Death and Deliverance
Life In His Name
June 29, 2025
Rev. Tim Sharpe
Jesus warns that unless people believe he is the Messiah they will die in their sins, explains sin's deadly wages, affirms that his words come from the Father, and calls believers to confession and careful participation in the Lord's Supper because looking to him—lifted up—brings eternal life.
Summary
Using a simple analogy about keeping a registration card handy, the sermon highlights how we often fail to recognize spiritual needs until they become urgent. Jesus' teaching at the Feast of Booths is applied directly: unless people believe that he is who he claims to be they remain under the power and consequence of sin, which Paul calls death. Jesus emphasizes that he speaks the Father's words and carries out the Father's will; his being 'lifted up' is the means of deliverance and life. The message calls the congregation to honest confession, rests assurance in Christ who died for us while we were dead in sin, and instructs that the Lord's Table is open only to those trusting in Jesus, with a time of prayer before coming to the meal.
Key Points
- Keep essentials handy (registration card analogy): some needs are unnoticed until urgent
- People often miss the relevance of Jesus' teaching until it's crucial
- Core claim: unless you believe Jesus is who he says he is, you will die in your sins
- Define sin and its consequence: Paul teaches the wages of sin is death; sin deceives and worsens situations
- Jesus speaks and acts on the Father's authority, affirming his identity and message
- Jesus is the obedient servant; being 'lifted up' brings deliverance and eternal life when we look to him
- Worship practice: confession of sin and assurance of pardon are central because Christ died for us while we were dead in sin
- Communion guidance: the Lord's Table is open to those trusting in Christ; those who don't recognize their need should not partake
- Prepare spiritually: take time for prayer before coming to the table
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