Transformative Faith: Living in Christ's Victory and Grace

 

Summary

In my recent sermon, I explored the profound transformations that occur when one places their faith in Jesus Christ. I began by discussing the five transformations that should manifest in a believer's life, emphasizing the shift from an earthly to an eternal perspective. This transformation includes a new motivation, orientation, identification, mission, and illustration, all rooted in our relationship with Christ.

I delved into the definition of the gospel as outlined in the book of Galatians, highlighting the distinction between living under the law and living by grace through faith in Christ. This led to a discussion on moralism versus Christianity, where I stressed that Christianity is not about adhering to external standards without internal renewal. Instead, it's about a profound transformation that occurs through being crucified with Christ, moving beyond mere moral adherence to a life motivated by Christ's love and sacrifice.

The sermon also addressed the practical application of the gospel in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of applying Christ's teachings and the realities of His sacrifice to our daily actions and decisions. I highlighted the dangers of living a Christian life superficially focused on external behaviors rather than genuine internal transformation.

I further explored the concept of victory in Christ, discussing how believers share in Christ's victory over sin and death, which empowers us to live righteously through the Holy Spirit. This victory is not just about personal triumph but about living out our faith actively and authentically in the world.

Towards the end of the sermon, I introduced an acrostic, "SHARE," to help the congregation internalize and apply the power of living in Christ to their daily lives. Each letter stands for a significant aspect of our spiritual journey: Share in the victory of Christ, Humble yourself, Apply the mind of Christ, Renew daily, and Engage with the world through Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation Through New Identification:
When you become a believer, your identity is transformed. You are no longer defined by worldly standards but by your new identity in Christ. This identity is not just a label but a call to live out a transformed life, visibly different and set apart for God's purposes. This transformation is both internal and external, influencing how we view ourselves and how we interact with the world. [07:49]

2. Living by Grace, Not Law:
The true gospel frees us from the bondage of the law and invites us to live by grace through faith in Christ. This shift from law to grace should permeate every aspect of our Christian walk, not just our initial salvation experience. Understanding and embracing this can liberate us from the exhausting cycle of trying to earn God's favor through human effort and instead enjoying a relationship with Him founded on grace. [10:50]

3. The Practical Application of the Gospel:
The gospel is not just a set of beliefs but a dynamic and transformative power that should influence every decision and action in our lives. By applying the principles of the gospel strategically and intentionally to every situation, we demonstrate the relevance and power of our faith. This application is a testament to the truth that the gospel is not only believed but also lived. [46:47]

4. Victory in Christ:
Sharing in Christ's victory means recognizing that we have overcome sin and death through Him. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality that empowers us to live freely and righteously. Understanding our union with Christ helps us to depend on Him daily, sourcing our life from His victory and not our efforts. [21:58]

5. Empowerment for Righteous Living:
The empowerment to live a righteous life does not come from our strength but from the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to live not by a set of rules but by the Spirit who enables us to fulfill God's law of love and righteousness. This empowerment is crucial for living out the Christian life authentically and effectively. [24:37]

Chapters:
- 0:00 - Welcome
- 00:05:19 - Transformation in Christ
- 00:10:19 - Understanding the Gospel
- 00:14:56 - Christianity vs. Moralism
- 00:20:25 - Living the Crucified Life
- 00:32:54 - Practical Faith Application
- 00:40:44 - Victory Over Sin
- 00:46:47 - Applying the Gospel Daily
- 00:55:22 - Empowerment Through the Spirit

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
3. Romans 6:12-14 - "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Galatians 2:20 say about our identity and life in Christ?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens to a person who is in Christ?
3. In Romans 6:12-14, what are believers instructed to do with their bodies and why?
4. What are the five transformations that should occur when one places their faith in Jesus Christ, as mentioned in the sermon? [05:19]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does being "crucified with Christ" change the way a believer should live their daily life? [17:32]
2. What does it mean to have a "new identification" in Christ, and how should this affect our interactions with others? [07:49]
3. How does living by grace, as opposed to living by the law, impact a believer's relationship with God and their daily actions? [10:50]
4. What are the practical implications of sharing in Christ's victory over sin and death for a believer's life? [21:58]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current motivations in life. How can you shift your focus to have an eternal perspective that is pleasing to God? [07:19]
2. Identify an area in your life where you might be living by the law rather than by grace. How can you start living by grace in that area this week? [10:50]
3. Think of a recent decision or action. How did the principles of the gospel influence it? If they didn't, how can you ensure they do in the future? [46:47]
4. In what ways can you actively share in Christ's victory in your daily life? Consider specific actions or attitudes you need to change. [21:58]
5. How can you humble yourself and allow Christ to live through you in your interactions at work, home, or with friends? [29:02]
6. What steps can you take to renew your mind daily and stay connected to Christ? [34:53]
7. How can you engage with the world through Christ this week? Identify one specific way to demonstrate your faith authentically. [19:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Your New Identity in Christ
When one becomes a believer, a fundamental transformation occurs: their identity is reshaped in the image of Christ. This new identity transcends worldly standards and aligns with divine purposes, calling for a life that visibly reflects this profound change. It's not merely about adopting a new label; it's about embodying this identity in every aspect of life, influencing both self-perception and interactions with others. This transformation is both internal, affecting one's values and desires, and external, impacting behaviors and relationships. [07:49]

Bible passage: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you view yourself and your interactions with others?

Day 2: Living by Grace Through Faith
The true essence of the gospel liberates believers from the constraints of the law and invites them into a life of grace. This shift from law to grace is crucial, permeating every aspect of a Christian's walk with God. It's about moving beyond the exhausting cycle of trying to earn divine favor through human effort to embracing a relationship with God founded on His grace. This understanding should liberate and transform how one lives daily, fostering a deeper appreciation of God's unconditional love and mercy. [10:50]

Bible passage: "For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace." (Romans 6:14)

Reflection: In what ways might you still be trying to earn God's favor? How can you more fully embrace living by grace?

Day 3: Applying the Gospel in Everyday Decisions
The gospel is not merely a set of beliefs but a dynamic force that should guide every decision and action. Applying the gospel means allowing it to shape how one interacts with the world, demonstrating its power and relevance through everyday choices. This approach proves that the gospel is not only believed but actively lived, influencing how believers engage with challenges, opportunities, and relationships. [46:47]

Bible passage: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Reflection: What is one decision you face today where you can apply the gospel to demonstrate its power in your life?

Day 4: Victory in Christ Over Sin and Death
Believers share in Christ's victory over sin and death, a triumph that is not just a future hope but a present reality. This victory empowers believers to live freely and righteously, relying on Christ's strength rather than their own. Understanding and embracing this victory is essential for daily spiritual life, enabling believers to overcome challenges and temptations through the power of the Holy Spirit. [21:58]

Bible passage: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Reflection: How can you more actively rely on Christ's victory in your daily struggles or temptations?

Day 5: Empowered for Righteous Living by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a life of righteousness, not through their own strength but through divine enablement. This empowerment is crucial for fulfilling God's law of love and righteousness, allowing believers to live authentically and effectively as followers of Christ. It's about surrendering to the Spirit's leading daily, which transforms one's ability to love, serve, and witness in a world in need. [24:37]

Bible passage: "I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need the Holy Spirit's empowerment to live more righteously? How can you seek His guidance in this area today?

Quotes

1. "I want to share with you all a simple acrostic on how to live powerfully. How to live out your power position in Christ. Verse 20 is theologically loaded. Amen? First thing he says here is I have been crucified with Christ." [19:50]( | | )

2. "The empowerment to live a righteous life does not come from our strength but from the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to live not by a set of rules but by the Spirit who enables us to fulfill God's law of love and righteousness." [24:37]( | | )

3. "The true gospel frees us from the bondage of the law and invites us to live by grace through faith in Christ. This shift from law to grace should permeate every aspect of our Christian walk, not just our initial salvation experience." [10:50]( | | )

4. "Transformation in Christianity is a profound transformation through being crucified with Christ. And the challenge today is we don't want to talk about the crucifixion we don't want a bloody Christianity. And if your Christianity ain't bloody, it ain't Christianity." [15:57]( | | )

5. "The primary goal is not quote-unquote just to be a moral person. God's goal for us is to be a righteous person. See, a moral person, just focuses on external behavior and looking like you're doing right. But Christianity is about being right." [13:56]( | | )

6. "When you become a believer, your identity is transformed. You are no longer defined by worldly standards but by your new identity in Christ. This identity is not just a label but a call to live out a transformed life, visibly different and set apart for God's purposes." [07:49]( | | )

7. "Sharing in Christ's victory means recognizing that we have overcome sin and death through Him. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality that empowers us to live freely and righteously." [21:58]( | | )

8. "The gospel is not just a set of beliefs but a dynamic and transformative power that should influence every decision and action in our lives. By applying the principles of the gospel strategically and intentionally to every situation, we demonstrate the relevance and power of our faith." [46:47]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?