Embracing the New Man: A Journey of Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing a New Identity in Christ

The transformation through Christ involves a complete shift in identity and lifestyle, moving from the old Adamic nature to a life rooted in Christ. This change is essential for accessing God's presence and receiving His guidance. The new man is not just a personal transformation but a collective experience for the church, as believers are called to live in unity and holiness, reflecting the character and nature of Christ. This transformation is a journey of sanctification, where believers are continually being renewed in the knowledge and image of Christ. [06:29]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What specific old habits or mindsets do you need to put off to fully embrace your new identity in Christ today?

Day 2: Conformity to Christ's Image

True sanctification is being conformed to the image of Christ, living a life that mirrors His holiness and righteousness. This transformation is only possible on the ground of Jesus, where believers find an open heaven and the Holy Spirit's presence. It involves a continual process of spiritual growth and maturity, moving beyond mere knowledge to a life actively transformed by the Spirit. This transformation is evident in actions, thoughts, and interactions, as believers embody the new man in every aspect of their lives. [08:53]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek to reflect Christ's holiness and righteousness in your daily interactions this week?

Day 3: Symbolic Acts of New Life

Baptism and the laying on of hands are symbolic acts of dying to the old self and embracing the new life in Christ. These acts signify entry into a new civilization, a new culture distinct from the world. They represent a commitment to live a life that is not influenced by the old ways but is continually being renewed in the knowledge and image of Christ. This new life is a call to live in unity and holiness, reflecting the character and nature of Christ as one body, transcending cultural and racial divisions. [44:01]

Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of your baptismal commitment to live a new life in Christ today?

Day 4: Continual Spiritual Growth

The journey of sanctification requires continual spiritual growth and maturity, moving beyond mere knowledge to a life actively transformed by the Spirit. This transformation is evident in actions, thoughts, and interactions, as believers embody the new man in every aspect of their lives. It is a call to set affections on heavenly matters, seeking the things above and allowing the Spirit to guide and transform every part of life. [20:32]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek spiritual growth and maturity? How can you take a step towards that growth today?

Day 5: Unity in the Body of Christ

The new man is not just an individual experience but a collective one for the church. Believers are called to live in unity and holiness, reflecting the character and nature of Christ as one body, transcending cultural and racial divisions. This unity is essential for the church to embody the new man and fulfill its calling to reflect Christ to the world. It involves a commitment to live in harmony with others, seeking to build up the body of Christ in love and unity. [35:37]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and harmony of your church community this week? What specific actions can you take to build up the body of Christ in love?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of "Taking the Ground of the New Man," focusing on the transformative journey of sanctification through Christ. We delved into the scriptures from Colossians 3 and Ephesians 4, emphasizing the necessity of putting off the old self and embracing the new man, which is the embodiment of Jesus Christ. This transformation is not merely a personal endeavor but a collective experience for the church, as we are called to live in unity and holiness, reflecting the character and nature of Christ.

The new man represents a complete shift in identity and lifestyle, moving from the old Adamic nature to a life rooted in Christ. This transition is essential for accessing God's presence and receiving His guidance. God only interacts with us on the ground of the new man, which is the heavenly ground established by Jesus. This ground is where we find true sanctification, as it involves being conformed to the image of Christ, living a life that mirrors His holiness and righteousness.

We also discussed the importance of baptism and the laying on of hands as symbolic acts of dying to the old self and embracing the new life in Christ. These acts signify our entry into a new civilization, a new culture that is distinct from the world. It is a call to live a life that is not influenced by the old ways but is continually being renewed in the knowledge and image of Christ.

The journey of sanctification is ongoing, requiring us to continually seek the things above and set our affections on heavenly matters. It is a call to spiritual growth and maturity, moving beyond mere knowledge to a life that is actively transformed by the Spirit. This transformation is evident in our actions, thoughts, and interactions, as we embody the new man in every aspect of our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Transformation through Christ: Embracing the new man involves a complete transformation of identity and lifestyle, moving from the old Adamic nature to a life rooted in Christ. This transformation is essential for accessing God's presence and receiving His guidance. [06:29]
2. Sanctification as Conformity to Christ: True sanctification is being conformed to the image of Christ, living a life that mirrors His holiness and righteousness. It is only upon the ground of Jesus that we find an open heaven and the Holy Spirit's presence. [08:53]
3. Symbolism of Baptism and Laying on of Hands: Baptism and the laying on of hands are symbolic acts of dying to the old self and embracing the new life in Christ. These acts signify our entry into a new civilization, a new culture distinct from the world. [44:01]
4. Spiritual Growth and Maturity: The journey of sanctification requires continual spiritual growth and maturity, moving beyond mere knowledge to a life actively transformed by the Spirit. This transformation is evident in our actions, thoughts, and interactions. [20:32]
5. Unity in the Body of Christ: The new man is not just an individual experience but a collective one for the church. We are called to live in unity and holiness, reflecting the character and nature of Christ as one body, transcending cultural and racial divisions. [35:37]
** [35:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to the School of Christ
[00:56] - Series on Sanctification
[01:13] - Taking the Ground of the New Man
[01:31] - Setting Affections on Things Above
[03:47] - Prayer for Grace and Holiness
[05:08] - The New Man in Christ
[06:06] - Moving to the Ground of the New Man
[07:48] - The Heavenly Ground
[09:18] - The Place of Blessing
[12:15] - A New Order of Mankind
[14:39] - Christ as the Heavenly Man
[17:59] - The Necessity of Being Born Again
[25:15] - Nicodemus and the New Birth
[30:09] - The Inquiry of the Greeks
[44:01] - Baptism and the New Ground
[50:08] - The Importance of Gathering Together
[55:24] - Overcoming Self-Pity
[57:02] - The Story of Thomas
[60:09] - Final Encouragement and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Taking the Ground of the New Man

Bible Reading:
- Colossians 3:1-11
- Ephesians 4:13, 24

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Observation Questions:

According to Colossians 3:1-2, what are believers encouraged to seek and set their affections on? How does this relate to the concept of the "new man"? [01:31]
In Ephesians 4:24, what does it mean to "put on the new man," and how is this new man described? [03:10]
The sermon mentions the symbolism of baptism and the laying on of hands. What do these acts represent in the context of embracing the new life in Christ? [44:01]
How does the sermon describe the transition from the old Adamic nature to the new life in Christ? What is the significance of this transformation for the believer? [06:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

What does it mean for God to only interact with us on the ground of the new man, and how does this affect our relationship with Him? [06:29]
How does the concept of unity in the body of Christ, as mentioned in the sermon, challenge cultural and racial divisions within the church? [35:37]
The sermon emphasizes spiritual growth and maturity. How does this process of sanctification manifest in a believer's life, according to the sermon? [20:32]
What role does the Holy Spirit play in the transformation and sanctification of believers, as discussed in the sermon? [09:18]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your current spiritual journey. Are there aspects of your old self that you need to "put off" to fully embrace the new man in Christ? What steps can you take this week to begin this transformation? [02:36]
The sermon highlights the importance of setting our affections on heavenly matters. What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to focus more on spiritual growth and less on worldly distractions? [01:31]
Consider the symbolism of baptism and the laying on of hands. How can you reaffirm your commitment to living a life that reflects the new man in Christ? [44:01]
Unity in the body of Christ is a key theme in the sermon. How can you actively promote unity and overcome cultural or racial divisions within your church community? [35:37]
The sermon discusses the necessity of spiritual growth and maturity. Identify one area in your spiritual life where you feel stagnant. What specific actions can you take to foster growth in this area? [20:32]
How can you ensure that your actions, thoughts, and interactions reflect the character and nature of Christ in your daily life? What specific changes might be necessary? [09:18]
The sermon mentions the importance of not forsaking the gathering of believers. How can you prioritize fellowship and community within your church, especially if you have been feeling disconnected? [50:08]

Sermon Clips

It is only in this new man that you've got access to God. You can pray and God will deal with you only in the new man, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no word from God for you; there is no prayer from you that can be answered unless it is upon this ground. [00:06:25]

God will only dwell with you through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ on this ground. First, as we look at this, we see that the Father has set forth His Son, Jesus Christ, to be that ground. It is heavenly ground. That's what we're calling it. He is the heavenly man. [00:07:35]

True spiritual growth and education mean there is a maturing within the life. You're overcoming sin, you're overcoming obstacles. There's too many in the church like in the book of Hebrews, and said there was a day when you were a teacher, you could have taught everyone. [00:20:40]

You see, when Christ came, He didn't only come as an individual man. He now represents an entire new race. I'm in a new culture, I'm in a new racial group, and that racial group that are in Christ, that belong to the family of Christ, they have a certain way of acting. [00:12:53]

You must be born again. There is no other way. We think that's a simple decision. No, it's a radical change of order. You've been taken out of a racial culture and civilization. It is bad things, and you've been brought into the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:18:02]

Baptism is on the one hand dying to your own ground. That's what water baptism represents. When we baptize someone in water in this church, do you know what we're saying? You're dying to that old ground. You're alive to that new civilization. [00:44:01]

When you follow Christ through the waters of baptism, do you know what it means? I have died. The real meaning of that: I have died to Adam, my old lifestyle, my opinions, my thoughts. When you get born again, I don't care about your little prayer. [00:44:54]

The laying on of hands immediately after water baptism in Hebrews 6, it signifies what does it signify? It witnesses to our coming into the ground, moving ground. That's what it represents. When someone stands on the new ground and we lay hands on them, we're saying welcome to a whole new civilization. [00:48:06]

In this truth, we set forth the truth of Colossians that we read at the beginning. Paul urges the recognition of it. Colossians chapter 2, verse 20: Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from or to the rudiments of this world, in other words, the order of this world, the arrangement of how things get done in this world. [00:45:54]

You know what? There are things that change instantly, but I've got an entire life to be changed. There's an entire civilization I've come into. I'm a newborn Christian. I'm a babe in Christ. This is all new to me. I love it. I desire it. This is my new home. [00:22:47]

You see, true spiritual growth and education mean there is a maturing within the life. You're overcoming sin, you're overcoming obstacles. There's too many in the church like in the book of Hebrews, and said there was a day when you were a teacher, you could have taught everyone. [00:20:40]

You must be born again. There is no other way. We think that's a simple decision. No, it's a radical change of order. You've been taken out of a racial culture and civilization. It is bad things, and you've been brought into the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:18:02]

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Embracing the New Man: A Journey of Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing a New Identity in Christ

Day 2: Conformity to Christ's Image

Day 3: Symbolic Acts of New Life

Day 4: Continual Spiritual Growth

Day 5: Unity in the Body of Christ

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Embracing the New Man: A Journey of Transformation

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