A Joy That Cannot Be Described

A Joy That Cannot Be Described

Introduction:

There was a time when people belonged exclusively to God’s goodness. Before Adam/Eve rebelled against God, they belonged exclusively to God. They were holy people who associated with the holy God. As holy people, fear, guilt, shame, and blame were unknown. But they were deceived. After becoming Satan’s slaves – you know for sure that Adam/Eve had a new appreciation & understanding of God’s holiness. But it was not in their power to undo what they did in their rebellion against God. No matter how much they wanted to return to their previous condition – it was not an option. How can people enslaved w/evil again connect w/God?

I. 1 Tim. 2:5-6 – reconciliation is a difficult concept to grasp.

A. Sin alienates man from God. Ending alienation produces reconciliation.

B. But...this can be a hard concept for humans to grasp. Consider marriage.

C. Consider Jesus as the means of our reconciliation to God.

1. We must realize we created the problem through rebellion.

2. Reconciliation occurs because God welcomes back humans.

3. Possible because of the life/death/resurrection of Jesus.

II. Rom. 5:8-11 – God wanted reconciliation before we did.

A. While we were enemies – God through Jesus’ death paid the price to make reconciliation possible.

B. Jesus death destroyed the hostility.

1. His resurrection empowered the reconciliation to give life.

C. Think about this:

1. God can do far more for us when we respond to His efforts.

2. Our reconciliation is merely the beginning of what He can do for us.

III. 2 Cor. 5:17-21 – reconciliation produces a new life.

A. Christians are new creatures motivated by a new understanding of future things.

B. We must have the courage/trust to allow God to transform us into different persons and become living examples of God’s power in human life.

IV. Eph. 2:13-18 – Jesus’ blood destroyed all alienation.

A. Jesus’ blood destroyed the separation/enmity between Jews & non-Jews.

B. In reconciling people to Himself, God does not care who you are, your background, how much you’ve sinned. 1 Tim. 1:12-16

C. God does not care who you are & what your problems are.

D. Imagine what He can do with your life!

V. Col. 1:19-23 – reconciliation is a journey.

A. 1:22-23 – God intends for the reconciled to be God’s obvious presence in an evil world.

B. As we grow older – we grow in understanding to be awed by the vastness/the hugeness of reconciliation.

1. We should be happy/optimistic/full of faith!

2. this hope/assurance is what is behind these passages: Phil 1:6-9; 4:13; 1 John 2:1-6; 5:13-14

Conclusion:

A. Have you begun the journey?



A Joy That Cannot Be Described Introduction: There was a time when people belonged exclusively to God’s goodness. Before Adam/Eve rebelled against God, they belonged exclusively to God. They were holy people who associated with the holy God. As holy people, fear, guilt, shame, and blame were unknown. But they were deceived. After becoming Satan’s slaves – you know for sure that Adam/Eve had a new appreciation & understanding of God’s holiness. But it was not in their power to undo what they did in their rebellion against God. No matter how much they wanted to return to their previous condition – it was not an option. How can people enslaved w/evil again connect w/God? I. 1 Tim. 2:5-6 – reconciliation is a difficult concept to grasp. A. Sin alienates man from God. Ending alienation produces reconciliation. B. But...this can be a hard concept for humans to grasp. Consider marriage. C. Consider Jesus as the means of our reconciliation to God. 1. We must realize we created the problem through rebellion. 2. Reconciliation occurs because God welcomes back humans. 3. Possible because of the life/death/resurrection of Jesus. II. Rom. 5:8-11 – God wanted reconciliation before we did. A. While we were enemies – God through Jesus’ death paid the price to make reconciliation possible. B. Jesus death destroyed the hostility. 1. His resurrection empowered the reconciliation to give life. C. Think about this: 1. God can do far more for us when we respond to His efforts. 2. Our reconciliation is merely the beginning of what He can do for us. III. 2 Cor. 5:17-21 – reconciliation produces a new life. A. Christians are new creatures motivated by a new understanding of future things. B. We must have the courage/trust to allow God to transform us into different persons and become living examples of God’s power in human life. IV. Eph. 2:13-18 – Jesus’ blood destroyed all alienation. A. Jesus’ blood destroyed the separation/enmity between Jews & non-Jews. B. In reconciling people to Himself, God does not care who you are, your background, how much you’ve sinned. 1 Tim. 1:12-16 C. God does not care who you are & what your problems are. D. Imagine what He can do with your life! V. Col. 1:19-23 – reconciliation is a journey. A. 1:22-23 – God intends for the reconciled to be God’s obvious presence in an evil world. B. As we grow older – we grow in understanding to be awed by the vastness/the hugeness of reconciliation. 1. We should be happy/optimistic/full of faith! 2. this hope/assurance is what is behind these passages: Phil 1:6-9; 4:13; 1 John 2:1-6; 5:13-14 Conclusion: A. Have you begun the journey?