The Sacredness of Life: Created with Purpose
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that all human life is sacred, created by God, and imbued with purpose and value. We began by discussing the majesty of God's creation, as depicted in Psalm 8, which highlights the grandeur of the universe and the unique place of humanity within it. The psalmist marvels at the heavens, the work of God's fingers, and then turns to the question of humanity's significance. Despite the vastness of creation, God has crowned humanity with glory and honor, placing us just a little lower than the heavenly beings. This speaks to the intrinsic value and dignity of every human life, a truth that challenges us to view ourselves and others through the lens of God's creative purpose.
We also delved into the societal and cultural implications of this truth, particularly in the context of the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. In a world where various groups attempt to define the value of life based on power, wealth, or status, we are reminded that it is God alone who sets the value of life. This understanding calls us to be advocates for life, from conception to natural death, and to support efforts that uphold the dignity of every person.
Furthermore, we examined the redemptive work of God through Jesus Christ, who came to remove barriers and create pathways for all to come to God. Jesus' actions in the temple, as recounted in Matthew 21, illustrate His desire to make access to God available to everyone, regardless of their status or condition. This challenges us to consider whether we are creating paths or barriers for others to encounter God.
Finally, we reflected on the importance of how we treat others as a reflection of our belief in the sanctity of life. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount remind us that our words and actions towards others reveal our understanding of their God-given value. We are called to love others, even when it requires difficult conversations, and to be agents of reconciliation and grace.
Key Takeaways:
- The majesty of God's creation, as seen in the universe and humanity, reveals the intrinsic value and dignity of every human life. We are called to recognize and honor this sacredness in ourselves and others. [28:47]
- God alone is the creator and definer of life, and this truth challenges societal norms that attempt to assign value based on power, wealth, or status. We are called to be advocates for life in all its stages. [31:51]
- Jesus' redemptive work removes barriers and creates pathways for all to come to God. We must examine whether we are creating paths or barriers for others to encounter God in our own lives. [45:26]
- Our treatment of others reflects our belief in the sanctity of life. Jesus teaches that our words and actions towards others reveal our understanding of their God-given value, calling us to love and reconciliation. [54:53]
- Embracing the truth that we are created with purpose and value by God leads to a life of abundance in Him. We are called to share this message of hope and redemption with others, creating paths for them to find life in Christ. [01:05:43]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[13:20] - Announcements and Events
[26:50] - Introduction to Sanctity of Life
[28:47] - The Majesty of God's Creation
[30:02] - Valuing Life from God's Perspective
[31:51] - God as the Creator and Definer of Life
[33:15] - The Order and Purpose in Creation
[34:21] - Humanity as the Pinnacle of Creation
[35:34] - The Power of God's Name
[36:19] - The Struggle with Human Significance
[37:17] - The Fleeting Nature of Life
[39:01] - Created in God's Image
[40:14] - The Beginning of Life
[41:38] - The Sacredness of Life
[43:14] - Humanity's Unique Position
[44:30] - The Redemption of Humanity
[45:26] - Jesus' Actions in the Temple
[52:57] - Creating Paths, Not Barriers
[54:53] - The Weight of Our Words
[56:04] - The Accuser and Our Response
[57:23] - Loving Others as God's Creation
[58:28] - Reconciliation and Worship
[59:45] - Love and Truth in Action
[01:01:07] - The Call to Represent God
[01:02:51] - Wrestling with Self-Worth
[01:03:49] - Finding Purpose in Christ
[01:04:44] - Invitation to Life in Christ
[01:12:08] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 8:1-9
- Matthew 21:12-16
- Genesis 1:26-27
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Observation Questions:
1. In Psalm 8, how does the psalmist describe the relationship between God and humanity? What does this suggest about the value of human life? [28:47]
2. According to the sermon, what societal norms are challenged by the belief that God alone sets the value of life? [31:51]
3. How did Jesus' actions in the temple, as described in Matthew 21, demonstrate His desire to remove barriers to God? [45:26]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of our words and actions towards others in reflecting our belief in the sanctity of life? [54:53]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding that humanity is created "a little lower than the heavenly beings" influence our perception of human dignity and worth? [39:01]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that societal definitions of life's value differ from God's definition? How can this understanding impact our daily interactions? [31:51]
3. What implications does Jesus' removal of barriers in the temple have for how we approach inclusivity and accessibility in our faith communities? [45:26]
4. How does the sermon interpret Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount regarding our treatment of others, and what does this reveal about the nature of true reconciliation? [54:53]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your life was undervalued by societal standards. How does the truth that God has crowned you with glory and honor change your perspective? [28:47]
2. In what ways can you advocate for the sanctity of life in your community, especially in contexts where life is undervalued or marginalized? [31:51]
3. Consider your role in your church or community. Are there any barriers you might be unintentionally creating that prevent others from encountering God? How can you work to remove them? [45:26]
4. Think of a recent interaction where your words or actions did not reflect the God-given value of another person. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? [54:53]
5. Identify a person in your life who may feel undervalued or marginalized. What specific steps can you take to affirm their worth and dignity this week? [54:53]
6. How can you incorporate the understanding of being created with purpose and value into your daily life, and how might this influence your decisions and actions? [01:05:43]
7. Reflect on a difficult conversation you need to have with someone. How can you approach it with love and a desire for reconciliation, as taught in the sermon? [54:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Our Unique Place in Creation
The majesty of God's creation is a testament to the intrinsic value and dignity of every human life. Psalm 8 marvels at the grandeur of the universe and the unique place humanity holds within it. Despite the vastness of creation, God has crowned humanity with glory and honor, placing us just a little lower than the heavenly beings. This speaks to the intrinsic value and dignity of every human life, a truth that challenges us to view ourselves and others through the lens of God's creative purpose. We are called to recognize and honor this sacredness in ourselves and others. [28:47]
"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" (Psalm 8:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you honor the intrinsic value of someone you encounter today, recognizing their unique place in God's creation?
Day 2: God as the Sole Definer of Life's Value
In a world where various groups attempt to define the value of life based on power, wealth, or status, it is God alone who sets the value of life. This understanding calls us to be advocates for life, from conception to natural death, and to support efforts that uphold the dignity of every person. We are reminded that societal norms often challenge this truth, but as believers, we are called to stand firm in the belief that every life is sacred and valuable in God's eyes. [31:51]
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you advocate for the value of life in your community, especially for those who are marginalized or voiceless?
Day 3: Removing Barriers to Encounter God
Jesus' redemptive work removes barriers and creates pathways for all to come to God. His actions in the temple, as recounted in Matthew 21, illustrate His desire to make access to God available to everyone, regardless of their status or condition. This challenges us to consider whether we are creating paths or barriers for others to encounter God. We must examine our own lives and actions to ensure we are facilitators of God's grace and love, not obstacles. [45:26]
"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." (Ephesians 2:14, ESV)
Reflection: Are there any barriers you might be unintentionally creating that prevent others from experiencing God's love through you? How can you remove them?
Day 4: Reflecting God's Love in Our Treatment of Others
Our treatment of others reflects our belief in the sanctity of life. Jesus teaches that our words and actions towards others reveal our understanding of their God-given value. We are called to love others, even when it requires difficult conversations, and to be agents of reconciliation and grace. This means being mindful of how we speak and act, ensuring that we are always reflecting God's love and grace to those around us. [54:53]
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where your words or actions did not reflect God's love. How can you seek reconciliation and demonstrate grace in that relationship?
Day 5: Embracing Our God-Given Purpose
Embracing the truth that we are created with purpose and value by God leads to a life of abundance in Him. We are called to share this message of hope and redemption with others, creating paths for them to find life in Christ. This involves living out our purpose with intentionality and inviting others to experience the transformative power of God's love and grace. [01:05:43]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to live out your God-given purpose and invite others to experience the abundant life found in Christ?
Quotes
The psalmist here in Psalms 8 begins to wrestle with some great questions about what does it mean to be created by God, individual, and how do we understand that. And I want us to wrestle through some of those questions this morning as we consider what does it mean for human life to be sacred and to have value. [00:28:16]
But I want us to consider this because it's a pertinent question, I think, for our society, our world, and our culture. Who gets to determine what life is or how much value life has or how life should be lived? Who gets to make those decisions? We live in that individualistic society, but really we live in a world where a certain group tries to say they understand what life should be. [00:30:38]
God is the creator of life, and as such, he sets the value for life. And so I want us to look at this psalm. I'm going to walk through it. Two things I want to deal with pretty quickly, and then the third thing. We'll be the proverbial moment where the rubber meets the road. What does this really mean, if all that is true? [00:31:54]
You are the majestic creator over everything, but you're also our Lord. We are under you. You are above us. You are the majestic creator who sits over all things. It indicates something of the covenant. The covenantal name of God. The relationship he wants to have. And to help us get that, this psalmist wants to first create this image of how God created everything. [00:32:50]
Think about this, all the planets you know, the universe and the way that it's spread out. Everything that is there, our universe expands at exactly. The right rate, any faster, all the orbits of planets and stars would get misaligned, any slower, it would implode on itself. [00:33:27]
You look at the animals, you look at the plants, you look at the physical planet we have. He's screaming out, look at this creative God, look at this majestic God. Look at all that he has done. And all that he has made. And he says this, majestic is your name in all the earth. All the earth is full of this. But he calls out his name. [00:34:24]
Out of all the things he created that are physical and on this earth, man is at the pinnacle of it. And he struggles with that. What is man that you are mindful of him? What is the son of man that you care for him? Who are we that you, the God of all of this, pay any attention to? Pay any attention to people like us? [00:36:46]
Every life that exists, exists because God created it that way. It's back there in Genesis. All the beginnings of that is there. In fact, it's so important. Genesis gives us two different accounts of creation. Here's what it says in chapter 1. It says, Then God said, Let us make man. In our image, after our likeness. [00:39:15]
God gets involved in the dirt. He gets his hands involved. He forms man. And then he takes from within him the breath of life, this ruach that represents something that's of God that brings life. And he puts it in man. And when that happens, then God says, says he's a living being. [00:40:14]
Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you've established strength because of your foe to steal the enemy and the avenger. Out of the weakest thing there is, the weakness of humanity, you decided to establish something of authority, of victory, of power. [00:44:47]
What Jesus is saying to them is you've created barriers to get to God only certain people can make sacrifices only certain people can come in here and I want to make paths I want to make it a way where everyone can come here and then he does the most amazing thing the lame and the blind come into the temple they couldn't come into the temple they had sinned they were not pure they would cast them out and Jesus says oh no you belong here and he heals them. [00:45:26]
You see, what we really think about how valuable people's lives are is displayed in how we treat them. Are we creating paths for people to find God? Or are we part of the barriers that keep them from getting there? You see, if we really believe, God, you made man. You crowned him with authority. [00:52:43]
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