Living in the Perfection of Christ's Righteousness

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the radical and transformative nature of Christianity, focusing on the concept of perfection in Christ. Unlike other religions that emphasize striving to become something, Christianity starts with the declaration that we are already perfect in Christ. This perfection is not based on our efforts but is a gift of righteousness given through Jesus Christ. When we are born again, we are born into a state of spiritual perfection, holy and righteous before God. This is a profound truth that can be difficult to grasp, but it is essential for living a victorious Christian life.

We delved into the idea that all other religions are about trying to attain righteousness through works, but Christianity flips this on its head. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross means that we start at the finish line; we begin our spiritual journey already perfected in Him. This perfection is not just a theological concept but a reality that should transform how we live our daily lives. Our spirit is already perfect, and the journey of the Christian life is about aligning our soul and body with this spiritual reality.

We also discussed the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. Knowing that we are already perfect and fully loved by God gives us the courage to face life's challenges and the strength to grow in holiness. This understanding frees us from the treadmill of performance and allows us to live from a place of rest and security in God's love. The process of sanctification, or becoming more like Christ, is ongoing, but it starts from a place of already being complete in Him.

### Key Takeaways

1. Perfection in Christ: When you are born again, you are born into a state of spiritual perfection. This is not based on your efforts but is a gift of righteousness given through Jesus Christ. Understanding this truth can transform your life, freeing you from the treadmill of performance and allowing you to live from a place of rest and security in God's love. [01:15:22]

2. Identity in Christ: Knowing who you are in Christ is crucial for living a victorious Christian life. You are already holy, righteous, and perfect in your spirit. This understanding gives you the courage to face life's challenges and the strength to grow in holiness. The journey of the Christian life is about aligning your soul and body with this spiritual reality. [01:18:23]

3. The Gift of Righteousness: The righteousness we have in Christ is a gift, not something we earn. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross means that we start at the finish line; we begin our spiritual journey already perfected in Him. This gift of righteousness is by grace through faith, and it changes how we live our daily lives. [01:16:58]

4. The Process of Sanctification: While our spirit is already perfect, our soul and body are in the process of being sanctified. This ongoing process involves renewing our minds and aligning our actions with our spiritual reality. Understanding that we are already complete in Christ helps us embrace this process with joy and confidence. [01:22:06]

5. Living from a Place of Rest: Christianity starts with resting in the finished work of Christ. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places, and this spiritual reality should influence how we live on earth. Living from this place of rest and security in God's love allows us to face life's challenges with strength and boldness. [01:25:20]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:09:05] - Introduction to Christian Life and Witness Course
[01:10:28] - The Radical Nature of Christianity
[01:12:23] - The Futility of Self-Righteousness
[01:13:48] - Jesus' Radical Teachings on Righteousness
[01:15:22] - Starting at the Finish Line
[01:16:58] - The Gift of Righteousness
[01:18:23] - Understanding Our Identity in Christ
[01:19:41] - The Tripartite Nature of Man
[01:20:59] - The Beauty of Our New Spirit
[01:22:06] - The Process of Sanctification
[01:23:42] - Living from the Inside Out
[01:25:20] - Resting in the Finished Work of Christ
[01:27:09] - The Lordship of Christ
[01:29:20] - Offering Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices
[01:30:22] - Renewing Our Minds
[01:31:55] - The Power of Knowing You Cannot Fail
[01:33:21] - The Treadmill of Performance
[01:35:03] - The Secret to the Christian Life
[01:36:32] - The Inheritance in Christ
[01:38:24] - The Genius of God's Plan
[01:39:17] - Facing Life's Challenges with Boldness
[01:41:23] - Embracing the Process of Transformation
[01:44:25] - Invitation to Receive Christ
[01:46:20] - Communion and Closing Remarks

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
2. Hebrews 10:14 - "For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."
3. Romans 12:1-2 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:21, what did God do to make us righteous? How does this verse describe the exchange that took place?
2. In Hebrews 10:14, what does it mean that we are "made perfect forever" and "being made holy"? How do these two states coexist?
3. Romans 12:1-2 talks about offering our bodies as living sacrifices. What does this passage say about the transformation and renewal of our minds?
4. The sermon mentioned that Christianity starts with the declaration that we are already perfect in Christ. How does this differ from other religions' approach to righteousness? [01:10:28]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are already perfect in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21) change our approach to daily living and spiritual growth? [01:15:22]
2. What does the process of sanctification look like in practical terms, considering Hebrews 10:14? How can we embrace this process with joy and confidence? [01:22:06]
3. Romans 12:1-2 emphasizes the renewal of the mind. How does this renewal help us align our soul and body with our spiritual reality in Christ? [01:30:22]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of knowing our identity in Christ. How does this knowledge give us the courage to face life's challenges and grow in holiness? [01:18:23]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt you had to earn God's love or approval. How does the understanding that you are already perfect in Christ change your perspective on this experience? [01:15:22]
2. The sermon mentioned living from a place of rest and security in God's love. What are some practical ways you can cultivate this sense of rest in your daily life? [01:25:20]
3. How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ when facing challenges or temptations? Are there specific scriptures or practices that help you stay grounded in this truth? [01:18:23]
4. The concept of the "treadmill of performance" was discussed in the sermon. Have you ever felt like you were on this treadmill? What steps can you take to step off and rest in the finished work of Christ? [01:33:21]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of renewing our minds. What are some specific thoughts or beliefs you need to renew to align more closely with your spiritual reality in Christ? [01:30:22]
6. How can you practically offer your body as a living sacrifice in your daily routines and interactions? What changes might this require in your lifestyle or habits? [01:29:20]
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you struggle to see yourself as perfect in Christ. How can you apply the truths from this sermon to transform your perspective in that area? [01:23:42]

Devotional

Day 1: Perfection in Christ
Description: When you are born again, you are born into a state of spiritual perfection. This is not based on your efforts but is a gift of righteousness given through Jesus Christ. Understanding this truth can transform your life, freeing you from the treadmill of performance and allowing you to live from a place of rest and security in God's love. [01:15:22]

Hebrews 10:14 (ESV): "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."

Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you feel you are constantly striving to be better. How can you rest in the truth that you are already perfect in Christ in this area?

Day 2: Identity in Christ
Description: Knowing who you are in Christ is crucial for living a victorious Christian life. You are already holy, righteous, and perfect in your spirit. This understanding gives you the courage to face life's challenges and the strength to grow in holiness. The journey of the Christian life is about aligning your soul and body with this spiritual reality. [01:18:23]

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: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How does knowing your identity in Christ change the way you view and handle such challenges?

Day 3: The Gift of Righteousness
Description: The righteousness we have in Christ is a gift, not something we earn. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross means that we start at the finish line; we begin our spiritual journey already perfected in Him. This gift of righteousness is by grace through faith, and it changes how we live our daily lives. [01:16:58]

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt unworthy or inadequate. How does the gift of righteousness through Christ change your perspective on your worth and actions?

Day 4: The Process of Sanctification
Description: While our spirit is already perfect, our soul and body are in the process of being sanctified. This ongoing process involves renewing our minds and aligning our actions with our spiritual reality. Understanding that we are already complete in Christ helps us embrace this process with joy and confidence. [01:22:06]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you see the need for growth. How can you actively participate in the process of sanctification in this area?

Day 5: Living from a Place of Rest
Description: Christianity starts with resting in the finished work of Christ. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places, and this spiritual reality should influence how we live on earth. Living from this place of rest and security in God's love allows us to face life's challenges with strength and boldness. [01:25:20]

Ephesians 2:6 (ESV): "And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Think about a current challenge or stressor in your life. How can you approach it differently by living from a place of rest in Christ's finished work?

Quotes

1. "I love Christianity and I love how amazing, how radical, how passionate, and how beautiful Christianity really is. It's so powerful. It is so outrageous. It's so counter-cultural. It is so incredibly offensive. It's true. So incredible. We say, Gideon, why? It's because the Christian faith starts with perfection. My talk today is you are perfect. You are perfect when you get born again. You are born into perfection." [01:10:28] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "See, all religions except for Christianity, all religions are trying to become something. You're trying to somehow be accepted by God. You're somehow trying to be more loved by God. You're somehow trying to find yourself, be holy, be righteous, do better, work harder, all this kind of stuff to become something, right? All of them. And all of them are failing miserably." [01:12:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Christianity is the opposite. You start by being perfect. You start by being holy. You start by being righteous. You start as holy as God is holy. What? What are you talking about? Some of you are freaking out already. How is this possible? No way. This is heresy. Outrageous. Scandal. I love this about Christianity because we actually start at the finish line." [01:15:22] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We start at the finish line because you have already arrived. It's amazing what God has done in your life and not because we are so good but it's because of a gift. It's a gift that God has given to anybody who wants to be a Christian. Actually, it's given to the whole world but by faith you enter into it. What is it? It is the gift of righteousness. It is a gift of righteousness that is by grace through faith and there's nothing you can do about it except for receive the gift." [01:15:22] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Christianity is really a journey of discovery. You already are. I'll say it again. Christianity is a journey of discovery who you really are and then becoming it two at the same time. Little confusing but that's what it is. So you become what you already are. Are you getting it? What you are already holy, righteous in your spirit but then in your life, in your mind, the emotions, that's why you renew your mind and your body is in alignment by the spirit." [01:23:42] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "See, my story is that I used to be really trying to get good with God. You know, I failed in all kinds of things, the same as you do. And I thought that's all up to me, you know. I didn't understand the covenants. I didn't know that a covenant was made between Jesus and the Father. I thought it was made with me and God, you know, it's the old covenant, basically, and the Mosaic covenant, I just didn't get it." [01:33:21] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The secret to the Christian life is the revelation and the discovery of who you are. And when you know who you are, boom, you live a completely different life because it's so powerful in your life if you know that you are eternally loved, eternally forgiven, eternally holy, eternally perfect and righteous, you're God's son or God's daughter. It is powerful in your life." [01:34:00] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "If you know that you cannot fail, that's powerful. If you know that you are perfect once and for all, that's amazing. Because when you do fail in your soul, in your mind, in your actions, in your life, you still know that you cannot fail. Well, how does that work? Well, it works, but it doesn't work if you don't get it. I used to be there. If you know you're totally forgiven, then when these questions come and things happen in your life, you know you're still forgiven." [01:31:55] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Lord, show me more. Not be more. Run harder. Treadmill. Get it out. I've got to get better again. I'm not doing good enough yet. No. It doesn't work this way. The Christian life doesn't. All religions are like this. But we are so contaminated with religious mindset. Because elder work. Everything's got to be good. It's all in our society and our mind. But the opposite. That's why Christianity is so opposite. It's so outrageous. Scandalous. Because of what Christ has done for us." [01:37:29] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "If you live from this place of perfection of being loved and all this kind of stuff. Then that will take the fear out of your life. Even the performance out of your life. I'll tell you something else what it does. And that has to do with the last couple of weeks. It gives you the strength and the boldness to face your problems. Because you know it's only a part of you. It's over there." [01:39:17] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?