The Assurance of God's Love
Notes
Transcript
How can we have assurance of God’s Love?
How can we have assurance of God’s Love?
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Introduction:
Introduction:
Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Salvation, Secure Comfort
C. H. Spurgeon is quoted as saying that he was so sure of his salvation that he could grab on to a cornstalk and swing out over the fires of hell, look into the face of the devil, and sing, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!”
When the storms of life, the winds of trouble, and the sea of discomfort and emotional agony seem to overwhelm, we have to say with the songwriter, “Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. . . . We dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”
I.we can be assured of God’s Love because of Who Died
I.we can be assured of God’s Love because of Who Died
“Christ Died for the ungodly”
Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Salvation, Assurance of
Several years ago one of the astronauts who walked on the moon was interviewed and asked, “What do you think about as you stood on the moon and looked back at the earth?” The astronaut replied, “I remembered how the spacecraft was built by the lowest bidder.”
We as Christians can rejoice that the work of salvation did not go to the “lowest bidder” but was performed by an infinite God. There will never be a deficiency in his work. Our salvation is as sure as the architect of that salvation, Almighty God.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
God gave the greatest assurance of His love for us by sending His only Son as the means of our salvation.
God didn’t send second best, but gave the most precious gift of all.
Who did Jesus Come for?
II. We can be sure of God’s Love for us because of Who Christ Died for:
II. We can be sure of God’s Love for us because of Who Christ Died for:
1. Those who are helpless
Another way of saying this is “When we could not do anything about”
2. Those who are ungodly
“Without reverence for God”- It is not just being irreligious, but it is acting in total offense to God’s law.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
These are people who act in total defiance to who God is and what He says.
The wrath of is poured out against all ungodliness. But for those who are in Christ, it was poured out on Him
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
Christ took the punishment for my ungodliness, for yours, and for all who would turn to Him
3. Sinner
III. Because God Displayed His Love at the right Time.
III. Because God Displayed His Love at the right Time.
What state were we in when God chose to display His love?
“While we were enemies Christ Died”
-Think of who is writing this very statement - Paul once tried to destroy the church, who was a legit enemy of God.
Yet God gave Paul what he didn’t deserve- which is Grace
God’s
Riches
At
Christ
Expense
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,
God Displayed His love for sinners
It was when we were at our worst that God displayed His love for us
God’s love is not base off of merit. We don’t earn God’s love, as He displayed it for u when we were ungodly, helpless and sinners.
We also can’t lose this love because it is unconditional, and we never earned it.
God’s love is so far beyond that of human love- Who dies for their enemies?
Who gives up their life for people who are a mess?
What King leaves His throne to die for those who disregard His very existence?
Only God loves you so deeply, and so truly.
IV. The reason Why Christ died
IV. The reason Why Christ died
The just died for the unjust to bring reconciliation.
Once we were enemies but Jesus died for His enemies to make us family.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
The result of God’s display of love
Right relationship- We are no longer enemies, but family
Worship
WE sing like the David
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.