Hope Beyond Checkmate: God's Moves in Our Lives

 

Summary

In today's message, I explored the profound truth that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, we are never in checkmate with God. I used the metaphor of a chess game to illustrate how, just when we think we have no moves left, God reveals that there is always another move available to us. This is the essence of hope, and it is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I shared the story of Peter, who felt he had failed Jesus by denying Him, only to be restored and embraced by Jesus after the resurrection. This story serves as a powerful reminder that our failures are not the end; God always has another move for us. Similarly, I recounted the story of the thief on the cross, who recognized Jesus as the King of Kings in his final moments, and was assured by Jesus that he would be with Him in paradise.

I emphasized that our hope is not in vain because it is grounded in the reality of Jesus' resurrection. If Christ had not been raised, our faith would be futile, and we would still be in our sins. But because Jesus is alive, we have the assurance of forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. This hope is not based on material possessions or temporary solutions, but on the eternal victory of Jesus over death.

I also addressed the current state of the world, where many feel stuck and hopeless due to various challenges such as violence, division, and financial strain. I urged the congregation not to respond with fear, avoidance, or materialism, as these rob us of hope. Instead, I called everyone to put their trust in Jesus, who offers us another move and a way out of despair.

I concluded the message by inviting the congregation to take a physical reminder—a chess piece—and place it somewhere visible as a reminder that Jesus has given us another move. I encouraged everyone to seize this move by turning to Jesus, surrendering their lives to Him, and embracing the hope He offers.

Key Takeaways:

- The story of Peter's restoration after denying Jesus demonstrates that our failures are not final. God's grace is always ready to meet us with another move, a fresh start, and a path to restoration. This is the heart of the Gospel: redemption and hope are always available through Jesus. [42:16 ]

- The thief on the cross next to Jesus exemplifies the immediacy of God's grace. In a moment of utter despair, his recognition of Jesus as Lord transformed his eternal destiny. This teaches us that it's never too late to turn to Jesus, and that even in our last moments, hope can be found and embraced. [43:53 ]

- The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our hope. If Christ has not been raised, our faith and preaching are in vain. But since He is risen, we have a living hope that transcends this life and assures us of a future resurrection. This hope is not a wishful thought but a confident expectation based on the historical fact of Jesus' victory over death. [48:54 ]

- The metaphor of the chess game and the painting "Checkmate" serves as a powerful illustration that when we feel cornered by life's challenges, God is still in control and has a move that can change the outcome. This encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God's overarching plan. [38:09 ]

- True hope cannot be bought, avoided, or controlled. It is a gift that comes from surrendering to Jesus and acknowledging Him as Lord. When we stop trying to find hope in the things of this world and start looking to Jesus, we find a hope that is both enduring and fulfilling. [31:36 ]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 15:12-23 - This passage emphasizes the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of our faith and hope.

#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 15:12-23 say about the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
2. How did Peter's story of denial and restoration illustrate that our failures are not final? [42:16]
3. What was the significance of the thief on the cross recognizing Jesus as Lord in his final moments? [43:18]
4. How does the metaphor of the chess game and the painting "Checkmate" illustrate God's control over our circumstances? [38:09]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ essential to the Christian faith according to 1 Corinthians 15:12-23?
2. How does Peter's restoration by Jesus after his denial provide a model for understanding God's grace and forgiveness? [42:16]
3. What does the story of the thief on the cross teach us about the immediacy and availability of God's grace? [43:18]
4. How can the metaphor of the chess game and the painting "Checkmate" help us understand God's sovereignty in our lives? [38:09]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in "checkmate" in your life. How did you see God provide another move for you? [38:09]
2. Peter felt he had failed Jesus by denying Him. Have you ever felt like you failed God? How did you experience His grace and restoration? [42:16]
3. The thief on the cross turned to Jesus in his final moments. Is there an area in your life where you need to turn to Jesus for hope and salvation? [43:18]
4. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our hope. How does this truth impact your daily life and decisions? [48:54]
5. The sermon mentioned that many people respond to life's challenges with fear, avoidance, or materialism. Which of these responses do you struggle with, and how can you shift your focus to trusting Jesus instead? [27:50]
6. The pastor gave out chess pieces as a reminder that Jesus has given us another move. What physical reminder can you place in your life to keep your focus on the hope Jesus offers? [45:23]
7. How can you share the message of hope and the "another move" that Jesus offers with someone who feels stuck or hopeless in their current situation? [31:36]

Devotional

Day 1: Grace Transforms Failure
When Peter denied Jesus, he may have thought his relationship with the Messiah was irreparably damaged. Yet, the story of Peter is a testament to the boundless grace that meets us even after we fail. It is a reminder that no failure is final when grace is in the equation. This grace is not just about being forgiven; it's about being given a new beginning, a fresh start that rewrites our story from one of despair to one of hope and purpose. It is the heart of the Gospel that redemption is always within reach, no matter how far one has fallen. The restoration of Peter is a powerful example of how grace can pick us up, dust us off, and set us on a new path, one that leads to life and fulfillment. [42:16]

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:31-32 ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt like a failure. How can the story of Peter's restoration encourage you to seek God's grace and begin anew today?

Day 2: Hope in the Eleventh Hour
The thief on the cross experienced the transformative power of grace in his final moments. His story is a vivid illustration that it is never too late to turn to Jesus. In the midst of his own suffering and death, he found the hope of eternity by recognizing Jesus as Lord. This moment of grace shows that no matter how dire the situation, hope can be found and embraced. It is a powerful lesson that the opportunity for salvation and the promise of paradise are always present, even up to our last breath. The immediacy of God's grace is a beacon of hope for all who feel they have run out of time or opportunities. [43:53]

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43 ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life may feel it's too late for them to experience God's grace? How can you share the hope of the thief's story with them this week?

Day 3: Resurrection as the Foundation of Hope
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event; it is the cornerstone of our hope. Without it, faith is futile. But because Jesus is risen, we have a living hope that transcends this life and assures us of a future resurrection. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the reality of Jesus' victory over death. It is a hope that sustains through trials, comforts in sorrow, and empowers in life. The resurrection is the ultimate proof that love and life have triumphed over sin and death, and it is this truth that anchors our souls in the most turbulent of times. [48:54]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3 ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection shape your understanding of hope? What difference does this living hope make in your daily life?

Day 4: God's Sovereignty in Life's Chess Game
Life can often feel like a strategic game of chess, where we are backed into a corner with no apparent way out. Yet, the metaphor of the chess game and the painting "Checkmate" remind us that God always has another move. When we feel cornered by life's challenges, it is a comfort to know that God is still in control and can change the outcome. This perspective encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God's overarching plan. It is a call to recognize that our understanding is limited, but God's wisdom is infinite. He sees the whole board and knows how to lead us to victory. [38:09]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV)

Reflection: What situation in your life feels like a 'checkmate'? How can you trust God to make a move that you cannot yet see?

Day 5: The Enduring Gift of Hope
True hope is not something that can be purchased, avoided, or controlled. It is a divine gift that comes from surrendering to Jesus and acknowledging Him as Lord. This hope is enduring and fulfilling, unlike the fleeting and often disappointing hopes we place in material possessions or temporary solutions. When we stop trying to find hope in the things of this world and start looking to Jesus, we discover a hope that sustains us through every season of life. It is a hope that does not disappoint because it is rooted in the eternal, unchanging character of God. [31:36]

"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you." (Psalm 39:7 ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Quotes

1) "I look around at our world and we might be facing challenges and we might be facing difficult times and I realize that many of us are facing those difficult challenging times but I want you to know today you can have hope because Jesus is Alive." [27:14 ]( | | )

2) "The message of Easter is this that you look at our lives and you look at our civilization and it seems like we're in Checkmate but then all of a sudden Jesus Who Rose from the grave he steps into your life and if you listen to his voice today here's what he's saying to every single person who's listening to me right now he's saying this to you you're not in Checkmate it's a lie it's a lie the King Jesus I still have another move." [39:13 ]( | | )

3) "God can make another move in your life not to just get you out of a situation but to bring you into an abundance an abundance where there's leftovers you think you're stuck but one move and all of a sudden everything unlocks for you and that one move is this putting your hope and your faith in the lordship of Jesus Christ." [41:44 ]( | | )

4) "We have hope because our sins can be forgiven yes we were all born into this world under the sin of the one man named Adam but because of the grace and the love of Jesus Christ who gave his life on the cross and who rose again from the grave and conquered death Hell In The Grave you and me we have been given another move and we have hope because this world is not where life ends but there is a gateway to heaven." [50:36 ]( | | )

5) "Jesus gave you another move so can I just encourage you with something today seize the move take advantage of the move make a move towards Jesus today if today you are outside of a relationship with God take advantage of the move Jesus gave you and take a step towards him humble your life before him repent to him say Jesus I I I I need you to be my Lord and my leader." [51:14 ]( | | )

6) "Our God gave us another move we are not stuck hope has a name and his name is Jesus why don't you stand with me and let's pray come on father thank you thank you for the fact that Lord like a chess game that when we feel like we're stuck and there's no more moves and it feels like the King which we kind of put ourselves in that position as the king it feels like there is not another move Lord you you cry out it's a lie it's a lie the King has another move." [52:51 ]( | | )

7) "Hope comes from the fact that we don't we don't worship a statue made of bronze or gold or silver no we worship a risen savior who sitting at the right hand of the father right now ready to come back for his church for those who are wanting to follow him we have hope here's another reason why we have hope we have hope that we will raise from the dead why because Jesus rose from the dead first." [49:28 ]( | | )

8) "Jesus is hope today I gave you a chest piece when you came in would you just grab a hold of that chest piece now it all makes sense doesn't it you're like what was this stupid piece of wood that I got I don't even know what this is some of you like that's a chest piece it's a chest piece and I think your chest piece tells you a lot about you if you kind of because I saw some of you guys coming in the door you came in the door and you looked at the chest pieces and you kind of glanced at them and you were like I'm going to take that one." [44:29 ]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?