Irony – God’s Power • A Sermon Series on Irony in the Bible | Made Perfect in Weakness | Jesus

The Ironic Power of God: Introduction

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship explores the concept of irony as a recurring theme in the Bible, particularly in how God manifests his power and how followers of Yeshua (Jesus) are called to live. Matthew Vander Els introduces this idea by highlighting the seemingly paradoxical nature of God’s strength being revealed through weakness. He suggests that God often works in ways that defy worldly expectations and understanding. This sermon encourages believers to recognize and embrace this ironic reality in their own lives, mirroring the life and teachings of Yeshua.

The Example of Desmond Doss: Strength in Pacifism

The speaker begins by illustrating this concept with the story of Desmond Doss, a Sabbath-keeping soldier who received the Medal of Honor in World War II. Doss chose not to arm himself in battle, refusing to carry a gun or any other weapon. Instead, his commitment to the sanctity of life led him to serve as a medic, aiming to heal rather than harm. This conviction was met with disdain and mistreatment from his fellow soldiers, who viewed his pacifism as cowardice. Despite enduring verbal and physical abuse, Doss’s faith remained unwavering. During the Battle of Okinawa, at the cliffs later known as Hacksaw Ridge, Doss repeatedly ventured into heavy enemy fire, unarmed, to rescue 75 wounded soldiers after his unit was ordered to retreat. His actions, motivated by his faith and compassion for all lives, including enemy soldiers, exemplified true valor rooted in his beliefs. Doss’s story serves as a powerful example of how strength can be found in adhering to one’s convictions, even when it appears foolish or weak in the eyes of the world. His receiving the Medal of Honor as the first conscientious objector is presented as a profound irony, where his refusal to bear arms ultimately led to recognition for extraordinary bravery.

Biblical Irony: God’s Ways are Not Our Ways

The teaching emphasizes that the irony seen in Doss’s life is reflective of a broader pattern in the Bible. Just as Israel ironically transformed into the idols they worshipped, becoming unable to see, hear, or speak, God’s saving acts often come through unexpected means. The ultimate example of this is the crucifixion of Yeshua, where salvation came not through brute force but through humility, grace, and mercy on Calvary. This challenges the worldly understanding of power as domination and control. Followers of Yeshua are called to embrace this ironic way of life, mirroring their King. The Sermon on the Mount (or the Plain in Luke) is cited as a prime example, where Yeshua declares blessings upon the poor and the hungry, contrasting with the world’s valuation of wealth and status. This “switch up” reveals that the values of the Kingdom of God are often the opposite of worldly values.

The Mission of the Believer: Living an Ironic Life

The sermon explains that Yeshua’s coming was not just to conclude the biblical narrative or conquer sin and death, but to ignite a mission and establish a new standard for humanity. Those who follow Yeshua are now involved in this mission, called to be reborn and live in the “in-between place” with one foot in the old world and one in the new. They carry the “weapon called a cross” and live out the ironic life of the Kingdom of God, bringing healing and demonstrating what heaven looks like in a world filled with suffering. Believers are called to imitate Yeshua, becoming “little Christs” or reflections of their King.

Ambassadors of Christ: Representing the Kingdom

Drawing on 2 Corinthians 5:20, believers are described as ambassadors of Christ, royal emissaries of the King. Just as ancient emissaries were honored as representing their king, Christians are meant to represent Yeshua in the world. Their presence should reflect the love, mercy, grace, and reign of Jesus. This means treating others as Christ would, even when the world treats believers as it treated Christ. This understanding should permeate everyday life, from interactions at work and home to encounters in the community.

Living Righteously in a Fallen World: The Example of Joseph

The story of Joseph is presented as another example of living according to God’s principles in a world that operates differently. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and facing hardship in Egypt, Joseph chose to stand for righteousness, even when presented with opportunities that could have benefited him in worldly terms. His integrity in refusing Potiphar’s wife, despite the cultural context, led to his imprisonment. However, this seemingly negative event ultimately positioned him to interpret Pharaoh’s dream and become the ruler of Egypt, saving many lives from famine. Joseph’s response to his brothers after their father’s death further illustrates the ironic nature of God’s plan. Instead of seeking revenge for their betrayal, Joseph reassured them, stating, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” This highlights God’s ability to use evil intentions for good and underscores that God’s plans often extend beyond individual circumstances to the salvation of many.

Application for Everyday Life:

• Embrace Your Weakness: Recognize that true strength comes from God’s power working through your limitations.
• Be a Conscientious Objector: Resist participating in worldly values and actions that contradict the teachings of Yeshua.
• Live as an Ambassador: Represent Christ’s love, mercy, and grace in all your interactions.
• Prioritize God’s Definition of Justice: Don’t blindly follow the world’s ever-changing standards of right and wrong.
• Resist Temptation: Stand firm against worldly desires like lust, knowing you have the power to resist.
• See Through a Kingdom Lens: View the world and its people as God sees them, with compassion and a desire for their freedom from sin.
• Fight Evil Ironically: Stand against evil in ways that reflect the character of Yeshua, prioritizing love and redemption over retaliation.
• Remember Your Heavenly Citizenship: Let your primary allegiance be to the Kingdom of God, which will influence how you live on earth.
• Trust God’s Plan: Even in difficult circumstances, believe that God can use them for good, as seen in the story of Joseph.
• Emulate Yeshua’s Teachings: Study and apply the Sermon on the Mount and other teachings of Jesus to your daily life.

For more Bible Teachings, click the link.

References:

• Genesis 50:19
• 2 Corinthians 5:20
• 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Philippians 3:20
• John 18:36
• 1 John 5:4

Resources Mentioned:

• The Bible by Various Authors