Who I Am - Part 5 [Notes]

One of the most significant phrases found in the Bible is “in Christ.” This phrase appears in various forms over 150 times in the New Testament. For the Christian, because we are “in Christ,” we share many of the blessings and attributes of Christ himself.

Join us as we begin a new series titled, "Who Am I?" Together we will explore from the book of Romans what the Apostle Paul said was true about us because of our connection with Christ.

Today's Takeaway // In Christ, we are family.

Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy.
– Matthew 6:9 (HCSB)

He was still speaking to the crowds when suddenly His mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to speak to Him. Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” But He replied to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And stretching out His hand toward His disciples,  He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, that person is My brother and sister and mother.”
– Matthew 12:46-50 (HCSB) 

“Jesus was not denying his responsibility to his earthly family. On the contrary he elsewhere criticized the religious leaders for not following the Old Testament command to honor their parents (Matthew 15:1-9). He provided for his mother's security as he hung on the cross (John 19:25-27). His mother and brothers were present in the upper room at Pentecost (Acts 1:14). Instead, Jesus was pointing out that spiritual relationships are as binding as physical ones, and he was paving the way for a new community of believers, the universal church – our spiritual family.” 
– Life Application Study Bible, Tyndale House Publishers

In Christ, we are family.

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you  to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,  holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age,  but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
– Romans 12:1-2 (HCSB) 

“God wants us to offer ourselves, not animals, as living sacrifices – daily laying aside our own desires to follow him, putting all our energy and resources at his disposal and trusting him to guide us. We do this out of gratitude that our sins have been forgiven.”
– Life Application Study Bible, Tyndale House Publishers

For by the grace  given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many  are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of one’s  faith; if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.
– Romans 12:3-8 (HCSB) 

Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit;  serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice;  weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud;  instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
– Romans 12:9-18 (HCSB) 

By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
– John 13:35 (HCSB) 

Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.
– 1 Peter 4:8 (HCSB)

House of the Lord / Homecoming / Names / There is a King / We Need People

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