GOSPEL :: FAMILY :: MISSION
The foundation of spiritual growth is acknowledging that we are powerless to change ourselves. Because we are self-reliant people, we try (repeatedly) to stop doing things we shouldn’t and start doing things we should, using nothing but our own effort and willpower.
There’ve been many seasons of my life where I’ve experienced devastating grief and sorrow. Many seasons where my hopes have been crushed against the rocks of unmet expectations. And in the midst of those sad and hopeless seasons, the Lord has been so kind to lift my heart and remind me that Jesus’ life, death and resurrection trumps all the false gospels that I so easily and foolishly fall into believing.
Believing the gospel and applying the gospel go hand in hand, but the order is important. Of first importance is what God has done for us in Christ. God’s grace toward us in Christ is the foundation of all our obedience and application. Yet, in the midst of all the practical instruction, we must not lose sight of the principle that the gospel changes us from the inside out. Without that, we are doing little more than whitewashing tombs.
Today we will examine Luke 23:50 – 24:12 and as we do we’ll consider the truth and the implications of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. And the big idea here is that, the truth of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection inspires great hope and great courage amidst our momentary suffering.
One of the central truths of Christianity is this truth that Jesus died on the cross so that the gift of life could be made available. When I think of the word “impact” I think of Bruce Lee.
If you could describe the condition of your heart today, what word would you use to describe it? Is your heart angry, bitter or resentful? Is your heart indignant, rebellious or hard? Is your heart fearful, wounded or depressed?
What is the most painful memory you have? And how has that painful experience motivated, conditioned or shaped the things you think, say or do.
The cross of Christ is the center of the gospel message because the cross of Christ crushes our sinful desires, kills our sinful behavior and plants godly desires and abilities deep within our hearts. What sinful desires do you need to deny as you follow Christ? What sinful behavior needs to be killed in you as you follow Christ? What new desires or abilities do you see sprouting in your heart as you follow Christ?
When we compromise, we ignore the truth, we give into sinful demands and we make destructive decisions. What compromises have you been making recently in your relationship with Jesus? What truths has Jesus been showing you that you’ve been ignoring? What sinful demands have you been giving in to? What destructive decisions have you made recently?
What area of your life do you struggle to surrender to Christ as your King? Where do you need his innocence applied to your life the most? How has Jesus been speaking to you through his Word?
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