MANIFESTING THE CHRIST-LIFE – Pastor Chris
Sunday, August 12, 2018
For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh (2 Corinthians 4:11).
Christianity is the revelation of Christ in you, the manifestation of the Christ-life in you; this isn’t about “imitating” Christ. It’s so important that you understand this. Christianity isn’t the imitation of Christ, but living the Christ-life. Christ lives in you; He’s your life (Colossians 3:3).
Colossians 1:26-27 says, “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Christ revealed in you: this is God’s dream; this is Christianity! You’re in Christ; He’s in you. You’re the revelation of His righteousness, glory, and grace.
No wonder the Word says His intent is to unveil His manifold wisdom to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, through the Church (Ephesians 3:10). True spiritual growth is determined by the extent to which Christ is revealed or manifested in, and through you. The revelation of Christ in us is essentially the understanding and expression of His character; His life and glory through us.
For example, as a Christian, when you walk in love, it’s not just because you made an effort to love; it’s the manifestation of the life of Christ in you. That outward show of love and kindness that others experience from you is the manifestation of the life and nature of Christ in your spirit. This is what God wants: Christ manifested in you; Christ alive in you, working through you, touching and changing lives through you. Whatever He needs to do in the earth today is through you. You’re His outstretched arm.
Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches….” The branches are the fruit-producing part of the vine. Thus, you reveal the glory and beauty of Christ. You manifest His life and reveal His righteousness. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the life of Christ in me; I was born to live the Christ-life, and unveil His character, glory, and life to the world. I’ve become His living headquarters and operational centre. Through me, His glory, beauty, wisdom, perfections, and righteousness are revealed to the world, in ever- increasing measure, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Ephesians 3:10 AMPC; 1 Peter 2:9 AMPC
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Romans 14-15:1-4 & Psalms 90-93
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Philippians 2:1-11 & Isaiah 63
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