Changing and growing in Christ

I am excited about tonight's teaching (from Romans 6:1-7), because it teaches us how to actually change.

We repent, and that's great.  But we also need to realize that because of Christ's work we are dead to sin.  We no longer have to sin.

Here's how we change:  Change happens when we consider ourselves "dead to sin" each and every moment of each and every day - and let that fact and God's power keep us from sin.

Paul writes in Romans 6:1-7, "What shall we say then, are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?  By no means.  How can we who died to sin still live in it?  Do you not KNOW (what are we supposed to know?) that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were buried, therefore, with him by baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too, might walk in newness of life.

For if we've been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.  We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would not longer be enslaved to sin." 

You've received forgiveness for your sins - and that's great.  You will have eternal life.  But Jesus didn't die and rise from the dead to simply forgive you.  He rose to live his life through you.

Paul writes in Romans 6:8, "Now, if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him."

I can overcome sin by Christ living in me.

Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."

We live by means of Christ.

We change by means of Christ.

We live in a world that is quickly changing.

Listen to this:  From 1960 to 1990 all the information available in the world had doubled.  Then that number doubled in five years, and the amount of information in the world continues to grow at a staggering pace.

The CEO of Google recently said that by the end of the year the amount of knowledge will double every two days.

That one statement alone just boggles the mind.

But here is the bad news:  Everything is changing but Christians are not changing.

Most statistics indicate that Christians are no different from non-Christians.  They are living for the same reasons, they have the same level of happiness, and they struggle with the same things.  Yet they are not different.

I read today that 100 people were asked to name something that Christians do instead of changing.

Here are the four most popular answers.

1.  Rituals.  As Christians we go to church, sing songs, raise our hands, do our little routines, but they really don't impact our life or the way we live during the week.

2.  Debate.  The survey said that most Christians will debate, not non-Christians, but other Christians who don't believe exactly like they do.

3.  Remember.  People states that Christians (instead of changing) will remember (with sentimentality) and reminisce about their "glory days" in God.  The fact that their walk with God was better in the past than it is now.

But the final thing people said Christians do instead of changing is number four.

4.  They live sinful lives. 

Again:

Jesus didn't die and rise from the dead simply to forgive you.  He rose again for your transformation.

My suggestion to you today? 

Let the Holy Spirit change you today by realizing what God has done for you on the cross and at the resurrection - and letting Christ live through you.

Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  (Philippians 4:13).

"Father, live through me this day.  I can't live the Christian faith alone.  I need your Holy Spirit.  I need to remember who gives me the power to walk a walk of holiness.  Live through me, Jesus Christ.  In your name I pray.  Amen."