Topics: sin, awareness, forgiveness, redemption
I. Awareness of sin
* Convicted sinners know to cry out to the Lord for forgiveness!
- Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications (Psalm 130:1, 2).
- There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities are gone over my head; as a heavy burden they weigh too much for me (Psalm 38:3, 4).
II. Forgiveness of sin
* Repentant sinners know there is forgiveness with the Lord!
- If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared (Psalm 130:3, 4).
- Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin (Hebrews 10:18).
III. Transformed life
* Forgiven saints hope in God's Word as they wait for the Lord!
- I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning (Psalm 130:5, 6).
- And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).
IV. Redeemed completely
* Obedient saints proclaim the Lord's redemption to others!
- Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities (Ps. 130:7, 8).
- A partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:25b, 26a).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, January 21st, 2024
Life group flow and discussion questions
"True Gospel Journey"
An important Guideline of Life Groups: Giving people a safe place to share their personal story about their "True Gospel Journey" is an exciting and vital part of Life Group interactions.
Getting Started:
- Why do you think that our culture has little awareness of the devastating condition of personal and community sin?
- What is your understanding of God's view of sin and His righteous and holy justice in dealing with sin? Why is it vital to comprehend that the heart of the problem is the problem of the heart (Jeremiah 17:9)?
Discussing Truths:
- How is the "True Gospel Journey" an explanation of both salvation's justification as well as Christian sanctification?
- Why should our experience of true forgiveness of sin, lead to a reverential fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7; 8:13; 10:27; 14:26; 19:23; 23:17)?
- Have you ever cried to the Lord, "out of the depths" of despair, depression or discouragement?
- As you look back over the past year, how has your life been transformed into the image of our Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18)?
- What is your eschatological understanding of the redemption of Israel (Romans 11:5, 25-29) and how does that relate to the Church?
Now What? Application:
- Who can you proclaim your "True Gospel Journey'? testimony to this week?
- Write out your personal testimony so you can share it in about three minutes: begin with how your life was like before you met Jesus; how you received Jesus and then what your life is like after receiving Jesus as your Lord and Savior! Are you willing to share your testimony on a video to present to the church family? Tell Troy if yes.
