Made to Die, Made to Live - Santosh Poonen - August 9, 2016
http://rlcfchurch.org/made-to-die-made-to-live RLCF Youth Conference 2016 - Session 6 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
This message explores the paradox of Christian life, suggesting that our capacity to truly live for Christ is rooted in our willingness to die to self. The core message emphasizes that following Christ requires a radical surrender of self-will, leading to a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the Christian life is a journey of daily crucifixion to self for the sake of resurrection life in Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does it mean to carry your cross?Jesus taught that anyone who does not carry his own cross and follow Him cannot be His disciple.Luke 14:27
Finding your daily crossEvery believer has a specific cross with their name on it to be carried daily in the practical situations of life.
Discipleship versus mere emotionWeeping during worship or feeling sorry for Jesus' suffering is not discipleship; true testing happens when resisting temptation in everyday life.
Grace abounds where sin increasesGod gave the law to show the seriousness of sin, and where sin increased, His grace abounded all the more through Jesus Christ.
Should we continue in sin?Paul asks how those who died to sin can continue living in it, comparing returning to sin to a dog returning to disgusting habits.
Our old self was crucified with ChristWhen Jesus died on the cross, our old self was crucified with Him so that our body of sin might be done away with.
The old self as an abusive husbandThe unregenerate identity is portrayed as being married to a cruel slave driver, but through Christ's death that old husband is killed.
Released from the law to marry anotherJust as a woman is released from her husband by death, believers died to the law so they could be joined to the resurrected Christ.Romans 7:1–4
The trap of legalismTrying to live up to God's standard through human strength and external appearances leads to miserable bondage and a judgmental spirit.
Jesus offers a higher standard with graceJesus raises the standard of righteousness to the heart level, but He walks alongside us to help us clean up our messes.
Taking Christ's easy yokeJesus invites the weary to take His yoke, promising that the true Christian life of humility and rest is easier than living in sin.
Baptism as an external symbolWater baptism by immersion represents the inward reality of being buried with Christ and raised to newness of life.
The call to repent and be baptizedThose who have truly repented and experienced the crucifixion of their old self should testify to this change through water baptism.
