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We believers are sharing the life of Christ.
The first week in bible study we went over “What happened at the cross of Christ?”
Last week in bible study we went over “Why Jesus must be exalted?”
Today’s bible study is entitled “Sharing the life of Christ.”
What does sharing the life of Christ entail? What does it mean that God is conforming us believers in Christ to Christlikeness?
Christ is now living his life through yours. When you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, He came to live on the inside of you forever. The life you now live you live by faith in the Son of God (Galatians 2:19-20). It’s no longer you who live but Christ (the hope of glory) lives in you (Colossians 1:26-27).
We are like these clay pots that has a priceless treasure on the inside of us. This priceless glorious treasure is Jesus Christ himself. God wants this treasure to be put on display for the world to see (2 Corinthians 4:1-7).
Christ is right now bringing together all his children from all over the world into one flock. The flock of whom he is their Good and Great Shepherd (John 10). People of God Christ is preparing for himself a glorious bride, a glorious church. We who believe in him are his bride, we who believe in him are his church He will receive us unto himself when he returns (Ephesians 5:27).
• Because we are sharing the life of Christ, we are to forgive those who have sinned against us. How many times you may say? Let’s read (Matthew 18:21-22) and see what the word of God has to say about how many times we should forgive someone.
Matthew (18:21-22)
21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
So, we see from scripture that we are to forgive generously. Why should believers in Christ forgive people of their faults and sins? Because God through Christ has forgiven you of all your sins at the cross. It’s that simple. You cannot say God forgive me of my sins, but you refuse to show that same forgiveness to others. A Christian should never ultimately say I will never forgive that person for what they have done to me. When forgiving someone people of God you need divine help that comes from the Lord. Ask the Lord Jesus to help you and he will. Jesus is a very present help who will help you in your time of need.
• Because we are sharing the life of Christ, we are to show love even for our enemies by praying for them just as Jesus did. Read (Matthew 5:43-44) (Luke 6:27).
• Because we are sharing the life of Christ we will be rejected by this sinful and adulterous generation just like Jesus was.
Luke 17:25
But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
Now if Jesus our Savior and Lord was rejected by this sinful adulterous generation what makes us think we won’t be rejected by the people of this world?
• Because we are sharing the life of Christ we will suffer in this world for a short time for Jesus’ namesake.
Acts 5:40-41
40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Romans 5:2-4 (KJV)
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Romans 8:16-18
16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Future Glory
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
1 Peter 4:11-13 (KJV)
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:16
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
• Because we are sharing the life of Christ you will be despised by the people of this world for the name of Christ
John 15:18-24
The World Hates the Disciples
18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.'[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'[c]
• Because we are sharing the life of Christ we will be mocked and ridiculed for the name of Christ
• Because we are in Christ and because we belong to him, we have authority and power over the enemy (the devil) in Jesus’ mighty name. (Colossians 2:14-15). I repeat we do not have authority in our own name and power, we have authority over the enemy in His Jesus’ name and in His name alone.
You need to understand that now that you are in Christ you have been given by God authority and power in the name of Jesus. You are not the same person you used to be. Now you have been redeemed and transformed by the Spirit of God. Once you were in the kingdom of darkness, now you are in the kingdom of light. Now that you believe in Jesus your names have been written in the Lamb’s book of life (Colossians 1:1-14) (Luke 10:18-20).
So, in conclusion Jesus surrendered his life unto his Father and obediently served him fully. We likewise If we are mature in our faith will surrender our lives unto Jesus and obediently serve him fully. We do not serve Him to be saved for the bible is clear that salvation is not by works it is by faith in Christ Jesus, we serve him because we are saved. We serve him because we are grateful for what He has done for us guilty sinners there on that cross. Jesus suffered before he was glorified at the right hand of the Father (Luke 24:26). We likewise will suffer in this world for a short time for Jesus’ namesake before we are glorified (1 Peter 5:10). Rejoice that you have been counted worthy to bear that precious name, rejoice that you have been counted worthy to suffer for the name of Christ. He died for us people of the world. Now we must die to ourselves (die to our selfish ambitions that is) and live for him.
This concludes today’s bible study on how “We are sharing the life of Christ.” May the Lord Jesus bless you all. Have a great and glorious day in the Lord.
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