Identify with Jesus Christ
Romans 8:28-30 – Victory Fellowship
January 9, 2022 - Rev. Roderick Grabski
I. Introduction:
a. SELF IDENTIFICATION gone amuck
b. Acts 11:26 …the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch (explain – they identified with Christ)
c. Modern notion of what a Christian is.
d. We are truly Christians if we strive to become like Christ. We are members – not of a building, but of the body of Christ.
II. RELATING THE TEXT: (misunderstood 8:28)
a. The right tool for the job is essential.
b. God gives us tools to help us identify with Christ.
i. GOD GIVES US TEACHERS AND PASTORS AND APOSTLES AND PROPHETS TO EQUIP THE CHURCH
ii. GOD USES THE BIBLE TO TEACH US HIS WILL AND HIS WAYS
iii. GOD GIVES THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE US AND EMPOWER US
iv. GOD USES OUR CIRCUMSTANCES TO HELP US BECOME MORE LIKE CHRIST:
1. GOD USES TROUBLE TO TEACH US TO TRUST HIM.
2. GOD USES TEMPTATION TO TEACH US TO OBEY.
3. GOD USES TRESPASSES TO TEACH US TO FORGIVE.
III. APPLICATION: (Romans 12:1-2)
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
a. God gives us a process for identifying with Christ:
1) Die to sin every day.
Avoid sinful opportunities.
Quickly admit a wrong and make amends.
Offer brief ““breath”” prayers (pray without ceasing).
Form accountable relationships and pray together.
2) Imitate Jesus every chance you get.
3) Love God’s family – the church.
4) Make God’s Word a priority in your life.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)
There are at least five ways that you need to be making God’s Word a priority in your life:
Hear it consistently. Read it daily. Study it. Memorize it. Meditate on it.
And finally in this process of identifying with Christ…
5) Express your love for God visibly.
Once we were not a people, but now we are the people of God.
We are called Christians.
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT (Revelation – church in Ephesus)
PRAYER
SONG: Less Like Me
Romans 8:28-30: (NLT)
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.