Grief on SermonAudio

The sermon exhorts believers to align their speech and conduct with their new identity in Christ, emphasizing that ethical imperatives flow from salvation rather than causing it. It highlights the destructive nature of corrupt language and the necessity of using words to build up others and give grace, thereby avoiding grief to the Holy Spirit. The preacher contrasts the old life of bitterness and slander with the new life characterized by kindness, tenderness, and radical forgiveness modeled after Christ's sacrifice. By examining personal relationships and internal motives, the message challenges listeners to evidence true faith through a transformed manner of living that reflects God's love. Ultimately, the cross serves as the primary motivation for pursuing holiness and extending mercy to others.

The sermon explores the profound suffering of Job in chapter 19, highlighting his feelings of abandonment, isolation, and divine opposition. It contrasts Job's incomplete understanding of his trials with the believer's knowledge of God's sovereign purposes revealed in Scripture. The central message rests on Job's declaration that his Redeemer lives, shifting focus from the mystery of pain to the certainty of future vindication. By connecting this Old Testament hope to the resurrection of Jesus Christ described in Acts 13, the text affirms that present suffering is not the final word for believers. Rev. Barnhart urges listeners to bring their grief to God without letting experience distort their view of His character or goodness.

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The sermon emphasizes the sharp distinction between believers and the world by examining Ephesians 5:3-7. It argues that genuine faith produces a changed attitude toward sin, characterized by grief over wrongdoing rather than indifference. The text condemns sexual immorality, covetousness, perversity and foolishness in speech as evidence of spiritual death and idolatry. A dangerous deception is identified in the cultural trend that separates belief from behavior, ignoring God's righteous wrath against disobedience. True salvation results in a militant war against sin and a clear walk as children of light.

In this message from Rom 9: 1-5, titled "A Love for Our Nation," we see Paul's own love for his kinsmen even though they are a nation still in rebellion. We consider this under these headings, 1) The Great Sorrow, 2) The Great Substitutionary Love, and 3) The Great Privileges. As always I claim no originality but will quote, cite, refer to various sources including, Calvin, Lenski, Hodge, Sproul, Moo, Murray, Plumer, Shreiner, Smeaton, Fesko, Hendriksen, Wilson, and others.

A heavy heart can more often be helped by a good word fitly spoken, rather than by heavy counsel, careless correction, or attempts to fix what cannot be undone. Drawing from the Proverbs, we can see that heaviness of heart often comes from grief, disappointment, betrayal, or loss, and that wisdom, prudence, understanding, love, and timing are necessary if we are going to truly help others. Words from the wicked, the careless, or the hypocritical can destroy even when they sound helpful, while words rooted in righteousness can bring gladness and hope to the burdened soul. Believers should walk in righteousness, love one another sincerely, speak with discernment, and seek to be the kind of people who can safely encourage the heavy hearted.

The sermon explores the life of David as a model for believers navigating the Christian journey from grief to glory. Using the metaphor of a J-curve, it illustrates how descent into adversity and mourning is a necessary process for spiritual maturity and ultimate restoration. The preacher emphasizes that grieving is not a sign of failed faith but a vital part of trusting God's promises during times of trial. By referencing David's lament over Saul and Jonathan, the message encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their 'already but not yet' state of salvation. Ultimately, it points to Jesus Christ as the one who descended into suffering to secure eternal glory for all who trust in Him.