Christ's Love Controls Us
In the sermon titled "Christ's Love Controls Us," delivered by John Graham, the central message revolves around the profound impact of Christ's love on our lives. The key scripture passages from 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 and Ephesians 4:22-24 serve as the foundation of the sermon's themes.
“Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NLT
The core idea is that Christ's love serves as a transformative force that compels believers to relinquish their old lives and embrace a new life rooted in Christ. John emphasizes that this new life isn't about living for oneself but for Christ, who sacrificed and rose again for believers. The sermon highlights that Christ's love not only motivates change but also guides and shapes our actions.
John reminds the congregation that God's control over us is rooted in love, as He desires the best for His children. God's intimate knowledge of our potential underscores His intention to see us flourish in alignment with His divine purpose. Quoting from Ephesians 4:22-24, the sermon underscores the call to shed the old sinful nature and embrace renewal through the Holy Spirit. The passage encourages believers to adopt a new nature resembling God's righteousness and holiness.
The message underscores that Christ's death on the cross has facilitated the transformation of believers. The Christian journey involves continuous growth and change toward maturity in God. By addressing our past and embracing step-by-step progress, we are gradually conformed to the image of Christ. This process requires releasing unnecessary baggage that hinders spiritual progress, creating space for new blessings.
Drawing from 1 Corinthians 10:23, John points out the need for discernment in our actions, ensuring they align with what is beneficial and edifying. The sermon culminates with a call for introspection, urging listeners to identify and release the baggage from their past that slows them down. By inviting God to cleanse memories, experiences, and hurts, believers can be filled with His transformative presence.
The final scripture passage from Ephesians 1:3-8 underscores the abundant blessings believers receive through Christ. Opening our hearts to God's work allows for the infusion of newness and the exploration of God's plans. The sermon concludes with an invitation to step into the new things God has in store, enabled by His love and grace.
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:3-8 NLT
In essence, "Christ's Love Controls Us" conveys that Christ's sacrificial love catalyzes positive change, enabling believers to shed the old, embrace the new, and align their lives with God's transformative purpose.
Weekly podcast from Myrtle House Community Church
Speaker: John Graham
Date: Sunday 27th August 2023
