Valuing Life: The Church's Role in Protecting the Unborn
Summary
The sermon begins with the speaker expressing their personal struggle with infertility and their desire for the church to play a role in protecting the unborn. They emphasize the need for education on the value of human life and its unique significance in the eyes of God. The speaker then delves into the cultural perspective on the issue, arguing that phrases like "my body, my choice" have been hijacked and used to justify what they consider to be an evil act. They highlight the historical context of child sacrifice and reference a biblical passage in Leviticus that condemns the detestable practice.
The speaker then discusses the value of human life and the importance of valuing children. They emphasize that children are a blessing from God and that having children is a commandment given by God to fill and populate the earth. The speaker acknowledges that some people may struggle with infertility, but it does not diminish their value or obedience to God. They quote Psalms 127, which states that children are a heritage from the Lord and a blessing. The speaker expresses the belief that human life should be valued and widely understood that life begins at conception, as it aligns with the commandment against murder.
The speaker then discusses the concept of personhood and the value of human life, particularly in the context of the womb. They reference Jeremiah and Psalm 139 to emphasize that God has a purpose for individuals even before they are born. The speaker argues that God forms individuals in the womb and knows them before they are born. They also mention the story of Mary and Elizabeth, highlighting how John the Baptist leaped for joy in his mother's womb, indicating his personhood.
The speaker then offers a prayer for the protection of unborn lives and emphasizes the importance of the church's role in safeguarding them. They call upon God to ensure the continued protection of the unborn and urges the church to take a proactive stance in defending their lives. The speaker then emphasizes the importance of respecting the life of both the mother and the child in the context of abortion. They acknowledge that most mothers do not enter into the decision to have an abortion with the intention of murdering their child. Many young mothers are deceived into thinking that it is not a big deal and that they are not discarding a person.
The speaker concludes by addressing the question of how to handle cases of rape in relation to abortion. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the humanity of the fetus and the fact that it is an image bearer of God. They argue that crimes committed against the mother do not justify committing a crime against an innocent third party, the unborn child. The speaker acknowledges that these situations are difficult to navigate and suggests considering alternatives such as adoption.
Key Takeaways:
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of the church's role in protecting the unborn and educating people on the value of human life. They argue that phrases like "my body, my choice" have been hijacked and used to justify what they consider to be an evil act. They call for a return to the biblical understanding of the sanctity of life. [01:42]
- The speaker highlights the biblical commandment to populate the earth and the blessing of children. They argue that life begins at conception and aligns with the commandment against murder. This belief underscores the importance of valuing human life, both inside and outside the womb. [19:42]
- The speaker emphasizes that God has a purpose for individuals even before they are born, as referenced in Jeremiah and Psalm 139. They argue that God forms individuals in the womb and knows them before they are born, highlighting the inherent value and personhood of the unborn. [24:03]
- The speaker calls for the church to take a proactive stance in defending the lives of the unborn. They argue that the church should respect the life of both the mother and the child in the context of abortion, and educate young people about the beginning of life at conception. [45:50]
- The speaker addresses the difficult question of how to handle cases of rape in relation to abortion. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the humanity of the fetus and argue that crimes committed against the mother do not justify committing a crime against an innocent third party, the unborn child. They suggest considering alternatives such as adoption. [39:47]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Leviticus 20:1-5 - "The Lord said to Moses, 'Say to the Israelites: Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel who sacrifices any of his children to Molek is to be put to death. The members of the community are to stone him. I myself will set my face against him and will cut him off from his people; for by sacrificing his children to Molek, he has defiled my sanctuary and profaned my holy name. If the members of the community close their eyes when that man sacrifices one of his children to Molek and if they fail to put him to death, I myself will set my face against him and his family and will cut them off from their people together with all who follow him in prostituting themselves to Molek.'"
2. Psalm 139:13-16 - "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
3. Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Leviticus 20:1-5 say about the practice of child sacrifice and the community's responsibility towards it?
2. According to Psalm 139:13-16, how does God view the formation of a person in the womb?
3. In Jeremiah 1:5, what does God reveal about His knowledge and purpose for individuals before they are born?
4. What cultural phrases does the speaker argue have been hijacked to justify abortion, and how does he describe this shift? [03:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the historical context of child sacrifice in Leviticus 20:1-5 relate to the modern issue of abortion as discussed in the sermon? [07:18]
2. What implications does Psalm 139:13-16 have for the belief that life begins at conception?
3. How does the speaker use Jeremiah 1:5 to argue for the inherent value and personhood of the unborn? [24:53]
4. What are the speaker's views on the church's role in educating and protecting the unborn, and how does he suggest the church should act? [45:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the speaker's personal struggle with infertility. How does this perspective influence your understanding of the value of human life and the church's role in protecting the unborn? [01:35]
2. The speaker mentions that phrases like "my body, my choice" have been hijacked. How can you engage in conversations about the sanctity of life in a way that is both truthful and compassionate? [03:24]
3. Considering the biblical passages discussed, how can you personally advocate for the value of human life in your community?
4. The speaker emphasizes the importance of respecting both the mother and the child in the context of abortion. How can you support women who are facing unplanned pregnancies in a way that honors both lives? [45:50]
5. The speaker addresses the difficult question of abortion in cases of rape. How can the church provide support and alternatives, such as adoption, in these challenging situations? [39:47]
6. How can you help educate others about the beginning of life at conception and the biblical perspective on personhood?
7. The speaker calls for the church to offer forgiveness and healing to those who have been involved in abortion. How can you be a part of creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment for those seeking forgiveness and healing? [46:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church's Role in Protecting Life
The church has a crucial role in safeguarding the unborn and educating people on the sanctity of life. The phrases like "my body, my choice" have been misused to justify acts that are contrary to the biblical understanding of the value of life. [01:42]
Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Reflection: How can you, as a member of the church, contribute to educating others about the sanctity of life?
Day 2: The Blessing and Commandment of Children
Children are a blessing from God and having them is a commandment given by Him. Life begins at conception and aligns with the commandment against murder, emphasizing the importance of valuing human life, both inside and outside the womb. [19:42]
Genesis 1:28 - "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'"
Reflection: How can you show appreciation for the blessing of children in your life and community today?
Day 3: God's Purpose for Individuals Before Birth
God has a purpose for individuals even before they are born. He forms individuals in the womb and knows them before they are born, highlighting the inherent value and personhood of the unborn. [24:03]
Psalm 139:13-14 - "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Reflection: How can you affirm the value and personhood of unborn children in your conversations and actions today?
Day 4: The Church's Proactive Stance in Defending Life
The church should take a proactive stance in defending the lives of the unborn. It should respect the life of both the mother and the child in the context of abortion, and educate young people about the beginning of life at conception. [45:50]
Proverbs 31:8 - "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."
Reflection: What is one action you can take today to defend the lives of the unborn and support mothers considering abortion?
Day 5: Recognizing the Humanity of the Unborn in Difficult Circumstances
In difficult circumstances such as rape, it's important to recognize the humanity of the fetus. Crimes committed against the mother do not justify committing a crime against an innocent third party, the unborn child. Alternatives such as adoption should be considered. [39:47]
Exodus 23:7 - "Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty."
Reflection: How can you support and show compassion to women who are facing difficult circumstances related to pregnancy today?
Quotes
"My one prayer is to protect the unborn and that the church would step up and play a role in that." [01:42]
"Children are a heritage from the Lord. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court." [19:42]
"When does life begin? Is a human fetus, is that human life? Because if it is, then we can put whatever label on it we want." [22:33]
"God doesn't just look at them as a clump of cells or tissue. God is saying, no, I formed you in the womb. I knew you before you were born. I had a plan for you before you were born." [24:03]
"But we want to respect the life of the mother and the child and educate young people on this as well." [45:50]
"And so crimes against us never justifies committing a crime against an innocent third party." [39:47]
"The church needs to teach God's word on the issue. We can't shy away from this topic and say well this is a divisive topic or this is a political topic." [44:07]
"Because when you attack a human being, whether it's verbally, whether you attack a human being physically, you're attacking an image bearer of God and essentially what you're doing is you're attacking God himself." [18:07]
"Many children are sacrificed today even while in the womb in the name of self. Because if I have this child, I won't be able to participate in this. I won't be able to achieve my dreams." [11:00]
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