Why did Jesus have

to die?

The cross is central.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who arebeing saved it is the powerof God. 1 Cor 1: 18; 23

Why did Jesus have to die?• For us: We are chosen• For our sin: We are a new creation• For our relationship with God’s church• For our relationship with

one another• For our death and life• For us to live spiritually aware

Looking at Paul’s letter to the Ephesians

Ephesians Ch 5: 1 – 21 (- 6:9)

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper forGod’s holy people.

4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: no immoral, impure or greedy person - such a person is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are

disobedient.7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.14 This is why it is said:‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’

15 Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to

one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks toGod the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

The cross is all about the conquest of evil.At the cross Jesus triumphed over the devil.How did Jesus win victory?Six unfolding stages.

1. Conquest predicted

Prediction given by God in garden of Eden.Every other prophecy is about crushing Satan.

2. Conquest begun

Many attempts to get rid of JesusBut we see Jesus stand strong.

The Kingdom of God advances.Satan retreats - healings; demons

3. Conquest achieved

As sin was cancelled the devil was defeated.Jesus resisted his temptations.He remained uncontaminated, uncontrolled, free.The devil had no foothold – so had to concede defeat.

4. Conquest confirmed & announced

Cross: Victory over devil, sin and death.

Resurrection: Victory endorsed, proclaimed, demonstrated.

5. Conquest extended

Mission in the power of the Holy Spirit.•Preach Christ crucified•Repent and believe•From dark to lightEvery conversion is a power struggle.Transferring of power in a person from Satan to God.

6. Conquest consummated

Jesus is already reigning.Ultimately every knee will bow, every tongue confess.Then – all evil dominion, authority and power will have been destroyed.

We enter into the victory Jesus has already won.We don’t need to battle the devil. We are made alive with Christ and seated in the heavenly realms.Eph 1:20-23

We feel the tension of this.

Beware triumphalismBeware defeatismEmbrace learning.

Find out what pleases the Lord. v10

For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. 5:8 Not just in the light - but become the light.Whole lives changed from darkness to light.As we live as children of the light (v9) our lives shine with all that is good and right and true.

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 1 John 3:8The days are evil.. v16

Where do wesee the worksof the Devil?

Where does hebring his tyranny?

Tyranny of the law.God’s moral code is holy, righteous and good.

Liberated from tyranny rather than law itself.Be careful how you live v15Jesus died to free us and to commit us to obedience. Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a sacrifice to God v2

Tyranny of the flesh.We are no longer slaves to sin. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Jn 8:36Paul urges us to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness.. v11Openness & transparency are key.Light exposes the darkness.…everything exposed by the lightbecomes visible. v13It also transforms all it touches...everything that is illuminated becomes a light. v14

Tyranny of the world.Through temptation the devil gets a foothold.Through the world he exerts pressure.Jesus I have overcome the world Jn 16:3.’ Rejection of the distorted values of the world. Maintaining a godly perspective.

Tyranny of fear of death ..free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Heb 2:14 – 15 Jesus has taken away our sin – so we have nothing to fear in death.Death has lost its power to harm.

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. John 11:25

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. v15Instead…Be filled with the spirit v18A command for us this morning!It’s for all of usIt’s passive It’s present and ongoing

It’s life for us!

Why did Jesus die?God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his

Son.  Whoever has the Son has life. 1 Jn 5: 11