Salvation Through Christ: The Man in the Middle
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the universal need for salvation through Jesus Christ, highlighting that no one is inherently good enough to save themselves and that death is a certainty everyone must face. The speaker urges the audience to make the conscious decision to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, rather than remaining neutral or indifferent. The story of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus is used to illustrate the immediacy of salvation and the simplicity of the Gospel, which is free and requires no rituals or prerequisites. One thief, recognizing Jesus' innocence and divinity, asks to be remembered, and Jesus assures him of his place in Paradise, demonstrating that salvation is available to anyone, regardless of their past actions or lack of religious deeds.
The speaker also addresses the congregation's hesitations in inviting others to church, encouraging them to look beyond appearances and judgments. The challenge is to share the love of Christ with others, regardless of their perceived need for it, and to remember that each day brings us closer to Christ's return. The sermon underscores the importance of being the salt and light of the Earth by actively sharing one's faith and the love of Christ.
The sermon, titled "The Man in the Middle," focuses on the crucifixion of Jesus as described in John chapter 19:16-18. It explores the contrast between the love sinners had for Jesus and the animosity of the religious elite, which led to Jesus' crucifixion during Passover week. The speaker delves into the rich symbolism of Jesus being crucified between two thieves, a death reserved for the most heinous criminals, and the fulfillment of prophecy.
The crucifixion scene is further examined to highlight the helplessness of humanity in achieving salvation through their own works. The two thieves, aware of their impending death, represent the human condition without Christ. The speaker contrasts this with the common belief that good works can save, emphasizing the need for a Savior. The gruesome nature of crucifixion is described, underscoring the agony Jesus endured and the significance of his death among common criminals, fulfilling the prophecy of being counted among the transgressors.
Key Takeaways:
- The certainty of death and the universal need for salvation through Jesus Christ are fundamental truths that require individuals to make a conscious choice. Acknowledging one's own insufficiency and the need for Christ is essential for salvation. This decision cannot be approached with neutrality or indifference, as it determines one's eternal destiny.
- The story of the two thieves crucified with Jesus illustrates that salvation is not dependent on one's past actions or adherence to religious rituals. The grace of Jesus is freely given, and even in the last moments of life, a person can turn to Christ and receive the promise of Paradise, showcasing the immediacy and simplicity of the Gospel.
- Christians are called to be the salt and light of the Earth, which involves actively sharing the love of Christ with others. Inviting someone to church and sharing one's faith should not be hindered by fear of judgment or assumptions about others' lives. Each day is an opportunity to draw closer to Christ and anticipate his return.
- The crucifixion of Jesus between two thieves holds deep symbolic meaning, highlighting the contrast between the love of sinners and the rejection by the religious elite. Jesus' death on the cross was a fulfillment of prophecy and a demonstration of the heinous nature of sin, which required a Savior.
- The helplessness of the two thieves on the cross next to Jesus serves as a metaphor for humanity's inability to save itself through good works. The crucifixion scene underscores the futility of self-reliance for salvation and the pivotal need for a Savior, which is found only in Jesus Christ.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 19:16-18
- Luke 23:39-43
- Isaiah 53:12
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances that led to Jesus being crucified between two thieves? (John 19:16-18)
2. How did the two thieves react differently to Jesus while they were on the cross? (Luke 23:39-43)
3. What prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus being crucified among criminals? (Isaiah 53:12)
4. According to the sermon, what does the crucifixion scene reveal about humanity's ability to achieve salvation through their own works? [07:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the story of the two thieves significant in understanding the immediacy and simplicity of the Gospel? [12:09]
2. How does the crucifixion of Jesus between two thieves illustrate the contrast between the love of sinners and the rejection by the religious elite? [06:19]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the common belief that good works can save a person? How does this compare to the message of the Gospel? [08:27]
4. How does the sermon challenge the congregation's hesitations in inviting others to church? What reasons are given for overcoming these hesitations? [20:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the certainty of death and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. How does this truth impact your daily decisions and priorities? [17:08]
2. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is available to anyone, regardless of their past actions. How can you share this message of grace with someone who feels unworthy of God's love? [12:49]
3. Think about a time when you hesitated to invite someone to church or share your faith. What were your reasons, and how can you overcome these barriers in the future? [20:35]
4. The sermon calls Christians to be the salt and light of the Earth. What specific actions can you take this week to actively share the love of Christ with others? [21:19]
5. Consider the symbolic meaning of Jesus being crucified between two thieves. How does this imagery deepen your understanding of the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity? [06:19]
6. The sermon mentions that neutrality is not an option when it comes to accepting Jesus. How can you help someone who is indifferent or neutral about their faith to see the importance of making a conscious decision? [14:58]
7. Reflect on the idea that good works cannot save us. How does this change your perspective on your own efforts and reliance on God's grace for salvation? [08:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Certainty of Salvation
Death is a certainty, and so is the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. Recognizing one's own insufficiency is the first step toward receiving eternal life. This choice is crucial and cannot be met with indifference, as it has eternal implications. [07:40]
Hebrews 9:27-28 - "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."
Reflection: How does acknowledging your own need for Jesus Christ change the way you view your life and the lives of those around you?
Day 2: The Last-Minute Promise of Paradise
Salvation is a gift that does not depend on one's past or religious deeds. The story of the thief on the cross reveals that grace is available to all, even in the final moments of life, emphasizing the immediacy and simplicity of the Gospel. [07:40]
Luke 23:42-43 - "Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
Reflection: Have you ever felt like it was too late for someone to receive salvation? How does the promise made to the thief on the cross challenge this belief?
Day 3: Being Salt and Light in the World
Christians are called to actively share the love of Christ, being the salt and light of the Earth. This involves overcoming fears and assumptions about others, and seizing every opportunity to draw closer to Christ and anticipate His return. [07:40]
Matthew 5:13-14 - "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
Reflection: What is one way you can be a better example of Christ's love to those around you today?
Day 4: The Symbolism of the Middle Cross
The crucifixion of Jesus between two thieves signifies the depth of human sin and the extent of divine love. This event fulfilled prophecy and contrasted the love of sinners with the rejection of the religious elite. [07:40]
Isaiah 53:12 - "Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Reflection: How does understanding the symbolism of Jesus' crucifixion between two thieves affect your perception of His sacrifice?
Day 5: Humanity's Helplessness Without Christ
The two thieves crucified with Jesus represent humanity's inability to achieve salvation through good works. This scene highlights the futility of self-reliance and the essential need for a Savior, found only in Jesus Christ. [07:40]
Romans 5:6-8 - "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you tried to earn salvation through good works? How can you shift your focus to rely solely on Christ's sacrifice?
Quotes
"You never know what's going on on the inside. My challenge to you is to invite someone to church, spend time with them, and share the love of Christ with those around you." [20:35] (Download)
"As we are the salt and the light of this Earth, his return is approaching every day that goes by. It's one day closer, and let us be anxiously waiting for that day." [21:19] (Download)
"Isn't it beautiful that the gospel is free for everyone? Isn't it beautiful that you don't have to do any rituals or anything for you to say, 'Lord, I want Jesus Christ, I want you to be the Lord of my life'?" [14:05] (Download)
"Neutrality is not an option when you talk to others about Christ... these two thieves either they were with Jesus or against Jesus but there was no in between. They knew death was knocking at their door and both of them decided to take a stand." [15:39] (Download)
"One thief on the cross was saved that no one should despair, and only one so that no one should presume... God cannot love me, yes he can, he absolutely can." [16:30] (Download)
"Death is certain and today you can choose to draw near or to reject salvation. All of us know the consequences of making decisions." [17:54] (Download)
"Remember you are at a cross with your arms stretched waiting to die. These two thieves didn't need an intellectual message from Jesus, they just needed to say, 'Lord remember me'." [19:15] (Download)
"We can do nothing to save ourselves; these two robbers that were on the cross, they could do nothing, they were dead. Apart from Christ, you're hanging on the cross and you are what? Waiting to die." [08:27] (Download)
"This passage speaks volumes to you and to me because for some reason many of us think that in order to make it into heaven you have to have done so many things in order for Christ to accept you." [12:09] (Download)
"The Romans did not do this to other Romans, so if you were a Roman citizen, you would not be crucified no matter what. But here John says that Jesus was crucified with two common criminals." [04:13] (Download)
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