Living in Christ: The Journey of Grace

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, we are reminded of the profound truth that of Christ's fullness, we have all received grace upon grace. This foundational concept is essential for understanding the entirety of the Gospel and the Christian life. As believers, we are in Christ, receiving His fullness, which encompasses wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. This fullness is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that transforms our lives.

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:30, emphasizes that Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. These are not separate stages but a unified experience of being in Christ. Justification and sanctification are not to be divided; they are part of the same divine work. Justification is God's declaration of our righteousness through Christ, while sanctification is the process of being made holy, set apart for God.

Sanctification is not automatic or a one-time experience but a progressive journey. It involves a continual dying to sin and living unto righteousness, a transformation that aligns us with God's will. This process is not about achieving perfection in this life but growing in grace and knowledge, preparing us for our eternal dwelling with God.

The danger of starting with ourselves rather than with Christ is that it leads to a subjective and limited understanding of salvation. Instead, we must begin with the fullness of Christ, allowing His life to transform us. This perspective guards against errors like antinomianism, which separates justification from sanctification, leading to a false sense of security and a lack of true spiritual growth.

Ultimately, our Christian journey is about being in Christ, receiving His fullness, and living out the implications of that reality. It is a call to examine ourselves, to ensure we are partaking of His fullness, and to live in the light of His grace and truth.

Key Takeaways:

- Unity of Justification and Sanctification: Justification and sanctification are inseparable aspects of being in Christ. Justification is God's declaration of righteousness, while sanctification is the process of being made holy. Both are essential and occur simultaneously as we are united with Christ. [05:33]

- Start with Christ, Not Self: Begin with the fullness of Christ rather than personal needs or desires. This approach prevents a subjective and limited understanding of salvation, ensuring a focus on Christ's transformative power rather than individual shortcomings. [07:15]

- Progressive Sanctification: Sanctification is a continuous process of growth in grace and knowledge, not a one-time experience. It involves a daily dying to sin and living unto righteousness, preparing us for eternal life with God. [28:46]

- Avoiding Antinomianism: Separating justification from sanctification leads to antinomianism, a false belief that one can live without regard to God's law. True faith involves a holistic understanding of salvation, where grace leads to a transformed life. [10:57]

- Confidence in Prayer: Understanding justification allows for boldness in prayer, knowing our standing before God is secure in Christ. This confidence enables us to focus on intercession and spiritual growth rather than being consumed by personal failings. [30:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Fullness in Christ
- [01:06] - The Essence of Receiving Christ's Fullness
- [02:00] - Mediating Christ's Fullness to Us
- [03:08] - Christ as Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification
- [05:17] - Unity of Justification and Sanctification
- [06:06] - Starting with Christ, Not Self
- [08:46] - The Importance of Holistic Salvation
- [10:17] - Dangers of Antinomianism
- [12:06] - Being in Christ: A Divine Action
- [15:47] - No Gap Between Justification and Sanctification
- [18:18] - Understanding Sanctification
- [21:12] - Differences Between Justification and Sanctification
- [28:46] - Progressive Nature of Sanctification
- [33:53] - How Sanctification Happens
- [42:28] - Conclusion: Growth in Grace

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:16 - "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace."
2. 1 Corinthians 1:30 - "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."
3. Romans 6:6 - "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to John 1:16, what have we received from Christ's fullness? How does this concept of "grace upon grace" manifest in the life of a believer? [00:10]

2. In 1 Corinthians 1:30, Paul lists four things that Christ is made unto us. What are these four things, and how do they relate to our Christian journey? [03:08]

3. How does Romans 6:6 describe the transformation that occurs in a believer's life? What does it mean for the "old man" to be crucified with Christ? [09:33]

4. The sermon mentions the danger of starting with ourselves rather than with Christ. What are some examples given of how this can lead to a limited understanding of salvation? [06:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the unity of justification and sanctification, as described in the sermon, challenge the notion of separating these two aspects of salvation? What implications does this have for our understanding of being "in Christ"? [05:33]

2. The sermon warns against antinomianism, which separates justification from sanctification. How does this separation lead to a false sense of security, and what is the true relationship between grace and a transformed life? [10:57]

3. In what ways does starting with the fullness of Christ, rather than personal needs, change our approach to spiritual growth and understanding of salvation? [07:15]

4. How does the concept of progressive sanctification, as discussed in the sermon, differ from the idea of achieving perfection in this life? What does this mean for our daily walk with God? [28:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you have been starting with yourself rather than with Christ? How can you shift your focus to begin with His fullness? [06:06]

2. Consider the concept of "grace upon grace" in your life. Can you identify specific instances where you have experienced this abundance of grace? How did it impact your faith? [00:10]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of examining ourselves to ensure we are partaking of Christ's fullness. What practical steps can you take to regularly assess your spiritual growth and alignment with God's will? [08:14]

4. How can understanding the unity of justification and sanctification give you confidence in your prayer life? In what ways can this confidence transform your approach to intercession and spiritual growth? [30:30]

5. The sermon warns against the dangers of antinomianism. How can you ensure that your understanding of grace leads to a transformed life rather than complacency? [10:57]

6. Progressive sanctification involves a daily dying to sin and living unto righteousness. What specific habits or practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to support this ongoing transformation? [28:46]

7. Think about a specific area in your life where you struggle with sin. How can the understanding of being "in Christ" and receiving His fullness help you overcome this struggle? [16:19]

Devotional

Day 1: The Unity of Justification and Sanctification
Justification and sanctification are two inseparable aspects of the Christian life, both occurring simultaneously as believers are united with Christ. Justification is God's declaration of righteousness over us through Christ, while sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy and set apart for God. These are not separate stages but a unified experience of being in Christ. Understanding this unity helps believers to see that their righteousness is not based on their own efforts but on Christ's work. This perspective encourages a life of holiness, not as a means to earn God's favor, but as a response to the grace already received. [05:33]

1 Corinthians 1:30 (ESV): "And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the process of sanctification today, knowing that your justification is already secure in Christ?


Day 2: Begin with Christ, Not Self
Starting with the fullness of Christ rather than personal needs or desires ensures a focus on His transformative power rather than individual shortcomings. This approach prevents a subjective and limited understanding of salvation, which can lead to a distorted view of the Christian life. By beginning with Christ, believers are reminded that their identity and purpose are found in Him, not in their own achievements or failures. This perspective shifts the focus from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness, allowing His life to transform and guide them in all aspects of life. [07:15]

Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from personal desires to Christ's fullness in your daily decisions and interactions?


Day 3: The Journey of Progressive Sanctification
Sanctification is a continuous process of growth in grace and knowledge, not a one-time experience. It involves a daily dying to sin and living unto righteousness, preparing believers for eternal life with God. This journey is not about achieving perfection in this life but about growing in grace and aligning more closely with God's will. As believers engage in this process, they are transformed and equipped to live out their faith in practical ways, reflecting God's character to the world around them. [28:46]

2 Peter 3:18 (ESV): "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to grow in grace and knowledge, and how can this growth impact your relationships with others?


Day 4: Avoiding the Pitfall of Antinomianism
Separating justification from sanctification can lead to antinomianism, a false belief that one can live without regard to God's law. True faith involves a holistic understanding of salvation, where grace leads to a transformed life. This understanding guards against the error of believing that grace gives license to sin, emphasizing instead that grace empowers believers to live in obedience to God. By recognizing the inseparable link between justification and sanctification, believers are encouraged to pursue holiness as an integral part of their faith journey. [10:57]

James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have been tempted to separate your faith from your actions? How can you align your daily life more closely with God's law?


Day 5: Confidence in Prayer Through Justification
Understanding justification allows believers to approach God with boldness in prayer, knowing their standing before Him is secure in Christ. This confidence enables them to focus on intercession and spiritual growth rather than being consumed by personal failings. By recognizing that their righteousness is based on Christ's work, believers can pray with assurance, trusting that God hears and responds to their prayers. This perspective encourages a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, as believers are freed from the burden of trying to earn His favor through their own efforts. [30:30]

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a more confident and bold prayer life, knowing that your justification in Christ secures your standing before God?

Quotes



A Christian is a man who is in Christ and who is receiving of the fullness of Christ The Life of Christ and everything else that comes to him so that obviously this is the most vital matter of all and in any case one cannot hope to understand the leading themes of this particular Gospel According to Z John unless one realizes that the whole of that gospel is nothing but uh an extended exposition of this one great statement. [00:01:00]

The wisdom of God with regard to Salvation is just that that it is the righteousness of Christ that is imputed to us put to our account you see that was the great fight which the first Christian preachers had to fight they had to fight the Jews they had to fight the Greeks they had to fight the whole world in other words the Jews in their Folly had misunderstood their own law and were trying to justify themselves by the Deeds of the law. [00:03:51]

There is nothing that I know of that is so constantly producing unhappiness in people's experiences than the fact that they start with themselves instead of starting with the scripture I mean by that that they do something like this they say what do I need I need forgiveness I need help I need power I need healing you start with yourself you approach the whole thing in a subjective Manner and then the tendency is to extract what you think you see in Christ out of him in order to fit your a particular need. [00:06:08]

Don't start with yourself start with Christ realize who he is what he is the fullness that is in him and how you can receive and partake of that fullness and as long as you're looking at him you will not be in danger of divine guiding him not only that you will never get into a false position with respect to yourself you'll never feel fully satisfied as if you had arrived instead of saying what do I want start with this he is made unto me. [00:07:13]

No no we don't divide Christ he is one and he is everything now it's most important I say therefore that we should always take these things together now in this particular matter we're looking at at the moment all this of course is of supreme importance take for instance what we were considering last Sunday morning Christ Our righteousness Christ Our justification and think of some of the things that we said for instance we said this that whatever you are whatever you may do whatever may happen to you if you are in Christ and justified by him you are safe and safe forever. [00:08:36]

If we divide these things absolutely from one another and think of it only in terms of what do I want forgiveness I don't want to go to hell very well I Believe In Christ I'm all right live as you like so many people have done that antinomianism has troubled the church from the very beginning and is one of the greatest sins in the church today our very evangelism tends to produce it because it's lacking in this full balance it's so interested in this one thing only it doesn't preach a whole Christ forgiveness isolated separated justification regarded as something distinct and discreet from everything else it leads immediately as it always has done to antinomianism. [00:10:38]

There is no gap between justification and sanctification and that is because the whole thing is God's work and because he does it by joining us to Christ you don't just get forgiveness through Christ and then perhaps decide later to get something you are in Christ so don't start with yourself start with him I say and realize that God has put you in him and therefore you are partaking of necessity of that fullness doesn't matter how much of it nor how small it may be you are partaking of his fullness from the moment you are joined to him. [00:15:44]

Sanctification is the work of God's grace whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto to righteousness that's a very good definition it is the work of God's free Grace whereby we are renewed in the whole men after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness. [00:18:29]

Justification is perfect and complete and entire in this life and in in this world are we all clear about that this is I say the very basis it's the charter of Christian Liberty to know that your justification is perfect it is complete it can never be more perfect I am so often quoting from this Pulpit those lines of Augustus top lady that put this so perfectly more happy but not more secure the glorified Spirits in him I am as much Justified now as I shall be in the glory Everlasting. [00:27:21]

Sanctification is something Progressive it is something that grows it is something to which there can be and should be constant additions it is never perfect in this life and in this world there has never been a perfect Christian in this world never not one it is something that goes on we grow in Grace and in the knowledge of the Lord so let me sum it all up by putting it like this justification you see has reference to my standing to my status to my position before all Mighty God whereas sanctification clearly has reference to my actual State and condition not my status not my standing but my state my condition. [00:28:46]

If you get on your knees before God and begin to think of what you actually are and what you've been doing and what you haven't done well you may feel that you have no right to pray at all you may doubt whether you're a Christian at all or you will certainly have to spend all the time in asking forgiveness for your sins and praying for various things with regard to yourself and the result is you'll have no time to be an intercessor you'll never pray for Revival you'll never pray for the church you'll be always praying for yourself and your own problems and moods and states and conditions and you'll be a useless Christian now that's simply due to the fact that you've never understood justification. [00:29:43]

The New Testament teaches growth in Grace and in the knowledge of the Lord are going on unto Perfection that its whole teaching is based as I'm hoping I should be able to show you next Sunday morning up on the fact that sanctification is a process a development something increasing and Progressive until finally and ultimately and indeed by the very fact of death itself we are rendered faultless and blameless and spotless without spot or wrinkle or any such thing entire whole glorified in the presence of God. [00:42:09]

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Transcript
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