Our series:The God Jesus knew…

The process of spiritual formation is replacing destructive images and false narratives with the images and narratives that filled Jesus’ mind.

Phil 2:5 …have the same mind set as Christ Jesus…

False narrative

Even though I have given my life to Jesus I am a sinner

Jesus’ death & resurrection was God’s final judgement on sin.Our struggle - we long for more freedom.Our conclusion - our unwanted behaviour and thoughts confirm our identity as sinners.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – 6:217 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himselfin Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has

committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, sothat in him we might become the righteousness of God.As God’s co-workers we urgeyou not to receive God’s gracein vain. 2 For he says,

“In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.

The God Jesus knew…calls us saints not sinners.

Being a Christian is to live by a new narrative.I am a new creation v17Romans 6:6 our old self was crucified with Christ.Not just forgiven sinners but a whole new person!

Do you want to get baptised?

Another new narrative…The old has gone the new has come. v17It’s not about self discovery Who am I?But about transformation Whose am I?

We’re not just a worm with wings!

God’s promise:

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

Jesus will be the centre of our lives.We are in Christ - used 164 times by Paul.He lives in us and we are changed by him.We’re not simply copying Jesus.We are empoweredto be like him.

We expect to experience more of the holy spirit.

Fruit of his spirit – like a fruit treeThe fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Gal 5:22

Gifts of his spirit – like a tool bag (1Cor 12)•a message of wisdom•message of knowledge•faith •gifts of healing •miraculous powers•prophecy•distinguishing between spirits •speaking in tongues•interpretation of tongues.

We have to deal with sin as it arisesNew life; New identityBut we still have our old body;old memories; old narratives; old habits.We also live in a worldcorrupted by sin.Sin remains – but it doesnot reign.

What helps:•Keep a short slate with God (1 John 1:8 – 9)

•Remember we are chosen by God (John 15:16)

•Trust Jesus in us (2Cor 5:17)

Power: Jesus comes and washes away sin as it clings.Power: knowing we can sin but choosing not to.

Know what helps us growHealthy things grow – always!All this is from God v18 - God does the growing.Cling to Jesus. Abide in him Jn15Abide - to rest in and rely on Jesus.Cut off from the vine we have nopower to live in Christ. If you remain in me and I in you,you will bear much fruit; apartfrom me you can do nothing. Jn15:5

Four practical things…

1.  Cultivate a personal devotional life

2.  Worship with us on Sundays

3. Join a small group

4.  Live a life of service

We are designed to house the fullness of God Eph 3:19The more we are aware of his presence & power the more we naturally shine.We become Christ’s ambassadors v20

God’s time frame…I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation. 6:2