Christ in You: Transformed by His Truth Colossians 1:27-28
Introduction:
Today, we delve into the profound truth revealed in Colossians 1:27-28. This passage illuminates the mystery of Christ dwelling within believers and the transformative power of this truth in our lives.
Colossians 1:27-28 (NLT): For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ."
Point 1: The Mystery of Christ in You
Paul unveils a profound mystery: Christ dwelling within believers. This indwelling is not merely a concept but a reality—an assurance of our union with Christ and our participation in His glory.
The phrase "Christ in you" signifies the intimate union between the believer and Christ through the Holy Spirit. It denotes the profound truth of our identification with Christ and His presence within us, transforming us from the inside out.
Galatians 2:20 (NLT): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
In this verse, Paul vividly describes the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer. He declares that he has been crucified with Christ, meaning that his old self, with its sinful nature, was put to death through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Now, Paul lives a new life—a life where Christ lives in him. This profound truth underscores the intimacy and union believers have with Christ, empowering them to live by faith in the Son of God.
Romans 8:10 (NLT): "And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God."
In Romans 8:10, Paul reassures believers that Christ dwells within them through the Holy Spirit. Despite the physical reality of death due to sin, the Spirit imparts spiritual life to believers because they have been justified (made right) before God. This indwelling presence of Christ guarantees eternal life and empowers believers to live victoriously over sin.
"As believers, we are not alone in our journey. Christ Himself dwells within us, empowering us to live victoriously and radiate His glory." — Charles Spurgeon
Point 2: The Assurance of Sharing His Glory
The indwelling of Christ provides believers with the assurance of sharing in His glory. This truth instills hope and confidence, knowing that we are heirs of God's eternal inheritance and participants in His divine nature.
Our union with Christ guarantees our participation in His glory—a future hope that anchors our present walk with Him. This assurance propels us towards spiritual maturity and steadfastness in faith.
Romans 8:17 (NLT): "And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering."
Paul highlights the identity and inheritance of believers in Christ. As children of God, we are heirs of His glory and share in the blessings of salvation and eternal life. However, this privilege comes with a call to identify with Christ in His suffering. Just as Christ endured suffering for the sake of redemption, believers may also experience trials and persecution for their faith.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT): "So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."
Paul describes the transformation believers experience through their relationship with Christ. As we behold the glory of the Lord, our hearts are changed, and we are gradually transformed to reflect His image. This process of sanctification is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who works within us to conform us to the likeness of Christ.
"The hope of glory is not a mere wishful thinking; it is a confident expectation rooted in our union with Christ." — John Piper
Point 3: Proclaiming Christ to Others
Paul underscores the mission of believers: to proclaim Christ, warning and teaching others with wisdom. The transformative truth of Christ in us compels us to share this message with a world in need of salvation.
The reality of Christ within us motivates us to fulfil the Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations. Our transformed lives become a testimony to God's grace and a beacon of hope for those in darkness.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT): "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
In the Great Commission, Jesus commissions His disciples to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations. This mission is grounded in the authority of the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus promises His continuous presence with His followers as they fulfil this divine mandate.
Acts 1:8 (NLT): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus promises the disciples empowerment through the Holy Spirit for the purpose of global witness. The disciples are called to proclaim the gospel boldly, starting from their local context (Jerusalem) and extending to the ends of the earth. This verse underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in equipping believers for effective ministry and evangelism.
"The gospel is not meant to be kept but shared. Let us boldly proclaim Christ, presenting everyone perfect in their relationship to Him." — A.W. Tozer
Application and Call to Action:
Believers, let us embrace the transformative truth of Christ dwelling within us. May we cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence and allow His indwelling Spirit to continually renew and empower us.
Call to Action:
These scriptures highlight the profound truths of union with Christ, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, our identity as heirs of God's glory, transformation into Christ's image, the mission of making disciples, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit for global witness. Together, they encapsulate the essence of the Christian life—rooted in intimacy with Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and committed to fulfilling the Great Commission.
Abide in Christ: Cultivate intimacy with Jesus through prayer, worship, and studying His Word.
Share the Gospel: Boldly proclaim Christ to others, sharing His love and truth with those around you.
Grow in Discipleship: Pursue spiritual growth and maturity, being transformed daily by the truth of Christ in you.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound truth that Christ dwells within us. May this reality transform our lives and empower us to proclaim Your gospel boldly. Help us to live as witnesses of Your grace and glory. In Jesus' name, amen.
May the reality of Christ in you inspire a life of transformation and a mission of proclaiming His truth to the ends of the earth.
