The Saving Life of Christ

Introduction:

I believe that one of Satan’s greatest deceptions is to get Christians to believe that Jesus died for their past sins, but they are responsible for confessing any sins after their conversion in order to get them forgiven and it’s up to them to show God how much they appreciate His grace, by living their lives in obedience and service to Him. Then Satan’s demons constantly accuse the believer of failing to live up to God’s perfect standard of thought and deed…and in discouragement, many give up and leave the "faith".

The "faith" they leave is faith in themselves to respond properly to the gift of God’s salvation. Without understanding "the saving life of Christ", they have no confidence that they will go to heaven when they die and begin to believe that they will have "hell" here and as well as "hell" for all of eternity…might as well try to have some "fun" while they can.

Group Discussion:

What are the two aspects of Christ’s earthly ministry that can impact every believer?

Christ’s death paid the penalty of all sin…past, present and future. Because of His death, no human needs to pay for their sins, Jesus has already taken care of that and cancelled the record of their mistakes…God remembers them no more!

Through His resurrection, Christ offers every believer His life as their own…not just legally or positionally, but literally and actually. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christ becomes the very life of the believer.

Humans have been given the choice to live either independently or dependently…how does that work?

If a person chooses to live independent of God, to "live life on it’s own terms" and handle things themselves, they will be dependent on the circumstances of life. Circumstances will dictate the quality of their life.

If a person chooses to live dependent upon God for everything, they will be independent of the circumstances of life. God will dictate the quality of their life.

Apart from the Father, how much was Jesus able to accomplish during His earthly ministry?

Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself…(John 5:19)

So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative…(John 8:28)

Apart from Jesus, how much are Christians able to accomplish for the Kingdom of God?

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

How much can Jesus accomplish through a willing believer?

Everything. He is limited only by our availability.

What is to be the believer’s attitude in every circumstance?

Rejoice always…(1 Thessalonians 5:16)

…in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

What is the difference between "in Christ" and "Christ in you"?

In Christ:

Redemption

Makes you fit for heaven

Changes your destination

Makes heaven your home

Christ in you:

Sanctification

Makes you fit for earth

Changes your destiny

Makes this world His workshop

What does it mean to "walk by faith"?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, may we experience the saving life of Christ as our very own in a more consistent way as we walk by faith…trusting in Jesus alone for our justification and our sanctification. Lead us to surrender completely and to depend entirely upon You…save us from being independent…show us the areas of our lives where we still resist and hold on to our independence. Thank You for loving and accepting us unconditionally, even when we fail and fall short of the abundant life You have given us, for Jesus sake, Amen.