Embracing Transformation: Our New Identity in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound transformation that the gospel brings into our lives, using the metaphor of two coats to illustrate the change from our old selves to our new identity in Christ. We began by acknowledging the unique experience of worship through song, a practice rooted in biblical tradition, and then transitioned into a study of the book of Ephesians. This letter, penned by the Apostle Paul, emphasizes the free gift of salvation through grace and the subsequent transformation expected in our lives.
The analogy of two coats represents the spiritual transformation that occurs when we accept Christ. The first coat symbolizes sin and brokenness, a state we are all born into due to the fall of Adam and Eve. The second coat represents righteousness and the new identity we receive through Jesus. This transformation is not a result of our works but a gift from God, intended to change our identity and how we live.
We delved into the two enemies of the gospel: legalism and antinomianism. Legalism distorts the gospel by adding human efforts to salvation, while antinomianism subtracts from it by dismissing the importance of obedience and holiness. The gospel is the narrow road between these two extremes, calling us to live transformed lives that reflect our new identity in Christ.
Paul's letter to the Ephesians challenges us to put off our old selves and embrace our new identity as children of light. This involves a continuous process of renewal and transformation, guided by the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to live lives characterized by love, truth, and righteousness, avoiding the pitfalls of our old nature.
In practical terms, we are called to examine our lives, confess our sins, forgive others, and perform acts of kindness. These actions reflect the transformative power of the gospel and our commitment to living as God's handiwork. As we partake in communion, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus and the new covenant established through His blood, which promises forgiveness and a renewed relationship with God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Transformation Through Grace: The gospel offers a profound transformation, symbolized by exchanging our old coat of sin for a new coat of righteousness. This change is a gift from God, not earned by works, and it calls us to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ. [48:04]
2. Avoiding the Ditches: The gospel is the narrow road between legalism and antinomianism. Legalism adds human effort to salvation, while antinomianism dismisses the need for holiness. We are called to live by grace, which leads to a transformed life, not by works or by ignoring the call to holiness. [54:34]
3. Living as Children of Light: Our new identity in Christ calls us to live as children of light, characterized by love, truth, and righteousness. This involves putting off our old sinful nature and embracing the new life given to us by the Spirit. [01:00:01]
4. Practical Steps for Renewal: We are encouraged to examine our lives, confess our sins, forgive others, and perform acts of kindness. These actions reflect the transformative power of the gospel and our commitment to living as God's handiwork. [01:16:32]
5. Communion and the New Covenant: Communion reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus and the new covenant established through His blood. This covenant promises forgiveness and a renewed relationship with God, empowering us to live transformed lives. [01:25:00]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Worship
- [02:00] - Explanation of Worship Practices
- [04:00] - Introduction to Ephesians
- [06:30] - The Two Coats Metaphor
- [10:00] - The Gift of Salvation
- [15:00] - The Enemies of the Gospel
- [20:00] - Legalism Explained
- [25:00] - Antinomianism Explained
- [30:00] - Living as Children of Light
- [35:00] - Practical Steps for Transformation
- [40:00] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [45:00] - Communion and the New Covenant
- [50:00] - Closing Remarks and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4:17-5:14
2. Romans 7:15-25
3. Romans 12:2
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Observation Questions:
1. What metaphor does the sermon use to describe the transformation that occurs when we accept Christ, and what do the two coats represent? [06:30]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two enemies of the gospel, and how do they distort its message? [54:34]
3. In Ephesians 4:17-5:14, what are some characteristics of the "old self" that Paul instructs believers to put off? [01:00:01]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the process of transformation and renewal? [01:16:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of the two coats help us understand the concept of identity in Christ, and why is this transformation described as a gift rather than something earned? [10:00]
2. What might be some modern examples of legalism and antinomianism in the church today, and how can believers navigate the narrow road between these two extremes? [54:34]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living as "children of light" should impact our daily actions and decisions? [01:00:01]
4. How does Romans 12:2's call to be transformed by the renewing of our minds relate to the practical steps for renewal mentioned in the sermon? [01:16:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be leaning towards legalism or antinomianism? How can you find balance in living by grace? [54:34]
2. The sermon encourages examining our lives and confessing sins. What is one area of your life where you feel the need for confession and renewal? How can you take a step towards that this week? [01:16:32]
3. Think of a relationship where forgiveness is needed. What steps can you take to forgive someone, even if they haven't asked for it? How might this act of forgiveness transform your heart? [01:16:32]
4. Identify a specific way you can live as a "child of light" this week. Is there a particular act of kindness or truth-telling you feel called to do? [01:00:01]
5. Consider the metaphor of the two coats. What "old coat" habits or mindsets do you need to put off, and what "new coat" characteristics do you want to embrace? [06:30]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of communion into your personal spiritual life as a reminder of the new covenant and your identity in Christ? [01:25:00]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of the Holy Spirit in our transformation. How can you be more attentive to the Spirit's guidance in your daily life? [01:16:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Grace
The gospel offers a profound transformation, symbolized by exchanging our old coat of sin for a new coat of righteousness. This change is a gift from God, not earned by works, and it calls us to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ. The metaphor of two coats illustrates the spiritual renewal that occurs when we accept Christ. The first coat represents our inherent sin and brokenness, while the second coat signifies the righteousness and new identity we receive through Jesus. This transformation is not a result of our efforts but a divine gift, intended to redefine our identity and guide our way of living. [48:04]
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 attitudes do you need to shed to fully embrace your new identity in Christ today?
Day 2: Avoiding the Ditches
The gospel is the narrow road between legalism and antinomianism. Legalism adds human effort to salvation, while antinomianism dismisses the need for holiness. We are called to live by grace, which leads to a transformed life, not by works or by ignoring the call to holiness. Legalism and antinomianism are two extremes that distort the gospel's message. Legalism suggests that human efforts can contribute to salvation, while antinomianism disregards the importance of obedience and holiness. The gospel calls us to navigate the narrow path between these extremes, living a life transformed by grace that reflects our new identity in Christ. [54:34]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: In what ways have you leaned towards legalism or antinomianism in your spiritual journey, and how can you realign with the true gospel of grace today?
Day 3: Living as Children of Light
Our new identity in Christ calls us to live as children of light, characterized by love, truth, and righteousness. This involves putting off our old sinful nature and embracing the new life given to us by the Spirit. As children of light, we are called to embody the virtues of love, truth, and righteousness. This transformation requires us to continuously shed our old sinful nature and embrace the new life offered by the Spirit. Living as children of light means allowing our actions and attitudes to reflect the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. [01:00:01]
1 Thessalonians 5:5 (ESV): "For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness."
Reflection: How can you intentionally reflect the light of Christ in your interactions with others today?
Day 4: Practical Steps for Renewal
We are encouraged to examine our lives, confess our sins, forgive others, and perform acts of kindness. These actions reflect the transformative power of the gospel and our commitment to living as God's handiwork. The gospel calls us to a life of continuous renewal, where we actively examine our lives, confess our sins, and extend forgiveness to others. Performing acts of kindness is a tangible expression of the gospel's transformative power and our commitment to living as God's handiwork. These practical steps are essential in embodying the new identity we have in Christ. [01:16:32]
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Identify one person you need to forgive or an act of kindness you can perform today. How will you take action on this?
Day 5: Communion and the New Covenant
Communion reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus and the new covenant established through His blood. This covenant promises forgiveness and a renewed relationship with God, empowering us to live transformed lives. The act of communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood. This covenant assures us of forgiveness and a renewed relationship with God, empowering us to live transformed lives. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the profound love and grace that enables us to embrace our new identity in Christ. [01:25:00]
Hebrews 9:15 (ESV): "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."
Reflection: As you reflect on the meaning of communion, how does it inspire you to live out your faith in practical ways this week?
Quotes
The gospel is the narrow road between the two. We're saved by grace alone through faith alone and Christ alone, but that grace is supposed to lead to a transformed and renovated life because the gospel is about all of me being redeemed and renovated. [00:49:46] (15 seconds)
And there's a lot in there that's really important. It's not just about my eternal destiny and like some kind of like, get out of jail for free, or like, here's your ticket to heaven, now go live however you want. It is that, but it is more than that. [00:50:20] (14 seconds)
The gospel is about all of me being renovated, all of me being redeemed. That's why we entitled this message, if you saw at the beginning, we titled it Updating, because it's like you are being updated. It's a process, and I want to give credit right there to Joanna. [00:50:37] (15 seconds)
So this is why we titled it that, is because the grace of the gospel is updating you, is changing you from who you were into who God wants you to be, because you were created to be God's handiwork. Now, before we go any further, I want to just point out, like, it's very possible that you are one of those people that you just like rules, and you like stability, and you just have, like, this is right and this is wrong, and this is how I live. [00:52:12] (28 seconds)
And if you are on the other side, if you are struggling with a sin or you have an addiction or something like that, that doesn't necessarily mean you're practicing antinomianism and that you're abusing the grace and the gospel and you're an enemy of the gospel. The question for you becomes a question of direction and desire. [00:52:49] (17 seconds)
So that's what we're talking about. What does a transformed and renovated life look like? It's almost as if Paul gives us in this passage, which if you're following along in the Bible, we're going to have it all up here in just a minute, but we are starting in chapter 4, verse 17, and going through 5, verse 14. [00:53:34] (14 seconds)
This is what we're talking about. Would you believe that that is the same place? Wow. Now, that is what we are talking about. Now imagine, it's not a picture of a kitchen. It is a picture of a life that has been exposed to the grace of the gospel. [00:54:38] (15 seconds)
So live as children of light. Live as people of light. That's the whole point. If you have this coat on, you are now a child of light. Live like it. And then the second passage that's really helpful is throw off or put off your old sinful nature and your former way of life. [00:54:25] (16 seconds)
And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all rage, all anger, all harsh words and slander and all kinds, as well as all types of evil behavior. [00:57:11] (20 seconds)
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness. Instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. [00:59:00] (17 seconds)
And so Father we thank you For grace that is greater than all of our sin And Jesus we thank you For being obedient unto death Even the death of the cross And for rising again And defeating sin, death, hell and the grave And Spirit we thank you For coming And working in us And renovating us Because the gospel is about All of me being renovated. [01:26:48] (25 seconds)
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