303 – Saved! From What?

SALVATION & SIN -- Sermon Series Questions?

Saved from what?, How is one saved?, What happens after salvation?, What does the Holy Spirit do at salvation?, Can I lose my salvation?

Illustrate: Max Lucado tells of a story in 1989 there was an earthquake in Armenia. In 4 minutes, it flattened the nation and killed 30,000 people. Moments after the disaster a father raced to the elementary school where his son would be. For 8 hours, then 16, then 32, then 36… he dug. Other parents arrived sobbing and told him, “It’s too late…. you know they’re dead.” Even the police tried to stop his efforts. His hands were raw and his energy gone. But after 36 hours… he called his son’s name “Arman! Arman!” A faint voice said “Dad, it’s me” Then the boy added these priceless words, “I told the other kids not to worry. I told them if you were alive, you’d save me, and when you saved me, they’d be saved too. Because you promised, No matter what, I’ll always be there for you.”

We too have been saved. And we are to tell others that they too may be saved. BUT saved from what?

Sermon #303 – SAVED! FROM WHAT?

Humor: A Sunday school teacher had just concluded her lesson and wanted to make sure she had made her point. She said, "Can anyone tell me what you must do before you can obtain forgiveness of sin?" There was a short pause and then, from the back of the room, a small boy spoke up. "Sin," he said.

Another young boy as he was explaining basic Christian Theology to his younger sister said: “You see, it was Jesus’ job to die for our sins; it’s our job to sin.”

These young boys may have things backwards, but many adults live this way without actually confessing it.

If we are saved… then what are we saved from?

Saved from the PUNISHMENT of Sin

1. Isaiah 53:5 - But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed (daka-beat to pieces) for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Note: He was pierced, crushed, punished, and wounded for our SIN.

2. 2 Cor. 5:21 - God made him who had no sin to be sin (sin offering) for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Note: Implication, only in Him we can become righteous.

Humor: A young woman went to her pastor and said, "Pastor, I have a besetting sin, and I want your help. I come to church on Sunday and can’t help thinking I’m the prettiest girl in the congregation. I know I ought not think that, but I can’t help it. I want you to help me with this sin." The pastor replied, "Mary, don’t worry about it. In your case it’s not a sin. It’s just a horrible mistake."

Being saved from the POWER of Sin

1. 1 Cor. 15:55-57 - "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting (poison)?" [56] The sting (poison) of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Sin’s power tries to master your will by the power of the law. The law says “not to” so as the forbidden fruit sindrom, we do what we are told not to. Kristi & Justin baked a chocolate cake on Friday night, when the cake came out of the oven, mom said, “don’t touch it it’s hot… Justin reached out to test to HEAT. We too reach ouit when we are told not to. This is the power of the law.

2. 1 John 2:1 - My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have (an advocate, defense attorney) one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 1 John 3:9 - No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.

Note: Satan is known as the accuser… he accused Job, he accused Moses, he accused David, he accused Peter… he accuses you… we is the prosecutor and we need a defense attorney. ILL: I accompanied a friend to court, she was being charged with a crime… I was intimidated at the setting of the court, the judge & the attorneys… I thought… if I am asked to answer any questions… I will be fried alive!!! But they had an advocate!!

Humor: A man entered a bar, bought a glass of beer and then immediately threw it into the bartender’s face. Quickly grabbing a napkin, he helped the bartender dry his face while he apologized with great remorse. "I’m so sorry," he said. "I have this compulsion to do this. I fight it, but I don’t know what to do about it." "You had better do something about your problem," the bartender replied. "You can be sure I’ll remember you and will never serve you another drink until you get help." It was months before the man faced the bartender again. When he asked for a beer, the bartender refused. Then the man explained that he had been seeing a psychiatrist and that his problem was solved. Convinced it was now okay to serve him, the bartender poured him a drink. The man took the glass and splashed the beer into the barkeeper’s astonished face. "I thought you were cured," the shocked bartender screamed. "I am," said the man. "I still do it, but I don’t feel guilty about it anymore."