Why Did Jesus Die? Part 3

1.  For our sins

Matthew 1:21 (NLT) And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.  

2.  To establish His lordship

Philippians 2:7-11 (NLT) When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… 11 and every tongue declare [confess] that Jesus Christ is Lord…

• Jesus died so that He could become our Lord and Savior.

Luke 2:8-11 (NKJV) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy to which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

How do we accurately identify and release the pieces we are holding back?

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 

• God will never lower Himself [or us] down to a “formula to follow.”

Genesis 3:8 (ESV) And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day…

James 2:23 (ESV) Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness — and he was called a friend of God.  

Exodus 33:11 (NIV) The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.

John 11:11 (NIV) Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.

John 15:13-15 (NLT) There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves.  Now you are My friends, since I have told you everything the Father told Me.  

• The word friend suggest intimacy, companionship, and a reciprocal relationship between God and the other person.

Proverbs 17:17 (NLT) A friend is always loyal… 

Proverbs 18:24 (ESV) A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a [true, loving] friend who is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.

1.  Drawing close to Him

Exodus 17:6 (NIV) Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the desert. 

Exodus 19:4 (AMPC) I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.

James 4:7-10 (NLT) So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor.

“Have you ever thought what a wonderful privilege it is that everyone each day and each hour of the day has the liberty of asking God, to meet Him in the inner chamber, and to hear what He has to say?  …Christ came from Heaven to love us with the love wherewith the Father loved Him.  He suffered and died to win our hearts for this love.  His love can be satisfied with nothing less than a deep, personal love on our part.” —Andrew Murray

2.  Fearing Him

Psalm 25:14 (ESV) The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant. 

Leviticus 10:3 (AMP) I will be treated as holy by those who approach Me, and before all the people I will be honored. 

Deuteronomy 5:29 (NIV) Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

• The fear of the Lord begins in our hearts, then it reveals itself in our actions.

John 15:14 (AMPC) You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I commanded you to do. 

Psalm 119:9-11 (NASB) How can a young man keep his way pure?  By keeping it according to Your word. 10 With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. 11 Your word I have treasured [hidden] in my heart, that I may not sin against You.

3.  Listening to Him

Jeremiah 33:3 (NASB) Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.  

Psalm 95:7 (NASB) Today, if you would hear His voice…  

4.  Stop competing with Him

John 3:29-30 (NLT) It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

Exodus 34:14 (NLT) For He is a God who is passionate about His relationship with you.