What We Possess in Christ
This sermon explores the root causes of spiritual dissatisfaction, identifying common feelings that hinder joy. It then offers a deeply affirming perspective on how three "priceless possessions" in Christ can liberate believers from these struggles.
Believers overcome feelings of insecurity, inferiority, and inadequacy by understanding three priceless possessions in Christ: God's unconditional acceptance, eternal life, and the capacity for intimate fellowship with Him.
Overview
The sermon addresses the common question of what hinders believers from fully enjoying the Christian life, identifying feelings of insecurity, inferiority, and inadequacy as primary obstacles. These feelings often arise from unscriptural programming from childhood, which Satan exploits beneath the surface of a believer's experience.
To defeat these spiritual hindrances, the sermon emphasizes understanding God's truth, focusing on three specific areas: our position in Christ, who we are (our personage), and our possessions in Him. This particular message delves into the concept of what we possess through Christ, which empowers believers to reach their maximum potential.
Three priceless possessions are highlighted: God's unconditional acceptance of us just the way we are, eternal life (defined as the divine life of Jesus Christ living within us now), and the profound privilege of intimate, personal fellowship with God. These are vital for overcoming the aforementioned negative feelings.
The preacher concludes by asserting that the primary reason believers often neglect fellowship and continue to struggle with feelings of worthlessness is a lack of deep knowledge about God. Discovering who God truly is inspires a desire for constant communication and strengthens confidence, security, and a liberating life of grace in Christ.
Key points
- Feelings of insecurity, inferiority, and inadequacy can prevent believers from fully enjoying the Christian life.
- Overcoming these feelings involves understanding our position in Christ, our personage, and our possessions in Him.
- One priceless possession is God's unconditional acceptance, received at salvation, knowing all our past, present, and future failings.
- Eternal life is not something that begins at death, but the divine life of Jesus Christ living within the believer's spirit, beginning the moment Christ is received.
- The third priceless possession is the capacity for intimate, moment-by-moment fellowship with God, a unique privilege for Christians.
- The primary reason believers often neglect fellowship with God and struggle with negative feelings is not knowing Him very well.
- Understanding and embracing these possessions leads to a greater sense of confidence, security, and a richer relationship with God, living by grace instead of performance.
In Charles Stanley's words
“The reason we don't talk to Him any more than we do is because we don't know Him very well.”
Outline
- I. Introduction to Overcoming Insecurity, Inferiority, and Inadequacy
- A. The Problem: What keeps us from enjoying the Christian life to the maximum?
- B. The Solution: Knowing the truth that sets us free (John 8:32)
- C. Three Key Truths: Our position, our personage, and our possessions in Christ
- D. Focus for Today: Our possessions in Christ Jesus
- II. Priceless Possessions in Christ
- A. Our Acceptance by God
- 1. Everybody desires acceptance, approval, and appreciation.
- 2. God accepted us “just the way you are” at salvation, knowing all our future failures.
- 3. This acceptance is motivation for holy living, not a license to sin.
- 4. Resting in God's acceptance provides security and overcomes inferiority.
- B. Eternal Life
- 1. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Christ (John 5:24).
- 2. It is not just length of time, but the quality of divine life—Jesus Christ living within us.
- 3. Without Christ, one is “a walking dead man.”
- 4. This life brings fulfillment, contentment, and security, not based on performance, but on grace.
- C. Capacity for Fellowship with God
- 1. This is the personal possession of intimate, one-to-one fellowship with God (1 John 1).
- 2. Unlike other religions, Christians can fellowship with a living God.
- 3. Fellowship (koinonia) is a sharing, giving, and receiving relationship.
- 4. Neglecting fellowship stems from not knowing God well.
- 5. Discovering God's character inspires a desire for constant communication.
- III. Conclusion: The Result of Understanding These Possessions
- A. Inadequacy, inferiority, and insecurity fade away.
- B. We grow stronger, deeper, and richer in our relationship with God.
- C. Invitation to receive Christ and live by grace through faith.
Scripture references
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Insights
Peace and joy often elude us when we remain bound by unseen feelings.
God's acceptance arrives just as we are, knowing every future misstep.
Eternal life is the divine presence of Christ within us, starting now.
Questions & answers
What are the three feelings the sermon says keep believers from enjoying their Christian life?
The sermon identifies feelings of insecurity, inferiority, and inadequacy as obstacles that prevent believers from reaching their full potential and experiencing maximum peace and joy.
What are the three specific truths mentioned that help defeat these negative feelings?
The three truths are understanding our position in Christ, our personage (who we are), and our possessions in Christ Jesus.
How does the sermon define God's acceptance?
God's acceptance means He took us "just the way we are" at salvation, knowing all our past, present, and future failures, without requiring us to clean up our lives first.
When does the sermon say eternal life begins for a believer?
According to the sermon, eternal life does not begin at death but the moment a person receives Jesus Christ as their personal savior.
What is the "quality of eternal life" as described in the sermon?
The quality of eternal life is divine life, meaning God Almighty living within us, which brings fulfillment, contentment, security, and a sense of worthiness.
Why does the preacher say believers often don't talk to God more?
The preacher states that the primary reason believers neglect fellowship with God is that they "don't know Him very well."
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Source
Unofficial AI summary for study purposes. Watch the full sermon on In Touch Ministries. Sermon Insights is not affiliated with or endorsed by the pastor or church.