Living as New Creations: Embracing Our Gospel Mission
Summary
In the sermon delivered during the CATC 10AM Gathering on December 31, 2023, the speaker, Kristen Ringy, minister to women at the church, delved into the profound theological richness of 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. The central message revolved around the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls Christians to live with spiritual vision, recognizing their identity as new creations in God. The speaker outlined three key points: Christians are no longer prisoners to death, they are new creatures, and they are sent into the world with the message of reconciliation.
Kristen Ringy began by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to preach and the role of God's word in shaping the Church. She led a prayer for clarity and receptivity to the word, acknowledging the presence of children and the value they add to the service. The speaker then transitioned to the scripture, emphasizing the Gospel's good news that offers compassion and pardon from God. She reassured believers that, despite challenges, they are under God's care and should focus on His promises rather than worrying about uncertainties.
The sermon highlighted the concept of The Great Exchange, where Jesus took on humanity's sin and granted His righteousness, underscoring the grace and sacrifice of God. The speaker also addressed the Great Commission, clarifying that believers are messengers, not agents, of reconciliation, and the results of their message rest with God's spirit.
Kristen Ringy emphasized the importance of knowing our neighbors to share the Gospel effectively and the significance of the communion table as a source of spiritual nourishment and a reminder of Jesus' presence. She also discussed the "already but not yet" nature of believers' newness in Christ, encouraging them to live into this new reality and consider what might hinder them from fully embracing this new life.
The speaker urged the congregation to reflect on potential distractions that could prevent them from living out the Gospel truth and to prioritize mission-mindedness, including getting to know their neighbors. She also spoke about the radical mindset necessary for missionaries, which should extend to all followers of Jesus, as they are spiritually crucified and buried with Christ.
Kristen Ringy further explained that believers are commissioned as messengers of God's reconciliation and that salvation is not the end goal but a call to participate in God's redemptive work. She concluded by inviting baptized followers to partake in communion and those not yet baptized to consider joining God's family through faith and baptism.
Key Takeaways:
- The Gospel calls for a radical reorientation of our lives, where we no longer live for ourselves but for Christ who died for us. This shift in perspective is not just for missionaries but for every believer, as it reflects our spiritual death and resurrection with Christ. Living this out daily means embracing a life of self-denial and devotion to God's purposes. [40:50]
- As new creations in Christ, we are called to embody the reality of our transformation. This new identity is not just a theological concept but a lived experience that should permeate every aspect of our lives. The speaker challenges believers to consider what aspects of their old self are hindering the full expression of their new life in Christ. [52:49]
- The ministry of reconciliation is not a passive role but an active commission for every Christian. We are not merely recipients of God's grace but also ambassadors tasked with imploring others to be reconciled to God. This mission requires a deep understanding of the Gospel and a willingness to engage with others in meaningful ways. [56:23]
- The communion table serves as a powerful reminder of our union with Christ and the new covenant established through His blood. It is a place of spiritual nourishment and renewal, where we are called to remember Christ's sacrifice and proclaim His death until He comes again. This sacrament is an invitation to feed on Christ by faith and be strengthened for the journey ahead. [01:11:39]
- The concept of "already but not yet" captures the tension believers live in as they await the full realization of their newness in Christ. While we are already made new through faith, the complete fulfillment of this newness is yet to come. This understanding should inspire hope and perseverance as we strive to live out the Kingdom values in the present, anticipating the future glory that awaits us. [54:09]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, what is the reason given for why Christians should no longer live for themselves? How does this relate to the concept of being "new creations"? [32:27]
2. What does Paul mean when he says, "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" in 2 Corinthians 5:17? How does this idea of newness manifest in a believer's life? [48:48]
3. In 2 Corinthians 5:19-20, Paul talks about the "ministry of reconciliation." What role do believers play in this ministry according to the passage? [56:23]
4. How does the concept of "The Great Exchange" in 2 Corinthians 5:21 encapsulate the message of the Gospel? [01:05:17]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the idea of being "no longer prisoners to death" influence a believer's daily life and decisions? What practical changes might this belief bring about? [38:14]
2. What are some ways that believers can live out their identity as "new creations" in Christ? How does this new identity challenge old habits or ways of thinking? [48:48]
3. The sermon emphasized that believers are "messengers, not agents" of reconciliation. How does this distinction affect the way Christians approach evangelism and sharing their faith? [01:01:04]
4. Reflecting on the "already but not yet" nature of our newness in Christ, how can this understanding provide hope and perseverance in the face of life's challenges? [54:09]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned that Christians should live with a radical mindset, similar to missionaries, because they are spiritually crucified and buried with Christ. How can you adopt this mindset in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to live more boldly for Christ? [40:11]
2. Kristen Ringy urged the congregation to reflect on potential distractions that could prevent them from living out the Gospel truth. Identify one distraction in your life and discuss how you can minimize or eliminate it to focus more on God's promises. [23:11]
3. As new creations in Christ, we are called to embody our transformation. What aspects of your old self are hindering the full expression of your new life in Christ? How can you address these areas? [52:49]
4. The ministry of reconciliation requires engaging with others in meaningful ways. Think of one person in your life who needs to hear the message of reconciliation. How can you intentionally build a relationship with them to share the Gospel? [56:23]
5. The communion table serves as a reminder of our union with Christ. How can you make the practice of communion more meaningful in your spiritual life? What steps can you take to prepare your heart for this sacrament each week? [01:11:39]
6. The concept of "already but not yet" captures the tension believers live in. How can this understanding inspire you to live out Kingdom values in your current circumstances? What specific actions can you take to reflect this hope in your community? [54:09]
7. Kristen Ringy emphasized the importance of knowing our neighbors to share the Gospel effectively. What is one practical way you can get to know your neighbors better this week? How can this lead to opportunities for sharing your faith? [01:07:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Living for Christ's Purpose
Christians are called to a life of self-denial, where personal ambitions give way to the pursuit of God's purposes. This radical reorientation means living each day in the awareness that one's life is not their own but is hidden in Christ. The Gospel compels a shift in identity, where the focus is no longer on self but on the Savior who died and rose again. This transformative perspective is the essence of being a new creation. [40:50]
Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus today from self-centered goals to Christ-centered living?
Day 2: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
As new creations, the old has passed away, and the new has come. This is not merely a theological truth but a reality that should transform how we live, think, and interact with the world around us. It challenges us to shed the remnants of our old selves and fully step into the life that Christ has made possible through His sacrifice. [52:49]
Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What old habits or attitudes do you need to shed to more fully live out your new identity in Christ?
Day 3: Ambassadors of Reconciliation
The ministry of reconciliation is an active commission, not a passive state. As recipients of God's grace, Christians are empowered to be His ambassadors, imploring the world to be reconciled to God. This mission is a profound responsibility that requires a deep understanding of the Gospel and a commitment to engage with others authentically and compassionately. [56:23]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation in your community today?
Day 4: The Communion Table as Spiritual Nourishment
The communion table is a place of remembrance, nourishment, and proclamation. It serves as a reminder of the new covenant established through Christ's blood and invites believers to feed on Him by faith. This sacrament strengthens us for our spiritual journey, reminding us of the sacrifice of Jesus and the unity we share with Him and each other. [01:11:39]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - "Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf."
Reflection: How does participating in communion draw you closer to Christ and His body, the Church?
Day 5: Living in the 'Already but Not Yet'
The tension of the 'already but not yet' is a reality for believers who experience the newness of life in Christ while awaiting its full realization. This understanding should not lead to complacency but rather inspire hope and a commitment to live out Kingdom values in the present, with an eager anticipation of the future glory. [54:09]
Romans 8:23-25 - "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?"
Reflection: What are some ways you can embody Kingdom values in your daily life as you await the full realization of your newness in Christ?
Quotes
"We are to be on Mission wherever we are and whenever we are there. Your address is not an accident; God placed us there to be his witnesses, to be his messengers." [01:07:19] (Download)
"What are the things in your life that distract at best, and maybe prohibit at worst, you from living a life according to this truth? What is it that maybe is distracting or even prohibiting you from living life according to these truths?" [01:05:58] (Download)
"I talk to Christians a lot of times and I've heard the kind of saying that we've lived in this house or this apartment for a number of years, and we don't know our neighbors. We have to be those that know our neighbors." [01:08:29] (Download)
"The truth of the Gospel is that we are now new as a result of the justifying work of the Cross of Christ. Any that are in Christ through faith are now made new; the old has passed away, the new has come." [51:31] (Download)
"We get to enter into The Fray and risk what needs to be risked for the gospel to go forth, but we get to do so with the full knowledge that we are on The Winning Side that Christ has already won the war." [47:24] (Download)
"A follower of Jesus is no longer a prisoner of death and should live as such. We as followers of Christ should know that the battle has already been won, we have been given victory over death, and we are no longer prisoners to it." [48:05] (Download)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he's a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. The result of us being spiritually buried with Christ is that we were then made new in his resurrection." [48:48] (Download)
"Whatever this year throws at you, you're going to be okay. You live your life under the compassion of God and in his good friendship and favor, and he is for you and not against you." [23:11] (Download)
"When you're tempted to fear moving into this new year, take a deep breath and remember that God, if you're in Christ, has abundantly pardoned you, has compassion on you, is for you, not against you, and has promised to work all things together for your good." [23:47] (Download)
"Christ's ministers are in fact his Messengers, declarers of reconciliation, not agents of it. We are entrusted to be the messengers and Proclaimers of the message of reconciliation, we are not ultimately the Agents of it." [01:01:04] (Download)
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