"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.
If the Christian life is so easy, why is it so difficult?
Who I am determines HOW I live. We need to constantly remind ourselves WHO we are in Christ.
Matt 4 … temptation was at the core an issue of identity. Live by senses, not by faith.
2 Cor 5.16-21…look at Christ, others, and myself differently: from God’s perspective
1 John 3.1-2…Now children of God
Who I am in Christ determines how I live in the world. He is my Savior and my Example.
Before and After Christ…(p. 2135)
Ephesians 4. 17-25…old/new
Colossians 2.6-12…be who you are
Colossians 3.1-17…
The empowerment principle of the Christian.
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
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