Embracing Obedience, Sacrifice, and Redemption in Faith

 

Summary

In my sermon today, I reflected on the profound lessons of obedience, sacrifice, and redemption that are woven throughout the Scriptures. I began by sharing the joy of seeing our children learn and live out the teachings of the Bible, as exemplified by my granddaughter's eagerness to serve others. This is a testament to the strong spiritual foundation being laid within our community.

I then delved into the Scriptures, starting with John 19:14, where we see the transition of Jesus' crucifixion from an execution to an offering, a pivotal moment orchestrated by God through the chief priests. This act of sacrifice was not just for the church, but for every soul, regardless of their sins or societal status. The love of God, as demonstrated through Christ's offering, is universal and unconditional.

I drew parallels between the account of Jesus carrying His cross in John 19 and the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. Both sons carried wood up a mountain for a sacrifice, both in obedience to their fathers. This synergy between the Old and New Testament stories highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan.

Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the importance of perspective. Our point of view shapes our understanding of God's actions in our lives. While we may see our struggles and burdens, like the wood that Isaac and Jesus carried, God sees the entire picture, including the provision He has prepared for us. We are encouraged to trust in God's plan, even when we cannot see the outcome.

I also touched on the significance of agreement and replication in our relationship with God. Just as the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant face each other, and the seraphim in Isaiah's vision call to one another in worship, we too are called to come into agreement with God and with one another. This unity brings about God's presence and glory in our lives.

Finally, I invited the congregation to seek the Lord, to open their hearts to Him, and to praise Him even in the midst of trials. The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a present reality that offers us hope, redemption, and the opportunity to enter into a relationship with God.

Key Takeaways:

- The transition from execution to offering in the crucifixion of Jesus signifies a profound truth: redemption is not just a personal experience but a cosmic transaction. God's love extends beyond the church to embrace every individual, regardless of their past. This love is not contingent on our acceptance but is freely given, calling us to respond with gratitude and worship. [37:20]

- The story of Abraham and Isaac parallels the sacrifice of Jesus, teaching us about obedience and trust. Just as Isaac carried the wood up the mountain, Jesus carried His cross, both in submission to their fathers' will. This teaches us that our journey of faith often involves carrying burdens, but we do so with the assurance that God has a plan of redemption for us. [30:56]

- Our perspective is crucial in understanding God's work in our lives. We often focus on the tangible, the "wood" we see, but God invites us to trust in what is unseen—the provision He has made for our deliverance. This calls for a faith that praises God not only for what He has done but also for what He is yet to reveal. [01:03:28]

- The concept of agreement and replication in worship is powerful. When we come into alignment with God and with one another, we create an atmosphere where God's glory can manifest. This unity is essential for the church to experience the fullness of God's presence and to advance His kingdom on earth. [01:01:38]

- Seeking the Lord is an ongoing pursuit, not a one-time event. Our relationship with God is dynamic, requiring us to continually seek His face, knock on the door of opportunity, and ask for His guidance. In doing so, we open ourselves up to deeper revelations of His character and His will for our lives. [49:25]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 19:14-17 (NIV)
> "It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. 'Here is your king,' Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, 'Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!' 'Shall I crucify your king?' Pilate asked. 'We have no king but Caesar,' the chief priests answered. Finally, Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha)."

2. Genesis 22:6-8 (NIV)
> "Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, 'Father?' 'Yes, my son?' Abraham replied. 'The fire and wood are here,' Isaac said, 'but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?' Abraham answered, 'God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.' And the two of them went on together."

#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event does John 19:14-17 describe, and how does it transition from an execution to an offering? [27:29]
2. In Genesis 22:6-8, what does Isaac carry, and what question does he ask his father? How does Abraham respond? [30:00]
3. How does the sermon draw a parallel between Jesus carrying His cross and Isaac carrying the wood? [30:04]
4. What is the significance of the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant facing each other, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:00:28]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the transition from execution to offering in John 19:14-17 illustrate the concept of redemption? [27:57]
2. What does the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 teach us about obedience and trust in God's plan? [30:56]
3. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of perspective in understanding God's work in our lives? [33:03]
4. What does the concept of agreement and replication in worship mean, and how does it bring about God's presence and glory? [01:01:38]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt burdened by a difficult situation. How can you shift your perspective to trust in God's unseen provision, as discussed in the sermon? [33:03]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of obedience and trust, as seen in the stories of Jesus and Isaac. How can you practice obedience and trust in your daily life, especially when facing challenges? [30:56]
3. How can you come into agreement with God and others in your community to create an atmosphere where God's glory can manifest? What practical steps can you take to foster this unity? [01:01:38]
4. The sermon encourages us to seek the Lord continually. What are some specific ways you can seek God more intentionally in your daily routine? [49:00]
5. How can you praise God for what He has not yet revealed in your life, as the sermon suggests? Share a specific situation where you can apply this principle. [01:03:28]
6. Reflect on the concept of redemption being a cosmic transaction. How does understanding this broader perspective of God's love impact your view of yourself and others? [27:57]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of teaching and living out biblical principles within the community. How can you contribute to building a strong spiritual foundation in your family or church community? [25:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Cosmic Redemption
Redemption is a concept that transcends personal experience, reaching into the very fabric of the cosmos. It is the divine transaction that occurred when Jesus was crucified, an event that shifted from a mere execution to a profound offering. This act of love was not limited to a select group but was extended universally, encompassing every individual, irrespective of their past actions or societal standing. The love of God, as demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice, is unconditional and all-encompassing. It is a love that does not wait for acceptance to be validated but is freely given, inviting a response of gratitude and worship. This understanding of redemption challenges believers to view their faith not just as a personal journey but as part of a larger, divine narrative that includes all of creation. [37:20]

"For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 ESV

Reflection: How can you live out the reality of cosmic redemption in your interactions with those who may not share your faith?

Day 2: Obedience in the Journey of Faith
The journey of faith is often marked by moments of obedience and trust, much like the experiences of Abraham and Isaac, and later mirrored by Jesus. As Isaac carried the wood up the mountain in Genesis, Jesus carried His cross, both in submission to their fathers' will. This parallel teaches that carrying burdens is an integral part of faith, but these burdens are accompanied by the assurance of God's redemptive plan. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty, even when the path is difficult, knowing that there is a greater purpose at work. The act of carrying our "wood" can be seen as a metaphor for the trials and responsibilities that are borne in obedience to God's will, with the understanding that God is always working towards our ultimate redemption. [30:56]

"By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, 'Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.'" - Hebrews 11:17-18 ESV

Reflection: What is the "wood" you are currently carrying in obedience to God, and how can you trust Him more deeply in this area of your life?

Day 3: Trusting the Unseen Provision
Perspective is crucial in understanding the divine narrative at work in our lives. While it is easy to focus on the tangible burdens we carry, God invites us to trust in the unseen—the provision He has made for our deliverance. This calls for a faith that praises God not only for what is visible and known but also for what is yet to be revealed. It is a faith that looks beyond the immediate struggles and anticipates the fulfillment of God's promises. As believers, we are encouraged to shift our gaze from the "wood" of our circumstances to the unseen hand of God that is always at work, providing, guiding, and redeeming. [01:03:28]

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19 ESV

Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you need to shift your focus from the burden to God's unseen provision, and how can you actively cultivate trust in His provision today?

Day 4: Unity in Agreement and Worship
The concept of agreement and replication in worship is not only a biblical principle but a powerful dynamic in the life of the church. Just as the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant and the seraphim in Isaiah's vision are depicted in a state of mutual focus and worship, believers are called to come into alignment with God and one another. This unity is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's presence and advancing His kingdom on earth. When individuals come together in agreement with God's will and with each other, an atmosphere is created where God's glory can manifest in profound ways. This unity in worship and purpose is a testament to the power of collective faith and the presence of God among His people. [01:01:38]

"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31 ESV

Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a unified atmosphere of worship in your community, and what steps can you take to align more closely with God's will and with your fellow believers?

Day 5: The Dynamic Pursuit of God
Seeking the Lord is an ongoing pursuit that requires continual effort and intentionality. It is not a one-time event but a dynamic process that involves constantly seeking His face, knocking on the door of opportunity, and asking for His guidance. This pursuit opens believers up to deeper revelations of God's character and His will for their lives. It is a call to remain active in faith, to be persistent in prayer, and to be open to the transformative power of a relationship with God. As believers engage in this pursuit, they discover more of who God is and the depth of His love for them, which in turn shapes their identity and purpose. [49:25]

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." - Matthew 7:7-8 ESV

Reflection: What are practical ways you can actively seek the Lord today, and how can you incorporate this pursuit into your daily routine?

Quotes

1) "It occurs to me in our day and age that point of view, or POV as some people call it, is everything. What is your point of view? [...] And it occurs to me during seasons like this. As we examine the richness and the holiness of this week. That we only have a tendency to examine it from our point of view." [35:03]( | | )

2) "If he kept you from falling. If he renewed your strength. And the presence of haters. If the enemy sought to destroy. And God kept you. That's what it means when it says, Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. [...] I would have been swallowed up this morning." [41:46]( | | )

3) "Because my point of view in the resurrection story. Is relational. It's relational. With God. But from God's perspective. It is quite transactional. Because you see the word redemption in its nature is quite transactional. Redemption is to purchase. Or to buy back." [42:49]( | | )

4) "It is against the canvas of chaos. That I see Christ in the middle of that chaos. [...] In the middle of hate and chaos and confusion. And bedlam and disarray and confusion. God will still show himself strong as God." [39:24]( | | )

5) "I have already got a way of escape prepared for you, that I'm going to bring you out of your struggle, and you keep praying to me about the wood. You see the wood, but you don't see the ram. There's a ram coming up on the back side of the mountain, a substitute that's about to take your place." [01:05:20]( | | )

6) "God so loved the world. That means that he loved the wino. And the pot head. And the drug dealer. And the killer. And the murderer. And the rapist. And the liar. And the adulterer. And the cheater. And the prostitutor. And the prostitutor. And the prostitute." [37:20]( | | )

7) "This is the position that whenever two saints get together and start talking about how good God is, the Bible says that whenever two or three are gathered together in my name, I will come in the midst of your replicates. I will come in the middle of your agreement." [01:01:38]( | | )

8) "Daddy, I see the wood. Wait a minute, son. We don't look at things that are seen. We walk by faith and not by sight, and you keep talking to me about what you see, but I want you to believe in what you have not seen." [01:03:28]( | | )

9) "He laid on him the sins of the world. Men and women, Democrats and Republicans, every tribe, every tongue, every kindred. He laid enough wood on him that it was so heavy that Jesus began to stumble under the weight of the cross." [59:56]( | | )

10) "Don't pray for the wood. Praise him for the wood. Praise him for the situation. Because in this situation, in this season of carrying the wood, God is working in your life and growing you." [01:10:15]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?