Sermon Central
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What We Are In Christ
Contributed by Colin Coombs on Jul 29, 2006 (message contributor)
Summary: Revealing a wonderful progression from one who is a disciple, through to one who puts into action what he is taught, so developing a close relationship with his Master as a loving friend, and being honoured by being accepted as part of the family
WHAT WE ARE IN CHRIST
AS SEEN IN JOHN’S GOSPEL
I A DISCIPLE
John 8:31 31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. [AMP]
Disciple: Mayhthv - mathetes - math-ay-tes’;
a learner, i.e. pupil:— disciple.
One who follows the teachings of Christ.
As Disciples, we should be continually learning more about the Lord, for in learning about the Lord, we can then rest in Him. Jesus invites us to share His yoke, and in doing so we will learn first-hand as we link together – disciple and master!
Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” [NLT]
A true disciple will have the ambition to become like his master, and will gladly serve Him faithfully.
II A SERVANT
John 12:26 Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honour anyone who serves me. [NLT]
Servant: diakonov - diakonos - dee-ak’-on-os
A minister, servant, or deacon
one who executes the commands of another
As Servants, we should be continually keeping close to Christ to hear His instructions. It is only as we follow closely that we can hear His voice amongst the many distractions of the world. To serve the Lord correctly we must hear His voice, and recognise that whatever we do is for Him.
Ephesians 6:6-7 6 Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. 7 And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. [Message]
A good servant has the ambition to serve his master faithfully, and so become His friend.
III A FRIEND
John 15:15 Servants don’t know what their master is doing, and so I don’t speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything that my Father has told me. [CEV]
Servant: doulov - doulos - doo’-los: a slave, bondman,
Friend: filov - philos - fee’-los; properly, dear, a friend;
actively, fond; an associate.
The one spoken of by the Lord in this verse is not a bond-servant, but is a friend or associate. Someone who is a companion based on phileo - phileo – love. Note the link in these two words;
filov – philos; Friend: and phileo - phileo – Love.
As the Lord’s friends, we should be continually obedient to His commands, our friendship being proven by our loving submission.
John 14:15 "If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. [Message]
A real friend has the ambition to make the relationship pure and permanent.
IV A BROTHER
John 20:17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” [NLT]
Brother: adelfov adelphos;
linked with delfuv delphus (womb); a brother
The word ‘brother’ speakjs of relationship, and it is very thrilling to see that the Greek word for ‘brother’ - adelfov adelphos; is linked with the greek word delfuv delphus, which means ‘womb’. We clearly have the closest of relationships mentioned here. As ‘brothers’ we should bear the likeness of Christ!
As brothers and sisters we should be constantly seeking to honour the Name by which we are called – Christians (Christ’s ones) – seeking never to bring reproach to our Father God, by our manner of life. Rejoicing in the glorious reality of our relationship with God the Father, and God the Son, through the working of God the Holy Spirit in our lives. Let us rejoice in our union with Christ.
Hebrews 2:11 Now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. [NLT]
A child of God has the ambition to be like his Father, and to bring glory to His name.
What a wonderful progression from one who learns as a disciple, through to one who puts into action what he is taught, so developing a close relationship with his master as a loving friend; and being honoured by being accepted as part of the family.
