LIFE in Christ- Inward: Ephesians 1:5-8

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LIFE: Building Your Life in Christ; The Life-Long Journey of Discipleship

1. ( Ephesians 1: 5-8)

A) DISCERNMENT: As followers of Christ we have a giant target painted on our backs- a price on our heads as it were. The world hates the Christ that is in us, and Satan is never ending in his assault on the lost and the Church. He delights in nothing more than keeping everyone from the truth that is in Christ Jesus- saved and unsaved. Therefore, trust God, and do not fear, and be diligent in pursuing your relationship and maturity in Christ.

2. (1 John 2: 13-14)

B) PRAYER & THE WORD: Personal time with the Lord is imperative. It is impossible to mature in the Lord without time in prayer to Him, and time in His Word. 

3. (1 John 4: 4); 4. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Pray: Pray for yourself, for the church, for your friends, family, neighbors, and do so diligently and earnestly. Prayer model given by Jesus of Nazareth

5. (Matthew 6: 9-13)

Read: Know the Scriptures and avoid false teachers. There are many wolves within the church which are not of Christ, but are of Satan. These individuals and groups pose as believers, but are not. Do not be fooled by them. There is nothing "NEW" in the Scriptures, and false teachers seek to distort the Gospel for their own gain- maybe personal pride or a desire for respect, or financial gain, or simply because they are lost, and are still slaves to their sin. Regardless of the reason, do not be deceived by them.

6. (1 Timothy 1: 3-7); 7. (1 Timothy 4: 1-5)

C: PUT ON THE ARMOR of GOD: As followers of Christ, we must understand the struggles we face daily are spiritual in nature. They are significant, and we cannot defeat them by our own strength. As such, we must be prepared to act appropriately in faith and prayer.

8 (Ephesians 6: 10-18)

D) TEMET NOSCE: "Know thyself" (Latin). Knowing who you are is essential to understanding your position to the things of Christ. It is how you understood your need for Christ, and it is presently your understanding of who you are in Him- your identity is in fact, in Christ.

9. (John 15: 13-16) ; 10. (1 John 5.)

E) LIVE THE GOSPEL: One cannot proclaim the Gospel of Christ truthfully without making it a priority to simultaneously and constantly press toward the goal of Holiness. Christ commands us to be Holy as He is Holy.

11. (1 Peter 1: 14-16)

F) LOVE OTHERS: Love God & Love Others. It boils down to these 2 commandments, and in fact, when you do the first, then the second comes far easier. "Love your neighbor as yourself" describes both the "who" and the "How" we are to love.

12. (John 15: 17-19)

G) CARRY YOUR CROSS: Although salvation is free, living for Christ is not- there is a cost. 

13.(Matthew 10: 37-39); 14. (Matthew 16: 24-26)

All scripture quotations from the World English Bible (WEB)