We are...Getting Some Things Straight, Pt. 2
Notes
Transcript
“We Are” Message Two
Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 5:12; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:9; Matthew 5:43-48
ETS: The Bible provided the reason for, the result of, and the appropriate response to evil in the world.
ESS: We should confess our own sin and pray for others who are still under the direct rule of sin.
OSS: [MO: Primarily evangelistic with a secondary ethical emphasis] {SO: I want the hearers to confess their sin before the Lord and seek His salvation.}
Introduction: This week, Afghanistan was invaded by the Taliban, a terrorist group specifically targeting Christians and women. Maybe you are similar to me and struggled to determine what emotion was appropriate and to whom the emotion should be directed towards. At first, I was frustrated at the U.S. Government for the manner in which they handled removing troops which allowed the situation. Then, I was frustrated at the Taliban for what they were doing. Then, I was heartbroken for all of my fellow brothers and sisters who are being oppressed, persecuted, and many facing death because of their faith. I was also heartbroken over every member of the Taliban who does not know our Savior, Jesus. During times like this, many are tempted to ask the question, “If God is a good God and the humans He created He called “very good,” then why does evil such as this persist in our world?” Today, I hope as we study that we grasp the reason for evil, the result of evil, and response to evil. Let us study these together, now.
The reason for evil is the fall of man. (Gen. 3:1-7)
Gen. 2:15-17 records God placing man in the Garden of Eden “to work it and watch over it.” God gave specific instructions to man regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil: “you must not eat from...” He also gave the specific punishment that would result if man disobeyed: “you will certainly die (v. 17b)”
Genesis 3:1-7 records the serpent causing doubt in the heart of Eve and of both Adam and Eve disobeying God and yielding to the enemy. As such, God fulfilled His word by giving the punishment He had spoken of.
The reason for the evil in the world is not God…it is man. Man disobeyed, and sin, death, and evil entered the realm of humanity. We must acknowledge the appropriate reason and source of evil: the source is man; the reason is disobedience. NOTICE: the source of evil is NOT God, nor is He is the reason for evil.
The result of evil is that all humans are sinners. (Romans 5:12 and Romans 3:23)
Death and sin have, since the fall, been a part of humanity. This is the tragic result of the fall. It was our mistake. It is our reality.
The appropriate response to evil is… (Rom. 5:15-21; 1 John 1:9; Rom. 10:9-13; Matt. 5:43-48)
We confess: 1) We are sinners, and we deserve death. 2) God made a way through the gift of Jesus for man to have eternal salvation. 3) Jesus is Lord.
We receive: 1) forgiveness. 2) cleansing. 3) salvation
We pray: 1) For our own hearts to be pleasing to the Lord (Ps. 19:14) 2) For those who remain lost and hostile towards the Gospel, those who oppress and persecute believers.
TIME OF RESPONSE:
Guided corporate prayer:
Let us begin by confessing our own sin before the Lord. (1 Jn. 1:9)
Let us continue by seeking forgiveness and cleansing from the Lord through Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 1:9, Rom. 10:9-13)
Let us move foreward by praying for those who are lost and still ruled by sin: “God, we are a fallen people who do fallen things...” (Gen. 3)
Let us continue by praying for those who persecute and oppress believers (Matt. 5:43-48; salvation for them [Eph. 3:19-20, Rom. 1:16]
Let us end by praying for our fellow brothers and sisters who are oppressed and persecuted, even unto death (Phil. 4:19, Heb. 4:14-16 You meet needs; You are present with us)