Jesus: Our Liberation from the Fear of Death

Devotional

Day 1: Liberation from the Fear of Death

Jesus offers a profound liberation from the fear of death, a fear that often enslaves humanity and limits our potential to live fully. This freedom is rooted in the promise of eternal life for those who keep His word, allowing us to live boldly and without fear. By understanding that death is not the end but a transition into eternal life with God, we are empowered to take risks for the sake of Christ and His kingdom. This transformation in perspective enables us to live a life of courage and purpose, unshackled by the constraints of self-preservation. [36:27]

Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV): "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

Reflection: What is one fear that holds you back from living boldly for Christ? How can you begin to surrender this fear to Jesus today?

Day 2: The Divine Nature of Jesus

Jesus' statement, "Before Abraham was, I am," is a powerful affirmation of His divine nature as Yahweh, the eternal God. This declaration is not merely about His pre-existence but about His identity as the God of Israel, offering us a profound assurance of His authority and power. Understanding Jesus as the eternal God provides us with a solid foundation for our faith, knowing that He is sovereign over all things and that His promises are trustworthy and true. This recognition of His deity invites us to deepen our relationship with Him, acknowledging His lordship in every area of our lives. [27:44]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the eternal God change the way you approach your daily challenges? What specific area of your life can you submit to His authority today?

Day 3: The Assurance of Eternal Life

Jesus promises that those who keep His word will never see or taste death, assuring us of unbroken fellowship with God even as our bodies die. This promise extends beyond physical death, offering us the hope of eternal life that begins now and continues without interruption. By embracing this assurance, we can live with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that our relationship with God is secure and unbreakable. This understanding invites us to focus on what truly matters, investing our lives in things of eternal significance. [19:41]

John 11:25-26 (ESV): "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of eternal perspective in your daily life? How can this perspective influence your priorities and decisions today?

Day 4: The Power of Jesus' Sacrifice

Jesus became human to die on the cross, covering our sins and providing righteousness. His death and resurrection conquered death and the devil, offering us a path to eternal life and freedom from the fear of death. This sacrificial act of love demonstrates the depth of God's grace and mercy, inviting us to respond with gratitude and devotion. By understanding the power of Jesus' sacrifice, we are called to live in the freedom and victory He has secured for us, sharing this message of hope with others. [32:01]

1 Peter 2:24 (ESV): "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."

Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' sacrifice impact your understanding of grace and forgiveness? In what ways can you extend this grace to others in your life today?

Day 5: Living a Fearless Life

Understanding and embracing the truth of Jesus' victory over death empowers us to live fearlessly. This freedom from fear allows us to pursue love, service, and the cause of Christ with boldness and courage, unshackled by the constraints of self-preservation. By living a fearless life, we can fully engage in the mission God has for us, making a meaningful impact in the world for His kingdom. This call to courage invites us to step out in faith, trusting in God's promises and His presence with us every step of the way. [39:37]

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Reflection: What is one bold step of faith you feel God is calling you to take? How can you rely on His strength and guidance to move forward with courage today?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that Jesus offers liberation from the fear of death. This freedom is rooted in the understanding that through Jesus, we do not have to die in the ultimate sense. Jesus, the God of Israel and the universe, has conquered death, and by keeping His word, we are promised eternal life. This promise is not just about avoiding physical death but about never truly experiencing the separation from God that death represents. Jesus' declaration, "Before Abraham was, I am," underscores His divine nature and authority, affirming that He is indeed Yahweh, the eternal God.

The opposition Jesus faced from His own people highlights the tragic reality of disbelief, yet it also serves to magnify His greatness. Despite being accused of having a demon and being insulted, Jesus remained steadfast, offering mercy and truth to those who opposed Him. His response to their skepticism was not just a defense of His identity but an invitation to eternal life for anyone who would keep His word.

The implications of this truth are vast. We are called to live without the fear of death, which often enslaves humanity. This fear can lead to a life of caution and restraint, robbing us of the freedom to take risks for the sake of Christ and His kingdom. Jesus' victory over death invites us to live boldly, knowing that our eternal life with God is secure and unbreakable.

Key Takeaways

1. Freedom from the Fear of Death: Jesus offers liberation from the fear of death, which enslaves many. By keeping His word, we are promised eternal life, allowing us to live boldly and without fear. This freedom transforms our lives, enabling us to take risks for the sake of Christ and His kingdom. [36:27]
2. The Deity of Jesus: Jesus' statement, "Before Abraham was, I am," affirms His divine nature as Yahweh, the eternal God. This declaration is not just about pre-existence but about His identity as the God of Israel, offering us a profound assurance of His authority and power. [27:44]
3. The Promise of Eternal Life: Jesus promises that those who keep His word will never see or taste death. This promise is about more than physical death; it assures us of unbroken fellowship with God, even as our bodies die. Our eternal life begins now and continues without interruption. [19:41]
4. The Power of Jesus' Sacrifice: Jesus became human to die on the cross, covering our sins and providing righteousness. His death and resurrection conquered death and the devil, offering us a path to eternal life and freedom from the fear of death. [32:01]
5. Living a Fearless Life: Understanding and embracing the truth of Jesus' victory over death empowers us to live fearlessly. This freedom from fear allows us to pursue love, service, and the cause of Christ with boldness and courage, unshackled by the constraints of self-preservation. [39:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:26] - Prayer for Courage
[00:47] - Three Truths to See
[01:20] - Opposition to Jesus
[02:56] - Deity and Deathlessness
[04:13] - Accusations Against Jesus
[05:38] - Jesus' Response to Dishonor
[07:23] - Promise of Never Seeing Death
[09:49] - Keeping Jesus' Word
[12:45] - The Reality of Death
[15:11] - The Paradox of Death
[17:20] - Eternal Life Explained
[20:22] - Born Again to Eternal Life
[23:32] - The Majesty of Jesus
[30:54] - Practical Implications of Jesus' Victory
[36:27] - Liberation from Fear of Death
[39:37] - Prayer for Fearlessness

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

John 8:51-58
John 11:25-26
Hebrews 2:14-15

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Observation Questions:

What does Jesus promise to those who keep His word according to John 8:51? How does this promise relate to the concept of death? [07:23]
In John 11:25-26, how does Jesus describe Himself, and what does He promise to those who believe in Him?
According to Hebrews 2:14-15, what was the purpose of Jesus becoming human and dying? How does this relate to the fear of death?

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Interpretation Questions:

How does Jesus' statement "Before Abraham was, I am" in John 8:58 affirm His divine nature, and why was this significant to His audience? [27:44]
In what ways does the promise of never seeing death in John 8:51 challenge the common understanding of physical death? How might this change a believer's perspective on life and death?
Hebrews 2:14-15 speaks of Jesus delivering people from the fear of death. How might this fear manifest in a person's life, and what does it mean to be set free from it?

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when the fear of death influenced your decisions or actions. How might embracing Jesus' promise of eternal life change your approach to similar situations in the future? [36:27]
Jesus' divine identity is central to His promise of eternal life. How does recognizing Jesus as Yahweh impact your faith and daily life? [27:44]
The sermon mentioned living a fearless life for Christ. What is one specific area in your life where fear holds you back from taking risks for the sake of Christ and His kingdom? How can you address this fear? [39:37]
Consider the opposition Jesus faced and His response of mercy and truth. How can you apply this approach in your interactions with those who oppose or misunderstand your faith? [02:56]
The sermon highlighted the importance of keeping Jesus' word. What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding and application of Jesus' teachings in your life? [09:49]
How does the promise of eternal life beginning now, as mentioned in the sermon, influence your current relationship with God and others? [19:41]
Identify a specific way you can live more boldly for Christ this week, knowing that your eternal life with God is secure. What steps will you take to act on this? [36:27]

Sermon Clips

"let's pray by your spirit and through your word now conquer the fear of death that pervades the lives of people you will know the truth truth will set you free the Sun shall set you free you shall be free indeed from the fear of death" [00:00:06]

"so if you have come there are three things the Lord wants you to see that's why you're here number one he wants you to see that you don't have to die number two he wants you to see that Jesus is the God of Israel the God of the universe and three he wants you to see the implications for your life of liberation from fear of death because you don't have to die because you've been set free by the one who said before Abraham was I am" [00:49:50]

"the text begins with opposition because the conflict we've been in this chapter for what four sermons I think already and there's been opposition all the way along it's not new from the first part of the chapter they're still resisting him they've gotten to a point where they can't even hear him look at verse 47 whoever is of God hears my words hears the words of God the reason why you don't hear them is you're not of God" [00:57:09]

"truly truly I say to you if anyone keeps my word he will never see death so they've gotten to the point where they're blaspheming him slurs and you got a demon and Jesus said one time don't cast your pearls before swine I mean if there was ever a moment when he should shut up and go away this would be it wouldn't it and he doesn't this is incredible mercy that he will keep talking to these people" [00:51:11]

"if you will keep my word you won't see it you won't taste it it's a breathtaking what does he mean if you will keep my word he means if you will believe what I say about myself and my father and our great work of salvation you won't see death you will taste death this gospel ends with the crucifixion of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus" [00:57:34]

"the whole point of all this story is going towards that moment of lifting up Jesus on the cross and sins being covered righteousness being provided wrath being appeased death being conquered hell being shut heaven being opened keep these words that that story I'm talk I'm just talking about it and talking about and constantly talking about it and me and my father and what we're here for what we're doing" [00:58:28]

"when our bodies die we do not die we have passed from death to life eternal life unbroken life unending life and what that means is this when we are born again chapter 3 of John the wind blows where it wills we don't know where it comes from where it's going such are all who are born of the Spirit now which is one of the flesh is flesh that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" [01:18:11]

"this fellowship that we enjoy with God cannot be ended it cannot be broken it is eternal where in our bodies die we do not experience one millisecond of break in fellowship with God through Christ it is in that instant perfected Hebrews 12 23 the life we have with Christ in God today because of the new birth will never end we will not see the end of it we will not taste the end of it because there is no end of it" [01:37:59]

"Jesus is Yahweh the God of Israel he did not say had he wanted only to say I pre-existed Abraham he would have said this before Abraham was I was and he didn't say it because he wanted to say more he said the very odd grammatical statement before Abraham was I am and that's why they picked up stones" [01:33:04]

"the writer to the Hebrews believes that all human beings are enslaved their whole life by the fear of death even when they don't know it in 1973 Ernest Becker wrote a Pulitzer prize-winning book called the denial of death it was all the rage in the 70s the thesis of the book was the same as the thesis of Hebrews humanity is enslaved globally by fear of dying" [01:58:54]

"fear of death is a slave master binding us with invisible ropes confining us to small safe innocuous self-centered lives Becker had no solution for this bondage Jesus does and the solution of Jesus I'll just say it and close if you keep my words you will never see death you will know the truth miss truth and the truth will set you from what fear of death and a lot of other things because that one is underneath almost all of them unconsciously" [02:23:57]

"may God do a work in our hearts so that if you're 80 or 8 you will be afraid anymore and if you're not afraid of dying what could you be afraid of let's pray Almighty God I want the last chapter of my life whether it's a minute or 15 years to be fearless in the cause of love in the cause of Christ fearless to be humble fearless to be broke and feels to be a servant fearless to go fearless to speak that's what I want" [02:36:01]

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Jesus: Our Liberation from the Fear of Death

Devotional

Day 1: Liberation from the Fear of Death

Day 2: The Divine Nature of Jesus

Day 3: The Assurance of Eternal Life

Day 4: The Power of Jesus' Sacrifice

Day 5: Living a Fearless Life

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Jesus: Our Liberation from the Fear of Death

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