Explores our divine purpose, the cost of our redemption, and God's protective love, urging us to live as sacrifices pleasing to God.
Good morning, dear family in Christ. It is indeed a blessing to be gathered together in this sacred space, unified in our love for our Savior and our shared desire to draw closer to Him, to understand His Word, and to apply His teachings to our lives.
I can't help but be reminded of the words of Samuel Chadwick, who once said, "Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticize, and condemn, but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but it takes heart to comfort." As we gather here today, let us remember that we are not just visiting the Bible, but we are living in it, allowing it to guide us, to comfort us, and to challenge us. We will be talking about this cost that Chadwick mentions, what is it and how has it been paid?
In the heart of the Psalmist's words, we find a profound truth. We are not aimless beings, wandering without direction or purpose. We are not accidents of nature, mere products of chance. No, we are more than that. We are creations of a loving God, fashioned by His hand, and bought with a price.
This idea of being bought or purchased is a powerful one: It speaks of a transaction, an exchange. It implies that something of value has been given up in order to gain something else. In our case, what was given up was the life of God's own Son. Jesus willingly laid down His life, suffering and dying on the cross, to purchase our freedom.
Why?: Why would God go to such lengths? Why would He sacrifice His only Son for us? The answer is simple yet profound. We were purchased for a purpose. God has a plan for each of us, a purpose that He has specifically designed for us to fulfill. This purpose is not arbitrary or random. It is intimately connected to who we are, to our gifts, our passions, our experiences. It is a purpose that brings meaning and significance to our lives.
Rooted in love: God is love, and everything He does is motivated by love. He created us out of love. He redeemed us out of love. And He has a purpose for us that is rooted in love. This means that our purpose is not about achieving personal success or gaining worldly recognition. It's about loving God and loving others. It's about reflecting God's love to the world around us.
Requires sacrifice: Just as Jesus sacrificed His life for us, we are called to sacrifice for others. This doesn't necessarily mean that we are called to die for others, although some may be called to do so. But it does mean that we are called to give of ourselves, to put the needs of others before our own, to serve rather than to be served. This is a challenging call, but it is also a rewarding one. For in sacrificing for others, we find true fulfillment and joy.
Brings glory to God: Everything we do should be done for the glory of God. This doesn't mean that we should seek to draw attention to ourselves or to seek praise from others. Rather, it means that we should seek to reflect God's character, to demonstrate His love, His grace, His mercy, and His truth in everything we do. When we live in this way, others will see God in us, and He will be glorified.
It’s eternal: Our purpose is not just about this life. It's about eternity. It's about playing our part in God's eternal plan. This means that our purpose has eternal significance. It means that what we do in this life matters, not just for now, but for eternity.
As we continue, we find ourselves immersed in the profound depth of the concept of redemption ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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