Why The Cross? – A Debt Must Be Paid

Pastor David continues through our Easter series titled “Why The Cross?”. Join us for worship this Sunday at 10:30 in-person or online!

Sermon Audio

Notes

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When a debt gets _________________ there is fantastic ________________ and super ______________________! 

-Matt. 18:21-35

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  (Col. 3:13)

God has forgiven your __________________ debt, therefore, forgive others their ______ debts against you.  

I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore, be holy, because I am holy.  (Leviticus 11:45)

Q: What do you call it when a person can’t pay their debts?

A: ___________________

-Hebrews 7:23-27

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.  (Col. 3:13-14) (ESV)


Digging Deeper

Q1: When you were younger what could you buy for a penny/nickel/dime?

Q3: Have you ever been in the uncomfortable position of not being able to pay off a debt?  If so, what did that feel like? Conversely, have you ever had the joy of paying off a debt?  If so, what did that look like and feel like?

Q3: Read Luke 7:36-47.  What does this passage teach us about our indebtedness to God and how that debt gets dealt with?

Q4: Have you ever been a guarantor (co-signer) for someone?  If so, what was that experience like?

Q5: Pastor Dave described us as being spiritually “bankrupt”.  What other words does that term “bankrupt” bring to mind?  How do those other words deepen your appreciation for all that Jesus did for you on the cross?

Q6: Do you think people today think of themselves as being spiritually “bankrupt”? Why or why not?

Q7: What do the following passages teach you about debt?  How do those principles relate to our spiritual debt caused by sin? 

  • Ex. 22:25–27
  • Deut. 24:6, 10–13
  • Neh. 5:3, 4
  • Psalm 37:21
  • Prov. 11:15
  • Prov. 22:26