Sermon Central
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Life Begins With Jesus
Contributed by Derrick Strickland on Mar 2, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Some would say that Zacchaeus was really living. But when he discovered Jesus he learned what life really meant.
“LIFE BEGINS WITH JESUS”
INTRO: 1.By even today’s standards, we could say that Zacchaeus was “really living”. (rich- powerful-successful)
2.But, by the end of the story Zacchaeus had found something that made him willing to lose it all to keep what he found.
3.He had discovered a life that outshined his.
a.Discovered he hadn’t lived at all.
b.Life that made his riches look like poverty, his pride like foolishness.
4. Where did he discover this life - in Jesus.
a.No mention of his sins - he saw himself when saw Jesus.
b.No miracle that converted him - just Jesus.
John 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
1 John 5:12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
5.How is his life different? (“zoe”)
a.Refers to a more complete life (awakening of the soul)
-Never really alive until you experience complete life.
-The inner-man cries out to be fulfilled - only one way.
b.Refers to a more quality life
-Refers to the very “essence of living” (‘this is living’)
c.Refers to a distinct life.
-Zacchaeus had never experienced anything like it.
John 1:4-5In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6.But what did life mean to Zacchaeus as he looked into the eyes of the “resurrection & the life”?
I.HIS LIFE IS STRONGER THAN THE POWER OF OUR PAST
a.Psychiatrists claim that one’s present self and future is determined by our past experience.
b.Jesus never takes resumes.
A.HE’LL BRING HEALING FOR THE WOUNDS OF OUR PAST.
1.Lady taken in adultery, healing started at his feet.
2.He restored a christian killer and made him the Apostle Paul.
B.HE’LL BRING LIBERTY FROM YOUR PAST.
Rom. 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
1.When Christ closes your past, it’s closed.
2.Free from the Guilt of our past.
3.Free from the Chains of our past.
C.HE’LL PROVIDE A NEW FUTURE NOT DEPENDANT ON YOUR PAST.
1.Because you become His property.
2. ILL. Just ask Joseph.
3. Let Him take control of your future.
II.HIS LIFE IS STRONGER THAN THE POWER OF OUR PERSONALITY
a.Zacchaeus was obviously not kind, considerate, generous or anything food.
b.Zacchaeus maybe didn’t see himself as the kind God could help.
A.ZACCHAEUS SAW HIMSELF AS A “NON-RELIGIOUS “ TYPE.
1.If we’re not careful, we’ll draw a picture of who can be saved in our mind.
2.He was surprised when Christ spoke with him.
3.He found life not in a religion - but in a person.
4.Religion kills and bars people from the kingdom - Christ gives life and opens the door.
5.Time we stop making others fit “our mold” - let him do the molding.
B.ZACCHAEUS SAW HIMSELF AS INCAPABLE OF LIVING RIGHT.
1.The law seemed too much for Zacchaeus to handle.
2.No matter how he tried he couldn’t be righteous.
3.But then he met the door - Jesus Christ.
4.Jesus puts His righteousness on us - enabling us to walk in the Spirit.
C.ZACCHAEUS SAW HIMSELF AS INSIGNIFICANT.
1.Christ wanted Zacchaeus to know He was on His way to Calvary for him.
2. Jesus always reached out to those others had given-up.
3.His insignificance faded in the realization that he was noticed, cherished, and chosen by the Son of God.
III.HIS LIFE IS STRONGER THAN THE POWER OF PUBLIC OPINION
a.Christ didn’t take a poll (Won’t ask the church, your family, devil, etc.)
b.Christ sees you like no one else ever will.
A.CHRIST IS NEVER BLINDED BY PUBLIC PREJUDICES.
1.They were prejudiced because of his work - publican.
2.In the heart of prejudiced times, Christ has revival in Samaria.
3.His time for the walls of division to come down - if we’re going to present the “living Christ” to this world (He won’t be boxed in. He won’t honor racism.)
B. CHRIST IS NEVER BLINDED BY THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS
1. Church is for the sinner - but many pious “saints” have slammed the door.
2. Spiritual Gluttony can blind us of our priorities.
3. An escapist attitude can blind us of our priorities.
4. Cliche church Groups can blind us of our priorities.
IV. HIS LIFE IS STRONGER THAN THE POWER OF THE LAW
Luke 19:9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
a. He didn’t want what the Pharisee’s had - a lifeless law.
b. The law didn’t hold the power of life - only Jesus.
