Transformative Perception: Understanding Christ's True Nature

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound and often challenging truth of the Gospel, which confronts us with the reality of our own nature and the pivotal question of our perception of Christ. The Apostle Paul, once proud of his earthly achievements, came to see them as worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ. This transformation is central to understanding the Christian faith, which is not merely a set of teachings but a relationship with Christ Himself. The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, centers on Jesus, pointing to Him as the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate revelation of God's love and purpose for humanity.

The critical question we must all face is, "What think ye of Christ?" This question surpasses all others in importance, as it determines not only our worldview but our eternal destiny. Throughout history, Christ has been a figure of division, with people either viewing Him through the lens of the flesh or the spirit. To see Christ after the flesh is to see Him merely as a historical figure, a great teacher, or a moral example. However, to see Him after the spirit is to recognize Him as the Son of God, the Savior, and the Lord of Glory.

Paul's encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus exemplifies the transformative power of seeing Christ through the spirit. This revelation changed his life, enabling him to face life and death with confidence and hope. The same Holy Spirit that revealed Christ to Paul is available to us today, opening our eyes to the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

Ultimately, our view of Christ determines our relationship with Him. He is either everything to us or nothing. We cannot merely admire or imitate Him; we must accept Him as our Savior and Lord. This acceptance leads to a life transformed by His love, living not for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again for us.

Key Takeaways:

- The Gospel confronts us with the truth about ourselves and the central question of our perception of Christ. This question is more significant than any other, as it determines our eternal destiny. Our view of Christ shapes our entire worldview and relationship with God. [09:28]

- The Bible is a unified narrative centered on Jesus Christ, from the Old Testament's anticipation of His coming to the New Testament's revelation of His life, death, and resurrection. Understanding this centrality is crucial for grasping the Christian faith. [10:55]

- Seeing Christ after the flesh limits Him to a historical figure or moral teacher, while seeing Him after the spirit reveals Him as the Son of God and Savior. This spiritual revelation is essential for a true relationship with Him. [17:02]

- Paul's transformation on the road to Damascus illustrates the power of encountering Christ through the spirit. This encounter changes our perspective, enabling us to live with confidence and hope, regardless of life's challenges. [16:46]

- Our ultimate response to Christ determines our eternal destiny. He must be our Savior and Lord, not just a figure to admire or imitate. Accepting Him leads to a life transformed by His love and purpose. [53:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [07:57] - Knowing Ourselves and Christ
- [09:28] - The Question of Questions
- [10:55] - Christ in the Bible
- [12:22] - The Christian View of Life and Death
- [13:34] - Two Views of Christ
- [15:12] - Paul's Confidence in Christ
- [16:46] - Transformation on the Road to Damascus
- [18:01] - Viewing Christ After the Flesh
- [20:19] - Misunderstandings of Christ
- [24:19] - Christ's Person and Expectations
- [31:34] - The View of Christ's Death
- [39:36] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [45:00] - The Triumph of the Cross
- [48:24] - Christ as Judge and Savior
- [53:00] - The Ultimate Choice

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:7-8 - "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 - "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
3. Acts 9:3-6 - "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 'Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'"

Observation Questions:
1. According to Philippians 3:7-8, what did Paul consider as loss compared to the knowledge of Christ? How does this reflect his transformation? [08:09]
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, what change in perspective does Paul describe regarding how we view Christ and others? [09:11]
3. Describe the encounter Paul had on the road to Damascus as detailed in Acts 9:3-6. How did this event mark a turning point in his life? [16:46]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the most important question we must answer about Christ, and why is it so significant? [09:28]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul's view of his past achievements in Philippians 3:7-8 challenge our own perceptions of success and value? [08:09]
2. What does it mean to regard Christ "after the spirit" rather than "after the flesh," as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17? How does this affect our relationship with Him? [17:02]
3. Reflect on the significance of Paul's transformation on the road to Damascus. How does this illustrate the power of encountering Christ through the spirit? [16:46]
4. Why does the sermon emphasize the question "What think ye of Christ?" as the most critical question for our eternal destiny? [09:28]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there achievements or possessions you hold onto that might be considered "loss" compared to knowing Christ? How can you shift your focus to prioritize your relationship with Him? [08:09]
2. How do you currently view Christ? Is it more "after the flesh" or "after the spirit"? What steps can you take to deepen your spiritual understanding of Him? [17:02]
3. Consider a time when you experienced a significant change in perspective about your faith. What prompted this change, and how did it impact your relationship with Christ? [16:46]
4. The sermon suggests that our view of Christ shapes our entire worldview. How does your perception of Christ influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [09:28]
5. How can you actively seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to reveal more of Christ's nature to you? What practices can you incorporate into your life to facilitate this spiritual growth? [39:36]
6. In what ways can you live out the truth that Christ is your Savior and Lord, not just a figure to admire or imitate? How does this affect your actions and priorities? [53:00]
7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to fully surrender to Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to submit that area to His lordship? [52:38]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Confrontation with Our True Nature
The Gospel challenges us to confront the truth about ourselves and our perception of Christ. This confrontation is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual awakening that demands a response. The question "What think ye of Christ?" is pivotal, as it shapes our entire worldview and determines our eternal destiny. Our understanding of Christ influences how we see ourselves and the world around us. To truly grasp the Christian faith, we must recognize that our view of Christ is the lens through which we interpret all of life. [09:28]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one aspect of your life where you feel challenged by the Gospel's truth? How can you invite Christ into that area today to transform your perspective?


Day 2: Christ as the Fulfillment of Scripture
The Bible is a unified narrative that centers on Jesus Christ, from the Old Testament's anticipation of His coming to the New Testament's revelation of His life, death, and resurrection. Understanding this centrality is crucial for grasping the Christian faith. The Scriptures point to Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate revelation of His love and purpose for humanity. By seeing Christ as the focal point of the Bible, we gain a deeper appreciation for the continuity and coherence of God's redemptive plan. [10:55]

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27, ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing Christ as the fulfillment of Scripture change the way you read the Bible? What is one passage you can revisit this week with this perspective in mind?


Day 3: Seeing Christ Through the Spirit
Seeing Christ after the flesh limits Him to a historical figure or moral teacher, while seeing Him after the spirit reveals Him as the Son of God and Savior. This spiritual revelation is essential for a true relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to the truth of who Jesus is, transforming our understanding and deepening our faith. This spiritual insight allows us to experience the fullness of Christ's love and power in our lives. [17:02]

"But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him'—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God." (1 Corinthians 2:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been viewing Christ through the flesh rather than the spirit? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to reveal more of Christ's true nature to you today?


Day 4: Transformation Through Encountering Christ
Paul's transformation on the road to Damascus illustrates the power of encountering Christ through the spirit. This encounter changes our perspective, enabling us to live with confidence and hope, regardless of life's challenges. Just as Paul's life was radically altered by his revelation of Christ, we too can experience profound change when we truly encounter Jesus. This transformation empowers us to face life's uncertainties with faith and assurance in His promises. [16:46]

"And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened." (Acts 9:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you encountered Christ in a transformative way. How did it change your perspective, and how can you continue to live out that transformation today?


Day 5: The Ultimate Choice of Accepting Christ
Our ultimate response to Christ determines our eternal destiny. He must be our Savior and Lord, not just a figure to admire or imitate. Accepting Him leads to a life transformed by His love and purpose. This choice is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live for Him who died and rose again for us. By embracing Christ as our everything, we find true fulfillment and purpose in life. [53:00]

"And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." (2 Corinthians 5:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have yet to fully accept Christ as Lord? What steps can you take today to surrender that area to Him and live more fully for His purpose?

Quotes

The most important question before men at this very moment is this: what think ye of Christ? Now I'm not hesitating to make that assertion. I know there are many important questions, these questions that are being debated in Geneva, questions that are being dealt with and are being agitated in the great chanies of every country under the sun. [00:09:24]

The Bible is a book about the Lord Jesus Christ. He's at the center here, everywhere. What you say, Old Testament? Yes, Old Testament. The Old Testament is a book that looks forward to his coming. That's its great message. Had you ever realized that the Old Testament is not just Jewish history? [00:10:52]

There are only two ultimate views with respect to him, and there are the two views that are suggested in this verse that we are looking at this evening. I'm going to show you that there's quite a variety of different views, but they all can be subsumed under two main headings. [00:13:28]

What brought him to be able to speak like this was his change of view with respect to the Lord Jesus Christ. It's what happened to him on the road to Damascus. Now there are many accounts of that in the book of The Acts of the Apostles. Take the account, for instance, that you've got in chapter 26. [00:15:45]

He saw him, he had a glimpse of the glorified Lord, and he was completely changed. His whole life was revolutionized. He became a new man. He begins to glory in Christ. The whole difference in this man is the result of a view of the Lord Jesus Christ. That's what happened. [00:16:42]

The view of Christ is the most vital thing in the life of every soul of man. That's why I'm holding it before you with such urgency this evening, and may the Blessed spirit of God Wing my words and put life and power into them that every one of us may face this question. [00:17:37]

The love of Christ constrain us because we thus judge that if one died for all, then were all dead, and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them and rose again. Who is this? Here's the answer, and there's no other answer. [00:42:57]

God hath made him to be sinned for us who knew no sin. He has never sinned at all. He's a sinless man. He said at the end of his life, who can charge anything against me? Who can bring any charge against me in the sight of God? He says the devil's coming and he finds nothing in me. [00:41:16]

God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself and has delivered unto us this ministry of reconciliation to it here it is God reconciling the world unto himself through his son and through his death. That's his function. He came into the world to save, to deliver us out of this evil world. [00:47:35]

He is either everything to you or is nothing. He is either your personal savior or he's nothing. You'll never follow him, you'll never imitate him. Don't be a fool. You can't live up your own standard, leave alone follow him. What rubbish to talk about imitating Christ. He knew no sin. [00:53:07]

God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. That's the meaning of this communion service, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but if you don't believe in him, you do perish. It's the only way not to perish. Whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. [00:54:57]

Ask God to give you understanding and to open your eyes, and if you ask him honestly, he will not refuse you. Go to him then as you are and don't cease until you can say my Lord and my God and you fall at your at his feet and surrender your life to him and give yourself utterly to him. [00:56:44]

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Transcript
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