The Light of Christ Dead or Alive (DOA)

The Call of The Gardener

Remembrance 

Romans 8:1-11

The Life-Giving Spirit

8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,[a] 2 because the law[b] of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you[c] free from the law[d] of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do

From Hearing to Doing: The Call to Active Faith

Bible Passage: Romans 8:1–11, Matthew 26:17–30, Genesis 40:1–23, 1 Corinthians 10:21, Galatians 5:24–25, John 10:27–28, 2 Timothy 4:7–8

Summary: This theme emphasizes the importance of being active participants in our faith rather than passive listeners. It challenges believers to embody their faith through actions, inspired by scripture and the example of Jesus.

Application: This sermon prompts Christians to reflect on how their faith manifests in daily life. It encourages individuals to move beyond mere acknowledgment of Gospel truths, empowering them to act upon their beliefs in every aspect of life including relationships, work, and service to others.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that true faith is evidenced by actions. It highlights examples from the Scriptures that showcase how godly character must translate into Christ-like behavior, urging believers to live out the commands of God with a heart willing to serve and obey.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout scripture, Jesus exemplifies the ultimate doer of the Word. His life, death, and resurrection embody obedience to God's will, illustrating the model for us to follow as followers of Christ. He calls us to be shepherds of His flock, conducting our lives in a way that reflects the Gospel.

Big Idea: Living out the Gospel means moving from just hearing God's Word to actively obeying and embodying it in our lives—a transformative journey that reflects Christ's work in us.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider diving into the different Greek words used for 'obey' and 'hear' in various passages from your Logos library, exploring their nuances. Also, examine how the themes of faith and action are woven throughout the epistles, particularly in Paul's letters to the Corinthians and Galatians, to draw connections between theological beliefs and their practical outworking.

1. Freedom from Condemnation

Romans 8:1-4

Perhaps you might share how these verses assure us of our freedom from condemnation through Christ, inviting us into a life led by the Spirit. This could encourage listeners to move from merely hearing about their liberty in Christ to actively living in that freedom, allowing the Spirit to guide their everyday actions and decisions.

2. Minds Set on the Spirit

Romans 8:5-8

Maybe explore how these verses differentiate between living according to the flesh and according to the Spirit. This might suggest that listeners examine where their mindset resides—on earthly things or on Christ. It encourages a transformative shift from worldly ways to spiritual living, aligning actions with the Spirit's leading.

3. Empowered by His Spirit

Romans 8:9-11

You could emphasize the presence of Christ's Spirit within believers, empowering them to live righteously. This invites listeners to recognize the indwelling Spirit’s power in transforming their actions to reflect Christ's character, moving beyond passive faith to active righteousness.

since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering,[e] 4 in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. 6 Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. 10 Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit[f] gives life[g] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through[h] his Spirit who lives in you.

Why you became a Christian??? 

Matthew 26:17-30 

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’ “ 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed

The Passover Meal 

Typically it was Jewish tradition for wine to be served four times during the Passover meal. The wine would be served in four cups.  According to Jewish tradition, the four cups represented four different expressions of redemption. The first cup is called the cup of sanctification we are sanctified by the blood of Jesus; the second is the cup of judgment, God sees the righteousness of Jesus and His blood; the third is the cup of redemption we are redeem and renewed by the blood of Christ; the fourth is the cup of the kingdom, the completion of God’s promise of us obtaining the gift of our salvation and everlasting life in the Kingdom of God.

Four Different expressions of Redemption (4 Cups)

1 Cup Sanctification (We are sanctified and made Holy By the Blood of Christ)

2 Cup Judgement ( God sees the righteousness of Christ through His Blood)

3 Cup Redemption (We are redeemed and restored by the blood of the lamb)

4 Cup Kingdom (God’s Promise of Salvation) 

In Genesis 40, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s imprisoned cupbearer and baker (Bread Bearer), accurately predicting in three days that the cupbearer will be restored to service, while the baker will be executed. Joseph, imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit, serves them, but the cupbearer forgets him. 

Key Aspects of the Narrative: 

The Characters: Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer (wine bearer) and chief baker (bread bearer) are jailed for offending the king.

The Dreams & Interpretations:

Cupbearer Dream: Dreamt of a vine with three branches, squeezing grapes into Pharaoh's cup. 

Interpretation: In three days, Pharaoh will restore him to his position.

Baker’s Dream: Dreamt of three baskets of pastries on his head, with birds eating them. 

Interpretation: In three days, Pharaoh will hang him, and birds will eat his flesh.

Joseph’s Request: Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember ME  to Pharaoh to get him out of prison.

The Bread represents the body the flesh must die

The Wine represents we are restored by the blood of Jesus. AMEN. 

1 CORINTHIANS 10:21

21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot share in the Lord’s table and the table of demons.

Who are what are you communing with when you are out of sight and out of mind of others. We cant commune with the Lord and Jesus on Sunday and turnaround on Monday thru Saturday and commune with demons. If we proclaim to be Christians then our life should reflect the attributes of Christ. We should look like Him. You know how when you’re out in the streets going somewhere and someone stops you and says, Hey are you such and such son or daughter. You like just like your daddy or mommy we use to go to school together. And maybe they will start telling about a crazy story that happen while they were kids. It should work that same way in the life of a Christian, when someone looks at you they should know exactly who your daddy is, or they should know exactly who you are following. They should be able to look at you and know by your actions and deeds that you are a Child of God, that You are a follower of Christ. We have to get away from doing Christianity in a way that looks like the world or culture. God will know honor that. But woe to that man or woman who betrays the Son of Man through their actions and deeds. It would be better for him if he had not been born.

Galatians 5:24-25 ESV 

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

John 10:27-28 Christian Standard Bible

27 My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of