The New You
If we grudgingly view Christ’s lordship in our lives as a threat to our freedom, we don’t understand the real freedom we’ve been given through Him. Jesus has come to make us new, literally! Through the new birth, we’ve been given a new nature and the cord to sin and death has been severed. Right standing with God should motivate us to right living. The best way to live life is as one who surrenders continually to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Discussion Questions
The Bible describes becoming a Christian as a new birth (John 3:5-6). Can you describe the benefits that are received by one who has believed in Jesus?
In Galatians 2:20, Paul describes the radical relationship of the believer to Jesus’ death and resurrection. What is Paul saying in this verse? In light of the context of Galatians 2, why does verse 21 make perfect sense?
The Christian life is often viewed as placing your faith in Jesus only to then work really hard to try to be good. What’s wrong with this approach?
Unless we consider that we’ve been given a new nature, we will fail at living for Christ. Read Romans 6:5-12. How has the believer died to sin? How then do you explain the fact that you sin?
How does 1 John 3:9 point to the reality of the Christians new nature? How do you reconcile this verse with the reality that Christians do sin?
How can the daily acknowledgement that you have a new nature help you live victoriously for Christ? As a believer, how do you remind yourself who you really are?
Further Reading
Doubting Doubt
Doubt is the presence of uncertainty. This uncertainty can present itself at anytime, for both believers and skeptics alike. The aim for both is to consider their own positions of doubt and consider these beliefs in view of a risen Jesus. Whether a believer or a...
When Jesus Restores…
Receiving forgiveness and experiencing restoration can become pivotal moments that shape our character. Peter received a course correction for life as Jesus gently but powerfully restored their relationship and Peter’s role. Together, we can grow deeper into Jesus’...
Overcoming Failure
Failing is a common but disappointing life experience that always seems to catch us by surprise. When our failures are placed into the hand of Jesus, he can use even our shortcomings to fuel our growth. Let’s discover the part failure played in Peter’s life and how we...
Forgiveness
As God has forgiven us, we are to forgive each other. In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus is teaching His disciples, and us by extension, that forgiveness should be in like proportion to the amount forgiven. The first servant had been forgiven all, and he...
Peter’s Confession and Jesus’ Church
Jesus accomplishes his mission through his Church, but our part in a local church can be challenging as well as rewarding. In Matthew 16, we discover part of the foundation for God’s work through his Church and our part in it. How might God be calling you to be part...