Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

E-Rock example of all paths lead to transcendence (heaven, sinlessness, nirvana, etc.).

The only problem with this is that not everyone can be right.

Either it’s Jesus or Buddha or Muhammed or Naturalism or Confucius or someone else, but they all claim an exclusive handle on transcendence.

How do your friends think you get to heaven or a better life?

How do YOU think you get to heaven?

Today we are going to see Paul argue against some of the religious thoughts and ideas of his day, then we will take those religious ideas and compare them to religious thought of today and show how all of them pale in comparison to Jesus.

Let’s dive into the text.

Text

Body

Moralism

Definition: If I just try to follow the rules harder, then I can be a good person and earn my ticket to heaven.

What is good: God does call us to be holy as He is holy and follow His word.

Jesus’ answer: vs. 14-15 - The truth is our sin creates a certificate of debt that we cannot pay, but Jesus nailed it to the cross, erasing it’s authority and power over our lives.

What we try to earn in moralism is already paid for in Christ.

The spiritual powers and authorities that helped you create that certificate of debt are now powerless related to Jesus, they are an embarrassment.

Rule following without Jesus is just striving for an unattainable morality; Jesus is the fulfillment of every rule and ethic, so our morality has to be rooted in Jesus.

Asceticism

Definition: If I just take away everything from myself and live the life of the monk, I can escape sin and get to heaven.

What is good: We are called to be different from the world.

Jesus’ answer: vs. 11-13 - Through your faith in Jesus, you have already been delivered from the power of death and sin to destroy you; in Him, you also have all you need to fight the flesh of this world.

Jesus also calls us to be in the world, and while boundaries are good, we should not depend on them for entrance into heaven, and they shouldn’t keep us from the things God has called us to.

Super-spiritualism

Definition: Visions of angels and special conversations with God and spiritual beings prove spiritual transcendence and entrance into heaven.

What is good: God does work in these ways and realms and we should be ready and open for His special communication.

Jesus

Jesus’ answer: vs. 9-10 - Jesus is head over everything; relationship with Him is far greater than any vision or conversation with an angel.

No angel or vision proves spirituality or you being heavenbound; your relationship and faith in Jesus is all the proof you need.

Conclusion

Finish the E-Rock image with Jesus at the top.

All paths heading toward Jesus are heading toward heaven.

Much of our world finds it offensive to say that Jesus is the only way to heaven and purpose in life, and you even might find it harsh.

However, remember: They can’t all be right.

You can say the wall behind me is green, but the truth is that it is grey whether you think it is or isn’t.

The same is true related to obtaining purpose in life and heaven after this life.

Opinions abound, but there is only one truth.

So here are some questions to consider:

What are you depending on to bring you purpose and eternal happiness?

Something that will leave you hanging?

Or someone who has all of the answers?

How does Jesus affect your morality, your interaction with the world, and your spirituality?

Do you have friends that aren’t even on the mountain heading to Jesus?

How can you convince them from the hill that they are on now to the Mountain of Jesus?

Response

Do you feel like a relationship with Jesus is enough to get you to heaven and give you purpose in life?

How does a relationship with Jesus affect your morality, how you interact with the world, and your belief in the supernatural?

Walk us through a conversation that you might have with an unbelieving friend.

How do you encourage them to get off of the hill they are on to the mountain of Jesus?

Do you have a relationship with Jesus?

Do you want to start yours tonight?