Embracing Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work
Summary
In reflecting on the profound declaration "It is finished" by Jesus on the cross, we are reminded of the completion of His redemptive work for humanity. This statement signifies the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation, bridging the perceived gap between the Old and New Testaments. The story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 14 serves as a powerful illustration of God's deliverance, paralleling the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Moses acted as a mediator for the Israelites, leading them from bondage to freedom, Jesus stands as our ultimate mediator, freeing us from the bondage of sin and death.
The narrative of the Exodus is not just a historical account but a foreshadowing of the spiritual journey we undertake as believers. The Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land mirrors our journey from the bondage of sin to the freedom found in Christ. This freedom is not just from the penalty of sin but also from its power and, ultimately, its presence. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are justified, sanctified, and will one day be glorified.
The Israelites' experience at the Red Sea teaches us about the nature of faith. It is not the strength of our faith that saves us, but the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Whether we walk confidently or with doubt, it is our trust in Him that secures our salvation. This grace is a gift, not earned by our efforts but freely given through Christ's finished work on the cross.
As we partake in communion, we are called to reflect on the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice and the freedom it brings. We are encouraged to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and live in the reality of this freedom, glorifying God in all we do. The question remains: have we truly embraced this freedom, and are we living it out for His glory?
Key Takeaways:
- The declaration "It is finished" by Jesus on the cross signifies the completion of God's redemptive plan, bridging the Old and New Testaments and offering salvation to humanity. This statement marks the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, showing that Jesus is the ultimate mediator who frees us from the bondage of sin and death. [03:18]
- The story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea is a powerful illustration of God's deliverance, paralleling the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Moses led the Israelites from slavery to freedom, Jesus leads us from the bondage of sin to the freedom found in Him. This journey is a reflection of our spiritual journey as believers. [06:48]
- Our freedom in Christ is threefold: we are freed from the penalty of sin (justification), the power of sin (sanctification), and ultimately, the presence of sin (glorification). This comprehensive freedom is a gift of grace, not earned by our efforts but freely given through Christ's finished work on the cross. [11:41]
- Faith is not about the strength of our belief but the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Whether we walk confidently or with doubt, it is our trust in Him that secures our salvation. This grace is a gift, and the right response is to have faith and believe, knowing that even a mustard seed of faith can move mountains. [15:38]
- As we partake in communion, we are called to reflect on the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice and the freedom it brings. We are encouraged to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and live in the reality of this freedom, glorifying God in all we do. The question remains: have we truly embraced this freedom, and are we living it out for His glory? [19:52]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:18] - The Significance of "It is Finished"
- [06:48] - The Exodus Parallel
- [11:41] - Freedom from Bondage
- [15:38] - The Nature of Faith
- [19:52] - Embracing Our Freedom
- [22:54] - The Role of a Mediator
- [26:00] - Jesus, Our Ultimate Mediator
- [29:00] - Reflecting on Communion
- [32:00] - Living for God's Glory
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Exodus 14:5-31
- Hebrews 11:29
- 1 Corinthians 10:1-6
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the reaction of the Israelites when they saw the Egyptians pursuing them, and how did Moses respond to their fear? [06:48]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of Moses as a mediator for the Israelites, and how is this role paralleled with Jesus' role for believers? [22:54]
3. According to the sermon, what are the three aspects of freedom that believers experience through Jesus' sacrifice? [15:38]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of faith in relation to the Israelites crossing the Red Sea? [19:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea serve as a foreshadowing of the spiritual journey of believers today? [03:18]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Old and New Testaments are connected through the declaration "It is finished"? [03:18]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of being freed from the penalty, power, and presence of sin? What does this mean for believers in their daily lives? [15:38]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of the object of our faith rather than the strength of our faith? How does this relate to the Israelites' experience at the Red Sea? [19:52]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the statement "It is finished." How does understanding the completion of Jesus' work on the cross impact your daily life and spiritual journey? [03:18]
2. The Israelites were freed from physical bondage, while believers are freed from spiritual bondage. What are some areas in your life where you feel you need to experience this freedom more fully? [11:41]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus as the object of our faith. How can you strengthen your trust in Jesus, especially during times of doubt or fear? [19:52]
4. During communion, we are encouraged to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice. How can you make this reflection a more meaningful part of your spiritual practice? [19:52]
5. The sermon discusses the role of a mediator. How does recognizing Jesus as your ultimate mediator change the way you approach God in prayer and worship? [22:54]
6. The Israelites' journey to the Promised Land is likened to our spiritual journey. What steps can you take to ensure you are moving towards the "Promised Land" in your spiritual life? [06:48]
7. How can you live out the freedom you have in Christ in a way that glorifies God in your everyday actions and decisions? [19:52]
Devotional
Day 1: The Fulfillment of God's Redemptive Plan
The declaration "It is finished" by Jesus on the cross signifies the completion of God's redemptive plan, bridging the Old and New Testaments and offering salvation to humanity. This statement marks the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, showing that Jesus is the ultimate mediator who frees us from the bondage of sin and death. The profound nature of this declaration is not just in its finality but in its assurance that the work required for our salvation is complete. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the culmination of God's plan, a plan that was set in motion from the very beginning of time. This fulfillment assures believers that they are no longer under the weight of the law but are now recipients of grace through faith in Christ. [03:18]
"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." (Romans 10:4, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you live today with the assurance that your salvation is complete and not dependent on your own efforts?
Day 2: The Journey from Bondage to Freedom
The story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea is a powerful illustration of God's deliverance, paralleling the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Moses led the Israelites from slavery to freedom, Jesus leads us from the bondage of sin to the freedom found in Him. This journey is a reflection of our spiritual journey as believers. The Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land mirrors our journey from the bondage of sin to the freedom found in Christ. This freedom is not just from the penalty of sin but also from its power and, ultimately, its presence. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are justified, sanctified, and will one day be glorified. [06:48]
"And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people." (Leviticus 26:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel enslaved or trapped? How can you invite Jesus to lead you to freedom in this area today?
Day 3: The Gift of Comprehensive Freedom
Our freedom in Christ is threefold: we are freed from the penalty of sin (justification), the power of sin (sanctification), and ultimately, the presence of sin (glorification). This comprehensive freedom is a gift of grace, not earned by our efforts but freely given through Christ's finished work on the cross. This freedom is not just a future promise but a present reality that believers are called to live in. It is a freedom that transforms our lives, enabling us to live in a way that reflects the love and grace of God. This freedom is a call to live differently, to live in a way that honors God and reflects His kingdom on earth. [11:41]
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively live out the freedom you have in Christ today, especially in areas where you feel bound by old habits or fears?
Day 4: The Object of Our Faith
Faith is not about the strength of our belief but the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Whether we walk confidently or with doubt, it is our trust in Him that secures our salvation. This grace is a gift, and the right response is to have faith and believe, knowing that even a mustard seed of faith can move mountains. The nature of faith is such that it is not dependent on our ability to believe but on the One in whom we believe. Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith, and it is through Him that we find the assurance of our salvation. [15:38]
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God? How can you take a step of faith today, trusting in Jesus as the object of your faith?
Day 5: Embracing the Freedom of Christ
As we partake in communion, we are called to reflect on the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice and the freedom it brings. We are encouraged to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and live in the reality of this freedom, glorifying God in all we do. The question remains: have we truly embraced this freedom, and are we living it out for His glory? Communion is a time to remember and celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus, a time to reflect on the freedom we have in Him. It is a call to live in a way that reflects the reality of this freedom, to live in a way that honors God and brings glory to His name. [19:52]
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36, ESV)
Reflection: As you prepare for communion, what is one area of your life where you need to embrace the freedom Christ offers? How can you live out this freedom for God's glory today?
Quotes
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, it is finished, and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. My hope tonight is that you would be reminded of what Christ did when he said it was finished or it's accomplished. [00:00:00] (14 seconds)
In Luke chapter nine, Moses and Elijah appear to Jesus in what is called the Transfiguration. It's just before Jesus is gonna go to the cross and they speak to Jesus about his departure, we read in Luke chapter nine. That's the English translation that we read, but the word used in the Greek for departure is exodus. And the exodus that Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus about was the cross and the resurrection. There's a connection from what Jesus did to Exodus 14. [00:02:46] (31 seconds)
In Hebrews chapter three and four, Jesus is called the greater Moses, and in Hebrews 11 verse 29 we read that by faith, Israel crossed on dry land. The Egyptians who followed after the nation of Israel were not saved because they did not have faith. So the connection for us as Christians is we have faith and we are saved. [00:03:18] (24 seconds)
Here's what an Israelite would say. If you said, who are you? He would say, I was in a foreign land under the sentence of death in bondage, but I took shelter under the blood of the lamb. Our mediator let us out and we crossed over and now we're on our way to the promised land. We're not there yet, but he has given us his law to make us a community and he's given us the tabernacle because you have to live by grace and forgiveness and his presence is in our midst and he's going to stay with us until we get home. [00:04:39] (31 seconds)
The Israelites were free from their captivity. Jesus' proclamation, it is finished, signified the freedom that he has purchased for us by his own blood. [00:06:09] (13 seconds)
Now Jesus Christ's death on the cross frees us from the bondage of the law. Jesus fulfilled the just requirements of the law. He was obedient. He didn't sin. He didn't fall on any points of the law. He went to the cross fully obedient, fully sinless for you to bear your sin, not his own. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law's demands as the Messiah to God Almighty. [00:15:10] (28 seconds)
But when you come to believe in Jesus, that he died for you, that this cross that we celebrate, his death we celebrate. Doesn't that sound crazy? We do. We celebrate his death because he broke our sin nature. Romans 6, verse 6 and then verse 14 says this, We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing. [00:16:50] (26 seconds)
Because it's not the quality of your faith that matters. It's the object of your faith that counts. And when your faith is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as he died on the cross for your sin, when your faith is in him, even a mustard seed, faith, will save you and move mountains. [00:22:26] (24 seconds)
In Jesus Christ, we have a mediator who is fully God and fully man, who stood for us on our behalf as our Messiah, that whosoever believes in him, you have faith in him, you're associated with him. You would be saved by his death, by his resurrection. Jesus, fully God, did what we can never do on the cross, and yet fully human. [00:24:21] (30 seconds)
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