Transformative Assurance: Embracing Faith in Christ

 

Summary

In this sermon, I explore the profound transformation that occurs when one becomes a Christian, emphasizing the radical change in perspective that accompanies this spiritual rebirth. The central theme is the contrast between viewing life "after the flesh" and viewing it through the lens of faith in Christ. The world, as it stands, is filled with uncertainty and fear, especially with the looming threats of global catastrophe. Yet, Christianity offers a unique assurance and confidence in the face of such existential threats. This confidence is not based on human wisdom or strength but on the transformative power of the Gospel, which makes believers new creations in Christ.

The sermon delves into the nature of this transformation, highlighting that it is not merely a moral or ethical improvement but a complete renewal of one's being. This renewal is a divine act, a new creation by God, which fundamentally alters how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. The Christian, therefore, no longer views people or circumstances "after the flesh" but sees them through the eyes of faith, recognizing the spiritual realities that underlie our existence.

I also address the misconceptions held by the world about human nature and destiny. The secular view often sees man as an autonomous being, capable of solving his own problems through reason and progress. However, this view is flawed because it fails to acknowledge the spiritual dimension of human existence and the reality of sin. The Christian perspective, in contrast, recognizes that true understanding of oneself and the world comes only through acknowledging our dependence on God and the need for reconciliation with Him.

Ultimately, the sermon calls for a personal reflection on one's view of self and the world. It challenges listeners to abandon the self-reliant, fleshly perspective and embrace the truth of the Gospel, which offers peace, assurance, and eternal hope through faith in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation Through Christ: Becoming a Christian involves a profound transformation that goes beyond moral improvement. It is a divine act of becoming a new creation, which fundamentally changes how we perceive ourselves and the world. This transformation allows us to face life's uncertainties with confidence and peace. [05:23]

2. The Flawed Secular View: The secular perspective often views man as autonomous and capable of solving his own problems. However, this view is flawed because it ignores the spiritual dimension of human existence and the reality of sin. True understanding comes only through acknowledging our dependence on God. [10:48]

3. The Christian Perspective on Humanity: The Christian view sees all people as equal before God, regardless of external differences. This perspective emphasizes the commonality of all humanity in sin and the need for reconciliation with God, which abolishes superficial distinctions and divisions. [35:20]

4. Facing Life's End with Assurance: Christianity offers a unique assurance in the face of death and the end of the world. This confidence is not based on human strength but on the transformative power of the Gospel, which assures believers of eternal life and peace with God. [47:18]

5. The Urgency of Reconciliation: The sermon emphasizes the urgency of being reconciled to God, as this is the only way to face life's ultimate questions with confidence. This reconciliation is not achieved through human effort but through faith in Christ, who offers forgiveness and new life. [56:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to the Passage
- [00:56] - The Challenge of Christianity
- [01:45] - Facing the End with Confidence
- [03:18] - The Gospel's Unique Claim
- [04:29] - The Key to Assurance
- [06:38] - The New Perspective
- [09:50] - The Natural vs. Christian View of Humanity
- [14:15] - The Secular View of Man
- [17:11] - Man's Relationship with Others
- [22:04] - The Cause of Man's Troubles
- [24:07] - Man's Self-Confidence
- [28:17] - The Christian View of Man
- [33:50] - Accountability Before God
- [41:34] - The Need for Reconciliation
- [50:53] - Personal Reflection and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
- Romans 3:23
- Ephesians 2:3

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Observation Questions:

1. What does it mean to "know no man after the flesh" as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:16? How does this perspective change after becoming a new creation in Christ? [00:09]

2. According to the sermon, what is the secular view of humanity, and how does it differ from the Christian perspective? [10:48]

3. How does the sermon describe the transformation that occurs when one becomes a Christian? What are the key elements of this transformation? [05:23]

4. What are the misconceptions about human nature and destiny that the sermon addresses? How does the Christian view provide a different understanding? [10:48]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being a "new creation" in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) impact a believer's view of themselves and the world around them? [05:23]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the secular view of man is flawed? How does this view fail to address the spiritual dimension of human existence? [10:48]

3. How does the Christian perspective on humanity, as described in the sermon, challenge societal norms and divisions? What implications does this have for how Christians interact with others? [35:20]

4. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of reconciliation with God. What does this urgency imply about the nature of human existence and our relationship with God? [56:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: In what ways have you experienced the transformation of becoming a "new creation" in Christ? How has this changed your perspective on life's uncertainties? [05:23]

2. Consider the secular views you encounter in your daily life. How do these views influence your thoughts and actions? What steps can you take to align your perspective more closely with the Christian view? [10:48]

3. Think about a time when you viewed someone "after the flesh." How can you begin to see them through the eyes of faith, recognizing the spiritual realities that underlie their existence? [07:22]

4. The sermon calls for personal reflection on one's view of self and the world. What are some practical ways you can abandon a self-reliant perspective and embrace the truth of the Gospel in your daily life? [51:29]

5. How can you actively work towards reconciliation with God in your life? What are some barriers that might be preventing you from fully embracing this reconciliation? [56:35]

6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with self-reliance. How can you invite God into that area and depend on His strength rather than your own? [54:37]

7. The sermon highlights the importance of facing life's end with assurance. How can you cultivate a sense of peace and confidence in the face of uncertainty and existential threats? [47:18]

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation as a New Creation
The transformation that occurs when one becomes a Christian is not merely a moral or ethical improvement but a profound renewal of one's entire being. This divine act of becoming a new creation fundamentally changes how believers perceive themselves and the world around them. Through this transformation, Christians are empowered to face life's uncertainties with confidence and peace, as their perspective shifts from a worldly view to one rooted in faith in Christ. This new perspective allows them to see beyond the immediate and the tangible, recognizing the spiritual realities that underlie existence. [05:23]

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you still view things "after the flesh"? How can you begin to see these areas through the lens of your new identity in Christ today?


Day 2: Recognizing the Flaws in Secular Autonomy
The secular perspective often views humanity as autonomous and capable of solving its own problems through reason and progress. However, this view is flawed because it ignores the spiritual dimension of human existence and the reality of sin. True understanding of oneself and the world comes only through acknowledging our dependence on God. By recognizing the limitations of human wisdom and strength, Christians can embrace the transformative power of the Gospel, which offers a deeper understanding of life and a path to true fulfillment. [10:48]

Jeremiah 17:5-7 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'"

Reflection: Consider a problem you are currently facing. Are you relying on your own strength to solve it, or are you seeking God's guidance and wisdom? How can you shift your approach today?


Day 3: Embracing the Christian View of Humanity
The Christian perspective sees all people as equal before God, regardless of external differences. This view emphasizes the commonality of all humanity in sin and the need for reconciliation with God, which abolishes superficial distinctions and divisions. By recognizing the shared need for grace and forgiveness, Christians are called to view others with compassion and humility, fostering unity and understanding in a divided world. This perspective challenges believers to look beyond societal labels and see the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. [35:20]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Think of someone you struggle to see as equal in worth. How can you begin to view them through the lens of Christ's love and grace today?


Day 4: Assurance in Facing Life's End
Christianity offers a unique assurance in the face of death and the end of the world. This confidence is not based on human strength but on the transformative power of the Gospel, which assures believers of eternal life and peace with God. By trusting in the promises of Christ, Christians can face life's ultimate questions with hope and certainty, knowing that their future is secure in Him. This assurance provides a foundation for living with purpose and courage, even amidst the uncertainties and fears of the world. [47:18]

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV): "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."

Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal life influence your daily decisions and interactions? What steps can you take to live more fully in light of this hope today?


Day 5: The Urgency of Reconciliation with God
The urgency of being reconciled to God is emphasized as the only way to face life's ultimate questions with confidence. This reconciliation is not achieved through human effort but through faith in Christ, who offers forgiveness and new life. By accepting this gift, believers are invited into a restored relationship with God, which transforms their understanding of themselves and their purpose. This call to reconciliation challenges individuals to examine their hearts and prioritize their spiritual journey, recognizing the eternal significance of their choices. [56:35]

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 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: Is there an area of your life where you feel distant from God? What steps can you take today to seek reconciliation and draw closer to Him?

Quotes



The claim of this message is that it and it alone can enable men and women to face that and not only to face it but to solve the problem and to do so with utter absolute confidence. You notice how the chapter starts: we know. We don't merely hope, we don't theorize, we know. [00:02:08]

A man can only come to the position in which he can say we know we are confident in spite of that. He can only do that as the result of a very profound change. He's got to become a new man. If any man be in Christ, he's a new creation. [00:04:39]

The gospel isn't here to change circumstances; it's here to change us so that we see them differently. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. The world is still the same, but he sees it differently. That's the gospel method. [00:05:40]

The Apostle isn't writing theoretically; he's writing his own experience. He'd undergone this change himself, and if ever a man changed his views, it was Saul of Tarsus who became the Apostle Paul. There was a radical change of view. [00:09:19]

You cannot possibly understand the world in its present condition tonight unless you understand this doctrine of man. Now that's a bold statement, but I can prove it. I am here to say that you don't begin to understand why the world is in its present state and condition unless you accept what the Apostle teaches here about this view of man. [00:10:39]

The Christian view of men and its emphasis is upon the word all, not the differences but the sameness, not the points in which there are distinctions but the unanimity. Look here, says the Christian, you know the points you've been making are utterly irrelevant when you see men as they are. [00:35:31]

Bring the whole world, gather the whole world tonight and gather everybody who's ever lived in this world, bring them all together and put them there before God, put them there before the Judgment seat of Christ. What do you find? Do you still see the differences? [00:36:28]

The world is as it is tonight because man has trespassed against God, because he is trying to live a life independent of God, because he is living for himself instead of for God. Not imputing their trespasses unto them in Christ, remember, but if you're not in Christ, he does impute your trespasses unto you. [00:41:24]

Man needs to be reconciled to God. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked, and therefore if man desires peace and blessing, he must cease to be wicked. How can that be done? How can a man be just with God? How can God's wrath be removed? [00:44:20]

Man can't put himself right; he can't put his world right. He's completely helpless; he's paralyzed. There is this defect in him; he's paralyzed by sin. There's a law in his members greater than himself; he's defeated by the power greater than himself: the world, the flesh, the devil. [00:46:47]

The Son came and was made sin for you, though he knew no sin, that you might be made the righteousness of God in him, which being translated means this: that God has put your sins on his Son, has punished them there, and because they've been punished in a righteous, holy, just manner, God can give you free pardon. [00:52:46]

I beseech you, knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. I'm trying to persuade you. Why? Well, because of the world in which we're living, because of the conditions tonight, because we know not what the next hour may bring forth. [00:55:21]

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Transcript
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