Embracing Our Identity in Christ: A Transformative Journey
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the essence of our identity in Christ and the transformative power it holds in our lives. We began by acknowledging the incredible journey our church has been on, celebrating 75 years of gospel ministry. This milestone is a testament to God's kindness and faithfulness, and it propels us to look forward with hope and expectation for what He will do in the future. As we prepare for upcoming initiatives, we invite everyone to participate in a survey that will help shape our path forward, ensuring that we move together as a unified body.
We explored the characteristics of our new identity in Christ, as outlined in Colossians 3:12-17. This passage calls us to embody compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love. These virtues are not just moral improvements but are the essence of our new humanity in Christ. They are the markers of a life transformed by the gospel, a life that is attractive and compelling to the world around us. We are reminded that our identity in Christ is not just about personal growth but about living in community, bearing with one another, and forgiving as the Lord has forgiven us.
The sermon also touched on the importance of letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and allowing the word of Christ to dwell in us richly. This means immersing ourselves in Scripture, letting it shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. It is through this immersion that we can live peaceably with others and reflect the character of Christ in all we do.
As we move forward, we are encouraged to live out this new identity with intentionality, seeking accountability and support from one another. We are called to be a people who reflect the love and grace of Jesus in every aspect of our lives, knowing that all of life is all for Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unified Vision for the Future: As we celebrate 75 years of ministry, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and are called to look forward with hope. Our upcoming initiatives and the survey are opportunities for us to move together as a unified body, ensuring that we are aligned with God's vision for our church. [14:20]
2. Characteristics of Our New Identity: Colossians 3:12-17 outlines the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love. These are not just moral improvements but the essence of our new humanity in Christ. They are the markers of a life transformed by the gospel. [45:18]
3. Living in Community: Our identity in Christ is not just about personal growth but about living in community. We are called to bear with one another, forgive as the Lord has forgiven us, and let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. This is how we reflect the character of Christ in our relationships. [46:54]
4. Immersing in Scripture: Letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly means immersing ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. It is through this immersion that we can live peaceably with others and reflect the character of Christ. [01:03:49]
5. Intentional Living and Accountability: We are encouraged to live out our new identity with intentionality, seeking accountability and support from one another. This involves being open to correction and rebuke, as these are opportunities for growth and alignment with God's will. [49:52]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [14:20] - Introduction and Church Initiatives
- [39:57] - South Asia Mission Update
- [44:05] - Personal Reflections and Life Experiences
- [45:18] - Characteristics of Our New Identity
- [46:54] - Forgiveness and Overlooking Offenses
- [49:52] - Humility and Teachability
- [01:01:54] - Peace of Christ and Relationships
- [01:03:49] - Immersing in Scripture
- [01:05:24] - Worship and Music's Role
- [01:07:19] - Living Out Our New Identity
- [01:08:10] - Invitation to Respond and Pray
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 3:12-17
Observation Questions:
1. What virtues does Paul encourage believers to "put on" in Colossians 3:12-17, and how are these virtues described in the sermon? [45:18]
2. According to the sermon, what role does the peace of Christ play in our hearts and relationships? [46:54]
3. How does the sermon describe the process of letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly? [01:03:49]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of living out our new identity in Christ with intentionality? [01:07:19]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the connection between our identity in Christ and living in community with others? [46:54]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that immersing ourselves in Scripture can transform our thoughts and actions? [01:03:49]
3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of forgiveness in our relationships, and how does it relate to our identity in Christ? [46:54]
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of living with intentionality and seeking accountability in our spiritual growth? [01:07:19]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-17. Which one do you find most challenging to embody, and what steps can you take to cultivate it in your daily life? [45:18]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Is there a specific area in your life where you struggle to find peace? How can you invite Christ's peace into that situation? [46:54]
3. Consider your current engagement with Scripture. What changes can you make to ensure that the word of Christ dwells in you more richly? [01:03:49]
4. Forgiveness is a key theme in the sermon. Is there someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? What steps can you take to move towards reconciliation? [46:54]
5. The sermon calls for intentional living and accountability. Identify one area of your spiritual life where you desire growth. Who can you ask to hold you accountable, and how will you approach them? [01:07:19]
6. As we celebrate 75 years of ministry, how can you contribute to the unified vision for the future of the church? What role can you play in upcoming initiatives? [14:20]
7. Reflect on the idea that "all of life is all for Him." How can you align your daily actions and decisions with this truth? What specific changes might you need to make? [01:05:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Celebrating God's Faithfulness and Vision for the Future
As the church celebrates 75 years of gospel ministry, it stands as a testament to God's unwavering kindness and faithfulness. This milestone is not just a reflection of the past but a beacon of hope for the future. The congregation is encouraged to participate in a survey that will help shape the church's path forward, ensuring that everyone moves together as a unified body. This collective effort is a reminder that the church's journey is not just about individual growth but about aligning with God's vision for the community. [14:20]
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: As you reflect on God's faithfulness in your life, what new vision or direction do you sense He is calling you to pursue in the coming year?
Day 2: Embodying the Virtues of Our New Identity
Colossians 3:12-17 outlines the virtues that define our new identity in Christ: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love. These virtues are not mere moral improvements but the essence of our new humanity in Christ. They serve as markers of a life transformed by the gospel, making it attractive and compelling to the world around us. Embracing these virtues is a call to live out our faith in tangible ways, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in our daily interactions. [45:18]
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: Which of these virtues do you find most challenging to embody in your daily life, and how can you take a practical step today to cultivate it?
Day 3: Living in Community and Forgiveness
Our identity in Christ calls us to live in community, bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord has forgiven us. This communal aspect of our faith is essential for reflecting the character of Christ in our relationships. By letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, we can navigate conflicts and differences with grace and understanding. This peace is not just an internal state but a guiding principle for how we interact with others, fostering unity and harmony within the body of Christ. [46:54]
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone in your community with whom you need to seek reconciliation or extend forgiveness? How can you take a step towards peace today?
Day 4: Immersing in Scripture for Transformation
Letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly involves immersing ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. This immersion is not just about acquiring knowledge but about transformation, enabling us to live peaceably with others and reflect the character of Christ. By prioritizing time in God's Word, we open ourselves to His guidance and wisdom, equipping us to navigate life's challenges with faith and confidence. [01:03:49]
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create a daily habit of immersing yourself in Scripture, and what specific changes do you hope to see in your life as a result?
Day 5: Intentional Living and Seeking Accountability
Living out our new identity in Christ requires intentionality, seeking accountability and support from one another. This involves being open to correction and rebuke, viewing them as opportunities for growth and alignment with God's will. By fostering a culture of accountability, we can encourage one another to live lives that reflect the love and grace of Jesus. This intentional living is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, inviting others to experience the same hope and renewal. [49:52]
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Galatians 6:1, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you invite to hold you accountable in your spiritual journey, and how can you create a space for honest and loving feedback?
Quotes
1) "I really believe, I'm not, this is just not a pastoral line. I really believe some of our greatest days are ahead as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who's the author and perfecter of our faith. So scan that QR code, read the paper and be ready for a survey November 1st. And I'll see you next time. I'm excited about what God's going to do." [14:20] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "All of life, as a friend of mine, some dear friends of mine and a pastor in Phoenix says, all of life is all for Jesus. And we wanna live with a sense of urgency. You may not go to South Asia. You may not go to Graceland Church, Charlestown. You may be here and that's okay, but we want our lives, our relationships, our influence, our money, our time. It's all his. You got one life, God. Teach us to have a heart. Teach us to number our days so that we would have a heart of wisdom." [44:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "I want to be a man, a husband, a dad, a pastor, a neighbor, a friend who's compassionate, who's kind, who's humble, who's meek, who's gentle, who's patient and loving and I want the peace of Christ to rule my heart. Isn't that what you wanna be? We can do that through the power of Jesus in our lives and that is an ethic, that is a life that is so unbelievably, attractive and appealing and compelling, is it not?" [45:18] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "The peace of Christ rules in your heart and in relationships as your life dwells in the word of God. I mean, we're a church that wants to stand on the word, immerse ourselves in the word, preach in the word, sing the word, pray the word, pursue the word. Let the word dwell in you richly. Be a person who reads and studies and prays and memorizes and thinks and orders your life by the word. Everything we need for life and guidelines is found in the word." [01:03:49] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "All of life is all for Jesus, public, private, external, internal, words, thoughts, actions, motives, all of life is to be about him, our new identity, the character of our new identity and the consequences of our new identity. Two questions you see on the screens. What would your life look like? What would your life look like if the truths in this passage became more visible and realized in your life? If you're a person of peace, a person of love, a person of humility, a person of compassion, a person of meekness, a person of patience, a person of gentleness, what would your life look like? Don't you wanna be that?" [01:07:19] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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