Francis Chan: When Sin Looks More Enjoyable Than God

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is a powerful reminder of the love relationship between God and humanity. The Bible teaches us that God looks at us as his bride, desiring to be in a loving relationship with us, just like a husband desires his wife. However, many people have turned away from this love, choosing instead to follow worthless idols and pursue their own interests. We are reminded of the importance of choosing God over our temptations, and being faithful to our loving Father who has given us an inheritance beyond measure.

Key Scripture References

• Jeremiah 2:1-5 - In this passage, God remembers the devotion of Israel's youth when they were like a bride who loved him and followed him through the desert. However, he laments that they have strayed far from him, following worthless idols instead. This serves as a reminder of the love relationship we are called to with God.
• Jeremiah 2:11-13 - Here, God expresses his dismay at Israel's infidelity, comparing them to an unfaithful wife who has left her husband for other lovers. He laments that they have traded their glory (him) for worthless idols and have dug broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
• Jeremiah 3:19 - In this passage, God expresses his desire to treat Israel as sons, giving them a desirable land and inheritance. However, he laments that they have turned away from following him, just like an unfaithful wife who leaves her husband.
• Matthew 23:37-39 - Here, Jesus looks at Jerusalem with sorrow, lamenting that he wanted to gather them under his wings but they were not willing. This serves as a reminder of God's desire for us to be in a loving relationship with him.
• James 1:13-16 - In this passage, James warns against temptation, reminding us that it is not just about resisting sin, but also about choosing God over our temptations. He laments that people often choose their sin over their love relationship with God.

Key Takeaways

This message reminds us of the importance of choosing God over our temptations and being faithful to our loving Father who has given us an inheritance beyond measure. We are called to be in a loving relationship with God, just like a husband and wife. When we turn away from this love, we are reminded that it is not because God did something wrong, but rather because we have chosen something else over him.

Application

As we reflect on these passages, let us be reminded of the love relationship we are called to with God. Let us choose to resist temptation and instead pursue a deeper love for our Father who has given us so much. May we be faithful to our loving Husband who desires to be in a loving relationship with us.