Living in the Purpose of Jesus' Life

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the significance of Jesus' life, not just His birth and resurrection, but the entirety of His earthly journey. We often celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus and His triumphant resurrection, but we must not overlook the life He lived in between. Every moment of Jesus' life was intentional and purposeful, serving as a bridge between the cradle and the cross. His life was not merely a filler between these two monumental events; it was foundational to our salvation and a model for how we should live.

The writer of Hebrews illustrates that the law was a shadow of the good things to come, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan. The law, with its sacrifices and rituals, was never meant to be the end but a guide leading us to Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life, fulfilling the law's demands that we could never meet on our own. His life was a testament to living righteously and in accordance with God's will, showing us the way to true freedom and rest.

Jesus' sacrifice was not just a temporary fix but a complete and eternal solution to the problem of sin. Unlike the old sacrificial system, which required repeated offerings, Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all, removing sin entirely. This act of grace invites us to live in the freedom He has already purchased for us, resting in His completed work rather than striving to earn what has been freely given.

As believers, we are called to let Jesus' life shape our own, embodying His compassion, love, humility, and forgiveness. Our lives should be a reflection of His grace, pointing others to the freedom only He can offer. For those who have yet to know Jesus, the invitation is open to step into this freedom and experience the transformative power of His life, death, and resurrection.

Key Takeaways:

- The Importance of Jesus' Life: Jesus' life is the heart of the story, connecting His birth and resurrection. Every moment was purposeful, fulfilling the law and providing a model for us to follow. His life was not just a filler but foundational to our salvation. [34:04]

- The Law as a Shadow: The law was a shadow pointing to Jesus, highlighting our need for a Savior. It shows us God's perfect standard and our inability to meet it, emphasizing the necessity of Jesus' perfect life and sacrifice. [39:07]

- Jesus' Complete Sacrifice: Unlike the old sacrificial system, Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all, removing sin entirely. His sacrifice was not partial or temporary but total and eternal, offering true forgiveness and rest. [53:59]

- Living in Freedom: We are invited to live in the freedom Jesus has purchased, resting in His completed work rather than striving to earn forgiveness. This freedom allows us to embody His grace and point others to Him. [01:01:28]

- A Life Worth Living: Jesus' life provides a perfect picture of a life worth living. By following His example of compassion, humility, and love, we can live a life that truly matters and reflects His glory. [56:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [29:42] - The Importance of the Middle
- [34:04] - Jesus' Life: Purposeful and Intentional
- [35:22] - Prayer and Introduction to Hebrews 10
- [36:36] - The Law as a Shadow
- [39:07] - The Need for a Savior
- [41:18] - Jesus' Perfect Sacrifice
- [43:34] - Striving Without Arriving
- [45:02] - Jesus' Rest and Our Rest
- [46:04] - The Incompleteness of Worldly Rest
- [49:09] - The Sufficiency of Jesus' Sacrifice
- [50:54] - The Burden of Sin and Guilt
- [52:10] - Jesus as the Ultimate Sacrifice
- [53:59] - Total and Eternal Forgiveness
- [56:29] - A Life Worth Living
- [01:01:28] - Living in Freedom
- [01:03:15] - Our Lives as a Reflection of Christ
- [01:04:50] - Invitation to Know Jesus
- [01:06:22] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 10:1-18

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does the writer of Hebrews mean when he describes the law as a "shadow of the good things to come"? How does this relate to Jesus' life and sacrifice? [36:36]

2. How does the sermon describe the difference between the old sacrificial system and Jesus' sacrifice? What makes Jesus' sacrifice unique? [41:18]

3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God after His sacrifice? [45:02]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the completeness of Jesus' sacrifice in relation to our sins? [49:09]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of the law as a shadow help us understand our need for Jesus' perfect life and sacrifice? [39:07]

2. In what ways does Jesus' life serve as a model for us, according to the sermon? How can this understanding impact our daily lives? [56:29]

3. The sermon emphasizes living in the freedom that Jesus has purchased for us. What does this freedom look like in practical terms? [01:01:28]

4. How does the sermon explain the role of Jesus' life in connecting His birth and resurrection? Why is this connection important for believers today? [34:04]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you are striving to earn forgiveness rather than resting in the freedom Jesus has already provided? How can you shift your mindset this week? [50:54]

2. Jesus' life is described as a perfect picture of a life worth living. What specific aspect of Jesus' life (compassion, humility, love) do you feel called to embody more fully? How will you start doing this? [56:29]

3. The sermon mentions that Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all, removing sin entirely. How does this truth affect your view of past mistakes or sins? How can you live in the assurance of this forgiveness? [53:59]

4. Consider the idea of being an ambassador for Christ. What practical steps can you take to ensure your life points others to Jesus, as described in the sermon? [01:03:15]

5. The sermon invites believers to let Jesus' life shape their own. What is one specific way you can let Jesus' compassion, love, or humility influence your interactions with others this week? [01:01:28]

6. The sermon challenges us to live boldly for Christ. What is one area in your life where you feel hesitant to step out in faith? How can you take a bold step this week? [01:06:22]

7. If you are new to faith or exploring Christianity, what questions do you have about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection? How can you seek answers or support from your small group? [01:04:50]

Devotional

Day 1: The Intentional Life of Jesus
Every moment of Jesus' life was intentional and purposeful, serving as a bridge between His birth and resurrection. His life was not merely a filler between these two monumental events; it was foundational to our salvation and a model for how we should live. Jesus' life was a testament to living righteously and in accordance with God's will, showing us the way to true freedom and rest. By fulfilling the law's demands that we could never meet on our own, Jesus demonstrated the perfect life we are called to emulate. His life provides a perfect picture of a life worth living, embodying compassion, humility, and love. [34:04]

Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally model your daily actions after the life of Jesus, particularly in areas where you struggle to live righteously?


Day 2: The Law as a Guide to Christ
The law was a shadow pointing to Jesus, highlighting our need for a Savior. It shows us God's perfect standard and our inability to meet it, emphasizing the necessity of Jesus' perfect life and sacrifice. The writer of Hebrews illustrates that the law was never meant to be the end but a guide leading us to Christ. Jesus fulfilled the law's demands, which we could never meet on our own, and His life was a testament to living righteously and in accordance with God's will. This understanding invites us to rely on Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan. [39:07]

Galatians 3:24-25 (ESV): "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."

Reflection: How does recognizing the law as a guide to Christ change your perspective on your own efforts to meet God's standards?


Day 3: The Totality of Jesus' Sacrifice
Unlike the old sacrificial system, Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all, removing sin entirely. His sacrifice was not partial or temporary but total and eternal, offering true forgiveness and rest. This act of grace invites us to live in the freedom He has already purchased for us, resting in His completed work rather than striving to earn what has been freely given. Jesus' sacrifice provides a complete and eternal solution to the problem of sin, allowing us to experience true freedom and rest in His grace. [53:59]

Hebrews 10:10-12 (ESV): "And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God."

Reflection: What areas of your life are you still striving to earn forgiveness, and how can you begin to rest in the completeness of Jesus' sacrifice today?


Day 4: Embracing Freedom in Christ
We are invited to live in the freedom Jesus has purchased, resting in His completed work rather than striving to earn forgiveness. This freedom allows us to embody His grace and point others to Him. As believers, we are called to let Jesus' life shape our own, embodying His compassion, love, humility, and forgiveness. Our lives should be a reflection of His grace, pointing others to the freedom only He can offer. For those who have yet to know Jesus, the invitation is open to step into this freedom and experience the transformative power of His life, death, and resurrection. [01:01:28]

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 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."

Reflection: How can you actively live out the freedom you have in Christ today, and in what ways can you share this freedom with others around you?


Day 5: Reflecting Christ in Our Lives
Jesus' life provides a perfect picture of a life worth living. By following His example of compassion, humility, and love, we can live a life that truly matters and reflects His glory. As believers, we are called to let Jesus' life shape our own, embodying His compassion, love, humility, and forgiveness. Our lives should be a reflection of His grace, pointing others to the freedom only He can offer. For those who have yet to know Jesus, the invitation is open to step into this freedom and experience the transformative power of His life, death, and resurrection. [56:29]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you reflect the character of Christ in your interactions with others this week, and how can you be intentional about embodying His love and grace?

Quotes

"We love celebrating his birth. We love the manger scene. We just celebrated it this past week, and thank God for the manger scene. These are essential to our faith. And we love celebrating his death and resurrection at Easter. We have a whole day to celebrate it. And both of these are important. These are all essential parts of Jesus' life to our faith. His miraculous birth is the fulfillment of many prophecies. It's the idea that it's his incarnation, his stepping out of glory and eternity into humanity." [00:32:45] (34 seconds)


"And the wall shows us God's perfect standard and helps us see our own weakness and sinfulness, making it clear that we need a Savior. It paints a picture. It paints a picture of the true form of Jesus. You see, Martin Luther said it like this, that the law says, do this, and it's never done. But grace says, believe in this, and everything is done. You see, Jesus lived perfectly to meet the law's demands that we couldn't keep." [00:39:33] (34 seconds)


"But when Christ had offered for all time, a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool. For his feet. You see, we see this contrast between the old sacrificial system and the sacrifice of Jesus. You see, because we are unholy, the law required for sacrifices to be made on our behalf." [00:41:26] (30 seconds)


"There's nothing that we can do on our own to truly have rest. But Jesus, at the moment of his sacrifice, fully confident, sat down at the right hand of the Father. And it goes even beyond saying he's waiting for his enemies to just, just become his footstool. Just put his feet up on him. Imagine the confidence knowing that Jesus fulfilled everything, that his sacrifice was sufficient. Let me, let me emphasize this, that Jesus isn't anxious or pacing in heaven. He isn't concerned about our ability to live perfectly. He's seated. He's rested." [00:46:43] (46 seconds)


"Jesus took all of the sins, laid it at the cross, at the feet of the cross and said, I'm dying for these. Because his sacrifice was perfect. His sacrifice was sufficient. Not just for some sins, not just for sins at a period of time, for all sins, past, present, and future. And I think this is where many of us really struggle. That if we read verse 17 again, it says, and then he adds, I will remember their sins, and their lawless deeds no more." [00:49:03] (39 seconds)


"That's what it's like when we try to carry the weight of sin and guilt that Jesus has already lifted. That's what it's like, us trying to earn that forgiveness, trying to do the good works, trying to do better, trying to come to church every day or commit to reading your Bible every day or worshiping God every day. If we continue to try to work towards forgiveness. We are going to struggle." [00:51:32] (27 seconds)


"There's not another one that needs to be. There's no more bulls or rams or goats or lambs that need to be sacrificed, because Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. Romans 5, 19 says this. It says, For by the one man's disobedience, the many were made sinners. So by the one man's obedience, the many will be made righteous. You see, through the sin of Adam, sin entered into this world because of his disobedience in the face of a righteous and holy God." [00:52:10] (35 seconds)


"Jesus is the fix to the problem. You see, by one man's disobedience, many were made sinners. By one man's obedience, many will be made righteous. And many, and all those who put their faith and trust in Jesus, not all people, but all those who put their faith and trust in Jesus will be made. They will be made righteous because of the sacrifice of Jesus." [00:53:31] (28 seconds)


Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 29, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

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