2013 Sermon Series

The Third Race Reality: The joyful reality in the life of the genuinely transformed Christian

This week we begin looking at the four characteristics of our new lifestyle, in direct contrast to the characteristics of the unsaved we studied last week. When we have been saved, we think and live differently.

The saved mind is progressing in spiritual growth as it learns of Christ, opposite to the unsaved mind.

• The saved mind does not pursue self-interest, but seeks to know more about Christ.
• The saved mind is able to lay aside the lack of discernment.
• The saved mind regains spiritual feeling and has the ability to be regularly renewed in Christ.
• The saved mind results in activity that is not oriented around sensuality but holiness and righteousness.

You Have Been Made Disciples (verses 20-21)

What does it mean to be a disciple? This was not a new concept in the New Testament; ancient Greek philosophers and contemporary Jewish rabbis gathered small bands of men and taught them as disciples. The word is related to the simple verb "to learn." Christians are to learn from Christ, to adopt His mind, and seek to be just like Him.

Once one becomes a disciple, there is no changing allegiance. It is a lifelong, exclusive apprenticeship. We are no longer formed, educated, or dominated by secularism and religiosity but are taught by one teacher, Jesus Christ. Only He can offer rest in your soul, the immaterial part of you, and only He can promise eternal reward.

Jesus even demonstrated learning and growing for us during his life on Earth (see Luke 2:52). We too must grow as we increase our knowledge of Jesus Christ's person, character, and work. As His doctrine and person comes to dominate us, His life will be lived through us. And with increased maturity will come influence. Properly discipled souls can't help but have an influence on unbelievers.

ou Have Become Unfamiliar Saints (verse 22)

When we are transformed by Christ, we are unrecognizable to the world. Our actions are completely different from our old lifestyle and the lifestyle of our unsaved friends. We will stick out just like a first-century person whose clothing changed when they changed religion. We cannot blend in.

Application Points

• When we are born again, we think differently and thus we live differently. How does your life stick out in an unsaved culture? Are you increasing in your knowledge of Christ? Are you demonstrating it through spiritual growth?
• At the purifying judgment for Christians, how would you answer God's question: "Who did you bring with you?" Make it your spiritual goal to lead at least one person to Christ before you arrive in Heaven. Begin praying for opportunities. Cultivate relationships with unbelievers. Be bold in sharing the Gospel with the lost. What steps can you take toward this goal today?
• Luke 12:48 says, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required." We are blessed to be at a church with so many resources for our discipleship, learning, and growth. What are you doing with the rich opportunities at GCM?

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore:

• Matthew 11:28-30, Philippians 2:5, 1 Peter 4:1, Romans 10:17 - the meaning of discipleship.
• 1 Peter 4:1-6 - a saved person is a transformed person.
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 - the judgment seat of Christ.

A Hymn to Encourage: "Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know"

Ask ye what great thing I know,
that delights and stirs me so?
What the high reward I win?
Whose the name I glory in?
Jesus Christ, the crucified.

What is faith's foundation strong?
What awakes my heart to song?
He Who bore my sinful load,
Purchased for me peace with God,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who defeats my fiercest foes?
Who consoles my saddest woes?
Who revives my fainting heart,
healing all its hidden smart?
Jesus Christ, the crucified.

Who is life in life to me?
Who the death of death will be?
Who will place me on his right,
with the countless hosts of light?
Jesus Christ, the crucified.

This is that great thing I know;
this delights and stirs me so:
faith in him who died to save,
him who triumphed o'er the grave:
Jesus Christ, the crucified.

A Quote to Ponder:

"Learning Christ comes to mean submitting to His rule and His righteousness and responding to His summons to standards and values completely different from what you came to know in your former lifestyle."

Peter O'Brien