Grace is one of the most elaborate paradoxes in the Bible. Every good thing in us, or that we do is NOT done by ourselves, but by God. "Whatever good there is in our lives and actions is all of God, and it was His before it was ours, was divine grace before it was human achievement – this indeed is a matter of God taking up our poor human nature into union with His own divine life." It is this "mystery" this "union of the divine with the human" that we are discussing in the term, "in Christ." Paul uses this term to describe a most wonderful privilege that every child of God has: to be not only identified as a follower of Christ, but to be a very real part of Christ and to have Him be a very real part of me.
Remember the story of 4 friends bringing a helpless man to Jesus in Mark 2 (also in Matt 9 and Luke 5): the miracle creates a discussion about forgiveness, but it also demonstrates the power of our thoughts: guilty thoughts destroy life, while an awareness of forgiveness brings healing. The man had to act on what he chose to believe about what Jesus was saying, versus what others were saying. When he identified himself with his sin – it caused sickness. When he identified himself with Jesus – it caused health.
"Connectedness" – "identification" is the key. Many places Jesus teaches this concept that is so central to the Christian life. In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6.9) when he teaches us to pray, "Our Father" this is part of what He has in mind. But nowhere does He make it any clearer than in His own prayer to the Father in John 17.20-23. This is a oneness with the Father and the Son.
Other texts – particularly of Paul speak clearly of this idea…
1 Corinthians 1.2-9
2 Corinthians 5.16-21
Ephesians 1. 13-14
Colossians 2. 9-12
My identity in Christ changes the way I look at the world, others, and myself. But does it change the way I experience trials and temptations? Specifically, does it help me in overcoming sin and Satan?
During our second hour of LifeQuest this Monday we’ll be discussing the empowerment principle of the Christian.
How have you overcome known sin/bad habits in your life?
Matthew 4…Temptations of Jesus- not just our Substitute, but also our Example. If He can do it, can we? How did Jesus handle temptation? By dependency on His Father through faith in Word.
John 8. 42-47…Your father makes a difference. These are religious leaders – ouch! Who are we identifying with? Are you acting more like you are the offspring of the Devil? In rebellion? Or, like God?
1 John 3.6-9,24…If you are in Christ, you do NOT sin. What does he mean? Is he serious? Maybe he knows something we aren’t tapping into. Maybe our solution is NOT to water down the Gospel and it’s power in our life, but to tap into it. Maybe we are NOT connected enough.
Rev 2-3…the overcomers get the prize. Why overcomers?
Romans 7…a struggling Christian: awareness, no power, guilt, shame
Romans 8…an overcoming Christian.
What makes the difference? Should we expect victory?
Phil 4.13…I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. How does He strengthen you? What has been your experience? How does God do this thing? Why aren’t more of us experience victory? Are our genetics and learned behavior stronger than the Holy Spirit? Are drug addictions, alcoholism, etc stronger than God?
Ephesians 6. 10+…the armor of God
Conclusion
Jn 5.1-9…Paralitic by pool of Bethsaida – choosing to act on His Word. Is it more difficult for us today, than for this paralitic?
Life Application
Appeal
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