God's Predestined Plan: Freedom and Hope in Christ
Summary
In the past few weeks, we have been exploring the depth and breadth of God's plan, a plan that was set in motion before the foundation of the world. This plan, rooted in God's nature as love, was designed with each of us in mind. We delved into the truth that we were chosen by God before the creation of the world, a profound revelation that underscores our value and purpose in His eyes.
Today, I emphasized the cost that was paid to bring this plan to fruition. The cost was the precious blood of Jesus Christ, shed for our redemption. This sacrifice was not an afterthought but a preordained solution to the problem of sin, a solution that God foresaw and prepared for even before time began. The scripture from 1 Peter 1:18-20 served as our foundation, reminding us that we were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the imperishable blood of Christ.
I shared the analogy of my grandmother, who used to say, "I paid the cost to be the boss." In a similar but infinitely more significant way, God paid the ultimate cost through Jesus, giving Him the authority over all creation, including the power of sin and death. This power of sin, inherited from Adam, once held us captive, but through Christ's sacrifice, we have been set free. We no longer have to succumb to our sinful nature because the power and penalty of sin died with Christ on the cross.
Furthermore, I discussed how God does not remove us from the world or turn us into robots but leaves us here to demonstrate His power over sin. It is through our transformed lives that the world can witness the reality of Jesus' victory over sin. Our freedom from sin's grip is a powerful testimony to those who knew us before we were saved.
I also touched on the return of Christ, encouraging the congregation to live with the anticipation of His coming back. This hope should motivate us to keep the main thing the main thing—living out the reality that Christ was manifested in these last times for us.
In closing, I extended an invitation for salvation, rededication, and church membership, urging everyone to respond to the Holy Spirit's prompting. I emphasized that it is not by works but by grace through faith that we are saved and can enter into a relationship with God.
Key Takeaways:
- God's plan for redemption was not a reactionary measure but a predestined act of love. Before the world was formed, before sin entered the picture, God had already prepared the way for our salvation through Jesus Christ. This truth should fill us with awe and gratitude, knowing that we are part of a divine narrative that spans eternity. [03:02]
- The power of sin over our lives has been broken, not by our own strength, but by the sacrifice of Jesus. As believers, we are called to recognize this freedom and live in a manner that reflects our new nature in Christ. This involves a daily choice to reject sin and embrace the life God has for us, a life marked by victory and purpose. [06:22]
- Our testimony as Christians is not just in our words but in our transformed lives. When we live out the freedom from sin that Christ has won for us, we become a living witness to His power and grace. This can often speak louder than any sermon or evangelistic effort, drawing others to Christ through the authenticity of our walk. [08:17]
- The return of Christ is a central hope for all believers, a promise that should shape how we live today. As we await His coming, we are to engage with the world in a way that brings glory to God and draws others to the hope we have in Jesus. This anticipation is not passive but actively shapes our priorities and actions. [22:13]
- Salvation is a gift of grace, not a result of our works. Understanding this is crucial for both entering into a relationship with God and for living out our faith. We must continually remind ourselves and others that it is through faith in Jesus' finished work on the cross that we are saved, and it is in this truth that we find the assurance of our salvation and the motivation for holy living. [24:51]
These takeaways are not just points to be acknowledged but truths to be lived out. They call us to a deeper understanding of God's love, the freedom we have in Christ, and the hope that propels us forward. Let us embrace these truths and allow them to transform us from the inside out.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:18-20: "Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you."
2. Romans 6:6-8: "Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him."
3. 1 Corinthians 6:20: "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 1:18-20, what were we redeemed with, and what does this signify about the value of our redemption?
2. In Romans 6:6-8, what does it mean that our "old man was crucified with Him"? How does this affect our relationship with sin?
3. What does 1 Corinthians 6:20 say about our bodies and how we should treat them? Why is this significant?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we were chosen by God before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:18-20) impact our sense of purpose and identity? [01:00]
2. What does it mean to be "freed from sin" as described in Romans 6:6-8? How should this freedom manifest in our daily lives? [05:05]
3. How can we practically glorify God in our bodies and spirits, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 6:20? What are some challenges we might face in doing this? [09:38]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that God's plan for redemption was set before the foundation of the world. How does this truth affect your view of God's love and sovereignty in your life? [01:00]
2. The sermon mentioned that the power of sin over our lives has been broken by Jesus' sacrifice. What are some specific areas in your life where you need to recognize and live out this freedom? [06:22]
3. Our transformed lives serve as a testimony to others. Can you think of a recent situation where your actions reflected your new nature in Christ? How did it impact those around you? [08:17]
4. The anticipation of Christ's return should shape how we live today. What are some practical ways you can live with this hope in mind, especially in your interactions with others? [22:13]
5. Salvation is a gift of grace, not by works. How can you remind yourself and others of this truth in your daily walk? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt to keep this perspective? [24:51]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of living out our freedom from sin as a testimony to the world. What steps can you take this week to demonstrate God's power over sin in your life? [08:17]
7. How can you encourage someone in your life who might be struggling with understanding or accepting the gift of salvation? What specific actions or words could you use to share this message of grace? [24:51]
This guide aims to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s key points, fostering meaningful discussion and personal application of the biblical truths shared.
Devotional
Day 1: Predestined Act of Divine Love
Before the world began, God had already set in motion a plan for redemption, a testament to His foreknowledge and love. This plan was not a response to unforeseen events but a predestined act to address the inevitability of sin. It is a narrative that places humanity at the heart of divine love, chosen and valued by God. This preordained solution, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, was not a plan B but the central theme of history, showcasing God's love and grace. Understanding this should fill one with a profound sense of worth and purpose, knowing that they are part of God's eternal story. The realization that one's salvation was planned before they were born or had done anything to deserve it can be both humbling and uplifting, providing a foundation for a life of gratitude and service. [03:02]
Ephesians 1:4-5, "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,"
Reflection: How does understanding that you were chosen by God before the creation of the world impact your sense of identity and purpose?
Day 2: Victory Over Sin Through Christ
The power of sin has been decisively broken, not by human effort, but through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This freedom is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that believers are called to live out daily. It is a victory that should be reflected in one's choices and lifestyle, demonstrating a transformation from the old self to the new creation in Christ. This daily choice to reject sin and embrace the life God has for us is a testament to the power of Christ's sacrifice. It is a life marked not by defeat but by victory and purpose, a life that is possible only because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. The believer's journey is one of continual growth, learning to live in the freedom purchased by Christ's blood. [06:22]
Romans 6:6-7, "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin."
Reflection: What is one habitual sin you struggle with, and how can you actively live out the victory over sin that Christ has secured for you?
Day 3: Authentic Witness Through Transformed Lives
The most compelling testimony to the power of Jesus' sacrifice is not found in eloquent words but in the authentic transformation of a believer's life. When one lives out the freedom from sin that Christ has won, it becomes a powerful witness to His grace and power. This transformation is often more persuasive than any sermon, as it is a living, breathing example of what God can do in a person's life. It is a testimony to those who knew the individual before their encounter with Christ and can see the stark contrast in their life post-salvation. This living witness is a beacon of hope to others, demonstrating that change is possible and that Jesus' victory over sin is real and attainable. [08:17]
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, "For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction."
Reflection: How has your life changed since accepting Christ, and how can you use your transformation as a witness to those around you?
Day 4: Anticipating Christ's Return Shapes Our Present
The promise of Christ's return is a beacon of hope for believers, a future event that has profound implications for how we live in the present. This hope is not passive; it actively shapes our priorities, actions, and the way we engage with the world. Living with the anticipation of Jesus' return should motivate believers to focus on what truly matters, to live lives that bring glory to God, and to draw others to the hope found in Christ. This anticipation encourages a life of readiness, one that is constantly looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises and aligning one's actions with the values of God's kingdom. [22:13]
Titus 2:12-13, "Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,"
Reflection: In what ways can you live more intentionally with the anticipation of Christ's return, starting today?
Day 5: Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Salvation is a gift of grace, not a result of human works. This fundamental truth is at the heart of the Christian faith and is crucial for both entering into a relationship with God and for living out one's faith. It is through faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross that one is saved, and this truth provides the assurance of salvation and the motivation for holy living. Understanding that salvation is a gift helps prevent the pitfalls of legalism and pride, and it fosters a spirit of humility and dependence on God. It is a reminder that every day is an opportunity to live in the light of God's grace, to grow in faith, and to extend that grace to others. [24:51]
Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: How does the understanding that you are saved by grace through faith influence the way you approach your relationship with God and others?
Quotes
1) "God paid the cost to be the boss right and that cost was the Precious Blood of his son Jesus... knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver and gold from your aimless conduct received by the tradition from your fathers but with the precious blood of Christ as a lamb without blemish and without spot." [01:36]
2) "The power of sin over us as well as the penalty of sin died with Christ on that cross... the power of sin refers to our rebellious sin-loving nature that was inherited from Adam... there's a greater power present to keep me from doing it and I don't know about you I'm thankful for that today." [06:22]
3) "God does not take us out of the world and make us robots... he leaves us in the world to demonstrate to the world that he has power over sin... it's a powerful witness to the world to see somebody say no to sin, no to drugs, no to sex, no to anything that didn't come from God." [08:17]
4) "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's... that body was paid for with the Precious Blood of the lamb and his name is Jesus... you are what God made you to be, you are what you were born as, and you are awesome in God's sight." [09:38]
5) "Christ's death freed us from sin and it also obligates us to his service... it's a privilege to live in the house... it's his spirit that comes to live on the inside of us that gives us that life." [12:21]
6) "Everything you have ever done in your life collectively he's forgiven you for all of it... God is not mad at you... God doesn't want to punish you, the only thing God wants to do is love you and help you be ultimately what he created you to be." [13:48]
7) "He openly triumphed over them by healing more people, by getting more people saved... he's going to openly triumph over Satan again today because he's going to inherit more souls into his kingdom and it's going to happen openly." [17:20]
8) "Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood he entered into the most holy Place once and for all... having obtained Eternal Redemption. He delivered on the plan... God planned this out from beginning to end and then came back to make sure he could seal it." [19:27]
9) "Jesus said I'll be the one that'll go and pay the price on their behalf... this plan was put in place before the foundation of the world... before the foundation of the earth Jesus in perfect unadulterated love was willing to be the Lamb of God who would offer himself so that we can go free." [03:02]
10) "Knowing this that our old man was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with... for he who has died has been freed from sin... we are not weak people just trying to get by, we are strong people in Christ who can do anything through him." [04:27]
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