Transformed Identity: Our Union with Christ
Summary
In this message, we explore the profound truth of our union with Christ and how it transforms our identity and life. The core issue many Christians face is a misunderstanding of the depth of their problem and the magnitude of the solution offered through Christ. Our problem is not merely a few bad actions but a fundamental identity issue rooted in Adam's sin, which has been passed down to all humanity. This sin nature means we are born into a state of spiritual death, requiring a radical solution that only Christ can provide.
The Apostle Paul, in Romans and 1 Corinthians, illustrates that just as Adam's sin brought death to all, Christ's resurrection brings life to all who are in Him. This union with Christ means that we share in His death and resurrection, leading to a new identity as part of a new creation. Our righteousness is not based on our actions but on Christ's righteousness, which is imputed to us. This truth liberates us from the cycle of guilt and striving for self-righteousness, as our standing before God is secure in Christ.
This union is not just a theological concept but a transformative reality. It changes how we live, think, and relate to God. We are no longer defined by our successes or failures but by our identity in Christ. This new identity empowers us to live a life of holiness, not out of obligation, but out of a deep love and desire to please our Heavenly Father. As we grow in our understanding of this union, we find assurance, joy, and a new way of living that reflects the life of Christ in us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding Our Problem and Solution: Our problem is not just a few bad actions but a fundamental identity issue rooted in Adam's sin. This requires a radical solution, which is found in our union with Christ, who brings life and righteousness to all who are in Him. [29:31]
2. Union with Christ: Our union with Christ means we share in His death and resurrection, leading to a new identity as part of a new creation. This union is the foundation of our righteousness and standing before God, freeing us from the cycle of guilt and striving for self-righteousness. [39:57]
3. Transformation Through Union: This union with Christ is transformative, changing how we live, think, and relate to God. We are empowered to live a life of holiness, not out of obligation, but out of a deep love and desire to please our Heavenly Father. [52:29]
4. Identity in Christ: Our identity is no longer defined by our successes or failures but by our union with Christ. This new identity provides assurance and joy, as we are secure in Christ's righteousness and life. [57:54]
5. Living in Christ's Life: As we grow in our understanding of our union with Christ, we find a new way of living that reflects the life of Christ in us. This life is characterized by a deep love for God and a desire to please Him, as we are transformed into His likeness. [01:00:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [25:50] - Conference Insights
- [26:05] - Free Resource Offer
- [26:46] - Conference Theme: Hope in Christ
- [28:21] - The Problem of Sin
- [29:31] - Radical Solution in Christ
- [32:16] - Resurrection and New Life
- [34:12] - Genesis and First Fruits
- [36:20] - Adam and Christ: Two Heads
- [39:57] - Union with Christ Explained
- [42:22] - Justification and Righteousness
- [46:20] - Clothed in Christ's Righteousness
- [52:29] - Transformation Through Union
- [57:54] - Identity in Christ
- [01:00:18] - Living in Christ's Life
- [01:13:19] - Assurance in Christ
- [01:15:27] - Closing and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Union with Christ
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 5:12-19
2. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
3. Colossians 3:1-4
---
Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 5:12-19, how does Paul describe the impact of Adam's sin on humanity? What does this imply about our natural state before God? [29:31]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, what is the significance of Christ being referred to as the "first fruits"? How does this relate to our resurrection? [32:16]
3. In Colossians 3:1-4, what does Paul instruct believers to do since they have been raised with Christ? How does this reflect a change in identity? [09:34]
4. How does the sermon describe the transformation that occurs through our union with Christ? What are some specific changes mentioned? [52:29]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding our identity in Adam versus our identity in Christ change the way we view our actions and their consequences? [30:13]
2. What does it mean for Christ to be our righteousness, and how does this affect our standing before God? [39:57]
3. How does the concept of being "clothed in Christ's righteousness" provide assurance and freedom from guilt? [46:20]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our union with Christ empowers us to live a life of holiness? How is this different from living out of obligation? [52:29]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of your identity in Christ. How does this identity influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [57:54]
2. Consider a time when you felt trapped in a cycle of guilt or striving for self-righteousness. How can the truth of being clothed in Christ's righteousness change your perspective? [46:20]
3. The sermon mentions that our union with Christ transforms how we relate to God. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God this week, motivated by love rather than obligation? [52:29]
4. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to live out your new identity in Christ. What practical steps can you take to align this area with your identity in Him? [01:00:18]
5. How can you remind yourself daily of your secure standing in Christ, especially during moments of doubt or failure? [50:22]
6. Think of someone in your life who may not understand the concept of union with Christ. How can you share this transformative truth with them in a way that is relatable and impactful? [39:57]
7. Reflect on the idea that Christ is our life and treasure. What specific actions can you take this week to prioritize your relationship with Him above all else? [54:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Our Identity Problem
Our problem is not just a few bad actions but a fundamental identity issue rooted in Adam's sin. This requires a radical solution, which is found in our union with Christ, who brings life and righteousness to all who are in Him. This understanding shifts our focus from merely addressing symptoms to recognizing the core issue of spiritual death inherited from Adam. In Christ, we find the solution that transforms our identity, offering us a new life and righteousness that is not based on our actions but on His. This profound truth liberates us from the cycle of guilt and striving for self-righteousness, as our standing before God is secure in Christ. [29:31]
Romans 5:18-19 (ESV): "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous."
Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you have been trying to earn righteousness through your actions. How can you shift your focus to embrace the righteousness that comes from your union with Christ?
Day 2: Embracing Our Union with Christ
Our union with Christ means we share in His death and resurrection, leading to a new identity as part of a new creation. This union is the foundation of our righteousness and standing before God, freeing us from the cycle of guilt and striving for self-righteousness. By understanding this union, we realize that our identity is not based on our successes or failures but on Christ's righteousness imputed to us. This truth provides a secure foundation for our faith, allowing us to live confidently in the grace and love of God. [39:57]
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: Reflect on a recent failure or success. How does your union with Christ change the way you view this event and your identity?
Day 3: Transformation Through Union
This union with Christ is transformative, changing how we live, think, and relate to God. We are empowered to live a life of holiness, not out of obligation, but out of a deep love and desire to please our Heavenly Father. As we grow in our understanding of this union, we find assurance, joy, and a new way of living that reflects the life of Christ in us. This transformation is not about adhering to a set of rules but about allowing Christ's life to flow through us, impacting every aspect of our being. [52:29]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to live out your faith. How can you invite Christ to transform this area through your union with Him?
Day 4: Redefining Our Identity in Christ
Our identity is no longer defined by our successes or failures but by our union with Christ. This new identity provides assurance and joy, as we are secure in Christ's righteousness and life. Understanding this truth allows us to live with confidence and peace, knowing that our worth is not determined by external circumstances but by our relationship with Christ. This redefined identity empowers us to face challenges with a renewed perspective, rooted in the assurance of God's love and acceptance. [57:54]
Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt defined by your achievements or failures. How does your identity in Christ offer a different perspective on your worth and value?
Day 5: Living in Christ's Life
As we grow in our understanding of our union with Christ, we find a new way of living that reflects the life of Christ in us. This life is characterized by a deep love for God and a desire to please Him, as we are transformed into His likeness. Living in Christ's life means allowing His love and grace to guide our actions, thoughts, and relationships. It is a journey of continual growth and transformation, as we seek to embody the character of Christ in all that we do. [01:00:18]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "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 is one practical step you can take today to live more fully in the life of Christ? How can this step help you grow in your love for God and others?
Quotes
"Friends, do you know why so many Christians are short on Joy, shy in prayer, and so ensnared by their sin? It's because they think they have only a minor problem requiring a little salvation. In reality, our problem is so radical it requires a solution so breathtaking it has the power to liberate the enslaved, to strengthen the weak, and to bring both comfort and joy." [00:28:04]
"In fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ." [00:32:25]
"Adam is the fruit of Death; Christ is the fruit of Life. All Adam's seed in him die; all in Christ are made alive. This is the big picture of humanity for Paul. It's not that humanity is this vast throng of disconnected individuals. Adam and Christ are the two men; they are the heads, the first fruits of the old and the new human race." [00:36:20]
"Our very identity is a problem. We were born of Adam. There's no hope for us in trying harder. We need more than just a little bit of Grace. Our only hope is to be taken out of Adam's old Humanity, to be born again, to be a new creation." [00:38:56]
"All who are members of Christ's body experience in him what happened to that body. So, we died with him in him on the cross. Our old identity was slaughtered, speared, buried, so that Paul can write, 'I have been crucified with Christ.' For since he was in Christ as a Christian, Paul knew he had been taken down into the death of Christ." [00:39:57]
"Christians are people who have given up all claims to both their Badness and their Goodness, and instead we've gotten Christ. And so we can say with Martin Luther, when the devil throws our sins up to us and declares we deserve death and Hell, we ought to speak thus: I admit I deserve death and hell, what of it?" [00:50:40]
"Christians have a new identity. We died with him, were condemned with him, and now where he is in newness of Life, there we shall be also. This Union with Christ, oh, the Assurance it gives, but it also Union with Christ, it transforms." [00:52:29]
"Christ is our life. He is our treasure and prize. We enjoy being one with him because we enjoy him. And that cuts through one of those Christian debates that never seems to die down. I wonder if you've noticed these. So, on the one hand, there are some Christians who so want to emphasize the absolute freeness of Salvation." [00:54:49]
"Through faith in Christ, Christ's righteousness becomes our righteousness. All he has becomes ours, or rather he himself becomes ours. This is the only reason we have his righteousness, because we have him, and knowing him, walking with him is the only life and liberty for which we're saved." [00:57:54]
"The more you know yourself to be a child of God in Christ, the more you look to Him, the one who is your life, the deader you will find yourself to be to your sin. Sin will still allure always, but you will find living in Christ, keeping in step with the spirit, the spirit will make old sinful desires wither." [01:00:18]
"Union with Christ immediately gives us a new status before God, but for that status and identity to be felt, to be the deepest truth about ourselves, that is radical ongoing business. But that is the primary identity of the believer, the only foundation for truly Christian Living." [01:05:09]
"Life, righteousness, Redemption are found in Jesus and are found by those and only by those who look to him. And to be clear, it's not that we look and think, okay, that's what he's like, let me go away now and try to be like that. No, we are changed by the very contemplating of him." [01:09:56]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?