Union with Christ: Desiring Him Above All

 

Summary

In the discourse from Pneuma Church's Sunday service, the central theme revolves around the Christian life being one of union with Jesus Christ, the Anointed One. This union calls for a continual recognition of oneself as dead to sin's allure while living for the pleasure of God. The message draws from the Apostle Paul's teachings, particularly from the book of Romans, where Paul expounds on the transformative power of grace received through Jesus's sacrifice on the cross. Grace is described as the unmerited favor that believers receive, which is distinct from mercy, where one is spared from the punishment they deserve.

The message acknowledges the common experience of distraction and spiritual heaviness that believers may encounter, especially at the start of the year. It is suggested that while habits and routines are beneficial, they are not sufficient on their own to combat the distractions and barriers set by the enemy, who seeks to prevent believers from growing closer to Jesus. The struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, and the focus should be on the union with Jesus rather than the distractions.

A significant portion of the message emphasizes the importance of desiring Jesus for who He is, rather than merely for the benefits He provides. This point is illustrated through the parable of the prodigal son, who initially sought his inheritance rather than a relationship with his father. The message challenges believers to examine their own hearts to see if they are seeking Jesus primarily for His blessings or for a genuine relationship with Him. A powerful statement is made that the only reason one would choose something over Jesus is if they fail to see His worth.

The message also touches on the practical aspects of living out this union with Jesus. Believers are encouraged to engage with the Bible and to cultivate a love for Jesus that goes beyond the material or experiential benefits He provides. The importance of prioritizing the relationship with Jesus over the pursuit of destiny or the miraculous is stressed, with the understanding that a deep connection with Jesus will naturally lead to the manifestation of His power and works.

The message concludes with a call to see Jesus rightly, to recognize His worth, and to respond to His gentle invitation to love Him for who He is. The speaker shares a personal revelation of seeing Jesus with outstretched hands, inviting people to come to Him not just for what He can give, but for Himself. The congregation is encouraged to position themselves at the feet of Jesus, in a posture of learning and intimacy, utterly captivated by Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The Christian journey is marked by a continuous recognition of being dead to sin and alive to God, living each day for His pleasure. This requires a daily commitment to view oneself through the lens of the cross, where the old self is crucified with Christ, and the new self lives in union with Him. This perspective is foundational to overcoming distractions and the enemy's attempts to derail one's spiritual growth. [56:19]

- The distinction between grace and mercy is crucial to understanding the Christian faith. Grace is receiving what one does not deserve, while mercy is not receiving the punishment one does deserve. This understanding should lead to a life of gratitude and a desire to respond to God's generosity by living in a way that pleases Him. [57:04]

- The desire for Jesus should surpass the desire for His blessings. The parable of the prodigal son serves as a reminder that the heart of Christianity is a relationship with the Father, not the inheritance or gifts that may come from that relationship. This insight calls for a self-examination of one's motives in following Christ. [01:04:38]

- The message underscores the importance of prioritizing the relationship with Jesus over the pursuit of destiny or miraculous signs. While desiring to see God's power at work is good, it should not overshadow the primary goal of knowing and loving Jesus. This priority ensures that one stewards the move of God well and does not waste the manifestations of His presence. [01:02:15]

- Abiding in Jesus is essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Staying connected to His words and His love are simple yet profound practices that keep believers grounded in their faith. This connection is the means by which one can see Jesus rightly and maintain a heart that yearns for Him above all else. [01:08:56]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 6:6-11 (TPT)
2. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
3. Luke 15:11-32 (NIV)

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 6:6-11, what does it mean to be "co-crucified" with Christ, and how does this affect our relationship with sin?
2. In Ephesians 6:12, who does Paul say our struggle is against, and how does this shape our understanding of spiritual battles?
3. Reflecting on the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, what was the son's initial desire, and how did his perspective change by the end of the story?
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of desiring Jesus for who He is rather than for His blessings. How was this illustrated through the parable of the prodigal son? [48:11]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does viewing ourselves as "dead to sin and alive to God" (Romans 6:11) influence our daily decisions and actions?
2. What practical steps can believers take to combat the distractions and spiritual heaviness mentioned in the sermon? [57:04]
3. In what ways does the parable of the prodigal son challenge us to examine our motives for seeking Jesus? [48:11]
4. How can understanding the distinction between grace and mercy deepen our gratitude and commitment to living a life that pleases God? [56:19]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there specific distractions that prevent you from spending time with Jesus? How can you minimize these distractions this week? [36:08]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of desiring Jesus for who He is. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus beyond seeking His blessings? [48:11]
3. Think about a time when you felt spiritually heavy or distracted. What strategies can you implement to stay focused on your union with Jesus during such times? [57:04]
4. How can you practically live out the truth of being "dead to sin and alive to God" in your daily life? What changes might this require in your behavior or mindset? [55:23]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of abiding in Jesus by staying connected to His words and His love. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your connection to Jesus? [01:08:56]
6. Reflect on the parable of the prodigal son. Are there areas in your life where you have been seeking God's blessings more than a relationship with Him? How can you shift your focus to prioritize your relationship with Jesus? [48:11]
7. The sermon highlighted the need to see Jesus rightly and recognize His worth. How can you remind yourself of Jesus's worth daily, and how might this change your approach to worship and prayer? [01:06:25]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Cross-Centered Life
Living as though dead to sin means daily embracing the cross, where the old self is crucified and the new self thrives in Christ. This perspective is not just a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and victory over sin's distractions and the enemy's schemes. [56:19]

Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily that you are crucified with Christ and live out this truth in practical ways?

Day 2: Distinguishing Grace from Mercy
Understanding the difference between grace and mercy transforms how one lives. Grace is the unearned favor that empowers believers, while mercy withholds deserved punishment, prompting a life of gratitude and a desire to please God. [57:04]

Titus 3:5-7 - "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
Reflection: In what ways can you express your gratitude for God's grace and mercy in your daily life?

Day 3: Seeking Relationship Over Blessings
The heart of Christianity is a relationship with Jesus, not the blessings that come from it. Like the prodigal son, one must examine their motives and desire Jesus for who He is, not just for what He can provide. [01:04:38]

Luke 15:20 - "So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."
Reflection: Are there ways you have been seeking Jesus more for His blessings than for Him? How can you shift your focus to valuing the relationship first?

Day 4: Prioritizing Intimacy with Jesus
The pursuit of knowing and loving Jesus should be paramount, even above witnessing miraculous signs or fulfilling one's destiny. This priority ensures that the manifestations of God's presence are stewarded well and not wasted. [01:02:15]

James 4:8 - "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with Jesus and make that relationship the central focus of your life?

Day 5: Abiding in Jesus for Fruitfulness
Staying connected to Jesus through His words and love is essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. This abiding relationship enables believers to see Jesus rightly and maintain a heart that yearns for Him above all else. [01:08:56]

John 15:4-5 - "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily practice of abiding in Jesus and His love, and what might be the first fruits you notice from this practice?

Quotes

1) "The only reason you would choose something other than him is if you don't see his worth." [01:06:25] (Download)

2) "Our primary goal needs to continue to be knowing and loving Jesus." [01:05:28] (Download)

3) "We're not going to steward His move very well if we're holding what He does dearer than who He is." [01:02:15] (Download)

4) "Staying connected to His words and staying connected in love are simple yet profound practices that keep believers grounded in their faith." [01:08:56] (Download)

5) "Our first calling is to be like Him, our first calling is to be His friend, and our second calling that comes after that is to do the works that He did." [01:07:23] (Download)

6) "You must continually view yourselves as dead and unresponsive to sin's appeal while living daily for God's pleasure in union with Jesus the anointed one." [56:19] (Download)

7) "Grace gives us what we don't deserve; Mercy is when we don't get what we do deserve." [57:04] (Download)

8) "We have an enemy who does not want us to grow closer to Jesus, who does not want us to grow more in love with Jesus." [58:31] (Download)

9) "Do you want me for my benefits or do you want me for me?" [50:35] (Download)

10) "Will we position ourselves to be utterly captivated by Him?" [51:33] (Download)

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