Separation Notice
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Introduction
Introduction
2 Samuel 14:14 (NLT)
14 All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.
PRAY
Have you ever received a "separation notice" in your life? Perhaps from a job, a relationship, or even from a sense of purpose? Today, we delve into the ultimate separation notice - the one that highlights the chasm between us and God due to sin.Today, we delve into the ultimate separation notice - the one that highlights the chasm between us and God due to sin. Our scripture in 2 Samuel 14:14 (NLT) reveals a profound truth: "All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him."
In order for us to process this, we must understand just what it is that separates us. In understanding sin, we must recognize its nature and its consequences. Sin, at its core, is rebellion against God's will and His righteous standards. It is any thought, word, or deed that falls short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Sin disrupts the harmony of God's creation and introduces discord into our relationship with Him. It is the barrier that separates us from the holiness of God, tarnishing our souls and staining our hearts.
Point 1: Sin Separates Us
Point 1: Sin Separates Us
Man was created good and upright; for God said, "Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness." However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God.
GOD IS A HOLY GOD, SCRIPTURE TELLS US:
3 And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying: ‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.’ ” So Aaron held his peace.
Holy means set apart
MAN WAS CREATED UPRIGHT IN THE BEGINNING
26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
HOWEVER, THE EVENTS IN THE GARDEN HAS PUT MAN IN A FALLEN STATE
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.
TO BE HOLY MEANS TO BE SET APART. GOD HAS MARKED US AND SET US APART FOR A GREAT RECONCILIATION.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
In Leviticus 10:3, we find a solemn reminder from Moses to Aaron about the holiness of God. The Lord demands reverence, and those who draw near must regard Him as holy. Yet, in our fallen state, sin erects a barrier between us and the holiness of God. God's desire for His people to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16) underscores the significance of this separation. We are called to be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, set apart to proclaim His praises (1 Peter 2:9). However, sin disrupts this divine calling, leading to estrangement from the very source of our purpose and identity.
However, when you begin to look at God’s pursuit of reconciliation, you will begin to see His unwavering love.
Point 2: Reconciliation
Point 2: Reconciliation
Despite the undeniable separation caused by sin, God's heart remains steadfast in pursuit of reconciliation. Throughout Scripture, we witness His relentless efforts to bridge the gap between Himself and humanity. From the Garden of Eden to the cross of Calvary, God orchestrates a divine plan of redemption to restore what sin has broken. His love knows no bounds, and His grace knows no limits. Even when we wander far from His presence, He extends His hand to draw us back into intimate communion with Him.
Let’s continue reading back in Romans 5, but this time let’s read the whole pericope.
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Point 3: His love pursues us
Point 3: His love pursues us
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 serves as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of separation. It declares with unwavering certainty: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." In this assurance, we find solace and strength. No matter the depth of our sin or the magnitude of our failures, God's love remains constant and unchanging. It is a love that surpasses understanding, a love that transcends barriers, a love that conquers all.
4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.
Conclusion
Conclusion
As we reflect on the separation caused by sin and the unfathomable love of God that seeks to reconcile us, let us heed the "separation notice" as a call to repentance and renewal. May we turn away from the paths of disobedience and return to the embrace of our loving Father. And may we rest assured in the unshakeable truth that nothing can separate us from His love. Amen.
Maybe your separation notice isn’t so much about holding you apart, but so you will notice your separation.
2 Samuel 14:14 (NLT)
14 All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.
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