Remembering Victory: The Power of Jesus' Sacrifice
Summary
In my sermon, I emphasized the importance of remembering the triumph of Jesus Christ, not just his suffering. I stressed that when Jesus said "it is finished" on the cross, he was referring to the complete package of redemption and victory for every human being. I urged the congregation to remember that they don't have to live in darkness or sin, but can live in victory, joy, peace, abundance, and blessing because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. I also discussed the significance of Holy Communion, explaining that the bread represents Jesus's body that was scourged and broken, and the wine represents his blood, which signifies the new covenant and the forgiveness of sins.
In the second part of my sermon, I encouraged the congregation to stop remembering their past mistakes and failures, and instead remember the mercy, goodness, love, and compassion of God. I reminded them of the healing power of Jesus's sacrifice, explaining that he took the nails in his feet, the crown of thorns on his head, and the spear in his side so that we could be healed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I concluded by emphasizing that Jesus wants us to remember that Satan is defeated and that we are victorious through him.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus's last words on the cross, "it is finished," signify the complete package of redemption and victory for every human being. ([47:36])
- Holy Communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus's sacrifice and the new covenant, which brings forgiveness of sins and a sense of wholeness and blessing. ([49:27])
- We should focus on remembering the mercy, goodness, love, and compassion of God, rather than dwelling on our past mistakes and failures. ([53:27])
- Jesus's sacrifice has the power to heal us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. ([54:03])
- We are victorious through Jesus, and Satan is defeated. ([55:22])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:19 [34:03]
2. Acts 2:41 [34:40]
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 [43:10]
Observation Questions:
1. What are the three declarations made during water baptism as mentioned in the passages?
2. How does the act of water baptism relate to the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 28:19?
3. What is the significance of the Lord's Supper as described in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of water baptism symbolize the decision to follow Jesus?
2. What does it mean to identify with Jesus in the present, as symbolized by water baptism?
3. How does the Lord's Supper help believers remember Jesus' sacrifice?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own baptism (if applicable). How did it symbolize your decision to follow Jesus and how has it impacted your faith journey?
2. How can you better identify with Jesus in your daily life, following His teachings and principles?
3. How can participating in the Lord's Supper deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice?
4. Can you think of a time when you felt like you were 'dying' to your old self and being 'raised' to new life in Christ? How did that experience shape your faith?
5. How can you use the act of communion as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Knowledge in Faith
The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding our covenant rights in Jesus. This knowledge is not just for intellectual satisfaction, but it is the key to living the abundant life that Jesus has given us. If we don't know what's in the covenant, we will never know how to receive and enjoy it. This is why we read the Bible and strive to understand our covenant rights in Jesus ([58:23]).
Bible Passage: Hosea 4:6 - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children."
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of the covenant rights in Jesus. How can you deepen your knowledge and live out these rights in your daily life?
Day 2: Remembering the Victory in Jesus
The sermon encourages us to stop remembering our past mistakes and failures, and instead remember the victory we have in Jesus. This victory is not just about overcoming sin, but also about healing, wholeness, and triumph over all forms of suffering and adversity ([53:27]).
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on the areas of your life where you need to claim the victory in Jesus. How can you shift your focus from past failures to the victory in Jesus?
Day 3: Healing through Faith and Communion
The sermon highlights the healing power of faith and communion. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the healing power of Jesus' body and blood. This healing is not just physical, but also mental and emotional ([01:01:18]).
Bible Passage: James 5:15 - "And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
Reflection: Reflect on the areas of your life where you need healing. How can you exercise your faith and partake in communion to receive this healing?
Day 4: Public Declaration of Faith
The sermon underscores the importance of publicly declaring our faith in Jesus. This declaration is not just about words, but about living out our faith in a way that others can see. It is about being unashamed of our faith, even in the face of persecution ([41:56]).
Bible Passage: Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
Reflection: Reflect on how you can publicly declare your faith in Jesus. How can you live out your faith in a way that others can see?
Day 5: Remembering Jesus in Communion
The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering Jesus as we partake in communion. This remembrance is not just about recalling historical events, but about proclaiming the Lord's death until he comes. It is about remembering the victory, healing, and salvation we have in Jesus ([43:10]).
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 11:26 - "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes."
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of communion. How can you deepen your understanding and experience of communion as a way of remembering Jesus?
Quotes
1. "Jesus went to the Cross gave you and me a new life and now he's given you the benefits of a New Covenant. It's called the word of God. If you don't know what's in the book, if you don't know what's in the Covenant, if you don't know what's in the will and The Testament, you'll never know how to receive it and enjoy it." - 58:57
2. "The early Christians were not ashamed of their faith. They said publicly they went everywhere telling everybody I belong to Jesus and I have decided to follow Jesus. I've identified with Christ and I will be faithful even if you throw me in prison, even if you behead me, even if you martyr me, even if you persecute me and kill me." - 41:56
3. "The cup represents the blood of Jesus that yes forgives us of our sins but here's what he said he said the New Covenant in my blood. Christ made a covenant with you and me. What is the Covenant? It's all the promises in the word of God. Those are part of the Covenant, that's part of the agreement." - 56:37
4. "This is actually the will and testament or a covenant of that man. It names you as the sole beneficiary of all his wealth and property. For close to 50 years because of the lack of knowledge she struggled to survive yet she had owned a sprawling estate an abundance of riches but her ignorance robbed her of her wealth that she could have enjoyed." - 57:45
5. "Jesus left us with two ordinances. These are the two decrees or orders or ordinances he's saying I want you to do this make sure you do these two things and what are they water baptism and communion. They're beautiful because it's too powerful concrete ways that we connect with Jesus and connect with other believers." - 32:53