Conquered At The Cross Series

Turn your Bibles Romans 5:15-19

Title: Conquered at the Cross

Theme: Grasping Kingdom Authority in the Cross of Christ

Series: Grasping Our Authority in Christ

Listen as I read Romans 5:15-19, “But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Let us Pray!

Introduction: In grasping our authority in Christ there are six key topics that must be addressed, the first being “Grasping Kingdom Authority.” On this topic we have had our “Enemies Exposed,” come to realize that “A Battle Rages,” discovered “Surviving Satan’s Realm,” and today “Conquered at the Cross.”

Christians who grasp their authority in Christ base their guidelines for living on the truth. At the present time we live in a sin cursed world, therefore, sinners are saved by grace. They have Holy Spirit illumination of Ephesians 2:4-5, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ… it is by grace you have been saved.”

Living in a sin trodden world has great dangers which are understood by those who live victoriously in Christ. These Christians understand the sin principle and how it slowly creeps in undetected until it makes its public announcement, destroys a person’s effectiveness, and causes destruction to all who are associated with that person’s life. Learning what happened to Ephesus gives us a clear picture of how sin births its destructive power.

Ephesus was often mentioned in the New Testament. (Acts 18:19-21; 19:1, 17-10; 20:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 16:8; 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:18; 4:12; Revelation 1:11 and 2:1) Located at the mouth of the Cayster River, it was noted for its bustling harbors, broad avenues, gymnasiums, baths, huge amphitheater, and especially its magnificent Temple of Diana. In her day she was one of the cultural and commercial centers of western Asia Minor. (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

Ephesus was a real city that represented that place where mankind could fill his flesh with Satan’s lies, enjoy false worship and feed upon all that this world system has to offer. A place that needed to hear the gospel and, thank God, they got to hear the gospel proclaimed. (Acts 18:18-27) There were disciples of Christ there who received the Holy Spirit of Christ (Acts 19:1-10) thus bringing into that region a true church that was faithful in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:1)

Although there was a great representation of the church of Christ working in Ephesus she eventually came to ruin. (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia; The New International Dictionary of the Bible; Wikipedia Encyclopedia) As we see God dealing with cities and nations who deny Him or turn from Him we would think that Ephesus would have been overcome by plagues, destroyed by enemies or demolished by earthquakes. However, according to an article published in “Our Daily Bread” (September 24, 1998) Ephesus’ downfall was silent and non-violent.

Silt was the reason for the gradual decline of the flourishing metropolis of Ephesus. Over the years, fine sedimentary particles slowly filled up the harbor, separating the city from the economic life of the sea traders. (10,000 Sermon Illustrations) What happened to Ephesus is symbolic of what happens to the soul of mankind.

Let the Holy Spirit place this truth deep within your heart. Little evil practices and small acts of disobedience may seem harmless. However, Christians who let the silt of sin gradually accumulate will find themselves far from the Lord. Spiritual life will come to ruin. This is why the Holy Spirit moved the writer of Hebrews not to be hardened by sin’s deceit. (Hebrews 3:13) Christians who grasp their authority in Christ do not let sin accumulate in their lives. They lay those sins at the foot of the Cross.

Proposition: I would propose to you that God has gloriously given us kingdom authority. Even though the first Adam legally lost it, the second Adam, the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ righteously regained what was lost by Adam.