Anchor Verses: John 7:37–39, Ezekiel 47:1–12

Focus Statement: Jesus doesn’t just offer us forgiveness—He offers us freedom, transformation, and a life aligned with God’s presence, where our hearts are changed, our burdens are lifted, and our lives are made new.

Introduction: 

  • By Jesus’ time, God’s people had corrupted what was meant to draw them near to Him:

    • The Law became about legalism

    • The Sabbath became ritual

    • The Temple became performance

  • Jesus came to restore what was broken—to bring us back to God’s presence and offer life, not just religion

Add A Note

It Is Finished

  • Jesus’ last words on the cross: “It is finished” (τετέλεσται)

    • End of striving to earn righteousness

    • End of constant sacrifice and spiritual exhaustion

  • God’s presence has always been the goal:

    • Eden → Tabernacle → Jesus → Now

  • In Jesus, we find rest and freedom (Matthew 11:28–30):

    • Come to Him

    • Accept His rest

    • Take His yoke

    • Let Him teach you

    • Find peace for your soul

Add A Note

Living a Life of Repentance

  • Repentance is more than saying “I’m sorry”—it’s a lifestyle of transformation

  • Romans 6:4: We’ve been raised to new life with Christ

  • Repentance moves from:

    • Head → Heart

    • Guilt → Growth

    • Knowledge → New Desires

  • Living differently means:

    • Desiring what is good and holy

    • Surrendering selfishness, bitterness, anxiety, and sin

    • Embracing God’s Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control

  • Transformation often starts with perspective, not circumstance:

    • Paul in prison

    • Joseph in slavery

    • Jesus in Gethsemane

  • God’s miracle is often not escape, but endurance through inner renewal

Add A Note

More Than Forgiveness—Life Change

  • Forgiveness is the beginning, not the end

  • Story: Gary Ridgeway & Mr. Rule

    • Mr. Rule forgives his daughter’s killer through the power of Christ

    • Ridgeway breaks down in tears—power of mercy on display

  • That same resurrection power:

    • Helped Paul write joyfully from prison

    • Sustained Joseph through betrayal

    • Empowered Jesus to forgive on the cross

  • C.S. Lewis: “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

  • Jesus died for all sin—yours, mine, the worst imaginable

  • Today, He offers you:

    • Forgiveness

    • Freedom

    • New Life

    • A transformed heart and purpose

Add A Note

 

Sermon Questions

  • What does it mean to truly live in the freedom Jesus offers, beyond just knowing we’re forgiven? Reflect on how Jesus’ words “It is finished” impact the way we approach rest, identity, and striving in daily life.

  • How has God invited you to shift your heart’s perspective rather than just change your circumstances? Consider times when God used internal transformation rather than external change to bring growth.

  • In what area of your life is God calling you to move from head knowledge to heart transformation? Think about habits, desires, or relationships where repentance can lead to new life and joy.

Add A Note

Email my notes