Terry Scheuffele

Dear Boise Church of Christ,

What is it like to be the Director of The Biblical Studies Center?  It’s like running a law firm out of a convenience store. That was my response to this recent inquiry. How so? Well, we maintain connections with several different groups (or “clients”) for different purposes. Our primary emphasis is, of course, college students, and the BSC exists to reach and disciple them through the Word of God. But we also open our classes to high school students and community members, and we’ve even helped adults complete their degrees by transferring credits to other universities. We connect with university faculty, athletic coaches, and support staff. Perhaps our most important ministry connection is with other campus ministers, as we partner together to reach and build up students with the gospel.

We are also members of the Consortium of Christian Study Centers, within which we participate in a network of prayer and support with a few dozen other similar institutions around the country. We are exploring a potential partnership bridge with Haus Nazareth in Berlin, Germany. We are also tasked with maintaining regular communication with numerous donors, churches and charitable foundations, who provide the financial backing to continue ministering. Additionally, we advertise and teach classes, and prepare and host multiple meetings daily, serve lunch to between fifty and a hundred students (or more) each week.

Pair this to-do list with a daily dose of student and minister “drop-ins”, who come for a snack, a conversation, a meeting, some study time, counselling, or even a nap, and perhaps you can understand the law firm/convenience store analogy. By the way, we must also constantly work to keep the place clean! It is a hectic, at times overwhelming set of responsibilities, but it is also a tremendous blessing and privilege because of its strategic importance to God’s kingdom.

Students arrive at college ready to reevaluate their beliefs, and the modern university system is intentionally designed to serve up only secular humanist, relativist answers. God’s truth, standards and gospel are implicitly marginalized, if not openly mocked, and the freshly available lifestyle choices thrive without a solid Christian moral compass. The Biblical Studies Center provides a place with the fragrant aroma of not only lunch, but agape love and biblical truth. Most people know the phrase, “The truth shall set you free,” but few have any idea who said it. Our job is to help  students walk confidently with the one who did. Thanks for doing your part in helping this ministry thrive for his sake!

In His Service,
Dr. Bill Pubols
Director
The Biblical Studies Center

Giving Yourself *

Introduction

• Life Groups are a Vital Part of our Church’s Ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12).
• Giving of Yourself is an Important Part of our Life Groups.
• You Have a Calling to Give Yourself to Others (Acts 20:35; John 4:14; John 7:38).
• In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Paul is Giving a Defense of his Ministry at Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-10).
• Paul Gave More than his Ministry, Paul Gave Himself (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
• Seven Ways Paul Gave Himself:

I .  Paul Took a Risk (1 Thessalonians 2:2).

II.  Paul Did not Mislead or Exploit Them (1 Thessalonians 2:3).

III. Paul Did not Try to Please Men, but God (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

IV.  Paul Did not Flatter & was not Covetous (1 Thessalonians 2:5).

V.   Paul was Gentle and Shared His own Soul (1 Thessalonians 2:6-8).

VI.  Paul was Holy, Righteous, and Blameless (1 Thessalonians 2:10).

VII. Paul Encouraged them Like a Father (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

Conclusion

• We Need to Give Ourselves in the Same Way (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
• You Have Something to Give: Christ (Romans 8:10), the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), the Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:13), Spiritual Gifts (1 Peter 4:10), you are a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), you are a fountain (John 4:14; John 7:38).
• “It is More Blessed to Give than to Receive” (Acts 20:35).
• Will you be Involved in Our Life Groups?

* I am indebted to John Piper for the main ideas in this lesson.

It is almost time to kick off our Fall Life Groups again.  Our goal is 100% membership participation because this is such an important part of our ministry here at the Boise Church.  We already have a number of groups and great participation.  There are many reasons you may choose not to participate – usually time and an already busy schedule are chief among them, but if you experienced the benefits for yourself, I believe you would make the time to participate.

This lesson is a little different that most of the lessons I preach on groups.  I usually relate the benefits you can receive from participation –new relationships, friendships, fellowship, spiritual growth, help in life, etc.  However, this lesson is about what you can give.

When I served a church in South Alabama, we made a great effort to get members involved in our groups.  We were met with varying degrees of success.  There was one woman who attended my group who was an introvert and kind of bristled at the thought of emotional and even physical intimacy (brotherly and sisterly hugs).  However, she participated and shared in our group as actively as any of the others.  I once asked her about it and she said,

“Joey, I’m kind of odd in that I don’t feel a real need for small groups.  I have enough interaction with others through my work and family, but I attend groups, not because I personally need it, but because of what I can give to others.”

Her words really impressed me and I have told her story whenever I could – especially for those who don’t feel a strong need for sharing and interpersonal relationships through groups.

Sunday, we will be examining Paul’s description of his ministry at Thessalonica.  The key verse is 1 Thessalonians 2:8,

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

True ministry requires a willingness to share our lives with others.

I’ll say more in the lesson.

Joey

Tying up Loose Ends: Mission

Introduction

• Definition: “tie up loose ends” – (idiomatic) Tidy up, finish, or complete.
• It can be Easy to Start Something, but difficult to finish.
• God encourages us to complete the work we began in Christ (Revelation 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:10).
• Today, we’ll discuss the Loose End of Misson.

I.   Jesus Calls us to Mission (John 20:21-22).

II.  Mission Includes Evangelism (Matthew 28:19-20).

III. Mission is More than Evangelism (Ephesians 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:10).

IV.  Jesus Requires a Life-Long Commitment to Mission (Isaiah 6:1-8).

Conclusion

• What is Our Mission? The Same as that of Jesus (Ephesians 5:1-2).
  • His Message and Life Embodied the Kingdom of God.
  • He Fulfilled His Mission through Love & Self-Sacrifice.
  • He Saved us That we Might Serve.
  • He Commissioned us to Make More Disciples.
• What is My Mission at Boise Church of Christ? Suggestions:
  • Discipleship, Administration, Leadership
  • Special Church Projects
  • Foreign & Local Mission Works
  • Biblical Studies Center
  • Camp Ivydale
  • Love, INC
  • Boise Classical Academy
  • Trail Life & American Heritage Girls

Today we conclude the current sermon series we’ve entitled, Tying Up Loose Ends. When we fail to complete the things God intends for us to do, our eternal destiny is in the balance.  This morning we will be talking about our mission.

Mission refers to “a vocation or calling.” Christian mission refers to that particular vocation to which Christ has called the church (generally) and us (specifically). Jesus often spoke of this vocation.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”  ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:21-22).

We often think of mission and read evangelism as in the Great Commission.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19, 20).

Certainly, mission would include evangelism. However, it is much larger than that.  If we are to be about the same mission as Jesus, then we must do what Jesus did. Paul gives us a hint as to how this is accomplished.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children  ² and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Jesus lived a life of love and self-sacrifice. This almost seems incongruous to his message, “The kingdom of God is at hand!” God’s people waited for the time when God would establish his righteous rule on the earth and destroy all his (and their) enemies. They were correct in principle as to God’s purpose, but they were confused in regard to method.  Jesus did so with love and self-sacrifice.

Our mission is to spread the message and live out the values of the coming kingdom of God in a spirit of love and self-sacrifice.

Joey

Tying up Loose Ends: Stewardship

Introduction

• Definition: “tie up loose ends” – (idiomatic) Tidy up, finish, or complete.
• It can be Easy to Start Something, but difficult to finish.
• God encourages us to complete the work we began in Christ (2 Corinthians 8:5-12).
• Today, we’ll discuss the Loose End of Stewardship.

I.   The Purpose of a Steward is be Found Faithful to His/Her Task (1 Corinthians 4:2; Luke 12:42-46; Deuteronomy 8:11, 17-18).

All We Have Belongs to God – He Has Entrusted us with It.

II.  Stewardship is More than what we Give.

      Areas of Stewardship:

• Stewardship of the Body
• Stewardship of our Talents / Gifts
• Stewardship of our Possessions
• Stewardship of the Earth
• Stewardship of our Money

III. Stewardship Does Require that we Give

• We Must Give to Support those in Need (Galatians 6:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:7-12).
• We Must Give to Support those Who Preach the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:7-14).
• We Must Give to Support the Maintenance of the Congregation.

Conclusion: How Much Does God Expect me to Give?

• In Keeping with Your Income (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
• According to Your Means (2 Corinthians 8:11)
• As Much as you Have Pre-Purposed (Decided) in your Heart (2 Corinthians 9:7)
• As Much as You Want to be Blessed (2 Corinthians 9:6)
• Generously (2 Corinthians 9:6)
• What about the Tithe? (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

Our sermon series is entitled, Tying Up Loose Ends. There are things that we know we need to do, but we put off.  This may have little consequence in some areas of our lives, but with spiritual matters, your eternal destiny is in the balance.  This morning we will be talking about our financial stewardship.

A steward is one who is entrusted with the possessions of another. The primary purpose of a steward is to faithfully carry out the business of the one who gave him that trust.

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2).

The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?  ⁴³ It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.  ⁴⁴ I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.  ⁴⁵ But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk.  ⁴⁶ The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers (Luke 12:42-46).

The Bible teaches that our money and possessions are not ours, but only entrusted to us by God to care for our needs, to be used in harmony with his will, and to accomplish his work on earth.

Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.  …You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.”  ¹⁸ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today (Deuteronomy 8:11, 17-18).

The Bible says a lot about stewardship; I’ll say more in my lesson.

Joey

Tying up Loose Ends: Membership

Introduction

• Definition: “tie up loose ends” – (idiomatic) Tidy up, finish, or complete.
• It can be Easy to Start Something, but difficult to finish.
• God encourages us to complete the work we began in Christ
  (Revelation 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:10).
• Today, we’ll discuss the Loose End of Membership.

I.   Early Christians Unified Locally for Strength and Support (Acts 2:41-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 9:26-27)

II. Dangers of being a Member at Large

• No Accountability – Protection
• No Responsibility – Purpose
• No Commitment – Promises

III. Five Commitments of Membership

• Relationships
• Worship
• Discipleship
• Stewardship
• Fellowship/Partnership

Conclusion: How do You Become a Member at Boise C/C?

1. Are You a Christian?
2. Are You Willing to Commit Yourself, Your Talents, and Your Resources to this Congregation?
3. Are You Willing to Submit Yourself to this Congregation and its Leadership for Your Discipleship?
4. Then, Let Us See Brochure.

Our sermon series is entitled, Tying Up Loose Ends. There are things that we know we need to do, but we put off.  This may have little consequence in some areas of our lives, but with spiritual matters, your eternal destiny is in the balance.  This morning we will be talking about church membership.

Church membership is more of a modern phrase than a biblical one, but the concept of being an active part of a church fellowship is very biblical.  In Acts, new believers banded together for strength and growth.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.  ⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common.  ⁴⁵ Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:41-47).

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  ²⁵ Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another– and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).

In no uncertain terms, the NT presupposes the active participation of Christians in the life of the local church. Today, however, with so many churches, it is easy for believers to develop a “member at large” attitude visiting many different congregations, but belonging to none. Not that there are not benefits to visiting churches until you find a church home, but eventually you really need to belong somewhere.

In my lesson today, we will talk about this need, why it is important and what you need to do to truly belong.

I’ll say more in my lesson.       Joey

Tying up Loose Ends: Baptism

Introduction

• Definition: “tie up loose ends” – (idiomatic) Tidy up, finish, or complete.
• It can be Easy to Start Something, but difficult to finish.
• God encourages us to complete the work we began in Christ (Revelation 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 8:10-11; Acts 20:24; 2 Timothy 4:7).
• Today, we’ll discuss the Loose End of Baptism.

I.   The Need for Salvation

• Deliverance from Sin (Acts 2:38)
• Deliverance from Sin’s Consequences (Romans 6:23)
• Deliverance from Death (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
• Deliverance from Futility (Ephesians 2:10)

II.  The Requisites of Salvation

• Faith (John 8:24; Romans 1:16; Romans 10:8-9; Acts 16:31)
• Repentance (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38)
• Baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:41; Acts 16:30-33)

III. The Reasons People Postpone Baptism.

• They Think it is Not Necessary.
• It is not Convenient.
• They are Afraid.
• They Don’t want to Offend.
• They Procrastinate.
• They are “Too Young.”

Conclusion/Applications

• Do You Need to be Saved?
• Have you Responded to Jesus?
• What are You Waiting On?! (Acts 22:16)

Sunday, I am beginning a new sermon series entitled, Tying Up Loose Ends. There are things that we know we need to do, but we put off.  This may have little consequence when we are talking about taking the laundry to the cleaners or raking the leaves in the yard. However, when it involves spiritual matters, your eternal destiny is in the balance.  No decision is more important than your decision to follow Jesus.  This is really more than just a “loose end,” but you need to “tie it up” nonetheless!

Giving your life to Jesus begins with trust in him as He explained.

I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins“   (John 8:24).

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:16).

Many make faith commitments to Jesus, but they never get around to baptism.  In many cases this is because some churches delay the baptism of new believers until there can be a special service and they never get around to it.  In a few cases, the importance of baptism is actually minimized.  This was not the case in the New Testament.  They were baptized the same day they believed – some, the same hour!

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  …Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day (Acts 2:38, 41).

He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  ³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved– you and your household.”  ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.  ³³ At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized (Acts 16:30-33).

I’ll say more in my lesson.   Joey

What Does it Mean to be a New Creation?

Introduction

• Identity is the qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, and/or expressions that characterize a person or group.
• “Identities tell us who we are and they announce to others who we are” (Peter Burke).
• Our identities guide behavior and inform how we are “supposed” to act.
• Who Am I? What Does it Mean to be a New Creation?  (2 Corinthians 5:14-17).

I.   New Motivation – Christ’s Love Compels Us (2 Corinthians 5:14; Ephesians 2:8-10).

II.  New Purpose – We No Longer Live for Ourselves, but Christ (2 Corinthians 5:15; Ephesians 4:17-24; Colossians 3:1-17)

III. New Perspective on Christ – We No Longer View Christ from a Worldly Point of View (2 Corinthians 5:16; John 1:5; Acts 9:1-5; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14).

IV.  New Perspective on Others – We No Longer View Others from a Worldly Point of View (2 Corinthians 5:16; Galatians 6:14-15; Ephesians 2:11-17).

V.   New Hope – We Have Hope of a Resurrected Body and New Life in the New Heaven and Earth (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; Revelation 21:1-5).

Conclusion/Applications

• We are God’s New Creation in Christ.
• We have been Changed and we must Live Out that Change – A New Motivation, Purpose, Perspective, and Hope.
• This shapes My Identity in Christ!

Sunday, I will conclude my series, Who Am I? My Identity in Christ. As humans we search for identity because we need to know who we are as we define, identify, and differentiate ourselves from others. Identities tell us who we are and they announce to others who we are. Our identities guide behavior and inform how we are “supposed” to act.

In our first lesson, we answered the question, “Who Am I” in terms of Psalm 8:1-4 and the song of the same name by Casting Crowns.  We concluded that we are Finite, Known, Lost, Loved, Broken, Heard, Saved, and Yours (Belonging to God).  For the purpose of abbreviation, we can summarize this as Loved, Forgiven, and Called.

In the second lesson, we explored Paul’s identity before and after his conversion to Christ (Philippians 3:1-15).  We concluded that identity is not fixed, but it changes throughout life.  We demonstrated how factors such as heredity, social groups, personal traits, actions, decisions, and beliefs all affect how we see ourselves and inform how we are “supposed” to act based on that identity. Paul’s identity was revolutionarily changed by his encounter with Jesus.  His devotion to Christ led him to put that relationship before every other thing.

In the third lesson, we explored Paul’s understanding of what it means to be crucified with Christ.  We concluded that, in baptism, our old, sinful, self died with Christ along with the guilt and penalty for sin. When we rose from the water, we embraced the newness of life he gives. From that point on we consider ourselves dead to the practice of sin and alive to the life Jesus wants us to live.

Last week, we discussed the purpose of God’s original creation, our divine vocation as human beings, the marring of God’s perfect creation by our sinful rebellion, and God’s loving work to restore us and the cosmos to his original intent.

Sunday we will conclude the series by discussing what it means to be a part of God’s restored creation.

Come join us!   Joey

I Am a New Creation in Christ

Introduction

• Identity is the qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, and/or expressions that characterize a person or group.
• “Identities tell us who we are and they announce to others who we are” (Peter Burke).
• Our identities guide behavior and inform how we are “supposed” to act.
• Who Am I? I am a New Creation in Christ (2 Co 5:17).

I.   The Purpose of Creation

• God Created the Universe to Bear Witness to His Glory (Psalm 19:1-3).
• God Created Humanity to be His Image Bearers in the World (Genesis 1:26-30; Psalm 8).
• Humanity’s Purpose is to Serve as Priests and Kings (Exodus 19:5-6).
• Priests (Intermediaries with All of Creation).
• Kings (To Reign in God’s Place – Vice-Regents)

II.  The Marring of Creation

• Abdication of and Disqualification from our Vocation
• Genesis Account (Genesis 3:11-20); Natural Evil
• Paul’s Account (Romans 1:20-32); Moral Evil

III. The Restoration of Creation

• Early Hints – Protevangelium (Genesis 3:15)
• Call of Abraham/Israel (Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6)
• Fulfillment in Jesus (Romans 8:18-24; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Conclusion/Applications

• We were Created to Bear Witness of God’s Goodness and Glory – to serve as Priests and Kings.
• As Sinful Humans we have Marred God’s Creation.
• Jesus has Restored us to our Original Vocation (1 Peter 2:9).
• This is My Identity in Christ! (To be Continued…)

Sunday’s lesson will be my penultimate lesson in the series, Who Am I? My Identity in Christ. It is actually a two-parter; I will conclude this lesson and the series the following week. Last week, we explored Paul’s understanding of what it means to be crucified with Christ.  We concluded that, in baptism, our old sinful self died with Christ along with the guilt and penalty for sin. When we rose from the water, we embraced the newness of life he gives. From that point on we consider ourselves dead to the practice of sin and alive to the life Jesus wants us to live.  This is part of what Jesus meant when he said we are to take up our cross daily and follow him.

This week we will begin an examination of 2 Corinthians 5:17 and what it means to be a new creation in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

If we want to know what it means to be a new creation, we need to understand the purpose of God’s original creation, our divine vocation as human beings, the marring of God’s perfect creation by our sinful rebellion, and God’s loving work to restore us and the cosmos to his original intent.  As I mentioned, this is a two-part lesson.  This week we will look at the biblical theology of creation and renewal and next week we will examine the practical applications.

Come join us!    Joey

I Am Crucified with Christ

Introduction

• Identity is the qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, and/or expressions that characterize a person or group.
• “Identities tell us who we are and they announce to others who we are” (Peter Burke).
• Our identities guide behavior and inform how we are “supposed” to act.
• Who Am I? I am Crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20).

I.   Jesus Loved Me and Gave Himself for Me.

• A Personal Love (Galatians 2:20)
• An Immeasurable Love (Ephesians 3:17-19)
• An Eternal Love (Jeremiah 31:3; Lamentations 3:22-23, RSV)
• An Unconditional Love (Romans 5:8)
• A Self–Sacrificing Love (John 3:16)
• A Transformative Love (2 Corinthians 5:14)

II.  I Have Been Crucified with Christ, and I No Longer Live, but Christ Lives in Me.

• Crucified with Christ – A Permanent Death (Romans 6:1-7)
• I No Longer Live – A Daily Death (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6:11-13).
• Christ Lives in Me – A New Life/Identity (2 Corinthians 5:14-17).

III. The Life I Live in the Body I Live by Faith in the Son of God.

• The Life I Live in the Body – Sacrifice (2 Corinthians 4:10-11)
• I Live by Faith – Hope (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Conclusion/Applications

• I am Loved, Forgiven, and Called to a New Life.
• As a Christian, who I was in Adam (the Flesh/Humanity 1.0/the old Man/my Former Identity) has been Crucified with Christ; I am Dead. I no longer Live.
• Christ Lives in Me. I Must Constantly Subordinate Myself to the Will of Christ.  “Lord, What do You Want?”

My series of messages is entitled, Who Am I? My Identity in Christ. Last week we explored Paul’s identity before and after his conversion to Christ (Philippians 3:1-15).  We concluded that identity is not fixed, but it changes throughout life.  We demonstrated how factors such as heredity, social groups, personal traits, actions, decisions, and beliefs all affect how we see ourselves and inform how we are “supposed” to act based on that identity. Paul’s identity was revolutionarily changed by his encounter with Jesus.  His devotion to Christ led him to put that relationship before every other thing – even those things he at one time had dearly cherished

This week we will approach the subject from a different angle – Paul’s understanding of what happened to him when he gave his life to Christ.

Galatians 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

When we were baptized into Christ, we were crucified with him.  Our old sinful self (Humanity 1.0, who we were in Adam) died with Christ along with the guilt and penalty for sin.  When we rose from the water, we embraced the newness of life he gives (Humanity 2.0).  From that point on we consider ourselves dead to the practice of sin and alive to the life Jesus wants us to live. We are given a new identity in Christ!

Come join us!    Joey

Paul’s Identity in Christ

 Introduction

• Identity is the qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, and/or expressions that characterize a person or group.
• “Identities tell us who we are and they announce to others who we are” (Peter Burke).
• Our identities guide behavior and inform how we are “supposed” to act.
• Who Am I? My Identity in Christ. Paul’s Identity.

I.   Paul’s Identity was Not Fixed; It Changed (Philippians 3:1-3).

II.  Paul’s Identity was Multi-Layered (Philippians 3:3-6).

III. Paul’s Chose to Prioritize His Identity in Christ (Philippians 3:7-11)

IV.  Paul’s Choice was Not Easy (Philippians 3:12-15)

Conclusion

• How we see ourselves is constantly changing due to factors such as heredity, social groups, personal traits & actions, decisions, and beliefs.
• Paul’s identity changed when he became a Christian and he chose to prioritize that identity above all others.
• We, like Paul, must we willing subordinate all that we are to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

My new series of messages is entitled, Who Am I? My Identity in Christ. Last week we answered the question, “Who Am I” in terms of Psalm 8:1-4 and the song of the same name by Casting Crowns.  We concluded that we are Finite, Known, Lost, Loved, Broken, Heard, Saved, and Yours (Belonging to God).  For the purpose of abbreviation, we can summarize this as Loved, Forgiven, and Called.  This is our identity in Christ.

This Sunday we will examine Philippians 3:1-15 and explore Paul’s identity before and after Christ.  Identity is not fixed, but it changes throughout life.  We will see that factors such as heredity, social groups, personal traits & actions, decisions, and beliefs all affect how we see ourselves and inform how we are “supposed” to act based on that identity. Paul’s identity was revolutionarily changed by his encounter with Jesus.  His devotion to Christ led him to put that relationship before every other thing – even those things he at one time had dearly cherished, But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). 

I will also reference the diagram below to illustrate how various factors influenced Paul’s (and our) sense of identity! Come join us!

Joey