50] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 1 John 3:4-9
- Romans 3:10-12
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 3:4, how is sin defined? ([01:59])
2. What does 1 John 3:5 say about the purpose of Jesus' appearance? ([11:02])
3. How does 1 John 3:9 describe the behavior of someone who is born of God? ([01:59])
4. What does Romans 3:10-12 reveal about the nature of humanity? ([06:48])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand that sin is lawlessness and not just a mistake or flaw? ([05:10])
2. How does the concept of Jesus being fully human and fully God impact our understanding of His role in our deliverance from sin? ([11:47])
3. What does it mean to live in the righteousness that comes from deliverance, and how does it affect our desire to sin? ([17:00])
4. How can believers experience victory over sin in their daily lives according to the sermon? ([24:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the statement, "Saying yes to God often requires saying no to something else." What is one thing you might need to let go of to fully embrace God's plan for you? ([01:11])
2. How can you better recognize and differentiate between temptation and sin in your life? Share a recent experience where you faced temptation and how you responded. ([17:00])
3. The sermon mentioned that we are empowered by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. How can this truth change the way you approach your daily struggles with sin? ([27:37])
4. Think about a time when you felt spiritual defeat. How can the understanding of being a child of God help you overcome that feeling and live in victory? ([27:37])
5. The sermon encouraged believers to stop living like "spiritual Eeyores." What practical steps can you take this week to live more confidently in your identity as a child of God? ([27:37])
6. Identify a specific sin or habit that you struggle with. What steps can you take to seek help, whether through prayer, community, or professional support, to overcome it? ([29:18])
7. How can you help someone else in your life who is struggling with sin or spiritual blindness to see Jesus more clearly? ([30:50])
Devotional
Day 1: Sacrifice for God's Calling
To truly follow God's calling, we must be willing to say no to other things, even if they are good. This creates the necessary space for God's work in our lives. Reflect on what you might need to let go of to fully embrace God's plan for you. [01:11]
Saying yes to God often requires saying no to something else, even if it's something good. This principle is crucial for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. When we prioritize God's calling, we may need to let go of certain activities, habits, or even relationships that, while not inherently bad, may hinder our spiritual journey. This act of sacrifice is not about deprivation but about making room for God's greater plans in our lives.
Consider what you might need to let go of to fully embrace God's plan for you. It could be a time-consuming hobby, a particular comfort, or even a mindset that doesn't align with God's will. By making these sacrifices, we create space for God's transformative work in our lives, allowing us to grow closer to Him and fulfill our divine purpose.
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"
Reflection: What is one thing you need to let go of to make more room for God's work in your life today?
Day 2: The Gravity of Sin
Sin is not just a mistake or a flaw; it is a deliberate choice to go against God's will. Recognizing this helps us understand the gravity of our actions and the need for deliverance. Sin is living according to our desires instead of God's commands. [05:10]
Understanding sin as lawlessness and a deliberate choice against God's will is essential for recognizing our need for deliverance. Sin is not merely a mistake or a flaw; it is a conscious decision to live according to our desires rather than God's commands. This understanding helps us grasp the seriousness of our actions and the profound need for Christ's redemptive work.
By acknowledging the true nature of sin, we can better appreciate the gravity of our actions and the necessity of seeking deliverance through Christ. This awareness leads us to a deeper repentance and a more earnest pursuit of righteousness, aligning our lives with God's perfect standard.
1 John 3:4 (ESV): "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you living according to your desires instead of God's commands? How can you begin to align these areas with God's will today?
Day 3: Jesus, Our Deliverer
Jesus, being fully human and fully God, took away our sins through His sacrifice. This was God's plan from the beginning, and it underscores the importance of understanding and believing in the true nature of Christ. [11:02]
The role of Jesus in our deliverance is central to the Christian faith. Jesus, being fully human and fully God, took away our sins through His sacrifice on the cross. This act of love and redemption was God's plan from the beginning, highlighting the importance of understanding and believing in the true nature of Christ. His dual nature as both human and divine makes His sacrifice uniquely powerful and effective in reconciling us to God.
Believing in Jesus' true nature and His redemptive work is crucial for experiencing deliverance from sin. It is through His sacrifice that we are forgiven and empowered to live a life of righteousness. This understanding deepens our faith and commitment to following Him.
Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV): "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' dual nature as fully human and fully God deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice? How can this understanding impact your daily walk with Him?
Day 4: Righteousness and Temptation
Accepting Christ brings a righteousness that makes us not want to sin. It's crucial to differentiate between temptation and sin; temptation is not sin, but acting on it is. This understanding helps us navigate our spiritual struggles more effectively. [17:00]
When we accept Christ, we receive a righteousness that transforms our desires and inclines us away from sin. This new nature helps us distinguish between temptation and sin, recognizing that temptation itself is not sin, but acting on it is. Understanding this distinction is vital for navigating our spiritual struggles and maintaining our commitment to righteousness.
By acknowledging that temptation is a common experience and not a sin in itself, we can approach our spiritual battles with greater clarity and strength. This perspective empowers us to resist temptation and rely on God's grace to overcome it, leading to a more victorious Christian life.
James 1:14-15 (ESV): "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
Reflection: How can you better differentiate between temptation and sin in your life? What practical steps can you take to resist temptation and rely on God's strength?
Day 5: Living in Victory
As believers, we can have victory over sin because Jesus has destroyed the devil's power. This victory is not just theoretical; it is practical and can be experienced in our daily lives. We are empowered by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. [24:40]
Victory over sin is a promise for all believers, made possible through Jesus' triumph over the devil's power. This victory is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical reality that we can experience in our daily lives. As children of God, we are empowered by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, enabling us to overcome sin and live in righteousness.
Living in this victory requires us to embrace our identity in Christ and rely on His strength. By doing so, we can break free from the bondage of sin and walk in the freedom and power that God has given us. This victorious life is a testament to God's transformative work in us and a witness to the world of His grace and power.
1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience victory over sin? How can you rely on God's power to overcome these struggles and live in the freedom He has given you?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Don't be afraid to say no to something else so that you can say yes to God. We are in our summer series called Prove It. And we've been going through the book of 1 John. In your Bible, it's toward the end, almost to Revelation, written by John, one of Jesus' disciples. And we've been learning how it's important that we prove to ourselves that we know God." [01:11] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sin is choosing to do our thing instead of doing what God says that we should do. Sin is living like we want to live instead of living like God tells us to live. Sin is not doing what God says to do and even doing what God says not to do. Sin is disbelieving God when we should believe in him. It's ignoring God when we should worship him. It's rejecting God when we should follow him." [05:10] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have been delivered from Satan's power to charge us with sin. Romans 8.33 says, who will bring any charge against those who God has chosen? Who can bring any charge against us? It's not the devil. It's not your co-worker. It's certainly not your mother. Who's going to bring any charge against us? Nobody. There is only one that can bring any charge against us, and that is God. And guess what? He's already declared us righteous." [24:40] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You have been anointed with the same power and authority that brought Jesus back from the dead. The same power that took a dead man and brought him back to life now flows through your blood and it lives in your bones. You are, according to scripture, a battle-hardened warrior. You have been chosen as a son or a daughter of the Most High King. He said, you are mine. I adopt you. I call you my child." [28:41] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our job is to get you and Jesus together. To introduce you guys to one another because we like you and we like Jesus and we think you guys will get along pretty well. And so that's our job is to help you discover a relationship with Jesus for those that would consider themselves followers of Christ." [27:37] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Are you delivered from sin? Now, be careful when I say that. If you were to answer, yes, I am, what you're not saying is I don't sin anymore. I don't struggle with sin anymore. Chances are, if you say that, you're probably not breathing anymore. That's not what we're talking about. Deliver, it can be confusing because it has a lot of different definitions. Yes, it means to be rescued, to be saved. It does mean that. But it also means to be handed over or to hand over, just like the Amazon driver hands over the package to you." [03:37] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Most people, they don't want to hear anything close to that, because they have convinced themselves that this world we live in is a game of goodness and badness. And they've already convinced themselves that they're on the good side. But that's not what this world is at all. This world is not about goodness and badness. This world is about ability and inability. And none of us in this room have the ability to get to God on our own. Like I said, we already missed the mark. We can't. It's impossible. We are completely incapable on our own of getting to God. That's the reason we need deliverance." [08:41] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus was fully human, and he was fully God. Fully human. You're like, how can that? You can't be two fullies. Fully human and fully God? Jesus was. That's why he was not you or I. And this is why it's so important to believe what you believe and to know what you believe. To know what you don't believe. That way, when you hear something, you know if that is right or wrong." [11:47] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Righteousness makes us want to please God, not ourselves. And finally, this brings us to number four, the result of deliverance. Did you know that as believers, we can actually have victory over sin in our lives? We can. It's true. Verse eight says, he who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." [23:02] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are not just a sinner saved by grace. I guess I'll just struggle with this thing over and over for the rest of my life. Listen, you have been anointed with the same power and authority that brought Jesus back from the dead. The same power that took a dead man and brought him back to life now flows through your blood and it lives in your bones. You are, according to scripture, a battle-hardened warrior. You have been chosen as a son or a daughter of the Most High King. He said, you are mine. I adopt you. I call you my child." [28:41] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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