Transformed by Christ: A New Perspective on Life
Summary
In 2 Corinthians 5, we explore the transformative power of Christ's love and sacrifice. Jesus' death and resurrection have fundamentally altered both the face of death and the course of life for believers. Death, once a passage into condemnation, is now an entrance into celebration for those in Christ. Similarly, life, which was once about living for oneself, is now about living for Him who died and rose again. This transformation is not just about individual salvation but also about how we perceive others and ourselves.
When we come to know Jesus, our perspective shifts. We no longer regard people according to the flesh, which means judging them based on superficial, worldly criteria such as appearance, ability, age, race, or social status. Instead, we see them through the lens of Christ's love and grace. This new perspective is rooted in the understanding that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away, and the new has come.
This change in perspective is profound. It means that our identity is no longer tied to the flesh but to our new life in Christ. We are reconciled to God, adopted into His family, and made partakers of an eternal inheritance. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, and our lives are caught up in the divine purpose of God. This realization brings hope and strength, especially when we are tempted to lose heart because of our struggles in the flesh.
Ultimately, the good news is that Jesus does not regard us according to the flesh. He offers Himself without partiality to every person, regardless of their background or abilities. What matters is not who we are in the flesh but whether we are in Christ. When Jesus is our Sovereign Lord, His opinion of us becomes the most important thing, freeing us from the judgments of the world and ourselves.
Key Takeaways:
1. Transformation Through Christ: Jesus' death and resurrection have changed the face of death and the course of life for believers. Death is now a celebration, and life is about living for Christ, not ourselves. This transformation is the core of what Jesus has done for us. [01:50]
2. New Perspective on Others: Knowing Jesus leads to a new view of others. We no longer judge people by superficial criteria but see them through the lens of Christ's love and grace. This change is rooted in the understanding that anyone in Christ is a new creation. [19:06]
3. Identity in Christ: Our identity is no longer tied to the flesh but to our new life in Christ. We are reconciled to God, adopted into His family, and partakers of an eternal inheritance. This brings hope and strength, especially in times of struggle. [33:22]
4. Freedom from Worldly Judgments: Jesus does not regard us according to the flesh. He offers Himself to everyone, regardless of background or abilities. What matters is being in Christ, which frees us from the judgments of the world and ourselves. [37:41]
5. The Importance of Being in Christ: The most important thing is not who we are in the flesh but whether we are in Christ. When Jesus is our Sovereign Lord, His opinion of us becomes the most important thing, freeing us from worldly judgments. [38:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to 2 Corinthians 5
- [00:28] - Jesus Changes Death
- [00:59] - Jesus Changes Life
- [02:08] - New View of Others and Self
- [03:04] - According to the Flesh
- [04:01] - Factors of the Flesh
- [05:45] - Appearance and Ability
- [07:37] - Education and Ability
- [10:19] - Age and Friends
- [11:22] - Race and Gender
- [12:51] - Work and Home
- [14:27] - Family and Experience
- [18:48] - New Perspective Through Christ
- [19:50] - Change in How We See Jesus
- [27:34] - Conversion and New Life
- [32:28] - Change in Self-Perception
- [36:03] - Conclusion and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
- Galatians 3:27-28
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Observation Questions:
1. How does 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 describe the change in the purpose of life for believers? What does it mean to live for Christ instead of oneself? [00:59]
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, what does it mean to regard no one according to the flesh? How does this change our view of others? [03:04]
3. What are some of the factors listed in the sermon that distinguish us according to the flesh? How do these factors affect our interactions with others? [04:55]
4. According to Galatians 3:27-28, what is the significance of being "one in Christ Jesus"? How does this unity contrast with worldly divisions? [29:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the transformative power of Christ's love in changing our perspective on death and life? Why is this transformation significant for believers? [01:50]
2. What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:17? How does this new identity impact a believer's self-perception and actions? [32:28]
3. The sermon mentions that Jesus does not regard us according to the flesh. How does this understanding provide freedom from worldly judgments and self-condemnation? [36:58]
4. How does the change in how we see Jesus lead to a change in how we see others and ourselves? What are the practical implications of this change in perspective? [19:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you judged someone based on superficial criteria. How can you begin to see others through the lens of Christ's love and grace instead? [03:04]
2. In what ways have you been living for yourself rather than for Christ? Identify one specific area of your life where you can shift your focus to living for Him. [00:59]
3. Consider the factors that distinguish you according to the flesh. How have these factors influenced your self-perception? How can embracing your identity in Christ change this view? [04:55]
4. Think about a situation where you felt judged by others. How does knowing that Jesus does not regard you according to the flesh help you find freedom from these judgments? [36:58]
5. Identify a person in your life who you find difficult to love. How can you apply the understanding of being a new creation in Christ to improve your relationship with them? [32:28]
6. How can the unity described in Galatians 3:27-28 be reflected in your interactions within your church community? What steps can you take to promote this unity? [29:39]
7. Reflect on the statement that Jesus offers Himself without partiality to everyone. How can this truth influence the way you share the gospel with others, regardless of their background? [37:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Christ
Jesus' death and resurrection have fundamentally changed the nature of death and life for believers. Death, once feared as a passage into condemnation, is now seen as an entrance into eternal celebration for those who are in Christ. This transformation is not just about individual salvation but about living a life that reflects Christ's love and sacrifice. As believers, life is no longer about living for oneself but for Him who died and rose again. This shift in focus from self to Christ is the core of what Jesus has accomplished for us. [01:50]
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell." (Philippians 1:21-22, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your daily focus from self-centered goals to living for Christ today?
Day 2: New Perspective on Others
Knowing Jesus transforms how we view others. We are called to see people not through superficial, worldly criteria such as appearance, ability, or social status, but through the lens of Christ's love and grace. This new perspective is rooted in the understanding that anyone in Christ is a new creation. The old has passed away, and the new has come. This change challenges us to love others as Christ loves us, without judgment or partiality. [19:06]
"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." (John 7:24, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone you have judged based on superficial criteria. How can you begin to see them through the lens of Christ's love today?
Day 3: Identity in Christ
Our identity is no longer tied to the flesh but to our new life in Christ. We are reconciled to God, adopted into His family, and made partakers of an eternal inheritance. This new identity brings hope and strength, especially in times of struggle. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, guiding us and empowering us to live according to God's divine purpose. Understanding our identity in Christ helps us to stand firm in faith, even when faced with challenges. [33:22]
"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." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing your identity in Christ change the way you face your current struggles?
Day 4: Freedom from Worldly Judgments
Jesus does not regard us according to the flesh. He offers Himself to everyone, regardless of their background or abilities. What matters is being in Christ, which frees us from the judgments of the world and ourselves. This freedom allows us to live confidently in the truth of who we are in Christ, without being swayed by the opinions and judgments of others. It is a liberating realization that our worth is determined by Christ's love and sacrifice, not by worldly standards. [37:41]
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you seek approval from others? How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval instead?
Day 5: The Importance of Being in Christ
The most important thing is not who we are in the flesh but whether we are in Christ. When Jesus is our Sovereign Lord, His opinion of us becomes the most important thing, freeing us from worldly judgments. This understanding encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else, knowing that His love and acceptance are what truly matter. Being in Christ means living a life that reflects His values and teachings, and finding our ultimate identity and purpose in Him. [38:35]
"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, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Christ and align your life more closely with His teachings?
Quotes
Death means one of two things for every person: it's either a passing into condemnation or an entering into celebration. Jesus entered into condemnation for us so that death, when it comes for those who are in him, will be an entrance into the celebration and joy of his presence. [00:40:12]
We saw that Jesus died to bring us from the misery of living for ourselves into the joy of living for him. He died that for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. [01:04:48]
Knowing Jesus, how the love of Jesus Christ gaining a grip within your life, taking control of you in the ways that we have seen, will lead to you having a new view of other people and also a new view of yourself. [02:47:68]
To regard someone according to the flesh means very simply to form an impression about them from the most obvious or the most surface things about them. Remember, the Bible says man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. [03:59:79]
A change in how you see Jesus will lead to a change in how you see others and a change in how you see yourself. That's how it works. That's what he's saying here. A change in how you see Jesus will lead to a change in how you see others and a change in how you see yourself. [20:05:91]
If anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation. So let me simply, in the time that remains, put this case before you, and it is life-changing in its effect. It is simply this: a change in how you see Jesus will lead to a change in how you see others and a change in how you see yourself. [19:74:76]
In our flesh, our life was all about living for ourselves and therefore the competition that's involved in what makes us different and what distinguishes us always comes to the front. But Jesus went into the death of that way of life. We're no longer living for ourselves but for him. [28:16:24]
There is more to you than what you are according to the flesh. There is more to you. When you're a new creation in Christ, there is more to you than what you are according to the flesh. That will be one of the greatest releases to you in dealing with some of the struggles of what you are in the flesh. [32:72:00]
The good news is that Jesus Christ does not regard you according to the flesh. So grateful for that because if Jesus Christ regarded us according to the flesh, you know what? All the ones in X and G would be in heaven, and the rest of us wouldn't make it, right? [36:83:11]
Jesus offers himself without partiality to every person of every race, of every ability, of every background. He offers himself as the living Savior and as the reigning Lord, and whatever you are in the flesh, he is able to make of you a new creation. [37:58:16]
What matters more than your appearance, your ability, your age, your friends, your race, your gender, your work, your home, your family, your experience is that you are in Christ. And when Jesus is your Sovereign Lord, what he thinks of you is the first and ultimately the only thing that really matters. [38:88:68]
Father, thank you that you have not chosen to regard us according to the flesh but in your gracious son offer yourself as redeeming Savior and as reigning Lord equally to all and stand before us even now and say, come to me all you who are weary and labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [39:47:88]
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