In Eric Lutter's sermon titled "The Third Plague," the primary theological topic addressed is the sovereignty of God in the context of human sin and the curse of the fall, as illustrated through Exodus 8:16-19. Lutter emphasizes that the third plague, which involves the creation of lice from the dust, symbolizes the inherent corruption of man and God's power to bring life from death, reflecting Reformed doctrines of total depravity and divine sovereignty. He draws connections between the plagues and scriptural insights, particularly citing Genesis 3:17-19 to demonstrate the curse brought upon humanity due to Adam's sin, and highlights that all are under sin and death. The practical significance of this plague reminds believers of their need for grace and the futility of self-righteousness, urging them to acknowledge their condition before God and to seek salvation through Jesus Christ, who redeems from the curse of sin.
Key Quotes
“This plague is a picture of the curse that is upon all men. We are under the curse by nature.”
“God is God, and man is not God. There is one God, one true and living God, and we are not it.”
“The Lord tells us that all our righteousnesses, all our good works, all our best deeds are as filthy rags in His sight.”
“The testimony that He is the Christ, that He is exactly who He said He is.”
The Bible reveals that all humanity is under the curse of sin due to Adam's transgression, as illustrated in Genesis 3.
According to Scripture, the curse of sin is the result of Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3:17-19, God declares that because of Adam's sin, the ground is cursed and will bring forth thorns and thistles. This curse extends to all humanity, leading to physical and spiritual death. Romans 5:12 expands upon this by stating that through one man's sin, death entered into the world, and thus, death passed upon all men—for all have sinned. This foundational truth underscores humanity's fallen state and dire need for redemption through Christ, who offers salvation from sin and its curse.
Genesis 3:17-19, Romans 5:12
God's sovereignty is evidenced throughout Scripture, highlighting His control over all creation and events.
The sovereignty of God is a central tenet of Reformed theology, emphasizing that God is the ultimate authority and controller of all things. Scripture attests to this, noting in Proverbs 21:1 that the heart of the king is in the Lord's hand, and He directs it as He wills. This means that no event occurs outside of God's ordained plan. Furthermore, Romans 8:28 assures believers that all things work together for good to those who love God, underscoring that God orchestrates every situation for His glory and the ultimate good of His people. Faith in God's sovereignty provides comfort in knowing that nothing is by chance; everything is under His divine providence and purpose.
Proverbs 21:1, Romans 8:28
Acknowledgment of God's power is essential for recognizing His authority and sovereignty over all creation.
Recognizing and acknowledging God's power is fundamental to the Christian faith, as it brings a proper understanding of His divine nature and our own helplessness. The magicians of Egypt acknowledged in Exodus 8:19 that what they witnessed was 'the finger of God', which points to the impotence of human effort against divine will. For Christians, this acknowledgment fosters humility, reminding us that we cannot attain salvation or righteousness through our own works. Instead, it leads us to rely solely on God's grace through Jesus Christ, who bestows life from death and righteousness from sin. This recognition encourages believers to trust in God's plans and purposes, as He demonstrates His control and authority in every aspect of life.
Exodus 8:19, Philippians 2:9-11
The third plague demonstrates God's judgment by revealing the curse of sin and mankind's helplessness.
The third plague, which produces lice from the dust, serves as a vivid illustration of God's judgment on humanity's sinfulness and the inherent curse that follows. This plague exposes the filthiness of both man and beast, emphasizing the universal condition of sin that afflicts all creation, as indicated in Exodus 8:16-17. It compels the Egyptians, including their magicians, to recognize their inability to confront God's will, highlighting that human efforts are futile against divine authority. This judgment points to the larger theological theme found throughout Scripture: God's holiness requires that sin be addressed and judged. Ultimately, the plague leads us to recognize that we are all in need of God's mercy and grace for redemption from our sinful state.
Exodus 8:16-17, Romans 3:23
The hardness of heart signifies a resistance to God's truth and a rejection of His grace.
In Scripture, particularly in Exodus 8:19, we see Pharaoh's resistance to God's revelations marked by a hardened heart. This concept signifies a refusal to respond to God's truth and an active opposition to His will. For believers, it serves as a grave warning against becoming complacent or indifferent toward God’s word and His call to repentance. Hardness of heart leads to spiritual blindness and separation from the grace that God offers through Jesus Christ, who came to save sinners. Therefore, Christians are encouraged to keep their hearts soft and receptive, responding to God's truth with humility and faith, lest they fall into the same pattern of rebellion seen in Pharaoh.
Exodus 8:19, Hebrews 3:15
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