Transformative Journey: Embracing Authentic Christian Identity

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound transformation that occurs when one becomes a Christian. This transformation is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental shift in identity and perception. Before embracing faith, many are unaware of the spiritual conflict within, attributing their actions to external factors like environment or upbringing. However, upon becoming a Christian, one becomes acutely aware of the internal battle between good and evil, recognizing the presence of a divine law within that guides towards righteousness.

This newfound awareness allows Christians to see Jesus Christ not just as a historical figure or a moral teacher but as the divine incarnate, the mystery of godliness manifest in the flesh. This revelation is spiritually discerned and becomes the most glorious truth for believers. It is through this lens that Christians understand the way of salvation, equipped to explain the hope within them with humility and clarity.

Moreover, the Christian life is characterized by the fruit of the light, which manifests in goodness, righteousness, and truth. Unlike the works of darkness, which are artificial and mechanical, the fruit of the light is natural and organic, growing from within. This growth is not forced or imposed but is a natural expression of the life and character of the believer. Christians are called to live authentically, allowing their actions to flow from their transformed nature rather than conforming to external molds or expectations.

The essence of Christian living is not about mass production or conformity but about individual growth and development. Each believer, like fruit on a tree, is unique, reflecting the diversity and creativity of God's creation. This individuality is a testament to the liberty found in the Spirit, where believers are free to express their faith in ways that are true to their own experiences and convictions.

Key Takeaways:

- Becoming a Christian involves a profound internal transformation, where one becomes aware of the spiritual conflict within and the divine law that guides towards righteousness. This awareness is a hallmark of the Christian experience. [17:38]

- Christians see Jesus Christ as the divine incarnate, a mystery of godliness manifest in the flesh. This revelation is spiritually discerned and becomes the most glorious truth for believers, shaping their understanding of salvation. [19:19]

- The Christian life is characterized by the fruit of the light, which manifests in goodness, righteousness, and truth. Unlike the artificial works of darkness, this fruit is a natural expression of the believer's transformed nature. [24:22]

- Authentic Christian living is not about conformity or mass production but about individual growth and development. Each believer is unique, reflecting the diversity and creativity of God's creation. [33:25]

- The essence of Christian living is about allowing actions to flow from a transformed nature, not conforming to external molds or expectations. This liberty in the Spirit leads to genuine and diverse expressions of faith. [35:19]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:07] - Understanding Sin and Spiritual Conflict
[18:11] - Seeing Jesus Through Enlightened Eyes
[19:02] - The Mystery of Godliness
[20:05] - The Way of Salvation
[21:12] - Heart and Mind in the Light
[22:29] - The Desire for Holiness
[23:23] - The Fruit of Light
[25:09] - Natural vs. Artificial Life
[27:38] - Becoming Natural in Christ
[29:34] - The Organic Growth of Faith
[31:05] - Individuality in Christian Life
[33:06] - The Unique Expression of Faith
[36:10] - The Inner Call and Guidance
[39:21] - Cultivating the Soul for Fruitful Living
[42:41] - From Works to Fruit in Christian Life

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 7:23 - "But I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me."
2. 1 Timothy 3:16 - "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."
3. Ephesians 5:8-9 - "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)."

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does Romans 7:23 reveal about the internal conflict that Christians experience? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on spiritual conflict? [17:38]

2. According to 1 Timothy 3:16, what are the key elements of the mystery of godliness? How does this align with the sermon’s portrayal of Jesus Christ as the divine incarnate? [19:19]

3. In Ephesians 5:8-9, what are the characteristics of living as children of light? How does this passage connect with the sermon’s emphasis on the fruit of the light? [24:22]

4. How does the sermon describe the difference between the works of darkness and the fruit of the light? [25:09]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the awareness of spiritual conflict change a person’s understanding of their actions and motivations, according to the sermon? [17:38]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of seeing Jesus as more than just a historical figure? How does this perspective shape a Christian’s understanding of salvation? [19:19]

3. How does the concept of the fruit of the light challenge the idea of conformity and mass production in Christian living? What does this mean for individual growth and expression of faith? [33:25]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christian living should be an organic and natural expression of one’s transformed nature? [36:10]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you became aware of an internal spiritual conflict. How did this awareness impact your actions or decisions? How can you be more mindful of this conflict in your daily life? [17:38]

2. How do you currently perceive Jesus Christ in your life? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Him as the divine incarnate? [19:19]

3. Identify one area in your life where you feel pressured to conform to external expectations. How can you begin to express your faith more authentically in this area? [33:25]

4. Consider the fruit of the light—goodness, righteousness, and truth. Which of these do you feel is most evident in your life, and which one do you want to cultivate more? What practical steps can you take to do so? [24:22]

5. Think about a recent decision you made. Was it influenced more by external pressures or by an internal conviction? How can you ensure that your future decisions are guided by your transformed nature? [36:10]

6. How can you encourage individuality and creativity in your faith community, allowing others to express their faith in ways that are true to their experiences and convictions? [33:25]

7. Reflect on the idea that Christian living should be a natural expression of who you are. What changes can you make in your life to align more closely with this principle? [36:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Awareness of Spiritual Conflict and Divine Guidance
The journey of becoming a Christian is marked by a profound internal transformation. This transformation is not just about changing one's behavior but involves a deep awareness of the spiritual conflict within. Before embracing faith, many attribute their actions to external factors such as environment or upbringing. However, upon becoming a Christian, one becomes acutely aware of the internal battle between good and evil. This awareness is a hallmark of the Christian experience, as believers recognize the presence of a divine law within that guides them towards righteousness. This internal guidance becomes a compass, helping Christians navigate the complexities of life with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. [17:38]

"For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members." (Romans 7:22-23, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a recent situation where you felt an internal conflict between right and wrong. How can you rely on the divine guidance within you to make a righteous decision today?


Day 2: Seeing Jesus as the Divine Incarnate
For Christians, Jesus Christ is not merely a historical figure or a moral teacher but the divine incarnate, the mystery of godliness manifest in the flesh. This revelation is spiritually discerned and becomes the most glorious truth for believers. It shapes their understanding of salvation and provides a foundation for their faith. Seeing Jesus through enlightened eyes allows Christians to grasp the depth of His love and sacrifice, leading to a deeper relationship with Him. This understanding equips believers to explain the hope within them with humility and clarity, sharing the message of salvation with others. [19:19]

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on how you perceive Jesus in your life. How does seeing Him as the divine incarnate influence your daily actions and interactions with others?


Day 3: The Natural Expression of the Fruit of Light
The Christian life is characterized by the fruit of the light, which manifests in goodness, righteousness, and truth. Unlike the artificial works of darkness, this fruit is a natural expression of the believer's transformed nature. It grows organically from within, not forced or imposed, but as a natural outflow of the life and character of the believer. Christians are called to live authentically, allowing their actions to flow from their transformed nature rather than conforming to external molds or expectations. This authenticity is a testament to the genuine transformation that occurs within, reflecting the light of Christ to the world. [24:22]

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)." (Ephesians 5:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you feel pressured to conform to external expectations. How can you allow the fruit of the light to naturally express itself in that area today?


Day 4: Embracing Individual Growth and Diversity in Faith
Authentic Christian living is not about conformity or mass production but about individual growth and development. Each believer, like fruit on a tree, is unique, reflecting the diversity and creativity of God's creation. This individuality is a testament to the liberty found in the Spirit, where believers are free to express their faith in ways that are true to their own experiences and convictions. Embracing this diversity allows Christians to appreciate the different ways God works in each person's life, fostering a community of love and acceptance. [33:25]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: Think about a unique aspect of your faith journey. How can you celebrate and share this uniqueness with others in your community?


Day 5: Living from a Transformed Nature
The essence of Christian living is about allowing actions to flow from a transformed nature, not conforming to external molds or expectations. This liberty in the Spirit leads to genuine and diverse expressions of faith. Christians are called to live out their faith authentically, letting their transformed nature guide their actions and decisions. This approach fosters a life of integrity and purpose, where believers are not swayed by societal pressures but remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ. [35:19]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel the pressure to conform. What steps can you take today to live authentically from your transformed nature in that area?

Quotes


But the moment a man becomes a Christian he does he is aware that he's the seat of this tremendous battle and fight he is aware that he's a sort of enigma he's aware of these forces struggling within him some for the soul some against he's aware of all that and then you see he comes com and he looks at the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:17:34]

You need to have eyes enlightened by the ey s of the holy spirit before you can rarely see him and you begin to see the Marvel and the Mystery of his person you see the Divine you see the human you see the divine nature you see the human nature you see the two there're together they're unmixed they're both there but they're not mingled you look at the Marvel and the mystery. [00:18:34]

Now to the Christian this is something of which he's aware it means something to him this is to him the greatest thing in life this is the most extraordinary thing this is no some no longer something ridiculous which he dismissed and says he can't understand scientifically no no says the Christian these things are spiritually discerned and it is to him the most marvelous and most glorious truth of all that the Incarnation has taken place God was manifest In the Flesh. [00:19:57]

The man who is light in the Lord is a man who knows the way of Salvation and he can explain it to others this isn't merely the teaching of the Apostle Paul the Apostle Peter you remember in his first epistle in the third chapter says the same thing where he says be be ready at all times to give a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness be ready at all times to give a reason for the hope that is in you. [00:20:09]

The Christian is a man I say who comes to it with with a new mind he's light in the Lord this book means everything to him he sees this extraordinary truth in it and he has an increasing understanding of it there's his intellect his mind but let me say just a word about the heart yes he not only has this new understanding and apprehension but he has a heart that can respond to it. [00:21:04]

The fruit of light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth you are light in the Lord he says well now then walk as children of light and then in Brackets he puts it in the fruit of light is in all goodness righteousness and truth and then he finishes his statement walk as children of the light proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. [00:24:22]

It is only when a man becom a Christian that he rarely becomes natural it is only the Christian who begins to approximate to what a man is meant to be I mean by that of course it is only the Christian who begins to approximate to what man was in his first creation he was made and created in the image of God he was made upright he was given an original righteousness. [00:25:55]

The life of the Christian is rather reminiscent of fruit growing on a tree we saw the other life was artificial this isn't the Christian should never give the appearance of being mechanical or machine like or machine produced Christians can't be produced to order or by numbers neither can their life and their activities and their actions now this to me is of tremendous importance. [00:28:36]

The fruit doesn't come suddenly isn't imposed it's not readymade but you know I find far too many readymade Christians as regards conduct you see it's all taken in stages first of all you're taken to an Evangelistic meeting and there you get saved well then you're taken to some instruction and this is put upon you then you're told what to do and it's all perfect at once and immediately they're already made and mass-produced that's not Christianity. [00:32:08]

There are always individual differences look at an apple tree teeming with apples well you say they're all apples I agree but they're not all identical they're not all identical in shape they're not all identical in the coloring little more red in one little less in another and so on there are all sorts of minor differences and variations it's all fruit it's all Apple but there are all these differences that's the characteristic of fruit. [00:33:25]

The whole secret of fruit is this that fruit is always something that comes from within outwards fruit in a sense is the expression of the life of the tree that produces it not from without but from within something that comes out of the character out of the nature out of the life and that is what the Christian is and that is why I say we must never impose forms upon the Christian. [00:36:10]

You must never decide to do anything solely in terms of your mind and your understanding that is where people who say and teach that the need is the call are really denying this principle that we're dealing with this morning the need need is not the call if the need were the call well then I say that in an age like this every single Christian should go out of every secular employment and should go straight into whole-time Christian work if the need is the call you can't dispute that but the need isn't the call and never has been. [00:38:08]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 24, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

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