Understanding God's Judgment: Hell, Wrath, and Redemption

Summary

### Summary

Today's message focused on the profound and often unsettling topic of God's judgment and the reality of hell. We began by acknowledging that the Bible's teaching on hell as a place of conscious and eternal suffering is unavoidable. Jesus, the most loving person who ever lived, spoke about hell more frequently and vividly than any other biblical author. The existence of hell helps us understand the severe consequences of sin and the depth of God's love, as it underscores the significance of the cross. Without acknowledging hell, we cannot fully grasp the meaning of God's wrath and, consequently, His love.

God's wrath is not a capricious anger but a settled, controlled opposition against anything that destroys what He loves. His wrath flows from His love for creation and His justice. He is angry at greed, self-centeredness, injustice, and evil because they are destructive. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of the cross, where Jesus bore the full wrath of God for our sins.

We then transitioned to the book of Joel, exploring the theme of the "Day of the Lord," a day of God's judgment against all evil, culminating in the deliverance and redemption of His people. Joel presents this day as both a past, present, and future event, using vivid imagery like locust plagues and invading armies to depict the total devastation that comes from God's judgment. Yet, this day is also a day of hope for believers, as it promises the ultimate restoration and fulfillment of God's promises.

The message concluded with a call to repentance, emphasizing that the only way to stand on the Day of the Lord is through a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. We are urged to rend our hearts, not just our garments, meaning we should have genuine sorrow over our sins and turn to God with a repentant heart. This repentance leads to a transformed life, lived in obedience and gratitude for the grace we have received.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Reality of Hell and God's Wrath: Understanding hell is crucial to comprehending the depth of God's love and the significance of the cross. God's wrath is a controlled opposition against anything that destroys what He loves, flowing from His justice and love for creation. This understanding should deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus. [11:34]

2. The Day of the Lord: The "Day of the Lord" is a recurring theme in the Bible, representing God's judgment against evil and the ultimate redemption of His people. Joel presents this day as both a past, present, and future event, using vivid imagery to depict the total devastation that comes from God's judgment. This day is terrifying for the enemies of Christ but a source of great joy for believers. [30:01]

3. Repentance and Genuine Sorrow: True repentance involves rending our hearts, not just our garments. This means having genuine sorrow over our sins and turning to God with a repentant heart. This repentance leads to a transformed life, lived in obedience and gratitude for the grace we have received. [59:15]

4. God's Judgment and Deliverance: God's judgment is inevitable because of His goodness and justice. However, His nature also assures us of hope and deliverance. Joel 2:13 reminds us that God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness. This duality of judgment and deliverance is central to understanding God's character. [51:38]

5. The Importance of Jesus Christ: The difference between experiencing God's judgment or His promises on the Day of the Lord comes down to our relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the difference maker, and our response to Him determines our eternal destiny. We are called to confess our sins, acknowledge our limitations, and accept the grace offered through Jesus. [57:05]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[11:34] - Understanding God's Wrath
[12:27] - The Significance of the Cross
[26:16] - Introduction to the Book of Joel
[27:20] - The Day of the Lord
[30:01] - Past, Present, and Future Judgment
[31:43] - Vivid Imagery of Judgment
[33:13] - Accountability to God's Standards
[34:20] - The Locust Plague and Its Significance
[37:11] - The Effect of Devastation
[40:13] - Call to Repentance
[42:27] - Covenant Relationship and Judgment
[45:15] - The Spirit of Harlotry
[47:23] - Awakening to Repentance
[48:57] - The Inevitability of Judgment
[51:38] - Hope in God's Character
[52:12] - Deliverance and Restoration
[53:25] - Intensifying Judgment
[54:34] - History Repeats Itself
[57:05] - The Heart of the Matter
[59:15] - Genuine Repentance
[01:00:26] - Confession and Acceptance

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:16-18: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."
2. Joel 2:12-13: "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
3. Joel 2:28-29: "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 3:16-18 say about the purpose of Jesus' coming into the world?
2. According to Joel 2:12-13, what does God desire from His people in response to their sins?
3. How does Joel 2:28-29 describe the outpouring of God's Spirit, and who will receive it?
4. In the sermon, what are some of the vivid images used to describe the "Day of the Lord"? ([30:01])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the reality of hell help us understand the depth of God's love and the significance of the cross? ([11:34])
2. What does it mean to "rend your hearts and not your garments" in the context of repentance? ([57:49])
3. How does the concept of the "Day of the Lord" as described in Joel provide both a warning and a promise for believers? ([30:01])
4. Why is a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ essential for standing on the Day of the Lord? ([57:05])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on John 3:16-18. How does understanding God's love and the reality of hell impact your view of the cross and your daily life?
2. In what ways can you practice genuine repentance in your life, beyond just outward actions? ([57:49])
3. The sermon mentioned that God's wrath is a controlled opposition against anything that destroys what He loves. How can this understanding shape your response to sin and injustice in the world? ([11:34])
4. The "Day of the Lord" is described as both terrifying for the enemies of Christ and a source of great joy for believers. How can you live in anticipation of this day with hope and readiness? ([30:01])
5. Think about a time when you experienced genuine sorrow over your sins. How did that experience lead to a transformed life, and how can you cultivate a heart of repentance regularly? ([59:15])
6. How can you ensure that your relationship with Jesus Christ is genuine and not just based on religious rituals or outward appearances? ([57:05])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to turn back to God with a repentant heart. What steps will you take this week to address this area and seek God's forgiveness and transformation? ([57:49])

Devotional

Day 1: The Reality of Hell and God's Wrath
Understanding hell is crucial to comprehending the depth of God's love and the significance of the cross. God's wrath is not a capricious anger but a settled, controlled opposition against anything that destroys what He loves. This wrath flows from His justice and love for creation. Recognizing this should deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus, who bore the full wrath of God for our sins. The existence of hell underscores the severe consequences of sin and the profound love God has for us, as it highlights the significance of the cross. Without acknowledging hell, we cannot fully grasp the meaning of God's wrath and, consequently, His love. [11:34]

Romans 2:5-6 (ESV): "But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. He will render to each one according to his works."

Reflection: How does understanding the reality of hell and God's wrath change your perspective on sin and the sacrifice of Jesus? What steps can you take today to live in deeper gratitude for His grace?

Day 2: The Day of the Lord
The "Day of the Lord" is a recurring theme in the Bible, representing God's judgment against evil and the ultimate redemption of His people. Joel presents this day as both a past, present, and future event, using vivid imagery to depict the total devastation that comes from God's judgment. This day is terrifying for the enemies of Christ but a source of great joy for believers. The Day of the Lord serves as a reminder of God's ultimate justice and the hope of deliverance for those who are in Christ. It is a day that brings both fear and hope, depending on one's relationship with Jesus. [30:01]

Joel 2:1-2 (ESV): "Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; it is near, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness there is spread upon the mountains a great and powerful people; their like has never been before, nor will be again after them through the years of all generations."

Reflection: How does the concept of the Day of the Lord influence your understanding of God's justice and mercy? What can you do today to prepare your heart for this day?

Day 3: Repentance and Genuine Sorrow
True repentance involves rending our hearts, not just our garments. This means having genuine sorrow over our sins and turning to God with a repentant heart. This repentance leads to a transformed life, lived in obedience and gratitude for the grace we have received. Genuine repentance is not about outward displays but about an inward change that reflects a deep sorrow for sin and a sincere turning towards God. It is this kind of repentance that brings about true transformation and aligns our lives with God's will. [59:15]

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience genuine sorrow and repentance? How can you rend your heart before God today?

Day 4: God's Judgment and Deliverance
God's judgment is inevitable because of His goodness and justice. However, His nature also assures us of hope and deliverance. Joel 2:13 reminds us that God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness. This duality of judgment and deliverance is central to understanding God's character. While God's judgment is a response to sin and evil, His deliverance is a testament to His love and mercy. Believers can find hope in the fact that God's judgment is not the end but a pathway to ultimate restoration and fulfillment of His promises. [51:38]

Nahum 1:7-8 (ESV): "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness."

Reflection: How does the assurance of God's deliverance impact your view of His judgment? What steps can you take today to seek refuge in God's goodness and mercy?

Day 5: The Importance of Jesus Christ
The difference between experiencing God's judgment or His promises on the Day of the Lord comes down to our relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the difference maker, and our response to Him determines our eternal destiny. We are called to confess our sins, acknowledge our limitations, and accept the grace offered through Jesus. It is through Jesus that we find the path to salvation and the assurance of God's promises. Our relationship with Him is the key to navigating the realities of God's judgment and experiencing His eternal love and grace. [57:05]

John 5:24 (ESV): "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life."

Reflection: How is your relationship with Jesus Christ influencing your daily life and decisions? What can you do today to deepen your connection with Him and embrace His grace more fully?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "To put it another way, we cannot understand God's love until we understand the reality of God's wrath. You see, God's wrath is a settled, controlled opposition against hatred of anything that is destroying what he loves. God's wrath flows from his love for creation. It flows from his justice. He's angry at greed and self-centeredness and justice and evil because they're destructive. God will not tolerate anything or anyone responsible for destroying the creation and the people that he loves." [11:34] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Now in short, the day of the Lord is an event of God's judgment against all evil, culminating in the deliverance and the redemption of all that belongs to him. This day is terrifying to the enemy of Christ. But it should be anticipated with great joy for the believer in Christ. Because on this day, friends, every wrong will be made right, the wicked will be vanquished, Christ will rule from his throne, and every hope and promise fulfilled." [30:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "On this day, friends, on this day, the only thing that will matter is what you decide to do with Jesus Christ. He is the difference maker on the day of the Lord. The judgment we deserve or the promises we receive all run through Christ. Jesus is on his throne, and when he comes again, friends, it will not be as a humble servant. It will be as a conquering king. And so the time is now. Your day is now to receive what God has given to you in full." [58:34] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "God wants us to rend our hearts and not our garments, which means he doesn't want us to keep performing religious things and doing good works. He wants us to repent. He wants us to tear our hearts in two with genuine sorrow over our sins. That's what it means to rend. It means to kind of tear into two pieces. And so when we rend our hearts, we are doing this because we have a genuine understanding of who we are in light of who he is." [59:15] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The devastation upon the land gripped the hearts of the people to mourn over what was lost. And just for a visual reference real quick, we have to see for ourselves just how vast and overwhelming these locusts can be. I mean, this is just one small picture, a small pane that can't capture the totality of the sky, and the horizon, but you can appreciate just how numerous they are. These locusts swell up to such an extent and they swarm in such a way, you can find pictures of this, that you can understand why the biblical language of locusts even includes the idea of darkening the sky." [35:30] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So when we turn to Joel and we look at these first two chapters, the locust presents us with an image of what the day had looked like, while the second chapter will present us with an image of what the day could look like, this invading army. But both of these things are meant to do one thing and one thing only, which is to awaken the heart to repentance." [47:23] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So when we think of it in this way, God has already judged against us. It's the overflow of a rebellious heart. And this pattern goes all the way back to Eden when God judged Adam and Eve for their selfishness and their pride of wanting to be like God themselves. And he severed them from life by removing them from his presence. What has been will be again. But we also see in this pattern of history the gracious provision of God. What has been will be again." [54:34] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And even in Joel, as we look this morning, we see the promise of the Spirit of God being poured out upon those who put their faith and trust in Jesus. What is so beautiful about Joel 2, verse 28 is that it is a known promise fulfilled. Jesus Christ came. He died. He gave his life for our sin. And through his resurrection, we have the confidence of his divinity and his awesome power." [55:50] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So, friends, it's not only a confession that we offer up, acknowledging our weakness and our limitation, or maybe even our shame, but it's also a declaration of our faith. And it's a declaration of our faith that we are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not alone. 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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?