God's Sovereign Plan: Redemption and Hope for Humanity
Summary
In today's gathering, I shared a message that is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's grand plan for humanity, a plan that is both intricate and sovereign, spanning from the creation of the world to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. This message is part of the Go Deep Grace series, which has been preached across 20 nations, reaching millions of people, and is designed to equip pastors and leaders to further disseminate the truth of the Gospel.
I began by addressing the problem of sin in humanity, highlighting that every person born is inherently sinful due to the fall of Adam. This sinfulness is not merely a matter of individual sins but a sin nature that pervades the human condition. The flood in Noah's time, while it cleansed the earth of its wickedness, did not resolve the issue of man's sinful nature. This is a crucial point because it underscores the need for a transformation that goes beyond external measures—a change from within.
The core of the message is that God has a plan, and He desires for us to be a part of it. This plan was set in motion from the beginning when He created man in His image and gave him dominion over the earth. However, the fall of man introduced sin into the world, and with it, the corruption of God's good creation. Despite this, God's plan was not thwarted. He made a way for redemption through Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of His promise to restore humanity to righteousness.
I used the illustration of hiring someone to move rocks to explain the difference between merely doing a task and understanding and participating in a larger plan. Just as an employee becomes more engaged and committed when they understand the purpose behind their work, we too are called to understand and engage with God's plan for our lives and the world.
The message concluded with the assurance that God's plan will culminate in victory for His people. The book of Revelation promises a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more pain or suffering, and God will dwell with His people forever. This is the hope we hold onto, and it is the reason we are called to live out the Gospel and share it with others.
Key Takeaways:
- The nature of sin is not merely the actions we commit but the inherent sinfulness we inherit from Adam. Understanding this deepens our appreciation for the grace of God, which offers us righteousness through Christ, not through our own efforts. This insight challenges us to look beyond behavior modification to the transformation of our hearts. [49:33]
- God's plan is not reactive but proactive. He is not improvising in response to our failures; He has a sovereign plan that includes redemption through Jesus. This perspective encourages us to trust in God's overarching purpose, even when our circumstances seem chaotic or beyond repair. [01:33:21]
- Our identity and purpose are rooted in being created in God's image and given dominion over creation. This foundational truth calls us to stewardship and leadership in every sphere of life, reflecting God's character and advancing His kingdom on earth. [01:15:29]
- The Great Commission is not just for missionaries or pastors; it is the call for every believer to be a part of God's redemptive plan. As we share the Gospel and disciple others, we participate in the multiplication of God's grace and truth throughout the world. [57:03]
- The culmination of God's plan is not an escape from the world but the restoration of all things. The promise of a new heaven and a new earth where God dwells with His people gives us a vision of hope that should motivate our present actions and our anticipation of the future. [01:07:24]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
2. Genesis 1:26-28 - "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"
3. Revelation 21:1-4 - "Then I saw 'a new heaven and a new earth,' for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 2:10 say about our purpose as God's creation?
2. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what responsibilities were given to mankind when they were created in God's image?
3. In Revelation 21:1-4, what are the promises given about the new heaven and new earth?
4. How did the sermon illustrate the difference between merely doing a task and understanding and participating in a larger plan? [01:02:12]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are created for good works (Ephesians 2:10) change our perspective on daily tasks and responsibilities?
2. What does it mean to be created in God's image and given dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26-28)? How should this influence our actions and decisions?
3. How does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-4) provide hope and motivation for believers today?
4. The sermon mentioned that God's plan is proactive and not reactive. How does this understanding affect our trust in God's sovereignty during chaotic times? [01:32:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily tasks. How can you find greater purpose and engagement by understanding how they fit into God's larger plan? [01:02:12]
2. In what ways can you exercise stewardship and leadership in your current roles, reflecting God's image and dominion over creation? [01:16:02]
3. How can the promise of a new heaven and a new earth change the way you handle current struggles and challenges? [01:07:12]
4. Think about a time when you felt like your circumstances were beyond repair. How can trusting in God's proactive plan help you navigate similar situations in the future? [01:32:00]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of heart transformation over behavior modification. What steps can you take to focus more on internal change rather than just external actions? [01:29:06]
6. How can you actively participate in the Great Commission in your daily life, sharing the Gospel and discipling others? [01:33:36]
7. Identify one area in your life where you can better reflect God's character and advance His kingdom. What specific actions will you take this week to make a difference? [01:16:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Inherited Sinfulness
Understanding our inherent sinfulness is essential for recognizing the depth of God's grace. From the moment of birth, individuals carry the weight of original sin, an inheritance from Adam that manifests not just in actions but as a pervasive sin nature. This condition is more than a collection of misdeeds; it is a fundamental aspect of the human identity that cannot be remedied by human effort or moral improvement. The flood in Noah's time serves as a historical example of how external measures cannot correct the internal sin issue. True transformation requires a change from within, a spiritual rebirth that is only possible through the grace of God, which offers righteousness through Christ. This understanding shifts the focus from behavior modification to the transformation of the heart, a process that begins with acknowledging the depth of one's sin and the need for a Savior.
[49:33]
Bible passage: Romans 5:18-19
"Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous."
Reflection: How does understanding your inherent sinfulness change the way you view God's grace in your life?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Sovereign Plan
God's plan for humanity is not a reaction to our failures but a proactive and sovereign design for redemption through Jesus Christ. This plan, set in motion from the beginning of creation, demonstrates that God is not improvising but working out His purposes despite human sinfulness. The fall of man and the subsequent corruption of creation did not derail God's intentions. Instead, He provided a way for redemption and restoration through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This understanding encourages believers to trust in God's overarching purpose, even when life seems chaotic or broken, knowing that God's plan is ultimately for good and for His glory.
[01:33:21]
Bible passage: Ephesians 1:9-10
"Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate trust in God's plan during times of uncertainty in your life?
Day 3: Created for Stewardship and Leadership
Believers are created in God's image, endowed with the responsibility of stewardship and leadership over creation. This foundational truth calls individuals to live out their identity by reflecting God's character and advancing His kingdom on earth. Being made in God's image means that every aspect of life is an opportunity to demonstrate His love, wisdom, and justice. This role is not limited to the spiritual realm but extends to every sphere of life, including work, community, and personal relationships. Embracing this calling involves actively seeking to influence the world for Christ, using the gifts and opportunities provided to further God's purposes.
[01:15:29]
Bible passage: 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can better reflect God's character and advance His kingdom?
Day 4: Participating in the Great Commission
The Great Commission is a call for every believer to actively participate in God's redemptive plan. This mission is not reserved for a select few but is the responsibility of all who follow Christ. Sharing the Gospel and discipling others is a way of multiplying God's grace and truth throughout the world. As believers engage in this calling, they become part of a larger movement of spiritual transformation, impacting lives and communities with the hope and truth of Jesus Christ. This participation is a tangible expression of faith, demonstrating a commitment to the spread of the Gospel and the growth of God's kingdom.
[57:03]
Bible passage: 1 Peter 2:9
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life with whom you can share the Gospel this week?
Day 5: Anticipating the Restoration of All Things
The culmination of God's plan is the restoration of all things, a vision of hope that includes a new heaven and a new earth where God will dwell with His people. This promise is not an escape from the world but a transformation of it. Believers are called to live with this hope, allowing it to motivate their actions and shape their anticipation of the future. The assurance of God's victory and the eradication of pain and suffering provide a powerful incentive to persevere in faith, to share the Gospel, and to work towards the realization of God's kingdom here on earth.
[01:07:24]
Bible passage: Isaiah 65:17-18
"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness."
Reflection: How does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth influence your perspective on current struggles and your engagement with the world?
Quotes
1) "You can change the outside all that you want. You can bring a flood, you can wipe people out, you can do all those kind of things. But if you don't change the nature, then you haven't done anything. That's why we teach our people about a new life in Christ. That's the reason why we teach them that if any man be in Christ, he's a new creature, the old man is gone and the new man is here." [01:30:57] ()
2) "God has a plan. And it's really good. And it's not just some plan that wavers or changes with the weather or changes according to what social media says is the number one trend going on." [01:33:21] ()
3) "God made man in His image, but then He put man in charge. It's very important for us to know this. Why? Because when we go all over the world, we see some beautiful things... But if I'm being honest, we also see a lot of bad, too. We see wars and rumors of wars and poverty and addiction and all of these things that we see. And either God didn't know what was very good or we don't know what is very bad." [01:17:59] ()
4) "You were a sinner because of Adam's sin, not because of yours, and you were born into that sin. This is very important for us to understand this, because sin has changed mankind's very nature from what God created to what we see now." [01:22:39] ()
5) "The end of the plan, the end of God's plan is we win, right? In Revelation chapter 21 it says, then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth that passed away, and there was no longer any sea... He will wipe away every tear from the eye. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things had gone away." [01:07:24] ()
6) "See, God wants you to be a part of the plan. You are His hands. You are His feet. Whatever God is going to do, He's going to do through you. But if we don't realize that God's got a plan, then we're just going through our everyday life and going through the motions, and we're just trying not to mess it up too bad. But that's not what God has for us. He has a plan, and He wants you to be a big part of that plan." [01:03:20] ()
7) "So the beginning of the message is just to know that God has a plan, to know that He no longer calls you slave, but He calls you a friend, and that He wants you to know His plan. In fact, not only does He want you to know it, but He wants you to be a big part of His plan on this earth." [01:04:09] ()
8) "But the good news is, God does have a plan. He's already executed that plan. And that plan's name is Jesus. Amen. So here's what we're going to do. Next week, Brother Danny is going to come up and preach the rest of this message. He's going to preach the good part. He's going to preach salvation for y'all." [01:33:21] ()
9) "Now sinful man is in charge. And as sinful man reproduces, what does he reproduce? Sinful man, right? An apple seed reproduces an apple. An orange seed reproduces an orange. Sinful man reproduces sinful man. And we see that in the very first family, right?" [01:19:19] ()
10) "The problem then and the problem now is a sin nature on the inside. You can wipe out all the sins, but if you don't change the nature, the person is going to, the nature is going to come out, right?" [01:29:52] ()
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