Transformative Power of God's Salvation and Community
Summary
In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 36, verses 33-35, we find a profound depiction of the transformative power of God's salvation. This passage illustrates the blessings of the Christian Gospel, portraying a vivid picture of restoration and renewal. The message emphasizes that God's salvation is not limited to the forgiveness of sins but extends to a complete transformation of life, akin to turning a desolate land into a flourishing Garden of Eden. This transformation is a testament to the greatness of God's redemptive plan, which is often underestimated due to our limited understanding and sinful nature.
The sermon highlights the tendency of humans to measure God by their own standards, leading to a failure to grasp the full scope of His salvation. This misunderstanding is rooted in a defective view of sin and its devastating effects on humanity and the world. Sin leads to ruin and desolation, much like the historical destruction of Jerusalem, which serves as a metaphor for the spiritual desolation caused by sin in our lives.
However, the Gospel offers a remedy. Through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, the works of the devil are undone, and the ruins of our souls are repaired. This process involves clearing away the rubble of our past sins and misconceptions, allowing for a new foundation to be laid. The Holy Spirit works miraculously to bring order and purpose to our lives, transforming chaos into a structured and meaningful existence.
Moreover, the Gospel fosters a sense of community and fellowship that is often misunderstood by those outside the faith. While the world perceives Christianity as isolating, it is, in fact, the sinful life that leads to loneliness. In contrast, the Christian life offers a profound sense of belonging and unity with fellow believers, both in this life and in eternity.
Key Takeaways:
- God's salvation is comprehensive, extending beyond forgiveness to a complete transformation of life, akin to turning a desolate land into a flourishing Garden of Eden. This transformation is a testament to the greatness of God's redemptive plan, which we often fail to grasp due to our limited understanding and sinful nature. [01:20]
- Our failure to appreciate the full scope of God's salvation is rooted in a defective view of sin and its devastating effects. Sin leads to ruin and desolation, much like the historical destruction of Jerusalem, which serves as a metaphor for the spiritual desolation caused by sin in our lives. [05:33]
- The Gospel offers a remedy for the devastation caused by sin. Through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, the works of the devil are undone, and the ruins of our souls are repaired. This process involves clearing away the rubble of our past sins and misconceptions, allowing for a new foundation to be laid. [06:07]
- The Holy Spirit works miraculously to bring order and purpose to our lives, transforming chaos into a structured and meaningful existence. This transformation is not a slow process of learning but a miraculous work of God that can happen in an instant. [40:56]
- The Christian life offers a profound sense of belonging and unity with fellow believers, both in this life and in eternity. While the world perceives Christianity as isolating, it is, in fact, the sinful life that leads to loneliness. In contrast, the Gospel fosters a sense of community and fellowship that is unparalleled. [45:10]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Ezekiel 36
[01:06] - The Gospel in the Old Testament
[02:26] - The Power of Illustrations
[03:00] - The Endless Benefits of Salvation
[04:06] - Our Misunderstanding of God's Redemption
[05:13] - The Nature of Sin and Its Effects
[06:07] - Christ's Work in Undoing Sin
[07:38] - The Process of Salvation
[08:16] - The Necessity of Forgiveness
[10:31] - Misconceptions About Christianity
[11:22] - The Promise of Community
[13:25] - Civilization vs. Christianity
[16:24] - The Picture of Ruined Cities
[18:24] - Sin's Ruinous Effects
[20:42] - The City of God
[24:35] - The Breach of Sin
[27:43] - The Desolation of Sin
[33:09] - The Temple of the Soul
[37:43] - The Gospel's Restorative Power
[41:26] - The Order of a Rebuilt Life
[44:54] - The Fellowship of Believers
[49:19] - The Eternal Community
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ezekiel 36:33-35
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Observation Questions:
1. What transformation does God promise in Ezekiel 36:33-35, and how is it described in the sermon? [00:45]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "like the Garden of Eden" in the context of God's salvation? [00:45]
3. How does the sermon describe the human tendency to misunderstand the scope of God's salvation? [04:06]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the transformation of a believer's life, as discussed in the sermon? [40:56]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between sin and desolation, and what historical example is used to illustrate this? [19:48]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Gospel offers a remedy for the devastation caused by sin? [06:07]
3. How does the sermon challenge the common perception of Christianity as isolating, and what alternative view does it offer? [45:10]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of community and fellowship within the Christian life compared to a sinful life? [37:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you underestimated the transformative power of God's salvation in your life. How can you deepen your understanding of this transformation? [04:06]
2. The sermon describes sin as leading to ruin and desolation. Can you identify areas in your life where sin has caused chaos, and what steps can you take to allow God's restoration? [19:48]
3. How can you actively participate in the Holy Spirit's work of bringing order and purpose to your life? What specific changes can you make this week? [40:56]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community in the Christian life. How can you foster a deeper sense of belonging and unity within your church or small group? [45:10]
5. Consider the ways in which you might have misunderstood the Gospel as isolating. How can you shift your perspective to see it as a source of profound fellowship? [45:10]
6. Identify one person in your life who might feel isolated or lonely. How can you reach out to them and share the sense of community that the Gospel offers? [37:43]
7. Reflect on the metaphor of turning a desolate land into a flourishing Garden of Eden. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a "Garden of Eden" in your spiritual life? [00:45]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Salvation Transforms Lives Completely
God's salvation is not merely about the forgiveness of sins; it is a comprehensive transformation of life. This transformation is likened to turning a desolate land into a flourishing Garden of Eden, showcasing the greatness of God's redemptive plan. Often, people fail to grasp the full scope of this transformation due to their limited understanding and sinful nature. The renewal that God offers is profound and all-encompassing, touching every aspect of life and bringing about a new creation in Christ. [01:20]
Ezekiel 36:34-35 (ESV): "And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by. And they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’"
Reflection: What areas of your life feel desolate and in need of God's transformative power? How can you invite Him to begin this work today?
Day 2: Understanding Sin's Devastating Effects
A defective view of sin leads to a failure to appreciate the full scope of God's salvation. Sin causes ruin and desolation, much like the historical destruction of Jerusalem, which serves as a metaphor for the spiritual desolation in our lives. Recognizing the true nature of sin and its effects is crucial to understanding the depth of God's redemptive work. By acknowledging the devastation caused by sin, one can fully appreciate the remedy offered through the Gospel. [05:33]
Lamentations 1:8-9 (ESV): "Jerusalem sinned grievously; therefore she became filthy; all who honored her despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; she herself groans and turns her face away. Her uncleanness was in her skirts; she took no thought of her future; therefore her fall is terrible; she has no comforter."
Reflection: In what ways have you underestimated the impact of sin in your life? How can a deeper understanding of sin's effects change your perspective on God's salvation?
Day 3: The Gospel's Remedy for Sin
The Gospel offers a remedy for the devastation caused by sin. Through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, the works of the devil are undone, and the ruins of our souls are repaired. This process involves clearing away the rubble of past sins and misconceptions, allowing for a new foundation to be laid. The transformative power of the Gospel is not just about forgiveness but about rebuilding and renewing every aspect of life. [06:07]
Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."
Reflection: What past sins or misconceptions are you holding onto that need to be cleared away? How can you allow God to lay a new foundation in your life today?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit's Miraculous Work
The Holy Spirit works miraculously to bring order and purpose to our lives, transforming chaos into a structured and meaningful existence. This transformation is not a slow process of learning but a miraculous work of God that can happen in an instant. The Holy Spirit's role is to guide, comfort, and empower believers, enabling them to live lives that reflect God's glory and purpose. [40:56]
Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit to bring order and purpose? How can you invite His miraculous work into these areas today?
Day 5: The Christian Community's Unique Fellowship
The Christian life offers a profound sense of belonging and unity with fellow believers, both in this life and in eternity. While the world may perceive Christianity as isolating, it is actually the sinful life that leads to loneliness. The Gospel fosters a sense of community and fellowship that is unparalleled, providing believers with a supportive and loving network that reflects the unity of the body of Christ. [45:10]
1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the sense of community and fellowship within your church? What steps can you take today to strengthen your connections with fellow believers?
Quotes
In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities, I will also cause you to dwell in the cities and the wastes shall be builded and the desolate land shall be tilled whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. [00:26:40]
I feel increasingly convinced that our greatest trouble is our failure to realize the greatness of God's way of redemption and of Salvation. I suppose this is the final sin that we will persist in measuring God by our own measures. [00:43:48]
The Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil which means undo them, cancel them out. He came into the world in order that he might entirely undo all that the devil has done to God's perfect creation and especially in the life of men. [00:59:19]
There is no relationship between men and God until men's sin has been removed and that is how it is removed. It's God's action in Christ. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. [09:01:40]
Sin ruins life. Sin always leads to ruination and to Desolation. Now that is the great message of the Bible. It starts way back in the Garden of Eden. There it began. Man started in Paradise. He is no longer in Paradise. His world is no longer Paradise. [18:21:00]
The rubbish and the rubble of our own foolish philosophies, our own clever ideas and thoughts, oh there'll be an awful lot of rubble to clear away as the result of this present modern civilization. It's making a terrible havoc in life. [39:19:36]
The Holy Spirit can do it in a second. You can hold on to your own opinions, old opinions and ideas tenaciously, and then in a moment you suddenly find they all gone and you're standing in amazement. That's what happened to Sol of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. [40:00:40]
The Gospel of Jesus Christ does in a man's life into the chaos and the unutterable confusion that sin makes. He comes and he brings order. He makes you see life in a simple manner, in a new way. You see now that there are only certain big things that count. [41:50:00]
You suddenly discover that it isn't the isolated life you thought it was. You know for the first time in your life you rarely discover friends. You discover brothers and sisters. Oh let me be quite clear about this. [45:05:44]
God's family is one throughout the whole world. Isolation, no, no, it's the sinful life that leaves you alone. Here you come into a community, into a Family, Children Of God, heirs of God and Joint heirs with Christ, participants together in the common salvation. [48:45:72]
Sin makes desolate and ruins and separates. The gospel builds, establishes, unites and gives us a fellowship with God and with his son Jesus Christ and with one another. Thank God for a gospel that undoes the effects of Sin from beginning to end. [51:15:68]
We do hope that you've been helped by the preaching of Dr Martin Lloyd-Jones. All of the sermons contained within the MLJ Trust audio library are now available for free download. You may share the sermons or broadcast them. [51:59:60]
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