08-17 Sermon: Doctrine of Reconciliation and Problem-Solving Devices

Sermon Outline: The Doctrine of Reconciliation and Problem-Solving Devices

I. Opening: Preparation for Study

Silent Prayer

Purpose : To confess sins and restore fellowship with God before studying His Word.

Scripture Reference: 1 John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Exegetical Note: Confess (Greek: homologeo) means to name, cite, or agree with God about our sin.

II. Review of Previous Doctrines

A. Propitiation

Definition: The Godward side of salvation; God is satisfied with Christ's sacrifice.

Key Word: Satisfied

Greek Term: Hilasterion – atoning sacrifice, mercy seat.

Old Testament Typology: Mercy seat covering the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:17-22).

Scripture Reference: 1 John 2:2

"He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

Exegetical Note: Unlimited atonement—Christ's sacrifice is sufficient for all, but only applied to believers.

B. The Ten Problem-Solving Devices

1. Rebound

Scripture : 1 John 1:9

Purpose: Restores fellowship with God.

2. Filling of the Spirit

Scripture : Ephesians 5:18

Purpose: Enables spiritual understanding and power.

3. Faith-Rest Drill

Scripture : Romans 8:28

"We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him..."

Three Steps:

a. Claiming promises

b. Doctrinal rationale

c. Doctrinal conclusion

4. Grace Orientation

Definition : Viewing life and others through God's unmerited favor.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:10

"By the grace of God I am what I am."

5. Doctrinal Orientation

Definition : Aligning life with Bible doctrine.

6. Personal Love for God the Father

Definition : Loving God through knowledge of His Word.

7. Personal Sense of Destiny

Definition : Awareness of God's predesigned plan for your life.

8. Sharing the Happiness of God

Scripture : Hebrews 12:2

"For the joy set before Him endured the cross..."

9. Occupation with Christ

Definition : Focusing on Christ rather than problems.

10. Impersonal Love for All Mankind

Definition : Loving others as Christ loves.

III. The Doctrine of Reconciliation

A. Definition and Distinction

Propitiation: Godward side—God is satisfied.

Reconciliation: Manward side—barrier between God and man removed.

Definition: Bringing from hostility to peace.

B. Scriptural Foundations

1. Colossians 1:22

"Yet He has now reconciled you in His body of flesh through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach."

2. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

"Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation..."

Exegetical Note: God initiates reconciliation; man is reconciled to God, not vice versa.

3. Romans 5:10

"For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."

Exegetical Note: Reconciliation occurred while we were enemies; emphasizes grace.

C. The Need for Reconciliation

1. Spiritual Death

Scripture : Ephesians 2:1

"You were dead in your trespasses and sins."

2. Sin Barrier

Scripture : Isaiah 59:2

"Your wrongdoings have caused a separation between you and your God..."

3. Hostility Toward God

Scripture : Colossians 1:21

"You were previously alienated and hostile in attitude, engaged in evil deeds."

Illustration: Airplane mode—no connection with God.

D. God's Integrity: Justice and Righteousness

Attributes: Justice and Righteousness

Scripture: Romans 5:8

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Exegetical Note: Justice must be satisfied before fellowship is possible.

E. Substitutionary Death of Christ

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18

"Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God..."

Exegetical Note: "Once for all time"—no further sacrifice needed.

F. Unlimited Atonement

Scripture: 1 John 2:2

"He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

Exegetical Note: Sins of all mankind paid; only believers receive imputed righteousness.

G. Redemption

Scripture: Ephesians 1:7

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings according to the riches of His grace."

Illustration: Slave market—only a free person (Christ) can redeem.

IV. Results of Reconciliation

A. Justification and Peace

Scripture: Romans 5:1

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Illustration: Friend pays for your broken window—relationship restored.

B. Eternal Security

Scripture: John 10:28-29

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand..."

Exegetical Note: Salvation cannot be lost; permanent reconciliation.

C. Rewards and the Plan of God

Scripture: Romans 8:28-32

"God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him..."

Exegetical Note: Foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, glorification—God's plan for believers.

V. Ministry of Reconciliation

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:20

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us..."

Illustration: Ambassadors represent their country; believers represent Christ on earth.

VI. Salvation Invitation

Scripture: Acts 16:31

"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household."

Exegetical Note: Faith alone in Christ alone is the only way to be reconciled to God.

VII. Romans 3: The Law, Sin, and Propitiation

Scripture: Romans 3:20-26

"By the works of the law no human being will be justified... For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith."

Exegetical Note: The law reveals sin; justification is by grace through faith, not works.

VIII. Practical Application: Problem-Solving Devices in Daily Life

Rebound: Confess sin, restore fellowship (1 John 1:9).

Filling of the Spirit: Only possible after rebound.

Faith-Rest Drill:

1. Claim the promise (Romans 8:28).

2. Doctrinal rationale (Romans 8:29-30).

3. Doctrinal conclusion (Romans 8:31-32).

Application: Use these devices daily, not just in crisis.

IX. Closing Prayer

Pray for students, for understanding, for grace orientation, for Caleb as he enters high school, for all to be ambassadors for Christ.

Scripture References (Chronological Order)

1. 1 John 1:9

2. Exodus 25:17-22 (mercy seat typology)

3. 1 John 2:2

4. Romans 8:28-32

5. 1 Corinthians 15:10

6. Hebrews 12:2

7. Colossians 1:22

8. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

9. Romans 5:10

10. Ephesians 2:1

11. Isaiah 59:2

12. Colossians 1:21

13. Romans 5:8

14. 1 Peter 3:18

15. Ephesians 1:7

16. Romans 5:1

17. John 10:28-29

18. 2 Corinthians 5:20

19. Acts 16:31

20. Romans 3:20-26

Summary

This sermon systematically reviews the doctrines of propitiation and reconciliation, emphasizing the Godward and manward sides of salvation. It details the ten problem-solving devices for the Christian life, focusing on the necessity of confession (rebound), the filling of the Spirit, and the faith-rest drill. The doctrine of reconciliation is explained as the removal of the barrier between God and man through Christ's atoning sacrifice, with supporting scriptures and practical illustrations. Eternal security and the believer's role as an ambassador for Christ are affirmed. The message concludes with an invitation to salvation and a call to apply these doctrines daily, followed by prayer for the congregation.