Jesus' Satisfaction: Justification and Our Transformative Faith
Summary
Isaiah 53 is a profound chapter that reveals the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and today we focus on verse 11, which answers the question: What is Jesus doing now? This verse tells us that out of the anguish of His soul, Jesus will see and be satisfied. The satisfaction of Jesus comes from the fact that through His suffering, many will be accounted righteous. This is the heart of the Gospel: Jesus justifies the ungodly, not because of their righteousness, but because of His own.
The concept of justification is central to our faith. It means being counted righteous before God, not by our deeds, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 4:4-5 echoes this truth, emphasizing that God justifies the ungodly. This is a radical departure from the idea that we must earn our way to God. Instead, it is through the righteous life and sin-bearing death of Jesus that we are justified. Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live and died the death we deserved, bearing our iniquities upon Himself.
The knowledge of Jesus, or faith in Him, is how this justification becomes ours. It is not a mere intellectual assent but a deep, personal trust in Jesus as Savior. This faith is described in various ways in the Bible: looking to Jesus, trusting in Him, and knowing Him. Those who know Jesus by faith are described as many, not a few, and this multitude is a source of satisfaction for Jesus. He sees the redeemed, justified by His blood, and is satisfied.
In a world filled with dissatisfaction, the truth that Jesus is satisfied with His people is profound. Despite our shortcomings, Jesus takes pleasure in those who fear Him and hope in His steadfast love. He sees what we will become and rejoices in it. As believers, we are called to find joy in what our brothers and sisters will one day be, just as Jesus does. This perspective transforms our relationships and our view of the church, leading us to a deeper gratitude and joy in our faith journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Justification by Faith: God justifies the ungodly, not because of their righteousness, but through faith in Jesus Christ. This radical grace means that our standing before God is not based on our deeds but on Jesus' righteousness. [09:14]
- Righteous Life and Sin-Bearing Death: We are justified by the righteous life and sin-bearing death of Jesus. He lived the perfect life we could not and bore our sins, making us right with God. [12:59]
- Faith as Knowledge of Jesus: Justification becomes ours through the knowledge of Jesus, which is a deep, personal trust in Him. This faith is described as looking to, trusting in, and knowing Jesus. [22:32]
- Satisfaction of Jesus: Jesus is satisfied with the multitude of the redeemed, justified by His blood. Despite our imperfections, He takes pleasure in those who fear Him and hope in His steadfast love. [30:43]
- Transformative Perspective: Embracing the truth that Jesus rejoices in what we will become transforms our relationships and view of the church, leading to deeper gratitude and joy in our faith journey. [32:37]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to Isaiah 53
- [00:49] - The Turning Point: Jesus' Burial
- [01:27] - The Resurrection and Its Implications
- [02:24] - What is Jesus Doing Now?
- [03:00] - The Satisfaction of Jesus
- [04:29] - Justification Explained
- [06:01] - Why Are We Justified?
- [10:59] - How Are We Justified?
- [13:34] - The Sin-Bearing Death of Jesus
- [17:23] - Jesus Takes Our Place
- [21:55] - Who Will Be Justified?
- [24:25] - The Vision of Many Justified
- [28:03] - Jesus' Satisfaction in His People
- [31:57] - Finding Joy in Our Future Transformation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 53:11
- Romans 4:4-5
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Isaiah 53:11, what is the result of the anguish of Jesus' soul? How does this relate to the concept of satisfaction? [02:24]
2. In Romans 4:4-5, what does Paul say about who God justifies? How does this contrast with common expectations of righteousness? [06:36]
3. How does the sermon describe the way Jesus' righteous life and sin-bearing death contribute to our justification? [12:59]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the source of Jesus' satisfaction when He looks at His people? [28:03]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be satisfied with the multitude of the redeemed, despite their imperfections? How does this perspective challenge common views of self-worth and acceptance? [30:43]
2. How does the concept of justification by faith, as described in Romans 4:4-5, redefine the way believers understand their relationship with God? [09:14]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that knowing Jesus by faith is more than just intellectual assent? How does this deeper understanding of faith impact a believer's life? [22:32]
4. How does the sermon explain the transformative perspective of seeing fellow believers as they will one day be, and how might this change interactions within the church community? [32:37]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea that Jesus is satisfied with His people. How does this truth affect your view of yourself and your relationship with God? [30:43]
2. The sermon emphasizes justification by faith rather than works. How does this understanding influence your daily walk with God, especially in moments of self-doubt or failure? [09:14]
3. Consider the notion of knowing Jesus as a deep, personal trust. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him beyond intellectual knowledge? [22:32]
4. How can you begin to see and appreciate your fellow believers for who they will become in Christ, rather than focusing on their current shortcomings? [32:37]
5. In a world filled with dissatisfaction, how can you cultivate a sense of joy and gratitude in your faith journey, as encouraged by the sermon? [31:57]
6. Think about a time when you felt inadequate in your faith. How does the message of Jesus' satisfaction with His people provide comfort and encouragement in those moments? [28:03]
7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to accept God's grace. How can the truth of justification by faith help you to embrace His love and forgiveness more fully? [09:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Radical Grace of Justification by Faith
The concept of justification by faith is a cornerstone of Christian belief, emphasizing that our standing before God is not based on our deeds but on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. This radical grace is a departure from the idea that we must earn our way to God. Instead, it is through faith in Jesus that we are counted righteous. Romans 4:4-5 reinforces this truth, highlighting that God justifies the ungodly. This means that our relationship with God is not dependent on our own righteousness but on the perfect life and sacrificial death of Jesus. This understanding should bring a profound sense of peace and assurance, knowing that our salvation is secure in Christ. [09:14]
"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it." (Romans 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to earn God's favor through your own efforts? How can you rest in the assurance that your justification is through faith in Jesus alone?
Day 2: The Perfect Life and Sacrificial Death of Jesus
Jesus lived the perfect life that we could not and bore our sins through His sacrificial death, making us right with God. This profound truth is central to the Gospel message. Jesus' life and death were not just historical events but the means by which we are reconciled to God. His righteousness is imputed to us, and our sins were placed upon Him. This exchange is the heart of the Gospel, demonstrating God's immense love and justice. Understanding this should lead us to a deeper appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice and a greater commitment to living in a way that honors Him. [12:59]
"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)
Reflection: How does the knowledge of Jesus' perfect life and sacrificial death impact your daily life and decisions? What changes can you make to live more fully in light of this truth?
Day 3: Faith as a Deep, Personal Trust in Jesus
Justification becomes ours through the knowledge of Jesus, which is not merely intellectual but a deep, personal trust in Him. This faith is described in various ways in the Bible, such as looking to Jesus, trusting in Him, and knowing Him. It is a relational faith that transforms our lives and aligns us with God's purposes. This kind of faith is active and dynamic, continually growing as we deepen our relationship with Jesus. It is through this faith that we experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. [22:32]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. How can you cultivate a deeper, more personal trust in Him today? What specific steps can you take to grow in your faith?
Day 4: Jesus' Satisfaction in the Redeemed
Despite our imperfections, Jesus is satisfied with the multitude of the redeemed, justified by His blood. He takes pleasure in those who fear Him and hope in His steadfast love. This satisfaction is not based on our current state but on what we will become through His transformative work. Jesus sees the end result of His redemptive work in us and rejoices in it. This perspective should encourage us to view ourselves and others through the lens of what we will become in Christ, fostering a sense of hope and joy in our faith journey. [30:43]
"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is satisfied with you, despite your imperfections, change the way you view yourself and others? How can you extend this perspective to your relationships within the church?
Day 5: Embracing a Transformative Perspective
Embracing the truth that Jesus rejoices in what we will become transforms our relationships and view of the church. This perspective leads to deeper gratitude and joy in our faith journey. By focusing on the future transformation that Jesus is working in us, we can cultivate a sense of hope and encouragement. This outlook not only impacts our personal faith but also how we interact with others, fostering a community of grace and love. As we embrace this transformative perspective, we are better equipped to support and uplift one another in our spiritual growth. [32:37]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace a transformative perspective in your relationships and view of the church? How can you actively contribute to a community of grace and love within your congregation?
Quotes
Out of the anguish of his soul, he shall see and be satisfied. By his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Out of the anguish of his soul Jesus will see and be satisfied. [00:24:29]
What could possibly come from the appalling suffering of Jesus that would be so good that Jesus would look back at all that he suffered on the cross and say that it was well worth it? And you know the resurrection is not an adequate answer to that question. [00:30:43]
Jesus will make many to be accounted righteous. That's what comes out of the death of Jesus that is so satisfying to him. He will make many to be accounted righteous. Now other translations use the word Justified here by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many. [00:42:24]
Jesus is satisfied because his people are Justified out of the sufferings of Jesus will come a vast company of redeemed people who will be reconciled to God and will enjoy him forever and ever and when Jesus looks at these people well he is satisfied. [00:49:33]
Thank God that the Bible does not teach that God justifies The Godly because they are righteous it teaches that God justifies the ungodly and he does it despite our unrighteousness. Try and take in this most amazing good news, God justifies the ungodly. [00:09:14]
God justifies people who have not prayed as they should. God justifies people who have not served as they should. God justifies people who have not loved as they should, have not loved God with all their heart and have not loved their neighbor as themselves. [00:11:19]
The reason that we are counted righteous is that Jesus bore our sins, he carried them, our sins were laid on him and because they were laid on him that means they are no longer on us and that is why in the New Testament we read these wonderful words. [00:19:55]
Jesus justifies those who know him, he justifies those who look to him, he justifies those who trust him, he justifies those who believe in him, and notice that those who know Jesus by faith are described not as a few but as many. [00:22:32]
Jesus did not endure all the agony of the Cross so that a few people could have an extra Dimension to their lives, no Jesus died so that many would be accounted righteous, he died so that a vast multitude of people would be redeemed and brought into the Glorious presence of God. [00:28:03]
When Jesus looks at his people he is satisfied. In Psalm 147 we have these wonderful words the Lord takes pleasure in those who feared him, in those who hope in his steadfast love, and you might be struggling to take this in and say really how can this be. [00:30:43]
When we see him, we will be like him, and Jesus already sees and enjoys what one day we will be, so you know if you are troubled because you imagined Jesus constantly looking down on you with disapproval and disappointment try to take this in, he takes pleasure. [00:32:37]
Part of becoming more like Jesus is that we find joy in what our brothers and sisters will one day be, you know sometimes Christians disappoint and even hurt one another, but if you could see what the brother or sister who hurts or disappoints you will one day be you would be overwhelmed with joy. [00:32:37]
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