Awakening to Our Identity and Urgency in Christ

 

Summary

In our exploration of Romans 13:11-14, we delve into the Apostle Paul's exhortation to live in the light of our salvation, which is nearer now than when we first believed. This passage calls us to awaken from spiritual slumber, recognizing the urgency of the times we live in. Paul intertwines doctrinal truths with practical applications, emphasizing that Christian living cannot be separated from doctrine. We are reminded that we live in the time between Christ's first and second advents, a period marked by anticipation and hope for His return. This eschatological perspective shapes our understanding of time, life, and the future.

Paul's message is clear: a profound change has occurred in us. This transformation is not due to our inherent abilities but because of the salvation we have received. We are no longer part of the world; we belong to the community of believers, the "us" Paul refers to. This distinction is crucial, as it underscores the fundamental change in our position and identity. Salvation is not primarily about feelings or experiences but about our new status in Christ. Our feelings may fluctuate, but our position in Christ remains steadfast.

The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of light and darkness to illustrate our new identity. We have been transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light. This change is not just a future hope but a present reality. We are already seated in heavenly places with Christ, even as we live in this world. This dual reality calls us to live as children of the light, reflecting our heavenly citizenship in our earthly conduct.

This understanding of our identity and position in Christ should profoundly impact our daily lives. We are called to live in a manner worthy of our calling, not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds. As we await the full realization of our salvation, we are to walk honestly, casting off the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light.

Key Takeaways:

- Awakening to Urgency: Recognize the urgency of the times we live in, as our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. This awareness should awaken us from spiritual slumber and motivate us to live with purpose and intentionality. [00:43]

- Transformation in Christ: Our identity in Christ is marked by a profound transformation. We are no longer part of the world but belong to the community of believers. This change is not based on our abilities but on the salvation we have received. [04:13]

- Living in the Light: As believers, we have been transferred from darkness to light. This new identity calls us to live as children of the light, reflecting our heavenly citizenship in our earthly conduct. [11:10]

- Dual Reality of Salvation: While we await the full realization of our salvation, we are already seated in heavenly places with Christ. This dual reality should shape our perspective and influence how we live in this world. [34:13]

- Conduct Worthy of Our Calling: Our understanding of our identity and position in Christ should impact our daily lives. We are called to live in a manner worthy of our calling, casting off the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light. [44:26]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Romans 13:11-14
- [00:43] - Urgency of the Times
- [01:20] - Doctrine and Practical Living
- [02:21] - Understanding Our Time
- [03:23] - Hope in Christ's Return
- [04:13] - Transformation in Us
- [05:34] - Distinction Between Us and the World
- [07:22] - Salvation Beyond Feelings
- [09:10] - Assurance of Our Position
- [11:10] - From Darkness to Light
- [16:08] - The New Birth
- [19:25] - Nature of a Christian
- [25:00] - Already in the Day
- [34:13] - Seated in Heavenly Places
- [44:26] - Living as Children of Light

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 13:11-14
- Ephesians 2:4-6
- Colossians 1:12-13

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he says, "our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed"? How does this urgency relate to the way we live our lives? [00:43]

2. In Romans 13:11-14, Paul uses the metaphor of light and darkness. What are the specific actions he encourages believers to take in light of this metaphor? [01:00]

3. How does the sermon describe the distinction between "us" and "them" in terms of identity and belonging? What is the significance of this distinction? [05:34]

4. According to the sermon, what is the dual reality of salvation that believers experience? How is this dual reality described in Ephesians 2:4-6? [34:13]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding of time between Christ's first and second advents influence a believer's perspective on life and the future? [02:39]

2. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is not primarily about feelings or experiences. How does this perspective affect a believer's assurance of their faith and identity in Christ? [07:22]

3. What does it mean to "put on the armor of light," and how does this relate to living as children of the light in our daily conduct? [23:23]

4. How does the concept of being "seated in heavenly places" with Christ impact a believer's view of their current life circumstances and challenges? [34:13]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual state. Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually asleep? What steps can you take to awaken and live with greater urgency and intentionality? [00:43]

2. Consider the transformation that has occurred in your life since becoming a believer. How does recognizing your new identity in Christ influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [04:13]

3. Identify specific "works of darkness" that you need to cast off. What practical steps can you take to replace these with actions that reflect your identity as a child of the light? [23:23]

4. How can you cultivate a mindset that is more focused on your heavenly citizenship rather than being consumed by earthly concerns? What changes might you need to make in your priorities or habits? [34:13]

5. Think about a situation where you struggled to live in a manner worthy of your calling. What can you learn from that experience, and how can you apply those lessons to future challenges? [44:26]

6. How can you encourage others in your community to recognize and embrace their identity in Christ? What role can you play in helping them live out this identity in practical ways? [06:25]

7. Reflect on the dual reality of salvation. How does this understanding provide hope and motivation in your spiritual journey, especially during difficult times? [34:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Awakening to Spiritual Urgency
In Romans 13:11-14, Paul emphasizes the urgency of the times, urging believers to awaken from spiritual slumber. This awakening is not just about being aware of the world's state but recognizing that our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The call is to live with purpose and intentionality, understanding that the time between Christ's first and second advents is marked by anticipation and hope. This awareness should motivate us to live in a way that reflects our readiness for Christ's return, casting off complacency and embracing a life of spiritual vigilance. [00:43]

"And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to awaken from any spiritual complacency and live with a renewed sense of urgency and purpose?


Day 2: Transformation in Christ
The transformation that occurs in believers is profound and rooted in our identity in Christ. This change is not based on our abilities but on the salvation we have received. We are no longer part of the world but belong to the community of believers. This new identity is not about fluctuating feelings but a steadfast position in Christ. Understanding this transformation helps us to live out our faith authentically, knowing that our identity is secure in Him. [04:13]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ as a new creation influence the way you approach challenges and opportunities today?


Day 3: Living in the Light
As believers, we have been transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light. This new identity calls us to live as children of the light, reflecting our heavenly citizenship in our earthly conduct. This transformation is not just a future hope but a present reality, urging us to live in a way that honors our position in Christ. By living in the light, we demonstrate the reality of our faith and the hope we have in Him. [11:10]

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally reflect your identity as a child of light in your interactions and decisions today?


Day 4: Dual Reality of Salvation
While we await the full realization of our salvation, we are already seated in heavenly places with Christ. This dual reality shapes our perspective and influences how we live in this world. It reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven, and we are called to live with an eternal perspective. This understanding encourages us to focus on what truly matters, aligning our lives with God's purposes and living in anticipation of His return. [34:13]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of your heavenly citizenship influence your priorities and decisions today?


Day 5: Conduct Worthy of Our Calling
Our understanding of our identity and position in Christ should impact our daily lives. We are called to live in a manner worthy of our calling, casting off the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light. This involves a conscious decision to reject worldly patterns and embrace a life transformed by the renewing of our minds. By doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and fulfill our calling as His followers. [44:26]

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." (Ephesians 4:1, ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to align your conduct with your calling in Christ, casting off darkness and embracing the light?

Quotes


The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of light and darkness to illustrate our new identity. We have been transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light. This change is not just a future hope but a present reality. We are already seated in heavenly places with Christ, even as we live in this world. [00:11:10]

Salvation must never be thought of primarily or essentially in terms of feelings or experiences. They're involved, but in many ways, they are the least important part of Salvation. What is the great thing in Salvation? Oh, the great thing about salvation is this: that we no longer belong to them, but we belong to us. [00:06:55]

The Christian Church, the original early church, the New Testament Church, and the New Testament writings are not concerned to appeal to the world for conduct. That's not their business. The New Testament Epistles are addressed to Christians, to Believers. They're addressed to us, not to them. There is this sharp fundamental distinction between the church and the world. [00:06:21]

The Apostle assumes that we know all of this, but at this point, he introduces a statement which looks at first as if he's contradicting himself. You now let me read it to you again. Listen to this: and that knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep. [00:22:51]

The Apostle Paul, when he had his Commission on the road to Damascus, the commission was given to him in these very terms. The reason the Lord said to him that he wanted to make him a minister and a witness both of the things which thou has seen and of those things in which I will appear unto thee. [00:11:35]

The Apostle is emphasizing here now here, of course, as I've been pointing out, he's really summing up what he's been saying several times before and in many different places. He said all this in chapter 6. There you see he starts to the question, what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that Grace May abound? [00:13:03]

The Apostle shows that that is equally an argument for practicing and living the Christian Life in the way that he has been outlining it in these two chapters 12 and 13. Well now then we come now to the fourth principle or section if you like in this doctrinal argument. [00:03:50]

The Apostle constantly plays on this particular idea because it is the most enthralling idea that one can ever grasp. Take for instance how we works it out in the famous passage in 2 Corinthians chapter 6 where he puts it like this: be ye not unequally yoke together with unbelievers. [00:30:13]

The Apostle is producing in order to encourage these Roman Christians and us to live the Christian Life as he has been outlining it from the beginning of chapter 12. We see that he blends doctrinal argument with practical application as he always does. You can't separate these things. [00:01:16]

The Apostle is emphasizing here now here, of course, as I've been pointing out, he's really summing up what he's been saying several times before and in many different places. He said all this in chapter 6. There you see he starts to the question, what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that Grace May abound? [00:13:03]

The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of light and darkness to illustrate our new identity. We have been transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light. This change is not just a future hope but a present reality. We are already seated in heavenly places with Christ, even as we live in this world. [00:11:10]

The Apostle Paul, when he had his Commission on the road to Damascus, the commission was given to him in these very terms. The reason the Lord said to him that he wanted to make him a minister and a witness both of the things which thou has seen and of those things in which I will appear unto thee. [00:11:35]

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Transcript
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