Point of Grace Worship 10.31.21 Sermon Notes – “Reformation – Why does it matter?”

Romans 1 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, (Gospel - the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus) for it is the power of God for salvation (Saving from sin, sin’s judgement and into a new life) to everyone who believes, (trusts by faith) to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed (a declared legal status of being right, true, without fault, acquitted) from faith(God’s faithfulness) for (our) faith, as it is written, “The righteous (declared righteous, acquitted) shall live by faith.”

The Gospel says that, on account of Christ, God offers “declared righteousness”, a legal declaration of acquittal of all charges, even though it is not earned or deserved. We receive this “righteous” status through faith in Him and what He has done in Christ.

Ephesians 2 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, (He) made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, … 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

2 Corinthians 5 In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Two things flipped for Luther that is “good news” to me.

1) God “declares me righteous” legally by grace and I receive that through faith. This means I get to have “union” with Him now and His Spirit can live in me.

2) The “life” (meaning, purpose, value, joy, authentic, etc.) I want and need comes from “outside” of me as a gracious gift from God because of Jesus which I daily receive by faith.

What does this mean?

I get to exchange “a life of striving” to make life work for a “life of syncing up” with the One who is Life and has the meaningful life I am intended to live.

Prayer of the Week

Holy and Victorious Trinity, Father-Son-Holy Spirit , You alone are worthy of all of my worship, my heart’s desire, all the praise all the glory of my life. I love You, I worship You, I trust You, I give myself over to You in my heart’s search for life. You alone are Life and You have become my life. I renounce all other god’s and idols and give You the place in my heart and in my life that You and You alone truly deserve.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. You are my true Father—my creator, redeemer, sustainer, and the true end of all things, including my life. I love You, I trust You, I worship You. I give myself over to You, Father, to be one with You as Jesus is one with You. Thank You for proving Your love for me by sending Jesus. I receive Him and all His life and all His work which You ordained for me. Thank You for including me in Christ, forgiving me my sins, granting me His righteousness, making me complete in Him. Thank You for making me alive with Christ, raising me with Him, seating me with Him at Your right hand, establishing me in His authority, and anointing me with Your love and Your Holy Spirit and Your favor. I receive it all with thanks and give it total claim to my life—my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will.

Jesus, thank You for coming to ransom me with Your own life, making it possible for me to be “declared righteous” in the courts of heaven. I receive all the work and triumph of Your cross and sacrifice for me. I receive the forgiveness of all my sins which clears the way for me to live this day “synced up” and reconciled with my Father in heaven who loves me very much.

Holy Spirit, fill me afresh. I want You and need You so very much today. I deeply desire to live each moment empowered by You and You living in me. I now surrender my “self” and my agenda for today and receive You and Your agenda for me. Amen

Resources for this Week Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Romans 1:1-6, 16-17 Tue – Ephesians 2:4-10 Wed – Romans 5:1-5 Thu – Isaiah 53:3-7,10 Fri – 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Sat - Romans 5:6-11

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.