Embracing Redemption: Our Ever-Present Redeemer Lives

Summary

### Summary

On the night of August 17th, 41 years ago, I found myself at the lowest point of my life, much like Job in the Bible. Job lost almost everything—his possessions, children, health, and the respect of his wife and friends. Despite his suffering, Job received a prophetic revelation that has inspired many: "I know that my Redeemer lives." This powerful truth can be a weapon against the temptation to wander from the truth during trials and tribulations.

Job's story teaches us that suffering and lamentation can lead to profound revelation. Even when friends and family fail us, and we feel utterly alone, God's word remains steadfast: our Redeemer lives. This message is crucial for anyone facing severe trials, whether self-inflicted or not. It reminds us that redemption, provision, healing, and salvation are assured because our Redeemer lives.

I shared my personal journey of shame and redemption, emphasizing that God's presence, principles, and people played pivotal roles in my restoration. Despite my moral failure and the subsequent shame, God's love and the support of a loving church community helped me find my way back. This experience underscores the importance of community and the transformative power of God's love.

The sermon concluded with a call to let go of shame and embrace the truth that our Redeemer lives. This truth is not just for us but for everyone, including those who feel unworthy or burdened by their past. Jesus bore our shame so that we could live in freedom. As we sang "Worthy is Your Name," we were reminded that His worthiness is eternal, biblical, and personal. Let us live in the freedom He died to give us, knowing that our Redeemer lives.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Community in Times of Despair: When I was at my lowest, it was the persistence and love of my community that pulled me out of my despair. This mirrors Job's experience, where despite his friends' failings, the presence of others played a crucial role in his journey. Community can be a lifeline, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. [01:11]

2. The Importance of Honest Lamentation: Job's story shows that it's okay to express our deepest pains and frustrations to God. Honest lamentation can lead to profound revelations and spiritual breakthroughs. When we vent our true feelings to God and wait on Him, He meets us at our point of honesty and provides encouragement and hope. [08:31]

3. The Ever-Present Redeemer: The declaration "I know that my Redeemer lives" is a powerful weapon against despair and temptation. This truth assures us that no matter how dire our circumstances, redemption is always possible. Our Redeemer's presence is a constant source of hope and strength, enabling us to face any challenge. [10:15]

4. The Role of God's Word in Spiritual Warfare: Just as Jesus used scripture to resist Satan's temptations, we too must wield God's word as a sword in our spiritual battles. The enemy is relentless, but the same word that brought victory yesterday will bring victory today. Consistently using God's word is crucial in overcoming the adversary's attacks. [12:04]

5. Freedom from Shame through Christ: Jesus bore our shame so that we could live in freedom. This freedom is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that empowers us to live boldly and witness effectively. Letting go of shame allows us to fully embrace our identity in Christ and live out our calling without hindrance. [33:45]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:11] - Introduction to Job's Suffering
[02:12] - Misunderstanding Job's Trials
[03:22] - Temptation to Wander from the Truth
[04:04] - Job's Lamentations and Revelation
[05:14] - Reading Job 19
[07:39] - Job's Despair and Friends' Accusations
[08:31] - Honest Lamentation Leads to Revelation
[09:17] - Job's Prophetic Revelation
[10:15] - The Power of "My Redeemer Lives"
[11:19] - Using God's Word in Spiritual Warfare
[12:04] - Jesus' Example in Overcoming Temptation
[13:47] - Assurance of Redemption and Provision
[14:43] - Political Correctness and Judgmentalism
[16:22] - Redemption Despite Reaping What We Sow
[17:39] - Personal Testimony of Shame and Redemption
[20:08] - The Role of Community in Restoration
[23:29] - Consequences of the Fall and Christ's Fulfillment
[25:23] - Christ's Suffering and Redemption
[27:16] - Restoration and Ministry
[29:31] - The Importance of God's People
[31:24] - Charles Wesley's Hymn
[32:23] - The Gospel for Muslims
[33:45] - Freedom from Shame
[34:26] - Worship Song: "Worthy is Your Name"
[39:46] - Conclusion and Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Job 19:23-27 (ESV)
> "Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! Oh that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!"

2. Genesis 3:15-19 (ESV)
> "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

#### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the losses Job experienced as described in the sermon? ([01:11])
2. How did Job's friends respond to his suffering, and what was their main accusation against him? ([07:39])
3. What was the prophetic revelation Job received during his lamentation in Job 19? ([10:15])
4. How did the pastor describe the role of community in his personal journey of restoration? ([29:31])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the declaration "I know that my Redeemer lives" signify in the context of Job's suffering and in the broader biblical narrative? ([10:15])
2. How does the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 relate to the themes of shame and redemption discussed in the sermon? ([23:29])
3. In what ways did the pastor's personal testimony illustrate the power of community and God's principles in overcoming shame and despair? ([20:08])
4. How can honest lamentation, as seen in Job's story, lead to spiritual breakthroughs and revelations? ([08:31])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt at your lowest point. How did your community or church family support you during that time? How can you be that support for someone else now? ([29:31])
2. Job's friends accused him of wrongdoing during his suffering. Have you ever felt judged or misunderstood during a difficult time? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Job's response? ([07:39])
3. The pastor emphasized the importance of letting go of shame. Is there an area in your life where you are holding onto shame? What steps can you take to embrace the freedom that Christ offers? ([33:45])
4. How can you use the truth "I know that my Redeemer lives" as a weapon against despair and temptation in your daily life? ([10:15])
5. The sermon highlighted the role of God's word in spiritual warfare. What specific scriptures can you memorize and use to combat the enemy's attacks in your life? ([12:04])
6. The pastor shared his journey of moral failure and redemption. How can you create an environment in your small group or church that fosters honesty and restoration rather than judgment and shame? ([20:08])
7. Think of someone in your life who might be struggling with feelings of unworthiness or shame. How can you share the message of redemption and the truth that our Redeemer lives with them this week? ([33:45])

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Community in Times of Despair
When we find ourselves at our lowest, the love and support of a community can be a lifeline. Just as Job experienced the presence of others during his trials, even when they failed him, we too can find strength and encouragement through our community. The presence of a loving and persistent community can remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. This communal support can be a powerful force in pulling us out of despair and helping us to see the light at the end of the tunnel. [01:11]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt supported by your community during a difficult period. How can you extend that same support to someone in your community who might be struggling today?

Day 2: The Importance of Honest Lamentation
Job's story teaches us that it is okay to express our deepest pains and frustrations to God. Honest lamentation can lead to profound revelations and spiritual breakthroughs. When we vent our true feelings to God and wait on Him, He meets us at our point of honesty and provides encouragement and hope. This process of lamentation is not a sign of weakness but a step towards healing and understanding. [08:31]

Psalm 142:1-2 (ESV): "With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to be more honest with God about your struggles? Take a moment today to pour out your heart to Him in prayer.

Day 3: The Ever-Present Redeemer
The declaration "I know that my Redeemer lives" is a powerful weapon against despair and temptation. This truth assures us that no matter how dire our circumstances, redemption is always possible. Our Redeemer's presence is a constant source of hope and strength, enabling us to face any challenge. Knowing that our Redeemer lives gives us the courage to persevere through trials and tribulations, confident in the promise of redemption and restoration. [10:15]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: How does the knowledge that your Redeemer lives change the way you face your current challenges? Write down one specific way this truth can give you hope today.

Day 4: The Role of God's Word in Spiritual Warfare
Just as Jesus used scripture to resist Satan's temptations, we too must wield God's word as a sword in our spiritual battles. The enemy is relentless, but the same word that brought victory yesterday will bring victory today. Consistently using God's word is crucial in overcoming the adversary's attacks. By immersing ourselves in scripture, we equip ourselves with the truth and power needed to stand firm against any spiritual opposition. [12:04]

Ephesians 6:17 (ESV): "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Reflection: What is one scripture that has helped you in times of spiritual warfare? Memorize this verse and meditate on it throughout the day, using it as a weapon against any attacks you may face.

Day 5: Freedom from Shame through Christ
Jesus bore our shame so that we could live in freedom. This freedom is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that empowers us to live boldly and witness effectively. Letting go of shame allows us to fully embrace our identity in Christ and live out our calling without hindrance. Embracing this freedom means recognizing that our past does not define us and that we are made new in Christ. [33:45]

Isaiah 54:4 (ESV): "Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you still feel shame? Ask God to help you release this shame and embrace the freedom that Christ has given you. How can this freedom change the way you live and interact with others today?

Quotes

1. "If you're tempted to wander from the truth because of disappointments, pain, trials, struggles, people, God, the devil, I'm gunning for you today. I want to encourage you. Maybe you've been ripped off unbelievably and you've lost everything. Your retirement's gone out the window and you're mad at all the politicians. And you're tempted to wander from the truth and just fall in a bottle somewhere and just exist as a vegetable. Maybe turn yourself off. That happens. That is wandering from the truth because the truth is your Redeemer lives." [03:22] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If you find yourself in the middle of trials of any kind, whether you cause them or somebody else cause them, or just life sucks, God's word for you is your Redeemer lives. It can be God's word for everyone suffering great trials, tough circumstances, or the consequences of reaping what we've sown. For those who have been or are currently being tempted to wander away from the truth due to hard personal times, self-inflicted or not, this word's for you." [04:04] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The weapon that defeated him today will defeat him tomorrow. So if you face him today and God gives you a word and it brings you great victory and tomorrow happens and here comes another attack or another despairing thought don't fall prey to the thought. Oh, the weapon didn't work. No, it worked. Use it. Again, who got hungry yesterday? Who dealt with that hunger by eating? Yesterday? Who's hungry or going to be hungry today? It didn't work. Hunger is relentless. So the same treatment that worked yesterday treats today." [12:04] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So the sword works and you just have to use it when you need to use it. And sometimes you need to use it on yourself because we leak. Who knows that? So your Redeemer lives. Mr. Job, mis-discouraged person. Mr. Brought problems on himself. People living under shame of their own doing or someone else's doing. Your Redeemer lives. You may not know how redemption is going to come, but take it to the bank. The one who brings redemption, your Redeemer lives." [13:47] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You may not know how provision is going to come, but rest assured, your provider. You may not know how healing is going to come, but rest assured, your healer. You may not know how salvation is going to come, but rest assured, your Savior. You may not know how. Victory is going to come, but rest assured, the world overcomer. not know how this life is going to work out, but rest assured, the resurrected one." [14:43] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "If watched the news, if you've watched the news, you've seen numerous spiritual leaders fall. And maybe they didn't fall in real time when the news came out. Their failure happened years ago, but they have been removed from their office. And everybody's heaping shame on them. And you know what virtue signaling is? To show that I'm a good person, I'm going to heap shame on people that aren't good people. We should be ashamed. Is that contradictory? The Redeemer lives." [15:38] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "So thank you, Lord, our sin didn't, destroy faith and belief. So we found a church that loved us in Houston, called The World of Faith, Pastor R.L. Mitchell. And they loved us, ministered to us. But in the background, I had this shame. And was able to experience the presence of God in prayer. So the presence of God was healing my heart, facing what I had done. The presence was foundation. The principles ministered to me. The principles ministered to me." [21:46] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "He came down that we might go up. He came out that you might go in. He became naked so that we might be clothed. He died so that you could live. He became poor so that we could be made rich. He became one with us. So that we could become one. So out of respect. For the you in Jesus. And the Jesus in you. The shame has got to go folks. Why? Because your redeemer." [33:45] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "He bore our shame. He bore our blame. give Him. We stand amazed in His love undeniable because He takes away our shame. It doesn't mean shameful things are no longer shameful, but it means ashamed people are freed from their shame to go on. We all have to get to know Jesus. And I knew Him because of my culture, but I knew Him personally because I needed a Redeemer. You're a Redeemer? God bless you." [41:10] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "He is good. Worthy is Your name. bore our curse. He bore our shame. He bore our blame. give Him. We stand amazed in His love undeniable because He takes away our shame. It doesn't mean shameful things are no longer shameful, but it means ashamed people are freed from their shame to go on. We all have to get to know Jesus. And I knew Him because of my culture, but I knew Him personally because I needed a Redeemer. You're a Redeemer? God bless you." [41:10] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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