Pastor John began with passages from the book of Genesis to emphasize the need for the “created” to be with the source from which it is created in order that it may be sustained and thrive. For example, plants need the earth (Genesis 1:11); sea creatures need the water (Genesis 1:20); the birds need the sky (Genesis 1:20-21) and living creatures on the land need the earth to sustain them (Genesis 1:24). And then, what about man?
Man is created in God’s image and likeness therefore, man needs to be connected to God in order to live and to exist (Genesis 1:26-27, Acts 17:28). Man is the only creation that God breathes life into and this makes man a living soul (Genesis 2:7 and 1 Corinthians 15:45). For this reason, there is immeasurable value in a human soul for he carries a part of God in him that made him superior to all other creatures and creation. This also gives man immeasurable value in the sight of God and continues to be the focus of God’s attention (job 17:7).
Even King David marveled that God cares and thinks of man in Psalm 144:3. Pastor John shared of a time when he asked God why He would prefer man over all His creation. And God revealed to him that the relationship God has with us cannot be replicated nor replaceable. Each child is unique and precious to God – the value of one’s soul exceeds what the world can offer for ransom (Psalms 49:6-8).
A soul ravaged by sin is separated from the life of God and is destined to burn in the eternal lake of fire. Sin kills and destroys man. God is against sin because it takes man away from Him. Nothing in all creation can redeem man. Only the life of God himself can pay the price to redeem man. Jesus came and died for the sins of the whole world (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 1:18-19). The first man Adam became a living soul when God breathed into him and the last Adam, Jesus is a life-giving spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45).
Jesus promises in Matthew 10:42 that anyone who gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is his disciple will receive a reward. God’s revelation of the value of a soul to Pastor John prompted him to change the course of his life. Since then, he values what God values and loves what God loves. He has devoted his life to winning souls. We are told in Proverbs 11:30 that the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who is wise wins souls. In closing, Psalm 90:12 urges: So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Let us review our lives and consider whether what we are presently living for is worth what Jesus died for?
Discussion Questions
1) What might be the most precious thing you have ever had in your life? Why is it of high value to you? [10 min]
2) From the sermon, we learn that the human soul is of immense value to God. Imagine you have to tell someone that he/she matters to God. What would you say?[10 min]
3) Psalm 90:2 says “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”(ESV) Consider this scripture and share how you can live more wisely. [ 10min]
4) Pastor John said:” Loving God is loving what He loves and valuing what He values.” Share an area in your life that you are working at or wish to align with this. [10 min]
