Christian Living

Christian Living

"To me to live is Christ"

Matthew 5:8, 48 and Philippians 1:21

Sermon by Jack Nazary

1. Christian living is Christ living in you. "In Christ", belonging to him, behaving in mind, and deed like him.

2. The Christian life is life in the Spirit

a. The Spirit produces the new being in Christ - Titus 3:5; Romans 7:6

b. Makes possible knowledge of the Will of God - I Corinthians 2:12-16

c. Produces the fruit of Christian character - Galatians 5:22

d. Becomes the power of the New Life to give victory - Ephesians 3:16

3. Christian living is grounded in the experience of repentance. "Except ye repent"

"Renewing of the mind" - Romans 12:2

Repentance is the key to Christian living.

4. Christian living is in the area of the church and associated with those in the church fellowship. Fellowship with Christ leads to participation with other Christians in partnership of the gospel of Christ - II Corinthians 13:14

Worshipping for good of all - I Corinthians 14:26

Using the gifts of the Spirit to serve one another - Romans 12:5; II Corinthians 12:21,27

5. Love (not law) is the chief moral principle of Christian living. "The love of Christ constraineth me" "Love more excellent way of life" - I Corinthians 12:31

Free from law - Liberty not license

Limits on Christian liberty

1. Not as an opportunity for the flesh but to serve others through love - Galatians 15:13, 17, 25

2. Appropriateness - All things are lawful but all things are not helpful, profitable, fitting, appropriate to the good life - I Corinthians 10:23

3. Constructiveness - not all things build up the spiritual life - I Corinthians 10:23

4. Mastery - "Will not be enslaved by anything" I Corinthians 6:26

Must ask about moral action -

a. Is it an act of service in love?

b. Is it appropriate?

c. Is it the constructive thing to do?

d. Will it enslave me?

6. Righteousness another principle of Christian living.

7. Another principle is the example of Christ - Believers, to have the mind of Christ - Philippians 2:5

Christ to be imitated in his generosity and love - II Corinthians 11:1

Live according to Christ - Colossians 2:8

Not to copy him, but to emulate him in terms of the Spirit, inner conviction and concern for spread of gospel.