The Transformative Power of Christ's Sacrifice
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound significance of the blood of Christ as described in Hebrews 9. We began by comparing the Old Testament sacrifices to the real and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Just as plastic tools are mere foreshadowings of real tools, the blood of bulls and goats in the Old Testament were mere shadows pointing to the true sacrifice of Christ. The blood of Jesus takes us from a lesser to a greater place, transforming our lives in ways that Old Testament rituals could never achieve.
We delved into how Jesus' sacrifice has moved the tabernacle from an earthly tent to a heavenly reality. Unlike the temporary and repetitive animal sacrifices, Jesus' sacrifice is once for all time, securing our eternal redemption. This shift from the earthly to the heavenly signifies a deeper, more profound connection with God, one that is not bound by physical structures but is eternal and spiritual.
We also discussed the concept of being a pleasing aroma to God, much like a high-intensity scented candle that fills a room. Our lives should exude the fragrance of Christ, spreading the knowledge of Him everywhere. However, this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and those who are perishing. For some, it is a life-giving aroma; for others, it is a dreadful smell of death and doom.
The sermon emphasized the importance of understanding that our good works are not what save us; it is the blood of Christ that cleanses us from the inside out. This inward cleansing allows us to serve God effectively. We must balance our service with encounters with the living God, ensuring that our works are an overflow of our relationship with Him.
Finally, we touched on the eternal blessings that come from Christ's sacrifice. Unlike the temporary blessings of the Old Testament, our blessings are eternal and spiritual. We are called to live with confidence in the eternal power of Christ's sacrifice, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Real Sacrifice of Christ: The Old Testament sacrifices were mere shadows pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Just as plastic tools can't perform real tasks, the blood of bulls and goats could never truly deal with sin. Jesus' sacrifice is once for all time, securing our eternal redemption and transforming our lives from lesser to greater. [39:48]
2. Heavenly Tabernacle: Jesus' sacrifice has moved the tabernacle from an earthly tent to a heavenly reality. This signifies a deeper, more profound connection with God, one that is eternal and spiritual. We no longer need physical structures to access God; we can enter the Holy of Holies anytime because of Jesus' blood. [42:37]
3. Pleasing Aroma to God: Our lives should exude the fragrance of Christ, spreading the knowledge of Him everywhere. This fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and those who are perishing. For some, it is life-giving; for others, it is a dreadful smell of death and doom. Our role is to be a pleasing aroma to God, even if we are not always pleasing to others. [47:02]
4. Inward Cleansing: The blood of Christ cleanses us from the inside out, unlike the Old Testament rituals that only dealt with the external. This inward cleansing allows us to serve God effectively. We must balance our service with encounters with the living God, ensuring that our works are an overflow of our relationship with Him. [54:15]
5. Eternal Blessings: The blessings we receive because of Christ's sacrifice are eternal and spiritual, unlike the temporary blessings of the Old Testament. We are called to live with confidence in the eternal power of Christ's sacrifice, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion. [01:04:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:02] - Introduction: Toolboxes and Trades
[39:48] - Plastic Tools vs. Real Tools
[40:48] - Old Testament Sacrifices as Foreshadowing
[41:38] - From Lesser to Greater
[42:37] - Earthly to Heavenly Tabernacle
[43:38] - The Heavenly Tabernacle Debate
[44:36] - Jesus as the Perfect Tabernacle
[45:29] - We Are the Holy Priesthood
[46:18] - Pleasing Aroma to God
[47:02] - Christ-like Fragrance
[47:53] - Different Reactions to the Fragrance
[48:44] - The Power of Christ's Blood
[49:43] - Inferiority of Animal Sacrifices
[50:29] - Redemption Through Christ
[51:18] - Continuous Sacrifice of Praise
[52:02] - Living Sacrifice
[53:32] - The Blood That Saves Us
[54:15] - Inward Cleansing
[55:26] - The Significance of Blood
[56:46] - Blood in the Old Testament
[57:23] - New Covenant Cleansing
[58:36] - Encountering the Living God
[59:40] - Balancing Service and Encounter
[01:00:40] - Connection with Baptism
[01:01:41] - Baptism and Clean Conscience
[01:02:40] - Living New Lives
[01:03:42] - Hunger for Transcendence
[01:04:13] - Eternal Blessings
[01:05:13] - Confidence in Christ's Sacrifice
[01:06:14] - Power in the Blood
[01:07:14] - Call to Action
[01:08:19] - Rest in the Cleansing Power
[01:09:23] - Encounter the Living God
[01:10:00] - Prayer and Invitation
[01:11:07] - Real Tools for Real Work
[01:12:13] - Excitement for Kingdom Work
[01:12:46] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 9:11-12 (NIV) - "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption."
2. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 (NIV) - "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."
3. Ephesians 5:2 (NIV) - "And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 9:11-12 say about the difference between the Old Testament sacrifices and Jesus' sacrifice? How does this passage describe the tabernacle? [42:37]
2. According to 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, how are believers described in relation to Christ? What does it mean to be a "pleasing aroma" to God? [47:02]
3. In Ephesians 5:2, what example are we called to follow, and how is Jesus' sacrifice described? [46:18]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the shift from the earthly tabernacle to the heavenly one, as described in Hebrews 9:11-12, deepen our understanding of our connection with God? [42:37]
2. What might it look like in practical terms to be a "pleasing aroma" to God in our daily lives, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15? How can this be both a positive and challenging aspect of our faith? [47:02]
3. Ephesians 5:2 calls us to walk in love as Christ did. How does understanding Jesus' sacrifice as a "fragrant offering" influence our approach to loving others? [46:18]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Hebrews 9:11-12, how can you remind yourself daily of the eternal redemption secured by Jesus' sacrifice? What practical steps can you take to live in this truth? [42:37]
2. In what ways can you be a "pleasing aroma" to God in your workplace, home, or community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to spread the knowledge of Christ. [47:02]
3. Considering the example of Christ's love in Ephesians 5:2, think of a relationship in your life where you can demonstrate sacrificial love. What specific action can you take to show this love? [46:18]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of balancing service with encounters with the living God. How can you ensure that your acts of service are an overflow of your relationship with God? What changes might you need to make in your schedule or priorities? [59:40]
5. The sermon emphasized the eternal blessings we receive through Christ's sacrifice. How can you cultivate a mindset of confidence in these eternal blessings, especially during challenging times? [01:04:13]
6. Reflect on the concept of inward cleansing by the blood of Christ. Are there areas in your life where you need to experience this inward cleansing? How can you seek this transformation through prayer and scripture? [54:15]
7. The sermon called for a response to the power of Christ's blood by serving in the kingdom. What specific kingdom work do you feel called to participate in? How can you take a step towards this calling this week? [01:06:14]
Devotional
Day 1: The Real Sacrifice of Christ
Description: The Old Testament sacrifices were mere shadows pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Just as plastic tools can't perform real tasks, the blood of bulls and goats could never truly deal with sin. Jesus' sacrifice is once for all time, securing our eternal redemption and transforming our lives from lesser to greater. The blood of Christ is the ultimate tool that accomplishes what the old sacrifices could not. It brings us into a new covenant with God, one that is based on grace and truth rather than the repetitive and temporary measures of the past. This transformation is profound, moving us from a state of spiritual inadequacy to one of eternal redemption. [39:48]
Hebrews 9:12 (ESV): "He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you have been relying on "plastic tools" or temporary fixes. How can you invite the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice into that area today?
Day 2: Heavenly Tabernacle
Description: Jesus' sacrifice has moved the tabernacle from an earthly tent to a heavenly reality. This signifies a deeper, more profound connection with God, one that is eternal and spiritual. We no longer need physical structures to access God; we can enter the Holy of Holies anytime because of Jesus' blood. This shift from the earthly to the heavenly is not just a change in location but a change in the nature of our relationship with God. It is now more intimate, direct, and eternal. The heavenly tabernacle represents a spiritual reality where we can commune with God without the limitations of time and space. [42:37]
Hebrews 9:24 (ESV): "For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. How can you create moments to enter the "heavenly tabernacle" and connect with God more deeply throughout your day?
Day 3: Pleasing Aroma to God
Description: Our lives should exude the fragrance of Christ, spreading the knowledge of Him everywhere. This fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and those who are perishing. For some, it is life-giving; for others, it is a dreadful smell of death and doom. Our role is to be a pleasing aroma to God, even if we are not always pleasing to others. This means living a life that reflects Christ's love, grace, and truth, regardless of how it is received by those around us. It is about being faithful to God and letting His fragrance permeate every aspect of our lives. [47:02]
2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (ESV): "For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?"
Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you felt misunderstood or rejected because of your faith. How can you continue to be a pleasing aroma to God in similar situations?
Day 4: Inward Cleansing
Description: The blood of Christ cleanses us from the inside out, unlike the Old Testament rituals that only dealt with the external. This inward cleansing allows us to serve God effectively. We must balance our service with encounters with the living God, ensuring that our works are an overflow of our relationship with Him. This inward transformation is crucial for genuine service. It is not about performing religious duties but about being transformed by God's grace so that our actions naturally reflect His love and truth. This balance between service and encounter ensures that our works are not just empty rituals but meaningful expressions of our faith. [54:15]
Hebrews 9:14 (ESV): "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel you are just "going through the motions." How can you seek a deeper encounter with God to transform this area from the inside out?
Day 5: Eternal Blessings
Description: The blessings we receive because of Christ's sacrifice are eternal and spiritual, unlike the temporary blessings of the Old Testament. We are called to live with confidence in the eternal power of Christ's sacrifice, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion. These eternal blessings are not just about future rewards but about living in the reality of God's kingdom here and now. It is about experiencing His peace, joy, and presence in our daily lives, knowing that these blessings are secure and everlasting. This confidence in Christ's sacrifice empowers us to live boldly and faithfully, trusting in His promises. [01:04:13]
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Reflect on the eternal blessings you have received through Christ. How can you live more confidently in the reality of these blessings today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "He is still taking people who are lost and he's helping them to be found. He is still taking us from places where we are dead, where we were addicted to things, and he is freeing us from them. He is freeing us from those addictions to follow him, and it is all because of the blood of Jesus Christ." [41:38] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance. We're rising up to God. And so we've got to smell like Christ, we've got to look like Christ, we have to talk like Christ and love like Christ so that we might help more people more often say yes to God. And everything that you do, everywhere that you go, you are representing Christ in this world." [47:02] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is enough power in the blood to take you from lost to found. There is enough power in the blood to take you from death to life. Enough power in the blood to take you from laziness to real faithfulness. And some of you today you need to let the power of the blood of Christ wash over you for the very first time through baptism. You need to make that decision today." [01:06:14] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You need to go into the Holy of Holies accessing God and the powerful blood that there is through Christ that brings us mercy and forgiveness. The results of an encounter with the living God is service. The results is you want to go work in the kingdom. And so healthy ministry comes from the outflow of being made right with God through the blood of Christ." [01:00:10] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have redemption because the sacrifice went from just animals to Christ Himself. And it's not our good works. It is the work of Him and the power of His blood that saves us. And because Jesus made that ultimate sacrifice, we must offer a continuous sacrifice of praise back to God." [50:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Some of you are wearing yourself out serving. And just like the priest, you never sit down. And you never slow down to encounter the living God. Too much of that is going to cause you to become weary and you're going to burn out. Others of you, you receive the cleansing of your conscience and for some reason you just started to sit down. And you need to get up. You need to get up and work for the kingdom." [59:40] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Some of you, you're serving so much. Thank you. Thank you for serving so much. Don't forget to encounter the living God. Don't turn this new covenant, this wonderful new covenant where we are washed in the blood into the old covenant. Don't do that. Let the works that you do be from the overflow and the outflow of the encounter with the living God you have every day." [01:10:32] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have the real thing. We're not working with fake plastic tools. With things that are just a foreshadow of what is to come. He came. He died. There was a real cross and a real savior who was hung on that cross with real nails driven in by a real hammer and a real savior gave his life so that we could have real redemption." [01:11:07] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The blood of Christ prepares us. It readies us for kingdom work. And we have to take that serious. For some of you though, work is all you do. Work is all you do. And you might as well be in the Old Testament. Because like the priests, you just never sit down. You never sit down. You never have an encounter with a living God. You got to take time to do that. Don't substitute one insufficient kind of work for another. You can't earn what the blood of Christ gives us. You cannot earn it." [01:07:47] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Healthy ministry comes from the outflow of being made right with God through the blood of Christ. So we let him clean and cleanse our conscience first and then we serve in the kingdom. There is a connection with baptism by the way that I want to mention here. Water was involved in the cleansing ceremony in the Old Testament. They had this big bronze basin that they would have to use and they had to wash their hands. They even had to wash their feet before they would go into the tabernacle." [01:00:40] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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