I Deserve It: Part 1 - "I Deserve Death But He Gave Me Life" with Craig Groeschel - LifeChurch.tv

I Deserve It, Part 1 – Two Thieves and the Gift None of Us Earn

Scripture References

Primary text

• Luke 23

Other references

• James 2:10
• Romans 6:23
• Ephesians 2:8-9
• Psalm 103
• 1 Peter 1:3

Overview

Craig began Easter-Sunday worship by declaring the empty tomb and then launched a new four-week series, “I Deserve It.” Using his own shoplifting story and Jesus’ crucifixion scene, he showed that everyone breaks God’s laws and therefore deserves death. Yet, like the repentant thief beside Jesus, anyone who turns to Christ in humble faith receives life instead of the judgment we merit.

Main Points

We are all guilty of breaking God’s laws

• Personal admission: before following Jesus, Craig stole regularly; motto with his friend “never a dry run.”
• James 2:10 – break one law, you are guilty of all.
• Romans 6:23 – the wages of sin is death.
• Illustration: caught stealing women’s running shorts for Mother’s Day; mall security twisted his arm, he wet his pants, and the incident started spiritual change.

Two thieves on two crosses (Luke 23)

• Crucifixion was the costliest, most painful, most humiliating Roman execution—reserved for the worst offenders.
• Jesus hung between two criminals who saw and heard the same things yet responded differently.

Thief #1 – Unrepentant heart

• Hurled insults: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
• Characteristics: arrogant, entitled, no fear of God, demanded rescue without admitting guilt.

Thief #2 – Repentant heart

• Rebuked the first: “Don’t you fear God…? We’re punished justly.”
• Acknowledged personal guilt and Jesus’ innocence.
• Simple plea: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
• Jesus’ immediate promise: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Grace, not works

• Ephesians 2:8-9 gripped Craig in college—salvation is by grace through faith, “not by works.”
• The dying thief could not “turn over a new leaf,” go to church, or perform good deeds; bound hands and imminent death left faith as his only option, and it was enough.
• Psalm 103: God does not treat us as our sins deserve; He removes them “as far as the east is from the west.”
• We do not have eternal life because we are good; we have it because God is good.

The resurrection seals the gift

• Jesus bore sin, declared “It is finished,” died, and rose three days later.
• His victory over death offers new birth and “living hope” (1 Peter 1:3) to all who call on His name.

Key Truths

• One sin makes us guilty before a holy God.
• Arrogance keeps people from grace; repentance opens the door to it.
• Salvation is entirely a gift—received by faith, never earned by works.
• Jesus’ promise to the repentant thief proves it is never too late for mercy.
• The empty tomb guarantees our living hope.

Response

• Admit your own sin without excuses.
• Approach God with humble repentance, not entitlement.
• Place full trust in Jesus’ finished work, not in personal goodness.
• Thank Christ regularly for bearing the judgment you deserved.
• Extend the same grace to others who wrong you.

Closing

Craig warned that two people can sit side by side, hear the same gospel, and choose opposite responses. Like the second thief, anyone can call on Jesus today and cross from death to life. The congregation celebrated many who raised hands to trust Christ, affirming:

“The tomb is empty; He is risen.”

Prayer

“Heavenly Father, forgive me for all my sins.
Make me brand-new.
I believe Jesus died for me and He rose again so I could live for You.
Fill me with Your Spirit so I can serve and follow You.
My life is not my own; today I give it to You.
Thank You for new life—now You have mine.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”