Embracing Victory: Freedom from Guilt in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the profound truth that there is no one in the grave now, and because of that, we have the opportunity to wear the crown of victory. This message was reinforced through the repetitive declaration that "one hand gets to wear that crown," symbolizing the victory and authority we have in Christ due to His resurrection. The sermon transitioned into a heartfelt child dedication ceremony, emphasizing the importance of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Parents were encouraged to commit themselves to teaching their children the ways of God, as outlined in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Ephesians 6:4.
The latter part of the sermon addressed the heavy burden of guilt that many believers carry, even after they have been forgiven. Using Psalm 32, it was highlighted that God not only forgives our sins but also the guilt associated with them. The pastor shared personal anecdotes and biblical insights to illustrate how guilt can cripple our spiritual life and hinder our relationship with God. The message was clear: we must let go of the guilt of our past sins because Jesus' sacrifice has made us clean and justified, as if we had never sinned. The sermon concluded with a call to action, inviting those burdened by guilt to come forward and lay it down at the altar, embracing the freedom and peace that Christ offers.
### Key Takeaways
1. Victory Over Death: The repeated phrase "one hand gets to wear that crown" serves as a powerful reminder that because Jesus is no longer in the grave, we have victory over death and sin. This victory is not just a future promise but a present reality that we can live in daily. [19:45]
2. Parental Responsibility: The dedication of children to the Lord is not just a ceremonial act but a commitment by parents to raise their children in the ways of God. This involves teaching them God's commands diligently and living a life that exemplifies faith and godliness. [33:56]
3. Freedom from Guilt: Psalm 32 teaches us that God forgives not only our sins but also the guilt associated with them. Carrying the weight of guilt can cripple our spiritual life, but understanding that we are justified and made clean by Jesus' sacrifice can set us free. [46:53]
4. The Power of Confession: True repentance involves not just asking for forgiveness but also believing that God has removed both the sin and the guilt. Continually confessing the same sin without accepting God's forgiveness undermines the power of Christ's sacrifice. [48:51]
5. Living Justified: Justification means being made right with God, as if we had never sinned. This understanding should transform how we see ourselves and how we live our lives, free from the accusations of the enemy and the weight of past sins. [01:15:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:45] - Victory Over Death
[20:04] - The Crown of Life
[20:23] - No One in the Grave
[20:47] - Rejoicing in Victory
[21:13] - Child Dedication Introduction
[21:25] - Dedication of Brooklyn Calhoun
[21:50] - Dedication of Ernest and Tiffany
[22:16] - Dedication of Emma Davis
[22:25] - Dedication of Zeeland Blackburn
[22:52] - Dedication of Rex Wheeler
[23:11] - Dedication of Harper Huff
[23:31] - Dedication of Everett James French
[31:43] - The Power of Faith
[32:22] - Praise and Worship
[33:16] - The Role of Parents
[33:56] - Biblical Basis for Dedication
[35:13] - Commitment to Raise Godly Children
[36:19] - Jesus' Love for Children
[37:21] - Parental Covenant
[38:06] - Congregational Support
[39:37] - Prayer of Dedication
[40:45] - Upcoming Church Events
[43:18] - Youth Wing Update
[44:07] - Finishing the Year Strong
[45:00] - Living Free from Guilt
[45:57] - Theology of Forgiveness
[46:53] - Psalm 32: Freedom from Guilt
[48:03] - Confession and Forgiveness
[48:51] - Embracing Freedom
[49:35] - Story of the Playwright
[50:48] - The Weight of Guilt
[52:19] - Understanding Guilt
[53:41] - The Phantom Pain of Guilt
[55:39] - The Crippling Effect of Guilt
[56:28] - Good Guilt vs. Bad Guilt
[57:29] - The Warning Light of Guilt
[58:47] - Dealing with Conviction
[01:00:36] - Good Guilt Leads to Salvation
[01:01:26] - Quick Repentance
[01:02:03] - Worldly Sorrow
[01:03:05] - The Danger of Bad Guilt
[01:03:38] - Spiritual Death from Guilt
[01:04:29] - The Weight of Unresolved Guilt
[01:05:29] - The Enemy's Accusations
[01:06:47] - The Heavy Burden of Guilt
[01:08:32] - The Enemy's Tactics
[01:10:17] - The Baggage of Guilt
[01:12:25] - Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus
[01:14:02] - The Symbolism of Baptism
[01:15:26] - Justified by Christ
[01:17:07] - The Rolls Royce Story
[01:19:25] - The Power of Justification
[01:20:25] - Living Free from Guilt
[01:21:07] - The Struggle with Guilt
[01:22:33] - The Effectiveness of Christ's Death
[01:23:12] - Embracing God's Forgiveness
[01:24:08] - The Weight of Guilt
[01:24:56] - Reconciliation with God
[01:25:55] - The Mediator Jesus
[01:26:43] - Prayer for Forgiveness
[01:27:25] - Altar Call
[01:28:10] - Worship and Response
[01:28:55] - Invitation to Know Christ
[01:35:45] - Confession and Belief
[01:36:37] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:37:08] - Prayer of Salvation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 32:1-5 (NIV)
Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
2. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
3. Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 32, what are the consequences of keeping silent about one's sins? ([46:53])
2. What does Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instruct parents to do with God's commandments? ([35:13])
3. In Ephesians 6:4, what are fathers specifically instructed not to do, and what should they do instead? ([37:21])
4. How does the pastor describe the effect of unresolved guilt on a person's spiritual life? ([55:39])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Psalm 32 mentions both the forgiveness of sin and the guilt of sin? ([48:03])
2. How can the instructions in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Ephesians 6:4 shape the way parents raise their children in faith? ([35:13] and [37:21])
3. What does the pastor mean when he says that carrying guilt can "cripple your spiritual life"? ([55:39])
4. How does the concept of justification, as explained in the sermon, change a believer's understanding of their relationship with God? ([01:15:26])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the weight of unresolved guilt. How did it affect your daily life and spiritual walk? What steps can you take to address unresolved guilt in your life now? ([55:39])
2. As a parent or guardian, how can you practically implement the teachings of Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Ephesians 6:4 in your household? What specific actions can you take this week to teach your children about God? ([35:13] and [37:21])
3. The pastor mentioned that continually confessing the same sin without accepting God's forgiveness undermines the power of Christ's sacrifice. How can you remind yourself of God's forgiveness and let go of past guilt? ([48:51])
4. How does understanding that you are justified by Christ (just as if you had never sinned) impact your self-view and daily living? What changes can you make to live more freely in this truth? ([01:15:26])
5. Think about a specific area in your life where you struggle with guilt. What practical steps can you take to release this guilt and embrace the freedom that Christ offers? ([01:24:56])
6. How can you support someone in your small group or community who is struggling with guilt? What words of encouragement or actions can you offer to help them understand and accept God's forgiveness? ([01:28:10])
7. The pastor shared a story about a playwright's prank that caused 20 men to leave town due to guilt. How can you ensure that your actions and words do not unnecessarily burden others with guilt? What can you do to promote a culture of grace and forgiveness in your community? ([50:48])
Devotional
Day 1: Victory Over Death
Because Jesus is no longer in the grave, we have victory over death and sin. This victory is not just a future promise but a present reality that we can live in daily. The phrase "one hand gets to wear that crown" serves as a powerful reminder of the authority and triumph we have in Christ. This victory empowers us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that death and sin no longer have dominion over us.
Living in this victory means embracing the freedom and authority that come with being children of God. It means walking in the power of the resurrection, allowing it to transform our daily lives and interactions. This victory is not just for our benefit but also for us to share with others, demonstrating the hope and power of the risen Christ.
[19:45]
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (ESV): "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you live out the victory over death and sin in your daily life? What specific actions or attitudes need to change to reflect this truth?
Day 2: Parental Responsibility
The dedication of children to the Lord is not just a ceremonial act but a commitment by parents to raise their children in the ways of God. This involves teaching them God's commands diligently and living a life that exemplifies faith and godliness. Parents are called to be the primary spiritual influencers in their children's lives, guiding them in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
This responsibility is both a privilege and a challenge. It requires intentionality, consistency, and reliance on God's wisdom and strength. Parents must model a genuine relationship with God, demonstrating what it means to love, trust, and obey Him. This commitment also involves creating an environment where children can grow in their faith, ask questions, and experience the love of Christ.
[33:56]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can teach and model God's commands to your children or the children in your life? How can you create an environment that nurtures their faith?
Day 3: Freedom from Guilt
Psalm 32 teaches us that God forgives not only our sins but also the guilt associated with them. Carrying the weight of guilt can cripple our spiritual life, but understanding that we are justified and made clean by Jesus' sacrifice can set us free. Guilt can be a heavy burden that hinders our relationship with God and others, but God's forgiveness is complete and liberating.
To live in this freedom, we must accept God's forgiveness and let go of the guilt of our past sins. This involves trusting in the sufficiency of Jesus' sacrifice and believing that we are truly cleansed and justified. It also means rejecting the enemy's accusations and embracing the new identity we have in Christ.
[46:53]
Psalm 32:1-2 (ESV): "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit."
Reflection: Is there any guilt from past sins that you are still carrying? How can you fully embrace God's forgiveness and live in the freedom He offers?
Day 4: The Power of Confession
True repentance involves not just asking for forgiveness but also believing that God has removed both the sin and the guilt. Continually confessing the same sin without accepting God's forgiveness undermines the power of Christ's sacrifice. Confession is a powerful act that brings healing and restoration, but it must be accompanied by faith in God's promise to forgive and cleanse us.
When we confess our sins, we acknowledge our need for God's grace and mercy. It is an act of humility and surrender, recognizing that we cannot save ourselves. However, we must also believe that God is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness. This belief transforms our confession from a mere ritual into a life-changing encounter with God's grace.
[48:51]
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: Are there any sins you find yourself repeatedly confessing without fully accepting God's forgiveness? How can you strengthen your faith in God's promise to forgive and cleanse you?
Day 5: Living Justified
Justification means being made right with God, as if we had never sinned. This understanding should transform how we see ourselves and how we live our lives, free from the accusations of the enemy and the weight of past sins. Living justified means embracing our new identity in Christ and walking in the freedom and confidence that come with being declared righteous by God.
This transformation affects every aspect of our lives, from our self-image to our relationships and our purpose. It empowers us to live boldly for Christ, knowing that we are fully accepted and loved by God. It also enables us to extend grace and forgiveness to others, reflecting the love and mercy we have received.
[01:15:26]
Romans 5:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Reflection: How does understanding your justification in Christ change the way you see yourself and live your life? What steps can you take to walk in the freedom and confidence of being declared righteous by God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "All need to do is put your faith in that God who can do more than able. He's more than able to do, the Bible says, exceedingly, abundantly, above all ask or think, according to the power that works on the inside of you. And we know that's the power of the Holy Spirit." [31:43] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Who the son set free is free. And if God has forgiven you of the sin, his word says he's also forgiven you of the guilt of the sin. So get over it, man. Come on. Get over it, woman. You don't have to carry that guilt anymore. He's forgiven you." [48:51] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you said yes to Jesus and when you say Lord forgive me when you blow it after that I'm telling you that the blood of Jesus makes you clean as white as snow and you don't have to stay with those guilty feelings anymore." [01:13:25] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In Christ you have been justified. That's a big word justified. Justified. What does it mean? It's one thing to believe that you are forgiven and that you're cleansed and that you're redeemed but it's another thing to believe that it's just as if you have never sinned. That's what justified means." [01:15:26] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you say, Jesus, forgive me, Jesus will look at any of the accusers and say, according to me and my files and my record, he's as white as snow, clean, been made right because I made him right by my blood." [01:19:25] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I believe many of us in this place have asked God to forgive us of the sin. And we've accepted his forgiveness of the sin. But sometimes we carry the guilt of that sin way too long. And I'm here to tell you today that who the son set free is free. And if God has forgiven you of the sin, his word says he's also forgiven you of the guilt of the sin." [48:03] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Good guilt is actually godly sorrow which leads back to the way of salvation. We need to experience guilt. We need to realize that we are guilty sometimes. I believe the world has gotten so cold to the things of God that they don't experience guilt or shame for that matter even. About the things that they do anymore." [57:29] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Bad guilt consumes us and separates us from God. Right? Any time that you leave that guilt unchecked and it goes on and on and on. Here's what that looks like. You'll eventually say when the Lord begins to speak to you, I'm not worthy to hear what you have to say, God. I'm not good enough. You know what I did. God, you know how I did it. Lord, you might be the only one who knows besides me. But when all it takes is God forgive me." [01:03:05] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you let guilt stay in your spirit, when you let guilt stay in your life, when you let those guilty feelings go unresolved and unforgiven and unchecked, it's like, man, there's a weight on your life. Heavy were your hands on me all day. They were just heavy because I carried this guilt." [46:53] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Every time I'd cry anew for a release from my guilt, I was denying the effectiveness of Christ's death. Every time I kept on saying, Lord, I'm sorry, forgive me, forgive me, when he already had forgiven me, I was denying the effectiveness of Christ's death. How dare I demean forgiveness that was bought at such a high price?" [01:22:33] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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