Understand and embrace the transformative power of being in Christ, which makes us a new creation and enables us to live out this new life.
Good morning, church family!
Today we're going to dive deep into a powerful passage from 2 Corinthians 5:17, where it says,
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
This passage is all about transformation, about becoming a new creature in Christ, understanding the impact of being in Christ, and living out the new you.
In the words of A.W. Tozer, "The man who has struggled to purify himself and has had nothing but repeated failures will experience real relief when he stops tinkering with his soul and looks away to the perfect One." So today, let's look away from our own efforts and instead focus on the transformative power of being in Christ.
Let's bow our heads in prayer.
Lord, we thank you for this day, for the gift of life and salvation. As we delve into your word today, open our hearts and minds to truly understand and embrace the new life you offer us in Christ. May we grasp the impact of being in Christ and live out this new life you've given us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Now, let's get started.
When we accept Christ into our lives, we are not merely adding a new dimension to our existing selves; we are, in fact, becoming entirely new beings. This is not a superficial change, but a deep, fundamental transformation that affects every aspect of our lives.
The phrase "new creature:" This implies a complete metamorphosis, much like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. A caterpillar and a butterfly are the same organism, but they are fundamentally different in form, function, and purpose. Similarly, when we become new creatures in Christ, we are fundamentally changed. We retain our identity, but our form, function, and purpose are radically transformed.
What it’s about: This transformation is not just about personal improvement or moral reform. It is not about becoming a better version of our old selves. It is about becoming something entirely new. The old self, with its sinful nature and worldly desires, has passed away. The new self, created in the image of Christ, has come to life. This new self is characterized by righteousness, holiness, and love for God and others.
We are no longer defined by our past: Our past mistakes, failures, and sins no longer have a hold on us. We are not defined by what we have done, but by what Christ has done for us. In Christ, we are forgiven, redeemed, and made righteous. Our identity is no longer rooted in our past, but in our relationship with Christ.
We have a new purpose in life: Our purpose is no longer to live for ourselves, but to live for Christ. We are called to serve God and others, to share the good news of the gospel, and to strive for the advancement of God's kingdom. Our lives are no longer centered around our own desires and ambitions, but around God's will and purposes.
We have a new source of strength and power: We are not left to struggle on our own, but we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us, enabling us to overcome sin, resist temptation, and live a life that is pleasing to God.
Not just a theological abstraction: It is a lived reality that has profound implications for our daily lives. It affects how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we live our lives. It gives us hope, purpose, and power. It is the foundation of our identity, our mission, and our destiny.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about when you first invited Jesus into your heart and how it has transformed your life?
The impact of being in Christ is a concept that goes beyond mere religious affiliation or adherence to a set of doctrines ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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