Experiencing True Christian Life Through Union with Christ

The Christian life is a profound journey that transcends mere labels and superficial practices. The term "Christian" is scarcely used in the New Testament, appearing only three times, yet it has become a ubiquitous label in modern times. However, the essence of being a Christian is not about adhering to a set of doctrines or engaging in religious activities. It is about experiencing a deep, personal union with Christ, a life that is characterized by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Christian life is not merely a lifestyle or a set of behaviors modeled after Christ. While love, meekness, and selfless service are attributes of Christ, the true Christian life is about embodying the life of Christ within us. This life is not found in the mere reading of scriptures or the practice of religious traditions. Instead, it is a vibrant, spiritual reality that transforms our very being. Jesus emphasized this when He said, "I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly."

The Apostle Paul speaks of the "spirit of life in Christ Jesus" and the necessity of having the Spirit of Christ dwelling within us. This indwelling presence is what defines an authentic Christian. It is a life that is not confined to words or teachings but is a dynamic participation in the divine life. Paul further illustrates this by stating that those who are joined to the Lord are one spirit with Him, highlighting the profound union between the believer and Christ.

This union is transformative, eclipsing our old nature and manifesting the life of Jesus in our mortal bodies. The degree to which this life is manifested is directly proportional to our surrender to the cross, allowing the life of Jesus to shine through us. This transformation is not just about moral behavior or good works; it is about the invisible, divine life becoming visible through us.

In fellowship with other believers, this shared life creates a bond that transcends physical separation. It is a mingling of kindred spirits, a true fellowship in Jesus. This is the authentic Christian experience, a life that is not just seen but deeply felt and lived.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The term "Christian" is scarcely used in the New Testament, highlighting that the essence of being a Christian is not about labels but about a profound, personal union with Christ. This union is characterized by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, transforming our lives from within. [01:24]
• 2. The Christian life is not merely about imitating Christ's behaviors but embodying His life within us. This life is not found in religious practices or doctrines but in a vibrant, spiritual reality that transforms our being. [09:25]
• 3. The indwelling presence of the Spirit of Christ is what defines an authentic Christian. This presence is a dynamic participation in the divine life, transcending mere words or teachings. [12:13]
• 4. The transformation brought about by the indwelling life of Jesus eclipses our old nature, manifesting His life in our mortal bodies. This transformation is directly proportional to our surrender to the cross. [17:12]
• 5. True Christian fellowship is a mingling of kindred spirits, a shared life that transcends physical separation. It is an authentic experience of the life of the Spirit of God, deeply felt and lived. [31:13]
  ** [31:13]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:14] - Introduction to the Christian Life
• [00:26] - Scarcity of the Term "Christian" in Scripture
• [01:38] - The Way: An Early Christian Label
• [02:37] - Misuse of the Term "Christian"
• [03:21] - Authentic Christianity
• [04:04] - The Normal vs. Average Christian Life
• [05:40] - Examining the Phrase "Christian Life"
• [07:13] - Defining the Christian Life
• [08:42] - The Essence of the Christian Life
• [10:00] - The Spirit of Life in Christ
• [11:32] - The Danger of Reducing Christianity to Words
• [12:51] - Union with the Lord
• [14:03] - Manifestation of Christ's Life
• [16:08] - Paul's Teaching on Manifesting Jesus
• [18:41] - Experiencing the Life of God
• [21:26] - Spiritual Sight and Understanding
• [24:20] - The Fragrance of Jesus
• [27:06] - The Woman at the Well
• [29:18] - Drawing Near to God
• [30:30] - Fellowship Among Believers
• [33:00] - Invitation to Fellowship
• [34:28] - Closing Prayer

1. Acts 11:26 - "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."
2. John 10:10 - "I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly."
3. Romans 8:2, 9 - "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death... But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

1. How many times is the term "Christian" used in the New Testament, and where are these instances found? [01:24]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the term "The Way" in the early Christian community? [02:07]
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly"? [09:40]
4. How does the Apostle Paul describe the relationship between believers and Christ in 1 Corinthians 6:17? [12:51]

1. What does it mean to have a "profound, personal union with Christ" as described in the sermon? How does this differ from simply following religious practices? [03:21]
2. How does the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit transform a believer's life according to Romans 8:2, 9? What implications does this have for daily living? [10:00]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Christian life is more than just moral behavior or good works? [18:41]
4. How does the concept of "surrender to the cross" relate to the manifestation of Christ's life in believers? [17:12]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be relying more on religious practices than on a personal relationship with Christ? How can you shift your focus? [03:21]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. How can you become more aware of and responsive to the Holy Spirit in your daily life? [10:00]
3. Consider the idea of "surrender to the cross." What does this look like in your personal journey, and how can you practice this surrender more fully? [17:12]
4. The sermon mentions the transformation of our old nature. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you have seen this transformation? How did it come about? [18:41]
5. True Christian fellowship is described as a mingling of kindred spirits. How can you foster deeper connections with fellow believers in your community? [31:13]
6. Think about a time when you felt the life of Jesus being manifested through you. What was the situation, and how did it impact those around you? [16:08]
7. The sermon talks about the invisible divine life becoming visible. How can you be more intentional about allowing Christ's life to shine through you in your interactions with others? [21:11]