The Empty Cross: Triumphant Defeat
Last Saturday was the final installment of the 3-part preaching series at Victory entitled The Empty Cross. The first two topics were Foolish Wisdom and Powerful Weakness. Last night, it was Triumphant Defeat. In this series, we learn the different representations of the empty cross.
Verses:
John 19:30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Colossians 2:13-15
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, god made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them. triumphing over them by the cross.
Message:
When Jesus said "It is finished," it was not a declaration of relief but of VICTORY. Victory over what?
1) Sin, the sinful nature and curses of sin - "Sin is an illegitimate way to answer a legitimate need." Christ's victory on the cross frees us from the curses of sin, even generational ones. It doesn't mean we will never sin again, but that grace and forgiveness is available to us when we repent of our sins.
2) Death and sickness
Does it mean we won't die and never get sick? No. But it means death is not our final destination and sickness will not have power over our lives.
3) Guilt and condemnation - 'He forgave us all our sins...' therefore there is no more condemnation. but we as human beings sometimes dwell on our sins because we haven't forgiven ourselves. God does not count our sins against us anymore so why should we? This part really resonated with me because I tend to dwell on my offenses. I need to forgive myself and move on unencumbered.
4) Satan and demonic powers
It was really striking to me last week how every word that was preached was very clear to me. It was the message I needed to hear and God designed it to be so. I have little concerns and worries that plague my day but, really, based on all my past experiences, God has always provided. I have no cause for worry and all reasons to celebrate. Thank you, Jesus.
Happy Easter everyone!
Verses:
John 19:30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Colossians 2:13-15
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, god made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them. triumphing over them by the cross.
Message:
When Jesus said "It is finished," it was not a declaration of relief but of VICTORY. Victory over what?
1) Sin, the sinful nature and curses of sin - "Sin is an illegitimate way to answer a legitimate need." Christ's victory on the cross frees us from the curses of sin, even generational ones. It doesn't mean we will never sin again, but that grace and forgiveness is available to us when we repent of our sins.
2) Death and sickness
Does it mean we won't die and never get sick? No. But it means death is not our final destination and sickness will not have power over our lives.
3) Guilt and condemnation - 'He forgave us all our sins...' therefore there is no more condemnation. but we as human beings sometimes dwell on our sins because we haven't forgiven ourselves. God does not count our sins against us anymore so why should we? This part really resonated with me because I tend to dwell on my offenses. I need to forgive myself and move on unencumbered.
4) Satan and demonic powers
It was really striking to me last week how every word that was preached was very clear to me. It was the message I needed to hear and God designed it to be so. I have little concerns and worries that plague my day but, really, based on all my past experiences, God has always provided. I have no cause for worry and all reasons to celebrate. Thank you, Jesus.
Happy Easter everyone!
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