Song – “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

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Song – “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr


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Sunday, August 30, 2020 pm – online lesson          

Sermons From Songs

I Know that My Redeemer Lives
#248 – Sacred Selections

This being the 5th Sunday, for the past several years I have devoted our evening service to the examination of a song we sing from time to time. God wants us to teach and admonish one another in our singing together (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:15).

Since our singing is a method of teaching, we need to understand the message of the songs we sing.   Our songs need to be edifying, truthful and understood.  Tonight, I would like to examine another song we sing occasionally – I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Both written and composed by Fred Filmore, born in 1856 in Paris, Illinois. His father, Augustus was a preacher in the Christian church, as well as a composer and hymn publisher.   When their father died, Fred and his brother James continued the publishing business and became even more prominent musically.     There are a few songs we sing that are associated with Fred Filmore – Are you Sowing the Seed? (507), and he composed “In the Desert of Sorrow and Sin”.

The song we notice tonight was copyrighted in 1917.   It is a song that reminds us that Our redeemer still lives.     The title and theme can be found in Job 19:25. Job was afflicted, and as we know he erroneously thought it was the hand of God though he did not know why. But he was in great misery crying out to be heard by God and seemingly receiving no answer. He is repulsed and avoided by his family and friends and mocked by all who see him.   But even though he lacks understanding, he utters the words, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.“ (Job 19:25-27).

As we continue to live in these uncertain times that seem to portray an utter rejection of God and His ways, and as we struggle to cope with this pandemic it is a good time to remind ourselves of the message we find in this song. So let us take a few moments to consider its message.

The Chorus –

  1. I want to begin with the chorus because it applies throughout this song –
  2. “I know” – This song is about a confidence that one has in God.   It is conviction that He is.   It is faith! (Hebrews 11:1).   Consider 2 Timothy 1:12, Phil 3:8-10.   There is something about a faith that has been tested and proven – romans 5:3-5 – hope does not disappoint.
  3. My Redeemer – what is a redeemer? One who liberates (makes free) or pays the ransom to free someone.   Our redeemer of course is our Lord Jesus Christ – Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 1:18-19 – we were not redeemed with corruptible things…but with the precious blood of Christ…
  4. He lives – He arose from the dead. A major theme continually emphasized in sermons was how Jesus arose from the dead – Romans 1:3-4, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.   This is a resurrection song,
    We must also not forget our belief in the eternal God who is in control, always has been and always will be.   This was Job’s declaration.

Verse 1 – What our Redeemer Is Doing for Us

  1. And ever prays for me – Jesus is an integral part of our prayers.
    We approach the Father through Him – Ephesians 5:20 we give thanks for all things to God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 2:5. Hebrews 7:25 – He intercedes for us.   1 John 2:1 _ He is our advocate.
  2. Eternal life He gives – He came to save us – John 10:10, The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.     Romans 6:23 also.
  3. From sin and sorrow free – both spiritual salvation (John 10:28) and help in this life – trusting in Him helps us deal with our sorrows –

Verse 2 – What our Redeemer wants us to do

  1. He wills that I should holy be – God’s desire is that we holy, even as He is holy -1 Peter 1:15-16.
    Again Titus 2:14 notes that we are His own special people, zealous for good works.
  2. In word, in thought, in deed -in every aspect of our lives – what we say, what we do and even what we think needs to be governed by Him – 2 Corinthians 10:5 speaks of bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ – if your thoughts are obedient, so will your words and deeds be.
  3. Then I His holy face may see, when from this earth-life freed – it is he who is holy who will see God.   Matthew 5:8 – it is the pure in heart that will see God.   Psalm 24:3-5 notes this as well, Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Verse 3 – What our Redeemer will do for us

  1. Unto sinful man His saving grace is nigh – Salvation is available to all – 1 Timothy 2:3-4
    Titus 2:11 tells us that the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
    That includes ME. And it also reminds me that it includes my neighbor – which means I need to seek opportunity to reach him.   2 Corinthians 5:10-11
  2. I know that He will come again, to take me home on high – we live for Him – whether we are addressing the troubles we face OR a realization that one day we will leave this earth, either way He is coming again – Acts 17:31 notes that God has appointed a day when He will judge the world; 2 Peter 3:10 tells us it will come “as a thief in the night” meaning we must always be prepared.
    But, WE, the believers do NOT fear that day, but instead we hasten it knowing what it means – 2 Peter 3:11-13 – we look for a new heavens and a new earth – i.e. a new home!
    1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 – He is returning, and we will be caught up in the air to always be with the Lord!   Comfort each other with these words.

Verse 4 – What our Redeemer has prepared for us

  1. Over yonder stands a place prepared for me – John 14:1-3 – Jesus made a promise that He would return.   Acts 1:11, even as He ascended, angels promised that He would come again in like manner.
    Hebrews 11:16 – are we desiring that heavenly country?
  2. A home, a house not made with hands most wonderful to see – 2 Corinthians 5:1 – we know that if our earthly house is destroyed, we have a home in heaven eternal.
    We sometimes sing of that mansion we are waiting for – it is a vision of how beautiful heaven must be.   While I am not sure exactly what my dwelling place will be, I know that it will be more wonderful than anything this world can describe!
    As true Christians, we sacrifice in this life if called upon to do so – but we know it is not for nothing.   We know that on the other side of eternity there is something better waiting – 2 Timothy 4:8 speaks of that place, as do so many other passages.

The chorus repeats our faith in our Redeemer.   We know He’s there and will save us if we obey Him and remain faithful. In troubling times like these, sing songs (James 5:13, Acts 16:25).   So many in this world live without hope.   I have hope, because I know that my Redeemer lives.   Do you? Think about it!

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