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Sermon notes for Easter 4
How should we use our freedom?
- The Epistle calls for a transformation in our perspective – in the ordering of our wills and affections. As they are, they are ‘unruly’ – wrongly set and ordered. Illustration: how easy it is to miss something beautiful – a real treasure- while walking, if we are to rushed; if we have a limited perspective.
- 1. What happens if we do not change our perspective?
- we chase after empty things. We find ourselves at deadends. Our life lacks purpose. We live without the peace of God.
- We stand unreconciled before God. We remain in ours sin. We neglect Him and His perfect will. We love ourselves more than He Who gave Himself for us.
- We face God’s judgement unprepared, and the ensuing eternal consequence of being separated from Him (Who is Perfect Love) forever.
2. To this end of calling our hearts to what is truly good and everlasting, Jesus points out the need for a perspective change in the Gospel. What us sub? (Anything that falls short of God’s glory) What is righteousness? The complete abandonment to the will of God is real righteousness: and, its issue is not the misery of humiliation that will come, but ‘the joy that was set before Him.’
- How has the Lord impressed upon us the importance of our need to change? Through death and sorrow and suffering. Consider the futility of the world’s perspective. How does the world attempt to deal with these issues?
- By putting them out of mind.
- By diet, exercise and creams and relief of stress.
- By pursuing happiness by worldly rather than spiritual means.
- Sports and Social activities.
- William Temple: ‘Can you see in the Cross (the perfect Self- Sacrifice of Christ) the power and wisdom of God?’
If so, open your heart and mind to His Presence and Truth. Seek in all things His Will and His Way. Ask Him to change your perspective and your life.
If not, why not decide to investigate further. Make an appointment to discuss this matter right away.
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Saint George's Anglican Church
