It is my hope and desire that this series has an impact on your life to the same extent that writing it has on mine. As Paul the Apostle wrote this letter to the church of Ephesus, he had provided the truth of how to live this Christian Life. If we do not understand the positions which are ours in Christ, we are easily tossed to and fro by trials, tribulations, false doctrine, Satan’s whispering lies, fears, and doubts. Knowing who we are in Christ empowers us to stand against the storms, fiery darts, and the evil which surrounds us. So once more, let me name for you at least 12 positions that are yours if you know Christ as your Savior; thereby, being In Christ. Those 12 are: Saints, Blessed, Chosen, Child of God, Risen Redeemed, Enlightened, Beloved, New Creation, Heirs of Royalty, Prisoners of Love, Servants, and Faith filled. Look in the mirror every morning and say I am in front of each of these with conviction and I guarantee your life will change. Too often we don’t recognize this and that is why we are so easily tossed about by every wind of change that occurs. When we know this, cling to it’s truth, and stand in awe of the marvelous grace and love of God; then, our walk changes as well. Let’s look at a few examples of what our walk will look like.
Example #1: Because of the positions I hold in Christ–I will stand firm, rooted In Christs love. Ephesians 4: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Example #2: Because of the positions I hold in Christ–I will put on the righteousness which is mine and lay aside all the former desires, lusts, and selfishness. After all, why would I ever want to dishonor my Father by running around in the filthy rags that were formerly mine? Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Example #3: Because of the positions I hold in Christ–I will be forgiving, merciful, and gracious (even to those who would want to harm me). Yes, I recognize this may at first look very difficult; but bare with me. If we truly understand who we are in Christ; then, we know that when others harm us–our Daddy takes it very seriously. I am His blessed, chosen, beloved child. He really takes it seriously. Since I know that–my reaction suddenly changes. Give you an example, this week it became evident that there are some who are out to harm me. Initially, I felt hurt–went to God in prayer and suddenly I remembered who I am in Christ. Then, instead of wishing any harm in return, with no spirit of retaliation; I began to pray for the salvation of their soul. I pitied them because they don’t know my Heavenly Father; what miserable creatures they must be standing outside of His love. Knowing how seriously my Father’s wrath is against anyone who would harm a child of His, I began to pray an intervening prayer for them asking for their salvation instead. Ephesians 5: "31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."
Example #4: Because of the positions I hold in Christ–I will walk in Love. How could you do otherwise? Remember that feeling of when you fell in love with someone and the whole world looked brighter, happier. You seemed to suddenly become kind and loving toward everyone you meet because you are in love and are loved. Okay, that is nothing compared to the love we have in Christ. I AM HIS BELOVED and I have fallen deeply, madly in love with Jesus Christ, my Savior. So what should my day to day life look like? Shouldn’t it be dancing, praising, rejoicing, happy, with overflowing love to those around me.? Shouldn’t it? Ephesians 5: Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.
Example #5: Because of who I am in Christ–I will lay aside sin and wear my robes of righteousness instead through the power of the Holy Spirit which indwells and not of my own power. Were I to ever think this is of my own power, then pride will have entered and with it sin. So my only hope of righteousness is found in Christ and in dying to myself that He might live through me. That power I have in Christ and Christ Alone. Ephesians 5: "3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:"
Example #6: Because of who I am in Christ–I will be rejoicing and joyous. Ephesians 5: 8 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
What an amazing life we have found in Christ!! As we continue, I have a few more Examples of how our life looks when we are truly Living In Christ before we move on to the practicalities of "How do I do this? How do I transform this head knowledge into life changing heart knowledge?" While we continue to explore this step by step, I do urge you to never stop believing, never stop praying and never stop seeking Christ with all your heart.