Comfort in Christ

Comfort in Christ

2004032

Subject: 1045 (assurance)

Introduction:

A. Rom. 8:31-35

1. Passage written to Christians struggling through hard times.

a) Written to give Christians assurance/comfort.

b) We too can take great comfort in Jesus Christ & the fact that we’ve been forgiven.

B. How confident are we in our salvation? How comfortable are we in trusting God & that He has really forgiven us?

C. Some carry HUGE burden of guilt.

1. Never forgive self & feel certain God cannot forgive them.

2. Never experience comfort offered through Jesus & results in them carrying this burden every day.

D. Others feel their lives are meaningless.

1. Good for nothing. “How could God ever love me?”

2. Ever feel like you’re a failure – spiritually speaking?

a) We know the truth about ourselves.

b) We know the horrible mistakes we’ve made in the past.

c) Ever try to convince yourself that God saves only good people - & you’re not one of them?

E. Back to Romans.

1. We are the greatest investment God ever made!

a) Nothing bigger than God! God will protect His investment!

2. God’s use of Jesus to justify us – means Satan cannot accuse us.

3. Paul says Jesus is right next to God interceding for us.

4. Result: nothing external of ourselves can separate us from Jesus’ love.

a) Only person who can remove me from Jesus’ love is me!

b) If our hearts belong to Jesus – NOTHING can remove us from His love.

I. Jesus teaches on forgiveness – Mk. 2:1-12

A. 2:1-4 – man paralyzed. Wants to see Jesus. People let him down through a roof to see Jesus. Determination anyone?

1. 2:5 – Jesus is amazed at their faith. Son, your sins are forgiven.

2. Why did Jesus offer the man forgiveness at the start?

3. Could it be a lesson on the crippling effect of sin?

a) Condemnation paralyzes & numbs. A sinner is unable to walk righteously. Unable to serve God.

4. Jesus…in His own name & by His own inherent power, then & there forgives the man of his sins.

B. 2:6-7 – the scribes question this.

1. This is God’s job – not yours.

C. 2:8-12 – Jesus: Why do you doubt MY authority to forgive sin?

1. He proves that He is the Son of God by telling the paralytic to get up & go home.

2. The paralytic arises & walks out of the room.

3. With the same authority that Jesus could physically heal the man, he could pronounce someone’s forgiveness from sin – because He is the SON of God.

II. Do we doubt God’s ability to forgive?

A. Eph. 2:1, 12 – when we realized we were without hope without Christ; used our faith to take advantage of God’s mercy/grace & obeyed the gospel…God says we are forgiven!

1. Eph. 2:6 – we, formerly alienated from God, are seated with Jesus! How?

2. We B, R, C, B. Do those things: God says you are forgiven!

3. It’s like the sins of the past were never committed.

4. It is from this point that we must get up & get going – moving in trust & confidence that He will do as He promises!

B. 1 John 1:5-10 – this letter is written to Christians.

1. A main emphasis in the book is the Christians assurance of forgiveness.

2. 1:5 – in God there is absolutely no evil. God totally separated from it. He is absolute good.

3. 1:6 – it is ridiculous for Christians to claim fellowship with God when they deliberately maintain an evil lifestyle. They lie & practice not the truth.

4. 1:7 – We are to live our lives as close to God as possible. When we sin God is always ready to forgive us.

5. 1:9-10 – here are statements of fact.

a) If we are honest w/self & w/God – and confess our sins – then we can experience the comfort of forgiveness that is only possible because of Jesus’ death on the cross.

b) God says he’ll forgive us…do we doubt it?

5. Some believe we have to live in a perfect manner and if we don’t – just hope for the best at judgment.

C. Where’s the comfort in that? Does that sound like assurance?

D. But someone cautions:

1. Don’t concentrate so much on forgiveness that we don’t forget about personal responsibility.

2. Don’t deemphasize the necessity of living up to the standard. Don’t forget about practicing holiness.

3. Be careful w/such teaching because we do not want to encourage people to sin.

4. These are valid concerns. 1 John 2:1-6 takes care of these concerns.

E. Comfort in Christ can be found in 1 John 3:19-20.

1. We have firm assurance that God will demonstrate His forgiveness.

2. 3:21-24 – He wants us to make truth the pattern of our conduct.

3. He wants us to walk in the light; be pure; holy; just; & worship Him in spirit & truth.

a) God desires to reshape our character!

b) He has made it possible for us to love/appreciate Him/reach for Him/praise Him; & serve Him from the heart.

F. This all possible b/c of His forgiveness. We can be transformed w/in & w/o!

1. Good news when we feel the burden of sin/guilt/condemnation.

2. As Christians – we can be comforted by the fact that in Him we can be defined by God’s righteousness; not our guilt!

III. Some remain so guilt-ridden that they never experience comfort in Christ.

A. Some so guilt-ridden they are spiritually paralyzed!

1. Rather than do anything wrong- they do nothing.

2. Idea: as long as Jesus forgives us – we will sit down, be quiet, and be still.

3. Jesus did not become sin so that we could be mediocre!

4. Eph. 2:10 – not created to stay out of the way & go unnoticed!

B. Back to Mark 2:9

1. Jesus: which is easier to say? Result still the same either way. (A soul w/the ability to walk)

2. Jesus wants us to walk spiritually.

a) Man in story may have never walked before – but Jesus not only instructs him to walk home – but carry his bed with him.

b) Jesus did not forgive us so we would stay out of the way!

C. 2 Cor. 5:21

1. Why did Jesus become sin? So we might become righteous!

2. God goes us the power to live differently, for him!

3. God’s forgiveness creates a new reality for us!

D. Trusting in God’s transforming forgiveness is one of the most liberating things we can do!

1. God is transforming us into his likeness – 2 Cor. 3:17-18. This is a process that takes time!

2. God wants to heal us from our sin, empower us to become like Him; to be converted from the old life to the new!

3. Once crippled w/sin – we can be empowered to walk in righteousness!

E. Don’t doubt & deliberate while lying paralyzed on your mattress of sin!

1. Don’t doubt the authority and grace of God!

2. Don’t keep picking at the scab of the old wounds of sin.

3. 1 John 3:20 – Jesus is greater than our self-condemning hearts!

4. Experience the comfort that can be found by letting go & trusting in God’s power to save!

F. Glorify God because of His amazing grace! We sing about it! Do we mean it?

1. What if the paralytic had allowed his friends to carry him home after he forgiven & healed?

2. No thanks Lord, I don’t doubt your power & authority to forgive, but I’m just not sure about myself.

3. You see, I’m no good at the walking thing & to walk & carry my mattress, well, that’s a lot too soon.

4. I probably need a few months in transitionary care to make sure this thing is for real.

5. Thanks for the forgiveness and healing, but I had better go at this slow.

G. Jesus forgives us so that we may walk in righteousness. If Jesus has forgiven you then why would you let yourself be carried home on your mattress?

IV. There is great comfort & happiness to be found in Christ!

A. Imagine going from guilt & hopelessness to being with Christ!

1. Eph. 2:6 – seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

2. We can experience the comfort, peace, and joyous expectation because our sins have been washed away!

B. We have the awesome potential to live lives full of abundance!

C. Do you have this comfort? The comfort that knowing if you died tonight that your sins have been washed away?

1. Do you have the comfort knowing that Jesus is your advocate? 1 John 2:1?

2. Do you have the comfort of knowing that Jesus is interceding on your behalf? Romans 8:33-34

D. Seek the comfort that is found only in Christ!

E. I N V I T A T I O N



Comfort in Christ 2004032 Subject: 1045 (assurance) Introduction: A. Rom. 8:31-35 1. Passage written to Christians struggling through hard times. a) Written to give Christians assurance/comfort. b) We too can take great comfort in Jesus Christ & the fact that we’ve been forgiven. B. How confident are we in our salvation? How comfortable are we in trusting God & that He has really forgiven us? C. Some carry HUGE burden of guilt. 1. Never forgive self & feel certain God cannot forgive them. 2. Never experience comfort offered through Jesus & results in them carrying this burden every day. D. Others feel their lives are meaningless. 1. Good for nothing. “How could God ever love me?” 2. Ever feel like you’re a failure – spiritually speaking? a) We know the truth about ourselves. b) We know the horrible mistakes we’ve made in the past. c) Ever try to convince yourself that God saves only good people - & you’re not one of them? E. Back to Romans. 1. We are the greatest investment God ever made! a) Nothing bigger than God! God will protect His investment! 2. God’s use of Jesus to justify us – means Satan cannot accuse us. 3. Paul says Jesus is right next to God interceding for us. 4. Result: nothing external of ourselves can separate us from Jesus’ love. a) Only person who can remove me from Jesus’ love is me! b) If our hearts belong to Jesus – NOTHING can remove us from His love. I. Jesus teaches on forgiveness – Mk. 2:1-12 A. 2:1-4 – man paralyzed. Wants to see Jesus. People let him down through a roof to see Jesus. *Determination anyone?* 1. 2:5 – Jesus is amazed at their faith. Son, your sins are forgiven. 2. Why did Jesus offer the man forgiveness at the start? 3. Could it be a lesson on the crippling effect of sin? a) Condemnation paralyzes & numbs. A sinner is unable to walk righteously. Unable to serve God. 4. Jesus…in His own name & by His own inherent power, then & there forgives the man of his sins. B. 2:6-7 – the scribes question this. 1. This is God’s job – not yours. C. 2:8-12 – Jesus: Why do you doubt MY authority to forgive sin? 1. He proves that He is the Son of God by telling the paralytic to get up & go home. 2. The paralytic arises & walks out of the room. 3. With the same authority that Jesus could physically heal the man, he could pronounce someone’s forgiveness from sin – because He is the SON of God. II. Do we doubt God’s ability to forgive? A. Eph. 2:1, 12 – when we realized we were without hope without Christ; used our faith to take advantage of God’s mercy/grace & obeyed the gospel…God says we are forgiven! 1. Eph. 2:6 – we, formerly alienated from God, are seated *with* Jesus! How? 2. We B, R, C, B. Do those things: God says you are forgiven! 3. It’s like the sins of the past were never committed. 4. It is from this point that we must get up & get going – moving in trust & confidence that He will do as He promises! B. 1 John 1:5-10 – this letter is written *to Christians.* 1. A main emphasis in the book is the Christians assurance of forgiveness. 2. 1:5 – in God there is absolutely no evil. God totally separated from it. He is absolute good. 3. 1:6 – it is ridiculous for Christians to claim fellowship with God when they deliberately maintain an evil lifestyle. They lie & practice not the truth. 4. 1:7 – We are to live our lives as close to God as possible. When we sin God is always ready to forgive us. 5. 1:9-10 – here are statements of fact. a) If we are honest w/self & w/God – and confess our sins – then we can experience the comfort of forgiveness that is only possible because of Jesus’ death on the cross. b) God says he’ll forgive us…do we doubt it? 5. Some believe we have to live in a perfect manner and if we don’t – just hope for the best at judgment. C. Where’s the comfort in that? Does that sound like assurance? D. But someone cautions: 1. Don’t concentrate so much on forgiveness that we don’t forget about personal responsibility. 2. Don’t deemphasize the necessity of living up to the standard. Don’t forget about practicing holiness. 3. Be careful w/such teaching because we do not want to encourage people to sin. 4. These are valid concerns. 1 John 2:1-6 takes care of these concerns. E. Comfort in Christ can be found in 1 John 3:19-20. 1. We have firm assurance that God will demonstrate His forgiveness. 2. 3:21-24 – He wants us to make truth the pattern of our conduct. 3. He wants us to walk in the light; be pure; holy; just; & worship Him in spirit & truth. a) God desires to reshape our character! b) He has made it possible for us to love/appreciate Him/reach for Him/praise Him; & serve Him from the heart. F. This all possible b/c of His forgiveness. We can be transformed w/in & w/o! 1. Good news when we feel the burden of sin/guilt/condemnation. 2. As Christians – we can be comforted by the fact that in Him we can be defined by God’s righteousness; not our guilt! III. Some remain so guilt-ridden that they never experience comfort in Christ. A. Some so guilt-ridden they are spiritually paralyzed! 1. Rather than do anything wrong- they do nothing. 2. Idea: as long as Jesus forgives us – we will sit down, be quiet, and be still. 3. Jesus did not become sin so that we could be mediocre! 4. Eph. 2:10 – not created to stay out of the way & go unnoticed! B. Back to Mark 2:9 1. Jesus: which is easier to say? Result still the same either way. (A soul w/the ability to walk) 2. Jesus wants us to walk spiritually. a) Man in story may have never walked before – but Jesus not only instructs him to walk home – but carry his bed with him. b) Jesus did not forgive us so we would stay out of the way! C. 2 Cor. 5:21 1. Why did Jesus become sin? So we might become righteous! 2. God goes us the power to live differently, for him! 3. God’s forgiveness creates a new reality for us! D. Trusting in God’s transforming forgiveness is one of the most liberating things we can do! 1. God is transforming us into his likeness – 2 Cor. 3:17-18. This is a process that takes time! 2. God wants to heal us from our sin, empower us to become like Him; to be converted from the old life to the new! 3. Once crippled w/sin – we can be empowered to walk in righteousness! E. Don’t doubt & deliberate while lying paralyzed on your mattress of sin! 1. Don’t doubt the authority and grace of God! 2. Don’t keep picking at the scab of the old wounds of sin. 3. 1 John 3:20 – Jesus is greater than our self-condemning hearts! 4. Experience the comfort that can be found by letting go & trusting in God’s power to save! F. Glorify God because of His amazing grace! We sing about it! Do we mean it? 1. What if the paralytic had allowed his friends to carry him home after he forgiven & healed? 2. No thanks Lord, I don’t doubt your power & authority to forgive, but I’m just not sure about myself. 3. You see, I’m no good at the walking thing & to walk & carry my mattress, well, that’s a lot too soon. 4. I probably need a few months in transitionary care to make sure this thing is for real. 5. Thanks for the forgiveness and healing, but I had better go at this slow. G. Jesus forgives us so that we may walk in righteousness. If Jesus has forgiven you then why would you let yourself be carried home on your mattress? IV. There is great comfort & happiness to be found in Christ! A. Imagine going from guilt & hopelessness to being with Christ! 1. Eph. 2:6 – seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 2. We can experience the comfort, peace, and joyous expectation because our sins have been washed away! B. We have the awesome potential to live lives full of abundance! C. Do you have this comfort? The comfort that knowing if you died tonight that your sins have been washed away? 1. Do you have the comfort knowing that Jesus is your advocate? 1 John 2:1? 2. Do you have the comfort of knowing that Jesus is interceding on your behalf? Romans 8:33-34 D. Seek the comfort that is found only in Christ! E. I N V I T A T I O N .