The Profound Cost of Grace: Jesus' Ultimate Sacrifice

Summary

### Summary

Today, we reflected on the profound cost of grace, focusing on the immense sacrifice Jesus Christ made for our salvation. We began by acknowledging the power of prayer and the importance of supporting one another, especially in times of crisis, such as the recent flooding in the Philippines. We then celebrated the spiritual victories from our recent Vacation Bible School and teen camp, where lives were transformed and decisions for Christ were made.

The core of our reflection was on Galatians 2:21 and 3:1, where Paul emphasizes that righteousness cannot come from the law but only through the grace of God, which was made possible by Jesus' sacrifice. We often take grace for granted, forgetting that while it is free for us, it cost Jesus everything. His crucifixion was not just a physical ordeal but a spiritual and emotional torment, as He bore the sins of the world and experienced separation from the Father.

We delved into the physical and spiritual suffering of Jesus, highlighting that even the most graphic depictions of His crucifixion fall short of the reality. The pain He endured, both physically and spiritually, was beyond comprehension. He was despised, rejected, and bore our griefs and sorrows, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53. Despite being God, He was treated as a criminal, and His own people did not recognize Him.

The emotional and spiritual anguish Jesus faced was immense. He was rejected by His own family, betrayed by His disciples, and falsely accused. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed earnestly, knowing the suffering that awaited Him. Yet, He submitted to the Father's will, demonstrating ultimate obedience and love.

Finally, we were reminded that grace demands a response. It calls us to live lives of worship, sacrifice, and gratitude. We are to share this grace with others, live it out daily, and never forget the price that was paid for our salvation. As we go about our lives, let us keep the sacrifice of Jesus at the forefront of our minds, allowing it to transform our actions and attitudes.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Cost of Grace: Grace is free for us but cost Jesus everything. His crucifixion was not just a physical ordeal but a profound spiritual and emotional torment. He bore our sins and experienced separation from the Father, a sacrifice that should never be taken lightly. [55:17]

2. The Physical and Spiritual Suffering of Jesus: The physical pain Jesus endured during the crucifixion was immense, but the spiritual anguish was even greater. He who knew no sin became sin for us, experiencing the full weight of humanity's transgressions. [57:49]

3. Rejection and Betrayal: Jesus was despised and rejected by His own people, including His family and disciples. This rejection added to His suffering, yet He remained obedient to the Father's will, demonstrating His unwavering love and commitment to our salvation. [01:09:57]

4. The Prophecy Fulfilled: Isaiah 53 vividly describes the suffering servant, and Jesus fulfilled this prophecy through His life, death, and resurrection. His sacrifice was the ultimate act of love, providing us with the grace that leads to eternal life. [01:08:18]

5. Our Response to Grace: Grace calls us to live lives of worship, sacrifice, and gratitude. We are to share this grace with others, live it out daily, and remember the price that was paid for our salvation. This should transform our actions and attitudes, leading us to honor and glorify Jesus Christ. [01:21:29]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[13:45] - Prayer Requests and Updates
[33:12] - Teen Camp Testimonies
[52:45] - Salvation Decisions at Camp
[54:34] - Introduction to the Sermon
[55:17] - The Cost of Grace
[56:49] - The Sacrifice of the Son
[57:49] - The Physical Pain of Crucifixion
[59:18] - Redemption from the Curse of the Law
[01:00:44] - The Symbolism of the Cross
[01:01:59] - The Offense of the Cross
[01:03:54] - The Separation from the Father
[01:06:39] - The Suffering Savior
[01:09:57] - Rejection by His Own
[01:12:42] - The Agony in Gethsemane
[01:18:30] - Salvation Through His Sacrifice
[01:20:49] - Access to God's Grace
[01:21:29] - Our Response to Grace
[01:30:30] - Closing and Announcements

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
- Galatians 2:21 (ESV): "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose."
- Galatians 3:1 (ESV): "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified."
- Isaiah 53:3-5 (ESV): "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 2:21, what does Paul say about the relationship between the law and the grace of God? [56:04]
2. In Galatians 3:1, what does Paul accuse the Galatians of, and what does he remind them of? [56:04]
3. How does Isaiah 53:3-5 describe the suffering servant, and how does this relate to Jesus' crucifixion? [01:08:18]
4. What were some of the physical and emotional sufferings Jesus endured as described in the sermon? [57:49]

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that righteousness cannot come from the law in Galatians 2:21? What implications does this have for our understanding of grace? [56:04]
2. How does the description of Jesus' suffering in Isaiah 53 deepen our understanding of the cost of grace? [01:08:18]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of Jesus' emotional and spiritual anguish, particularly His separation from the Father? [01:03:54]
4. How should the knowledge of Jesus' immense sacrifice influence our daily lives and attitudes towards grace? [01:21:29]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you might have taken God's grace for granted. How can you remind yourself daily of the cost of that grace? [55:17]
2. The sermon mentioned that Jesus was despised and rejected by His own people, including His family and disciples. Have you ever felt rejected by those close to you? How did you handle it, and how can Jesus' example guide you? [01:09:57]
3. Jesus' crucifixion involved immense physical and spiritual suffering. How can this understanding impact the way you view your own struggles and challenges? [57:49]
4. The sermon calls us to live lives of worship, sacrifice, and gratitude in response to grace. What specific actions can you take this week to live out this call? [01:21:29]
5. How can you share the message of grace with others in your community? Identify one person you can reach out to this week and plan how you will share this message with them. [01:21:29]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of supporting one another, especially in times of crisis. How can you be more supportive to those around you who are going through difficult times? [13:45]
7. Reflect on the prophecy in Isaiah 53 and how Jesus fulfilled it. How does this fulfillment strengthen your faith and understanding of God's plan for salvation? [01:08:18]

Devotional

Day 1: The Immense Cost of Grace
Grace is free for us but cost Jesus everything. His crucifixion was not just a physical ordeal but a profound spiritual and emotional torment. He bore our sins and experienced separation from the Father, a sacrifice that should never be taken lightly. The physical pain Jesus endured during the crucifixion was immense, but the spiritual anguish was even greater. He who knew no sin became sin for us, experiencing the full weight of humanity's transgressions. [55:17]

Galatians 2:21 (ESV): "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose."

Reflection: Think about a time when you took God's grace for granted. How can you remind yourself daily of the immense cost Jesus paid for your salvation?

Day 2: The Physical and Spiritual Suffering of Jesus
The physical pain Jesus endured during the crucifixion was immense, but the spiritual anguish was even greater. He who knew no sin became sin for us, experiencing the full weight of humanity's transgressions. The pain He endured, both physically and spiritually, was beyond comprehension. He was despised, rejected, and bore our griefs and sorrows, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53. Despite being God, He was treated as a criminal, and His own people did not recognize Him. [57:49]

Isaiah 53:3-4 (ESV): "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted."

Reflection: Reflect on the physical and spiritual suffering Jesus endured for you. How does this deepen your understanding of His love and sacrifice?

Day 3: Rejection and Betrayal
Jesus was despised and rejected by His own people, including His family and disciples. This rejection added to His suffering, yet He remained obedient to the Father's will, demonstrating His unwavering love and commitment to our salvation. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed earnestly, knowing the suffering that awaited Him. Yet, He submitted to the Father's will, demonstrating ultimate obedience and love. [01:09:57]

Matthew 26:56 (ESV): "But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt rejected or betrayed. How can Jesus' response to rejection and betrayal guide you in handling similar situations?

Day 4: The Prophecy Fulfilled
Isaiah 53 vividly describes the suffering servant, and Jesus fulfilled this prophecy through His life, death, and resurrection. His sacrifice was the ultimate act of love, providing us with the grace that leads to eternal life. The emotional and spiritual anguish Jesus faced was immense. He was rejected by His own family, betrayed by His disciples, and falsely accused. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed earnestly, knowing the suffering that awaited Him. Yet, He submitted to the Father's will, demonstrating ultimate obedience and love. [01:08:18]

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53 impact your faith? What does this mean for your daily walk with Christ?

Day 5: Our Response to Grace
Grace calls us to live lives of worship, sacrifice, and gratitude. We are to share this grace with others, live it out daily, and remember the price that was paid for our salvation. This should transform our actions and attitudes, leading us to honor and glorify Jesus Christ. Finally, we were reminded that grace demands a response. It calls us to live lives of worship, sacrifice, and gratitude. We are to share this grace with others, live it out daily, and never forget the price that was paid for our salvation. [01:21:29]

Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out the grace you have received today? How can you share this grace with someone in your life?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The power of the cross. The son of God. Leaving heaven to come to earth. To die for us. What a love. What a cost. We stand forgiven because of God's grace. But I think sometimes we as Christians. We go well grace is free. Free, free, free. It's free for us. Yes it is. But it wasn't for Jesus. It cost him everything. cost him everything." [55:17] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "What is grace? What is it? Somebody tell me. What is grace? Okay. Getting something that is undeserved. We don't deserve it's grace. We don't deserve. To go to heaven. We don't deserve for our sins to be forgiven us. We certainly. We certainly. Don't deserve. To be a joint heir. With Jesus Christ. But that's what we have. Because of the crucifixion. Because he became. A curse. For us." [01:03:21] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "For by grace. Are you saved through faith. And that not of yourselves. It is a gift of God. Not of works. Lest any man should brag. That Freely. It doesn't cost you. Anything. But it cost him everything. His precious blood. Had to be shed. For without the shedding of blood. There is no forgiveness of sin. He had to die. And be separated from himself. The only begotten of the father. So that we might have grace." [01:20:10] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Grace is given to you. And to me freely. But it truly cost him everything. Heavenly Father. I am so grateful. For the grace that has been afforded to us. By you. Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. May we as a church. As individuals. Never forget the sacrifice. That was made. So that we might have the grace of God. In eternity with you. In heaven." [01:22:01] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I pray that we would give. Happily. Cheerfully. Just a portion of what you have blessed us with. As we sing. May it be from the heart. As a praise to you. An offering. Of gratitude. For how good you have truly been to us. I pray these things. In Jesus name. And all God's people said. Amen." [01:25:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "I do not frustrate the grace of God. For if righteousness come by the law. Then Christ is dead in vain. Chapter 3 and verse 1. Oh foolish Galatians. Who hath bewitched you. That ye should not obey the truth. Before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth. Crucified among you. What are you thinking. Going away from the grace of God. And trying to go back to the weak and beggarly elements that put them in bondage." [56:04] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The physical pain. As awful as it was. Doesn't come close to the spiritual pain that he went through. He who knew no sin. Became sin for us. What Christ went through on that cross. So that grace may be afforded to us. He bore our sins. Galatians chapter 3. I don't like moving ahead in the chapter. But this verse describes so well. Christ hath redeemed us. From the curse of the law." [59:18] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The emotional. And spiritual anguish. And rejection of Christ. John chapter 1. Verse 10. He was in the world. And the world was made by him. And the world knew him not. He came unto his own. And his own people. Received him not. Have you ever been rejected. By your own people. Your own family. Do you know that his own brothers. His own brothers had rejected him. Until. They had to admit. He most certainly was God." [01:09:57] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The spiritual battle in Gethsemane. And being in agony. He prayed more earnestly. And his sweat. Was as it were great drops of blood. Falling down to the ground. The spiritual. And emotional torment. As he battles. His own. Will. If you've ever had a surgery. And know it's going to be painful. I had to have my left calf muscle. Cut in half. To lengthen. The tendons and muscles. In my left leg. I had no clue. How much it was going to hurt." [01:11:28] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The suffering savior. The physical pain and agony. That he went through. We see this all the way back. From the prophet Isaiah. In Isaiah chapter 53. He is despised and rejected of men. You know what I say to that. So what. Who are we. To despise and reject God. God would have been completely just. When we despised and rejected him. To send us straight to hell. And he did not. It is God that could have. And should have. Despised and rejected us. Instead. He gave us grace." [01:07:13] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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