Living in Christ: Faith Beyond Belief
Summary
In my sermon, I emphasized the importance of not just believing in Christ, but also living in Christ. I highlighted that accepting Jesus as our savior is not just about securing a place in heaven, but also about walking with Jesus in our daily lives. I stressed the importance of being rooted in our faith, being built up in Christ, and being established in our faith. I also addressed the misconception that salvation and sanctification are separate, clarifying that accepting Jesus as our savior also means living for Him. I encouraged those who are struggling with these concepts to reach out for help, assuring them that there are many in the church who are willing to help them grow in their faith.
Key Takeaways:
- Accepting Jesus as our savior means walking with Him in our daily lives, not just securing a place in heaven [ 01:02:11]
- We should strive to be rooted in our faith, built up in Christ, and established in our faith [ 01:03:25]
- Salvation and sanctification are not separate; accepting Jesus as our savior also means living for Him [ 01:02:48]
- If you're struggling with these concepts, reach out for help. There are many in the church who are willing to help you grow in your faith [ 01:04:35]
- We should refuse any substitutes for Christ and not let anything distract us from our faith [ 01:05:13]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 2:6-7 [01:04:01]
2. Colossians 2:8 [01:05:13]
3. Colossians 2:9-15 [52:38]
Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be "rooted" and "built up" in Christ as mentioned in Colossians 2:6-7?
2. In Colossians 2:8, what might be the "philosophy" and "empty deceit" that Paul warns against?
3. How does the passage in Colossians 2:9-15 describe the power and authority of Christ?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does being "rooted" and "built up" in Christ relate to our spiritual growth and transformation?
2. What could be some modern examples of the "philosophy" and "empty deceit" that can distract us from Christ?
3. How does the concept of Christ's power and authority in Colossians 2:9-15 impact our understanding of our identity in Christ?
Application Questions:
1. What are some practical ways you can deepen your roots in Christ this week?
2. Can you identify any philosophies or deceptions in your life that might be distracting you from Christ? How can you guard against them?
3. How does understanding Christ's power and authority influence your daily decisions and actions?
4. In what areas of your life do you need to experience more of Christ's transformative power?
5. How can you demonstrate to others that you are being built up in Christ?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Journey with Christ
Christianity is not just a set of doctrines or ideas, but a personal, life-giving relationship with God. Once you have received Christ as Lord, the opportunity is to walk with Him, journeying and progressing in life. This means there's never a time in your life where you're not supposed to be walking in Christ ([55:54]).
Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily walk with Christ. How can you make this journey more intentional and meaningful?
Day 2: Rooted and Built Up in Faith
Being rooted and built up in faith is a life-giving opportunity. It's about growing in your faith, not just accepting it. This growth is a continuous process, not a one-time event ([57:50]).
Colossians 2:7 - "Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Reflection: How are you actively growing in your faith? What steps can you take to deepen your roots in Christ?
Day 3: Refuse Substitutes for Christ
Refuse any substitutes for Christ. Don't let anything distract you from your faith and your relationship with Jesus. This includes philosophies, empty deceit, or human traditions that are not according to Christ ([01:05:13]).
Galatians 1:10 - "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Reflection: Are there any distractions or substitutes in your life that are taking your focus away from Christ? How can you eliminate them?
Day 4: Embrace Transformation
Embrace the transformation that comes with faith. This transformation is not just about changing your actions, but about changing your heart and your attitudes. It's about becoming more like Christ every day ([47:27]).
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need transformation? How can you allow God to change and transform you?
Day 5: Avoid Being Consumed by Other Conversations
Avoid being consumed by other conversations or distractions that take your focus away from Christ. Your primary focus should always be Jesus, and nothing should distract you from that ([01:17:12]).
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection: What conversations or distractions are consuming your attention? How can you refocus on Christ?
Quotes
1. "Father, we pray this morning that we have decided to follow you. And Lord, when it's the hardest, help us to rest on your spirit, help us to rest on your mercy and your grace for us. Lord, that as we fail you numerous times, Lord, that we would remember once again the grace that you have given to us." - 46:42
2. "Christianity is so much more than a set of ideas or doctrines. It is having a personal, life-giving relationship with the God who made me. Once you have received Christ as Lord, then the opportunity is to walk with God. Your whole journey is in Christ." - 55:22
3. "If you're wanting to grow in your faith and don't know how to do it, reach out to me. There are dozens of people in this church that love to connect with people who are wanting to grow in their faith and help them." - 01:03:37
4. "Refuse any substitutes for Christ. You need to walk in Jesus, you need to continue in the faith, you need to grow in your faith and don't let anybody distract you from anything other than that." - 01:03:37
5. "In the good life, in the life in which we are connected with God in a life-giving and meaningful way, we are perpetually growing in our faith. We are perpetually being transformed in our faith." - 52:29
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