SERMON INSIGHTS

The Legal Problem of Sin and the Christian Inheritance

Central Spiritual Truth: Human beings are born into a state of sin that subjects them to death, but redemption offers a legal transfer into an inheritance of glory.

• The Problem of Birth: Every person is born in sin, not necessarily because of committed acts, but as a condition of their birth.
• The Sentence of Death: Because of this birth state, every individual is naturally subject to the power of death.
• The Arresting Power: God has permitted death to have power because of sin, allowing it to “arrest” the individual.
• The Restoration of Glory: Salvation in Jesus Christ brings about the redemption and restoration of the glory that was lost.
• The Victory Realm: This realm of life is accessed through fundamentals such as the forgiveness of sins and the new birth.

The Divine Security System and the Mechanism of Mercy

Central Spiritual Truth: God has established a “mercy side” and a cleansing system through the blood of Christ to protect the believer from the consequences of sin.

• The End of Sin Operations: When God forgives a person, those sins no longer “upgrade” or continue their destructive operation in the life of the believer.
• The Provision for Confession: Scripture provides a specific mechanism: “As soon as you sin, what do you do? Confess your sins” so the blood of Christ may cleanse you.
• The Prayer of the Righteous: If sickness occurs because of sin, the believer should call for the elders to pray and anoint them, for “the prayer of the righteous shall avail”.
• The Mercy Side: By coming to Christ, the believer leaves the “judgment side” and enters the “mercy side” where the wages of sin do not apply.
• The Shield Against Accusation: Because of this security, Satan cannot use sin to accuse the believer, just as the Lord rebuked the accuser of Joshua.

The Call to Noble Living and Spiritual Cleanliness

Central Spiritual Truth: Believers must live carefully and righteously, as a careless lifestyle attracts spiritual disturbances and “war” around their lives.

• The Danger of Carelessness: Living without care as a child of God creates an environment where there “shall be war”.
• The Attraction of Spirits: Careless living attracts spirits and powers who linger around the windows and doors of your life.
• The Illustration of Filth: A life of sin is compared to a room filled with dirty socks and unwashed towels where the “smell” remains even if sunlight is present.
• The Duty of Nobility: Every believer is called to be a “noble person” and live in the “marvelous light” of Jesus.
• The System of Correction: God uses a “mechanism of correction” to ensure the believer stays within the security of the victory life.

 The New Birth and the Power of Faith

Central Spiritual Truth: The “new spirit man” created at the new birth is incorruptible and sinless, providing a foundation for consistent victory.

• The Sinless Spirit: The spirit of the new birth is described as “sinless, incorruptible, immortal”.
• The Source of Sin: It is the “old man” that commits sin, whereas the “new man” within the believer does not sin.
• The Word in the Mouth: Faith is a power derived from the Word of God, and this word of faith is in our mouth.
• The Authority to Overcome: If a believer decides they do not like a sinful situation and confesses it, they shall be able to overcome that sin.
• The Name of Jesus: Victory is guaranteed by the promise: “If you ask anything in his name, He will do it”. (John 14:14)

Resurrection Power and the Spiritual Walk

Central Spiritual Truth: Accessing the resurrection power and the Holy Spirit allows the believer to rise above the “miserable” focus on physical needs alone.

• The Quickening Spirit: The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead “will quicken our mortal bodies”.
• Beyond “Eat and Drink”: Focusing only on “food, shelter, and clothing” results in a miserable Christian life; the true focus is to “know God”.
• Five Results of Victory: The victory life enables one to live righteously, resist the devil, cast out devils, and have a fulfilling service.
• Walking with the Spirit: One of the greatest joys is walking and working with the Holy Spirit to experience the “presence, the direction, the heart and the mercy of God”.
• The Assurance of Victory: Even if the world declares you “dead,” the resurrection power ensures you remain alive in Christ.

Exhortations and Prayers

• Have Faith: “Have faith in God” according to Mark 11.
• Be Diligent: “Study and be diligent and obedient to the word of God” to prove your ministry.
• Pray Always: “Pray without ceasing” and build yourself up through “prayer in the Holy Spirit”.
• Be Fervent: “Be diligent and fervent in spirit” as taught in Romans 12.
• The Final Charge: Uphold, prove, and demonstrate the “victory of Christ” to reap the harvest of victory.

Final Blessing

• May the Lord reward your efforts and make your desire to be perfect result in great success.
• May you “continually fervent in spirit” and hear the voice of God always.
• “May the Lord richly bless you. Eternally so. Amen”.