We come to the idea of 'redemption' (v.7-8) - our need for a rescue and the cost of that rescue. For many in LA, those are not always popular ideas, but what is underneath is! How deep is this love? What are you worth to God? It's only to the degree we begin to grasp the depth of this that joy increasingly permeates our lives, and that is what begins to change us from the inside-out. Frankly, I need that! Let's talk about the uncomfortable notion of being "bought with blood" (v.7).
Discussion Questions
Which of the following is most important to you: time, money, glory (reputation), advancement, great experiences, or something else? When someone takes this one important thing from you, how do you tend to react? How do you seek to get back what they owe you?
On a deep and often private level, who do you feel still owes you something? We’ve all fantasized about payback and our enemies getting what they deserve. Recalling the sermon, how can “revenge” be twisted into restoration and healing as opposed to suffering and destruction? Have you ever experienced this?
Explain the meaning of “ransom” as if you were illustrating it to a child. How does this word clarify the gospel for you? How have you tried to make yourself more valuable (i.e., I can pay this myself!)? At what point does self-improvement become self-salvation?
In so many words, Russ said that lowering the bar can help us feel better about ourselves, but takes us to new depths of corruption. Do you tend to chase something you’ll never reach or relax the rules so you’re always in the safe zone? When you come up against your limits, do you try harder, lower your goals, or find rest in Jesus?
Without Jesus, “the plan” is one’s salvation, and they are their own savior. How is the gospel message the opposite of the self-improvement message? Recall that drowning man illustration. When did you first understand that you’re already dying or dead, and in need of a new resurrected life?
In Mark 10:45 Jesus said he came “to give his life as a ransom for many.” In Mark 14:24 He said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” To unbelievers, blood may seem unrelated to faith. Why does there have to be blood? Can’t God just forgive people, with a wave of His hand?
The gospel tells us that enemies can become family. Is this a crazy, unrealistic, not-gonna-happen idea, when you think about a person who owes you big-time? Read Romans 5:8. How can your source of value help you forgive?
