Our God Reigns: Over Our Past
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of God's sovereignty over our past, present, and future. As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the transformative power of Christ's resurrection and how it signifies a new beginning for all who believe. Using the story of Pete Rose, a legendary baseball player whose career was overshadowed by a single mistake, we reflected on how our past mistakes can often weigh us down. However, unlike Pete Rose's story, our past does not have to define us because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 serves as a cornerstone for understanding this transformation. In Christ, we become new creations; the old is gone, and the new has come. This passage emphasizes the ministry of reconciliation, which God has entrusted to us. Through Christ, God reconciled the world to Himself, not counting people's sins against them. This reconciliation is not just about erasing our past but about embracing a new identity in Christ, where we are called to be His ambassadors.
The message today is a call to let go of the burdens of our past—our sins, mistakes, and regrets—and to embrace the new life that God offers. It is a reminder that God is greater than any sin or failure and that His grace is sufficient to cover all our shortcomings. As we move forward, we are encouraged to focus on our identity in Christ and the ministry of reconciliation that He has given us. This is not just a personal transformation but a call to share this message of hope and renewal with others, demonstrating God's love and grace in our everyday lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Sovereignty Over Our Past: Our past mistakes do not define us because God reigns over them. Through Christ, we are new creations, and our past is forgiven and erased. We must not let our past hold us back from the new life God offers. [07:28]
2. The Ministry of Reconciliation: As new creations in Christ, we are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. This means sharing the message of God's forgiveness and grace with others, helping them to experience the same freedom and renewal we have found in Christ. [17:16]
3. Embracing Our New Identity: In Christ, we are no longer defined by our past sins or failures. We are the righteousness of God, and our focus should be on who we are now in Christ, not who we once were. [22:09]
4. The Power of Confession: True confession involves not only acknowledging our sins but also recognizing our need for God's forgiveness. Only God can remove our sins and replace them with His righteousness. [11:31]
5. Living as Christ's Ambassadors: We are called to be Christ's ambassadors, representing Him in the world. This involves living out our faith and sharing the message of reconciliation with others, demonstrating God's love and grace in our interactions. [29:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:46] - The Story of Pete Rose
- [07:28] - God Reigns Over Our Past
- [11:31] - Out with the Old, In with the New
- [17:16] - The Ministry of Reconciliation
- [22:09] - Embracing Our New Identity
- [24:33] - The Call to Share the Message
- [26:53] - Speaking God's Truth
- [29:32] - Living as Christ's Ambassadors
- [31:00] - Final Reflections and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
- Psalm 103:12
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 mean when it says, "the old has gone, the new has come"? How does this relate to the concept of being a new creation in Christ? [07:28]
2. In the sermon, Pete Rose's story was used as an illustration. What was the main point of using his story, and how does it relate to the message of God's sovereignty over our past? [03:46]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "ministry of reconciliation" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19? [17:16]
4. How does Psalm 103:12 illustrate the extent of God's forgiveness? How was this verse used in the sermon to emphasize God's grace? [11:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being a "new creation" in Christ challenge the way believers view their past mistakes and sins? [07:28]
2. The sermon mentioned that God has given us the "ministry of reconciliation." What practical steps can believers take to fulfill this ministry in their daily lives? [22:09]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can embrace their new identity in Christ, and why is this important for their spiritual growth? [17:16]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of confession in the process of reconciliation and transformation? What does true confession involve according to the message? [11:31]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a past mistake or regret that you have been holding onto. How can you apply the message of 2 Corinthians 5:17 to release this burden and embrace your new identity in Christ? [07:28]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing the message of reconciliation. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about God's forgiveness. How can you initiate a conversation with them this week? [24:33]
3. Consider the areas of your life where you might still be holding onto guilt or shame. How can Psalm 103:12 encourage you to trust in God's complete forgiveness? [11:31]
4. The sermon mentioned living as Christ's ambassadors. What specific actions can you take this week to represent Christ in your workplace, school, or community? [29:32]
5. Think about a situation where you have struggled to forgive yourself. How does the message of God's sovereignty over your past help you to move forward with confidence and hope? [17:16]
6. The sermon highlighted the power of confession. Is there a sin or struggle you need to confess to God or a trusted friend? How can this act of confession lead to healing and transformation? [11:31]
7. Reflect on your current focus in life. Are you more focused on your past or on who you are now in Christ? What changes can you make to align your focus with your new identity as a believer? [29:32]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty Over Our Past
Our past mistakes do not define us because God reigns over them. Through Christ, we are new creations, and our past is forgiven and erased. We must not let our past hold us back from the new life God offers. [07:28]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What past mistake or regret are you holding onto that you need to release to God today, trusting in His sovereignty and forgiveness?
Day 2: The Ministry of Reconciliation
As new creations in Christ, we are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. This means sharing the message of God's forgiveness and grace with others, helping them to experience the same freedom and renewal we have found in Christ. [17:16]
Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of reconciliation? How can you intentionally share God's grace with them this week?
Day 3: Embracing Our New Identity
In Christ, we are no longer defined by our past sins or failures. We are the righteousness of God, and our focus should be on who we are now in Christ, not who we once were. [22:09]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What is one way you can live out your new identity in Christ today, focusing on who you are now rather than who you once were?
Day 4: The Power of Confession
True confession involves not only acknowledging our sins but also recognizing our need for God's forgiveness. Only God can remove our sins and replace them with His righteousness. [11:31]
1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: Is there a sin you need to confess to God today? How can you embrace His forgiveness and allow Him to cleanse you from all unrighteousness?
Day 5: Living as Christ's Ambassadors
We are called to be Christ's ambassadors, representing Him in the world. This involves living out our faith and sharing the message of reconciliation with others, demonstrating God's love and grace in our interactions. [29:32]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: How can you be an ambassador for Christ in your daily interactions? What specific action can you take today to represent His love and grace to those around you?