Embracing the Reality of Christ's Sacrifice
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth that Jesus is worthy of all our praise, devotion, and love. He is worthy because He paid the ultimate price for our sins, taking them to the grave and leaving them there, rising again to give us new life. This understanding should transform our lives, making Jesus our all in all, the one who fights our battles and deserves our crowns. We reflected on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and how it fulfills the shadows and types found in the Old Testament feasts and rituals. These feasts, such as Passover, Pentecost, and Yom Kippur, were all precursors pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who is the true Passover Lamb.
We delved into the concept of "Leaving the Shadows," emphasizing that the rituals and laws of the Old Testament were mere shadows of the reality found in Christ. The law, while holy and righteous, could not give life; it was burdensome and often used to judge and look down on others. However, Jesus came to fulfill the law and offer us a new covenant through His blood, which purges our conscience from sin and brings us into a relationship with God.
We also discussed the importance of embracing the body of Christ rather than clinging to the shadows. Just as it would be absurd to embrace someone's shadow instead of their actual body, it is equally futile to hold onto the rituals and laws when we have the reality of Jesus. The body of Christ is what brings life, freedom, and transformation. We are complete in Him, and through His Spirit, we can live a life that honors and glorifies God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus is Worthy of All Praise and Devotion: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, where He took our sins to the grave and rose again, makes Him worthy of all our praise and devotion. This understanding should transform our lives, making Him our all in all, the one who fights our battles and deserves our crowns. [30:29]
2. The Fulfillment of Old Testament Feasts: The Old Testament feasts, such as Passover and Pentecost, were shadows pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. He is the true Passover Lamb whose blood brings redemption, not just in the physical realm but in the spiritual realm as well. [52:06]
3. Leaving the Shadows for the Reality in Christ: The rituals and laws of the Old Testament were mere shadows of the reality found in Christ. Embracing the body of Christ, rather than clinging to the shadows, brings life, freedom, and transformation. The law could not give life, but Jesus fulfilled it and offers us a new covenant through His blood. [57:43]
4. Complete in Christ: In Christ, we are complete. The law and the shadows could not make us righteous, but through Jesus, we are made whole. This completeness in Christ allows us to live a life that honors and glorifies God, free from the burdens of the law. [14:01]
5. The Spirit Brings Life and Transformation: The Spirit of the Lord brings us into a relationship with God and transforms our lives. It is through the Spirit that we can live out the reality of being in Christ, experiencing the freedom and life that He offers. The Spirit intercedes for us, just as Jesus is our advocate in heaven. [07:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:29] - Jesus is Worthy
[35:46] - Praise and Thanksgiving
[49:48] - Leaving the Shadows
[52:06] - Old Testament Feasts
[57:43] - Embracing the Body of Christ
[14:01] - Complete in Christ
[07:00] - The Spirit Brings Life
[01:00:15] - Searching for Fulfillment
[01:02:20] - Embracing the Reality
[01:07:00] - The Spirit's Role
[01:14:01] - Freedom in Christ
[01:20:37] - Shadows vs. Reality
[01:30:13] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 2:8-17 (NIV)
> "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."
2. Hebrews 10:1-10 (NIV)
> "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: 'Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.’' First he said, 'Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them'—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, 'Here I am, I have come to do your will.' He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Colossians 2:8-17 say about the fullness of Christ and how it relates to believers? ([01:14:01])
2. According to Hebrews 10:1-10, why were the Old Testament sacrifices insufficient, and how did Jesus fulfill what they pointed to? ([54:17])
3. In the sermon, what analogy was used to describe the futility of clinging to the shadows instead of embracing the reality in Christ? ([01:02:20])
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of the Old Testament feasts in relation to Jesus' sacrifice? ([52:06])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that "in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (Colossians 2:9) impact a believer's view of their own completeness in Christ? ([01:14:01])
2. What does it mean for believers to be "complete in Christ" as mentioned in Colossians 2:10, and how does this contrast with the Old Testament law? ([01:14:01])
3. How does the concept of "leaving the shadows" and embracing the reality in Christ challenge traditional religious practices and mindsets? ([57:43])
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Holy Spirit brings life and transformation to believers? ([07:00])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt burdened by religious rituals or laws. How can you shift your focus to the completeness found in Christ? ([01:14:01])
2. The sermon emphasized that Jesus is worthy of all our praise and devotion. How can you practically make Jesus your "all in all" in your daily life? ([30:29])
3. How can you embrace the reality of Christ in your life rather than clinging to religious traditions or shadows? What steps can you take this week to make this shift? ([57:43])
4. The sermon mentioned that the Spirit brings life and transformation. Can you identify an area in your life where you need the Holy Spirit's transformative power? How will you invite Him into that area? ([07:00])
5. Think about the analogy of embracing the body of Christ rather than the shadow. What are some "shadows" in your life that you need to let go of to fully embrace Jesus? ([01:02:20])
6. How can you live out the reality of being complete in Christ in your interactions with others, especially those who may still be clinging to religious rituals? ([01:14:01])
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of the Old Testament feasts as shadows pointing to Jesus. How does this understanding deepen your appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice? ([52:06])
Devotional
### Day 1: Jesus is Worthy of All Praise and Devotion
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, where He took our sins to the grave and rose again, makes Him worthy of all our praise and devotion. This understanding should transform our lives, making Him our all in all, the one who fights our battles and deserves our crowns. Jesus' worthiness is not just a theological concept but a reality that should permeate every aspect of our lives. When we grasp the magnitude of His sacrifice, our natural response should be one of complete devotion and praise.
In our daily lives, this means recognizing Jesus as the central figure in all we do. He is not just a part of our lives; He is our life. This understanding should lead us to live in a way that reflects His love, grace, and power. We should be willing to lay down our own crowns and ambitions at His feet, acknowledging that He alone is worthy of all honor and glory. [30:29]
Revelation 5:12 (ESV): "Saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!'"
Reflection: What is one specific way you can show your devotion to Jesus today, acknowledging His worthiness in your life?
### Day 2: The Fulfillment of Old Testament Feasts
The Old Testament feasts, such as Passover and Pentecost, were shadows pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. He is the true Passover Lamb whose blood brings redemption, not just in the physical realm but in the spiritual realm as well. These feasts were significant in the lives of the Israelites, serving as reminders of God's provision and deliverance. However, they were also prophetic, pointing to the greater reality found in Christ.
Jesus' sacrifice fulfills the deeper meaning of these feasts, offering a complete and eternal redemption. The blood of the Passover Lamb in the Old Testament protected the Israelites from physical death, but the blood of Jesus protects us from spiritual death and brings us into eternal life. Understanding this fulfillment helps us appreciate the continuity of God's plan and the depth of His love for us. [52:06]
Hebrews 10:1 (ESV): "For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament feasts deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice?
### Day 3: Leaving the Shadows for the Reality in Christ
The rituals and laws of the Old Testament were mere shadows of the reality found in Christ. Embracing the body of Christ, rather than clinging to the shadows, brings life, freedom, and transformation. The law could not give life, but Jesus fulfilled it and offers us a new covenant through His blood. This new covenant is not based on external rituals but on an internal transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit.
Living in the reality of Christ means letting go of the old ways of trying to earn God's favor through rituals and embracing the grace and freedom that Jesus offers. It means recognizing that our righteousness comes from Him and not from our own efforts. This shift from shadow to reality brings a profound change in how we relate to God and to others. [57:43]
Colossians 2:17 (ESV): "These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."
Reflection: Are there any "shadows" or old ways of thinking that you need to let go of to fully embrace the reality of Christ in your life?
### Day 4: Complete in Christ
In Christ, we are complete. The law and the shadows could not make us righteous, but through Jesus, we are made whole. This completeness in Christ allows us to live a life that honors and glorifies God, free from the burdens of the law. Being complete in Christ means that we lack nothing; everything we need for life and godliness is found in Him.
This completeness is not just a theological concept but a practical reality. It means that we do not need to strive for acceptance or approval from God or others because we are already fully accepted in Christ. It means that our identity and worth are found in Him, freeing us from the need to prove ourselves. This freedom allows us to live confidently and boldly for Him. [14:01]
Colossians 2:10 (ESV): "And you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to feel complete? How can you remind yourself of your completeness in Christ today?
### Day 5: The Spirit Brings Life and Transformation
The Spirit of the Lord brings us into a relationship with God and transforms our lives. It is through the Spirit that we can live out the reality of being in Christ, experiencing the freedom and life that He offers. The Spirit intercedes for us, just as Jesus is our advocate in heaven. This relationship with the Spirit is essential for our spiritual growth and transformation.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in a way that honors God, guiding us into all truth and helping us to bear fruit that reflects His character. The Spirit's work in our lives is a continuous process of transformation, making us more like Christ. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own; it is the work of the Spirit in us. [07:00]
Romans 8:11 (ESV): "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's work in your life today? What steps can you take to allow the Spirit to transform you more fully?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "He's worthy because he paid our sins And the only sins Jesus took to the grave were mine Yours, ours Thank God he left them there And he rose again to life He pray sometimes, Lord, do I really, really, really understand The significance of what you've done for me He's worthy And when Jesus becomes your all in all Then he fights your battles." [30:29] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You search the scriptures for in them you think you have life. And you know, pastor, in my mind's eye, I can see him holding that role. I wanted to scroll. He said, you search them because you think that in them you have life. But he said, these are they which testify. Me." [49:48] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The natural man is born with a knowledge that he's separated from God. And there's only one way you're going to reach him. That's Christ. Can you imagine Jesus when he's standing in that crowd? He says, you search the scriptures. Go ahead, search them. Because you think you've got life in them. I can almost see him in my mind's eye. These are they. To bear witness to me. Speaking of himself." [01:17:26] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The blood of Jesus speaks deliverance for everyone that's in here today. It speaks righteousness. The blood of Cain, the blood of Abel, the blood of Cain, no, the blood of Abel cried out for justice. The blood of Jesus cries out for mercy. He says, I'm going to be with you always." [01:27:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You're hungry for Jesus today. And you want Him to be your all in all. It's so simple. It's so simple it takes a preacher to mess it up, Brother Ray. And I'm putting myself in that number because I did it years ago. Lay down the law and preach those thunder down the law and sermons. Stokes the ego because of it. Lord, I gave them. I held forth your word, Lord. Anything that appeals to our flesh and our ability to help the Lord out, it's not the gospel. It's not the gospel." [01:29:22] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The shadows, the do's, the don'ts, they appeal to us as natural men because we're born with an understanding that we're separated from God and the natural man wants to work his way back to God it's there God says he's inscribed eternity upon our hearts whether we realize it or not we are eternal." [59:20] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The law or the shadows God doesn't reach you in the shadows he doesn't use the shadows to reach you let me say that he doesn't use the shadows the shadows are not the means by which he saves you the body you keep saying the body Howard how many of you read Paul Colossians and there's a couple of guys out there that may be looking by online if he is one of them is laughing at me I know right now I know right now I was always accused of loving Paul more than Jesus but his writings are so crucial and they spot on because we're the Gentiles we're the non-Jews Paul is our apostle." [01:03:18] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The foundation will allow you to hear from the spirit of the Lord the foundation will allow you to grow the foundation will allow you to live your life daily the foundation or the body which is Jesus we're going to go to that in a little bit the body which is Christ allows the spirit of the Lord because now the spirit of the Lord has a perfect sacrifice through which he can work and he oversees he superintends the ministry of Jesus." [01:05:41] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The blood that was shed to purge your conscience from sin away your guilt not give you a license to do whatever you want to do and say Lord you know I'm weak and you're going to forgive me no but it purges your conscience from sin the writer says it's written in the volume of the book Lord I come to do your will and that is to take away the first that he may bring forth and set forth the new covenant and the new covenant the Bible says that God will have mercy upon them and he will remember their sins no more." [01:05:11] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The work's done. The work is finished. Don't ask the musicians to come. Another benefit in the body, grasping the body. Do I need to cut this off? There are times when the Lord will just impress on you something. I remember probably back in late January, maybe early February. I don't remember the time frame. This year. I'm watching TV and it's, I think it's on a Saturday night. I feel like the Lord's just telling me, I want you to pray." [01:24:51] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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