Finding Safety in the Finished Work of Christ
Summary
In the story of a father and son trying to outrun a prairie fire, we find a profound lesson about faith and trust. As the fire approached from all directions, the father made a seemingly counterintuitive decision to turn back to a spot that had already been burned. Despite the son's confusion and fear, the father insisted they stay put, explaining that the fire could not burn the same place twice. This story serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives. Just as the father instructed his son to remain in the safety of the already-burned ground, we are called to stand firm in the finished work of Jesus Christ. The cross, where Jesus was crucified and resurrected, is our safe ground. It is the place where the fire of judgment has already passed, and nothing can harm us if we remain there.
Satan often tempts us to step away from this secure place, to doubt the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, and to rely on our own strength. However, the message is clear: we must not leave the cross. The resurrection has already occurred, and the victory is won. By staying in the place where the fire has already burned, we find protection and peace. This is a call to trust in the power of the cross and the resurrection, to stand firm in our faith, and to resist the temptation to move away from the safety that has been provided for us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Trust in the Finished Work of Christ: Just as the father instructed his son to stay on the burned ground, we must trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. The place where judgment has already passed is our safe haven. By standing firm in this truth, we find protection from the fires of life. [00:40]
2. Resist the Temptation to Move: Satan's strategy is to lure us away from the safety of the cross. He wants us to doubt and step into danger. However, by remaining steadfast in our faith, we can resist these temptations and stay secure in the victory already won for us. [00:56]
3. The Cross as Our Safe Ground: The cross is the place where the fire of judgment has already burned. It is a place of refuge and safety. By staying at the cross, we are reminded of the power of Jesus' sacrifice and the protection it offers us. [01:11]
4. Stand Firm in Faith: In times of fear and confusion, like the son in the story, we may not understand why we must stay put. Yet, standing firm in faith means trusting God's plan and His provision, even when it seems counterintuitive. [00:25]
5. Victory Through the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the assurance of our victory. It is the confirmation that the fire cannot touch us if we remain in the place where it has already burned. This victory is our source of hope and strength. [01:25]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - The Prairie Fire Story
[00:25] - Confusion and Trust
[00:40] - The Safe Ground
[00:56] - Temptation to Move
[01:11] - The Cross as Refuge
[01:25] - Victory Through Resurrection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:1 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
2. 1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
3. Ephesians 6:13 - "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of the father and son, why did the father choose to return to the already-burned ground despite the son's confusion? [00:25]
2. What does the sermon suggest is the significance of the cross being the place where "the fire of judgment has already burned"? [01:11]
3. How does the sermon describe Satan's strategy in relation to the safety of the cross? [00:56]
4. What assurance does the resurrection of Jesus provide according to the sermon? [01:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "standing firm in faith" relate to the father's instruction to his son in the story? [00:40]
2. In what ways might believers be tempted to "step away" from the safety of the cross, as mentioned in the sermon? [00:56]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the idea of the cross as a "safe ground" in the context of spiritual warfare? [01:11]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of trust in God's plan, even when it seems counterintuitive? [00:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt surrounded by "fires" in your life. How did you respond, and what might it look like to stand firm in the "already-burned ground" of Christ's finished work? [00:25]
2. Are there areas in your life where you feel tempted to rely on your own strength rather than the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice? How can you address these temptations? [00:56]
3. How can you remind yourself daily of the victory already won through the resurrection of Jesus? What practical steps can you take to live in this victory? [01:25]
4. Consider the metaphor of the cross as a place of refuge. How can you create a "safe ground" in your spiritual practices to ensure you remain close to the cross? [01:11]
5. In moments of fear and confusion, like the son in the story, how can you cultivate trust in God's plan? What specific actions can you take to strengthen your faith during these times? [00:40]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to "stand firm" in faith. What support or resources do you need to help you remain steadfast? [01:11]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to resist the temptation to move away from the safety of the cross? What role can you play in supporting their spiritual journey? [00:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in the Finished Work of Christ
In the story of the prairie fire, the father’s decision to return to the already-burned ground symbolizes the importance of trusting in the finished work of Christ. Just as the fire cannot burn the same place twice, the judgment has already passed over the cross where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This is our safe haven, a place where we find protection from the trials and tribulations of life. By standing firm in this truth, we are reminded that nothing can harm us if we remain in the safety of Christ’s sacrifice. The cross is not just a historical event but a present reality that offers us peace and security. [00:40]
Hebrews 10:14-17 (ESV): "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, 'This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,' then he adds, 'I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice? How can you remind yourself today that the work is finished and you are secure in Him?
Day 2: Resist the Temptation to Move
Satan’s strategy is to lure us away from the safety of the cross, tempting us to doubt and rely on our own strength. This temptation can lead us into danger, away from the victory that has already been won for us. By remaining steadfast in our faith, we can resist these temptations and stay secure in the protection that Christ offers. It is crucial to recognize these moments of temptation and to consciously choose to remain in the safety of the cross, trusting in the power of Jesus’ sacrifice. [00:56]
James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: Identify a recent situation where you felt tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God’s. How can you actively choose to resist this temptation and draw near to God today?
Day 3: The Cross as Our Safe Ground
The cross is the place where the fire of judgment has already burned, offering us a place of refuge and safety. By staying at the cross, we are reminded of the power of Jesus’ sacrifice and the protection it offers us. This is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that we can live in daily. The cross is our anchor, a constant reminder that we are safe and secure in the love and grace of God. [01:11]
Psalm 18:2-3 (ESV): "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies."
Reflection: In what ways can you make the cross your daily refuge and safe ground? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of the protection it offers?
Day 4: Stand Firm in Faith
In times of fear and confusion, like the son in the story, we may not understand why we must stay put. Yet, standing firm in faith means trusting God’s plan and His provision, even when it seems counterintuitive. Faith is not always about understanding but about trusting in the character and promises of God. By standing firm, we demonstrate our reliance on God’s wisdom and timing, even when the path is unclear. [00:25]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Think of a current situation where you feel confused or fearful. How can you choose to stand firm in faith and trust God’s plan, even if it doesn’t make sense right now?
Day 5: Victory Through the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is the assurance of our victory. It is the confirmation that the fire cannot touch us if we remain in the place where it has already burned. This victory is our source of hope and strength, reminding us that we are more than conquerors through Christ. The resurrection is not just an event to be celebrated but a reality to be lived out daily, empowering us to face life’s challenges with confidence and hope. [01:25]
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection empower you to face your current challenges? What steps can you take to live in the victory that Christ has already won for you?
Quotes
but in Western Days a father was out trying to outrun a prairie fire with his son in a wagon and they're going real fast but the prayer was going too fast and they were going to be consumed the father to the confusion of the son turned the horse around and went to a spot that had already been burned he said jump out quickly they jumped out and he said man you stay here and don't move he said but Dad the fire is coming all around us it's coming in all directions he said boy stay here don't you fight he said but Dad I don't understand that's far all around us I he said son I said stay here but Dad why are we gonna stay here he says cause this spot has already been burned and since this spot has already been burnt there is nothing left to burn so if you'll just stay here the fire may get in the vicinity but it can't touch us because it's nothing for Instagram hold up you see what Satan wants you to do you if you want you to step away from where the fire has already been burned Jesus has already been burnt Jesus has already been crucified the resurrection has already occurred he says stay in that spot stand firm in that location don't leave the cross because that has already been set on fire and if you don't leave there that place can be burned twice stay in that spot [00:00:00]
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