Transformative Journey: Learning Christ and New Identity

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Learning Christ

Learning Christ is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound transformation that affects every aspect of our lives. This transformation involves hearing His voice and being taught in Him, leading to a radical change in our identity and destiny. It is about entering a new realm of existence where we are no longer bound by the futility and darkness of life in Adam but are brought into the light and life of Christ. This change is not just about adopting a new set of beliefs but about embracing a new identity in Him. [01:50]

Ephesians 4:20-24 (ESV): "But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What specific area of your life needs transformation through learning Christ today? How can you actively listen for His voice in this area?

Day 2: The Ongoing Process of Renewal

The metaphor of putting off the old self and putting on the new self illustrates the ongoing process of renewal in the spirit of our minds. This requires us to continually align our thoughts and actions with the truth that is in Jesus. This truth is not abstract but is embodied in the historical Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again. It is this Jesus who calls us to a life of righteousness and holiness, a life that stands in stark contrast to the values and practices of the world around us. [09:21]

Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally align your thoughts and actions with the truth of Jesus today? What practical steps can you take to renew your mind?

Day 3: Embracing a New Identity in Christ

Our new identity in Christ calls us to leave behind the old ways of living and to walk in the newness of life. This involves a daily decision to reject the temptations and distractions of the world and to focus on the eternal truths of God's Word. It is a call to be different, to be set apart, and to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ. This transformation is a radical change that is evident in our lives, not just about feeling good or being interested in Christianity but about a complete renewal of our identity and purpose. [12:02]

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

Reflection: What old habits or mindsets do you need to leave behind to fully embrace your new identity in Christ? How can you remind yourself of your new identity daily?

Day 4: The Radical Change in Christ

The transformation in Christ is a radical change that is evident in our lives. It is not just about feeling good or being interested in Christianity but about a complete renewal of our identity and purpose. This change is a call to be different, to be set apart, and to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ. It involves a commitment to righteousness and holiness, standing in contrast to the values of the world. [12:35]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How does your life currently reflect the radical change that comes from being in Christ? What specific actions can you take to further align your life with His character?

Day 5: The Call to Be Set Apart

The call to learn Christ is a call to be different, to be set apart, and to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ. This involves a commitment to righteousness and holiness, standing in contrast to the values of the world. It is a call to embrace a new identity in Him, to leave behind the old ways of living, and to walk in the newness of life that He offers. This involves a daily decision to reject the world's temptations and distractions and to focus on the eternal truths of God's Word. [17:33]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: In what ways can you live a life that is set apart and reflects the character of Christ today? How can you proclaim His excellencies in your daily interactions?

Sermon Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound transformation that occurs when one truly learns Christ. This transformation is not merely an intellectual exercise but a deep, spiritual renewal that affects every aspect of our lives. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, emphasizes that learning Christ involves hearing His voice and being taught in Him, which leads to a radical change in our identity and destiny. This change is not just about adopting a new set of beliefs but about entering into a new realm of existence where we are no longer bound by the futility and darkness of life in Adam but are brought into the light and life of Christ.

Paul uses the metaphor of putting off the old self and putting on the new self to illustrate this transformation. This is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of renewal in the spirit of our minds. It requires us to continually align our thoughts and actions with the truth that is in Jesus. This truth is not abstract but is embodied in the historical Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again. It is this Jesus who calls us to a life of righteousness and holiness, a life that stands in stark contrast to the values and practices of the world around us.

The call to learn Christ is a call to embrace a new identity in Him. It is a call to leave behind the old ways of living and to walk in the newness of life that He offers. This involves a daily decision to reject the temptations and distractions of the world and to focus on the eternal truths of God's Word. It is a call to be different, to be set apart, and to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Learning Christ is about hearing His voice and being taught in Him, leading to a transformation that affects every aspect of our lives. This transformation is not just about adopting new beliefs but about entering a new realm of existence in Christ. [01:50]
2. The metaphor of putting off the old self and putting on the new self illustrates the ongoing process of renewal in the spirit of our minds. This requires us to continually align our thoughts and actions with the truth in Jesus. [09:21]
3. Our new identity in Christ calls us to leave behind the old ways of living and to walk in the newness of life. This involves a daily decision to reject the world's temptations and distractions and to focus on the eternal truths of God's Word. [12:02]
4. The transformation in Christ is a radical change that is evident in our lives. It is not just about feeling good or being interested in Christianity but about a complete renewal of our identity and purpose. [12:35]
5. The call to learn Christ is a call to be different, to be set apart, and to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ. This involves a commitment to righteousness and holiness, standing in contrast to the values of the world. [17:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:02] - Hearing Christ's Voice
[02:07] - The Truth in Jesus
[03:27] - The Need for Jesus
[04:25] - A Radical Change
[05:30] - Paul's Logical Flow
[06:23] - From Adam to Christ
[07:49] - Renewal of the Mind
[08:32] - Identity and Destiny
[09:21] - Putting Off and Putting On
[10:23] - The Old and New Self
[12:02] - Repentance and Regeneration
[13:06] - Baptism as a Symbol
[14:33] - The Pull of the World
[15:51] - Abiding Significance
[17:33] - Evidence of Change
[20:20] - Invitation to Christ

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Ephesians 4:20-24
1 Corinthians 15:22
Colossians 3:9-10

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Observation Questions:

What does Paul mean when he talks about "putting off the old self and putting on the new self" in Ephesians 4:22-24? How does this metaphor illustrate the transformation in Christ? [09:21]
In 1 Corinthians 15:22, Paul contrasts being "in Adam" with being "in Christ." What are the implications of this contrast for a believer's identity and destiny? [07:28]
How does the sermon describe the process of being "taught in Him" and hearing Christ's voice? What role does this play in the transformation of a believer? [01:50]
According to Colossians 3:9-10, what is the significance of being "renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator"? How does this relate to the concept of identity in Christ? [11:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the metaphor of putting off the old self and putting on the new self challenge the way believers view their daily lives and decisions? [09:21]
What does it mean to be "in Christ" as opposed to "in Adam," and how does this affect a believer's understanding of their purpose and calling? [07:28]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of hearing Christ's voice and being taught in Him. How can believers discern Christ's voice in their daily lives, and what impact does this have on their spiritual growth? [01:50]
In what ways does the renewal of the mind, as described in the sermon, influence a believer's actions and interactions with the world? [07:49]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your current lifestyle. Are there specific "old self" habits or attitudes that you need to put off? What steps can you take this week to begin this process? [09:21]
Consider your identity in Christ. How does understanding that you are "in Christ" change the way you approach challenges and opportunities in your life? [07:28]
How can you create space in your daily routine to hear Christ's voice more clearly? Are there specific practices or disciplines you can adopt to facilitate this? [01:50]
Identify an area in your life where you feel the pull of the world's values. How can you actively renew your mind in this area to align more closely with the truth in Jesus? [14:49]
Think of a recent situation where you were tempted to revert to old ways of thinking or behaving. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time to reflect your new identity in Christ? [14:15]
How can you support others in your community who are also striving to put off the old self and put on the new self? What role can you play in encouraging and holding each other accountable? [11:06]
Reflect on a time when you felt a significant change in your spiritual journey. What triggered this change, and how can you continue to nurture this transformation in your life? [16:23]

Sermon Clips

"Christ wasn't only the subject matter or the teacher he was actually the sphere or if you like the context in which all of this was taking place and you were taught in him as the truth is in Jesus interestingly he uses Jesus here this is the only time in the letter where he uses the word Jesus on its own." [00:01:50]

"Paul's great thing is constantly making clear to people that as a Believer we are no longer in Adam in Adam right Adam is the the founder of the race Adam is the beginning of it all Adam is the one who was made in the image of God Adam is the one who sinned and brought all in Adam down into the destructive dimension of his sin." [00:06:23]

"However says Paul when a man or a woman hears the gospel and comes to trust in Christ then the ties that bind us to Adam in our old man are then broken and we are adopted into a whole new family so we are then he says no longer in Adam but now we are in Christ and all that is in Christ is now Ours by Dent of our Union with him." [00:06:41]

"United with Adam we live in the realm of sin and rebellion and hardness and alienation and so on United with Christ we are brought into the realm of righteousness and Holiness and truth and so on if you want it in a sentence 1 Corinthians 15:22 for as in Adam all die so in Christ will all be made alive." [00:07:09]

"Now I think this is why he says in verse 23 that part of what is going on is the renewal in the spirit of our minds because we need our minds renewed in this don't we so that we can learn to think about ourselves in the right way." [00:07:44]

"Your part was repentance God's part was regeneration he made you alive when you were dead in your trespasses and sins you see how vastly different this is from a kind of conversion story that says well you know I'm very interested in Christianity I like it is it makes me feel good about things." [00:12:02]

"That's fascinating that's not remotely what Paul is talking about here no it's a radical transform I I I think probably uh the symbol of baptism is as helpful as any isn't it remember when Paul writing out to the Galatians he says as many of as of of you who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ you've put on Christ." [00:12:35]

"The picture there is a clear picture people would come down into the baptismal Waters in their regular clothes they would disrobe themselves they would go into the to just down to their skibbies they would go into the water they would be baptized they would come out and they would be given a brand spanking new fresh white rope and they would walk out." [00:12:55]

"Why did he do that well because he's put off the old man and he wants people to know I I always tell you this but it was so striking to me in new Yorkshire a man who'd been a very successful business guy very proud of his deal he had it button down when he got baptized he insisted on being baptized in his business suit." [00:13:14]

"Are you going to go back and start that same stuff that marked your life before you put off and put on it's not impossible we do it because the pool is so strong the environment in which we live says hey what do you care about marriage don't let anybody do that marriage stuff what do you care about purity." [00:14:33]

"Don't tell lies to one another here we go seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator what's the point these verbs to put off and put on are not fresh commands they are simply the old commands which he gave them when he was with them." [00:10:23]

"Paul says are you going to go back and start that stuff again you put off you put on have your mind renewed in the scriptures don't buy the lie don't don't try and kid let's not try and kid ourselves you know well Jesus mixed with Sinners that's why you know listen when Jesus mixed with Sinners he was never mistaken for one of them." [00:15:51]

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Transformative Journey: Learning Christ and New Identity

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Learning Christ

Day 2: The Ongoing Process of Renewal

Day 3: Embracing a New Identity in Christ

Day 4: The Radical Change in Christ

Day 5: The Call to Be Set Apart

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Transformative Journey: Learning Christ and New Identity

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