A New Creation in Christ

Foundational Elements:

Foundational Elements

Sermon Title: "A New Creation in Christ"

Text of Sermon: 2 Corinthians 5:17-6:2

Subject: New Life in Christ

Central Idea of the Text (CIT): Paul emphasizes that in Christ, believers become a new creation, reconciled to God, and entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.

Proposition: In Christ, we are transformed into new creations, called to live out our reconciliation with God by spreading the message of reconciliation to others.

Objective: Hearers will understand their new identity in Christ and be inspired to actively engage in the ministry of reconciliation.

Main Point of the Sermon (MPS): Embracing our new identity in Christ compels us to participate in the ministry of reconciliation with urgency and dedication.

Introduction

Consider the story of Johnny Cash, a legendary figure in American music whose life embodies the themes of transformation and new beginnings. Born in rural Arkansas during the Great Depression, Cash grew up in a hardworking farming family. Despite his humble beginnings, he developed a deep love for music, which eventually led him to pursue a career as a singer and songwriter.

Cash's rise to fame in the 1950s brought him great success, but it also led him down a path of self-destruction. He struggled with addiction and personal turmoil, which threatened to derail his career and his life. At his lowest point, Cash felt completely lost and hopeless, disconnected from his faith and purpose.

However, Cash's story didn't end in despair. With the support of his future wife, June Carter, and a renewed faith in God, he sought help and began to turn his life around. This transformation was not just about overcoming addiction; it was a profound spiritual renewal that reshaped his identity and purpose. Cash's music began to reflect his journey of redemption, and he became known not just as a country music star, but as a man who had been deeply transformed by God's grace.

Johnny Cash's life story resonates with many in the South, where his music and legacy continue to be celebrated. His journey from a troubled past to a life of faith and redemption exemplifies the power of transformation and the hope of new beginnings.

In our spiritual lives, many of us have experienced seasons of barrenness, feeling stuck and unproductive. We long for transformation, for a fresh start that brings new life and purpose. Today, we will explore a profound and spiritual transformation that surpasses all others: becoming a new creation in Christ. This transformation is not just about self-improvement or turning over a new leaf; it's about a complete renewal of our identity and purpose.

Looking for Spiritual Transformation

There are always times in our lives that we see people step up and become seekers for a life with meaning.

2 Corinthians 5:17–6:2 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Working together with Him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.” For He says: I heard you in an acceptable time, and I helped you in the day of salvation. Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.”

New Creation in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.”

Here Paul writes from a personal experience. He once hoped for the destruction of the church and now he is giving his life to starting and building up churches.

Explanation: Who here remembers their baptism? That sense of euphoria. We are transformed through Christ and by Christ.

Being in Christ means that our old life is gone, and we have a new identity.

Consider the story of Matthew, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, who underwent a remarkable transformation and became a new creation through Christ. Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector in Capernaum, a profession despised by his fellow Jews. Tax collectors were seen as traitors and sinners because they worked for the Roman occupiers and often extorted money from their own people. Matthew's life was marked by dishonesty and greed, and he was marginalized by society because of his actions. However, one day, as he was sitting at his tax booth, Jesus approached him and extended a simple yet profound invitation: "Follow me" (Matthew 9:9). Without hesitation, Matthew got up and followed Jesus, leaving behind his corrupt practices and his old life.

Matthew's decision to follow Jesus marked the beginning of his transformation into a new creation. He became a devoted disciple, witnessing Jesus' teachings, miracles, and ultimately, His resurrection. Matthew's life was no longer defined by greed and betrayal but by his commitment to spreading the message of Christ. He went on to write the Gospel of Matthew, a profound account of Jesus' life and ministry that has inspired countless believers throughout history. Matthew's story illustrates the transformative power of Jesus' call, showing how even those who are seen as outcasts and sinners can become new creations in Christ, finding redemption and a renewed purpose in their lives.

Application: We are not asked by God to stay who we were but we are asked to become someone new. We are to forget our past selves and replace it with someone longing for God’s grace and salvation.

When we change it is not only evident to us but to all those around us. If we do not change when we are born again then something is WRONG.

New Creation to Reconciliation: Understanding our new identity in Christ leads us to recognize the ministry we are entrusted with- the ministry of reconciliation.

Reconciliation : The Ministry of Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:18–20 “Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.””

According to the Bible Encyclopedia. Reconciliation is a Biblical term that describes the process of restoring a right relationship with God and with others. Reconciliation is needed because of the alienation caused by human sin and God's righteous hatred of it. Reconciliation is accomplished through repentance, forgiveness, and new life in Christ. Reconciliation also involves developing a deep relationship with God and striving for unity and peace in human relationships

Explanation: The concept of reconciliation refers to the restoration of a relationship that has been broken. In the biblical context, reconciliation is about restoring the relationship between God and humanity that was severed by sin. Sin created a barrier between us and God, leading to estrangement and separation. However, God's love and desire for a restored relationship with us prompted Him to take action.

Through Jesus Christ, God initiated the ultimate act of reconciliation. Jesus, being sinless, took upon Himself the sins of humanity and died on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins. His death and resurrection bridged the gap between God and us, making it possible for us to be forgiven and reconciled to God. This act of grace means that we are no longer enemies of God but are brought into a loving and intimate relationship with Him. Reconciliation through Christ transforms us, giving us a new identity as children of God and empowering us to live in harmony with Him and with others.

Through this reconciliation, believers are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the message of God's love and forgiveness with others. We are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, tasked with helping others understand and accept the peace and unity offered through Jesus Christ. Our role as ambassadors means that we represent Christ in our words and actions, striving to bring others into the same restored relationship with God that we enjoy. This ministry of reconciliation is both a privilege and a responsibility, as we participate in God's redemptive work in the world.

Adam’s sin broke humanity’s perfect relationship with God and made humanity enemies with God Romans 5:10 “For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life!” Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross reconciled our relationship with God.

Application- When we were children we got in trouble with our parents. We wanted nothing less then to mend our relationships. Like this we to should want to mend our relationship with God. When we are out spreading the word of God and his salvation we should also share the ministry of reconciliation.

Steps to Reconciliation: Share the gospel, forgiving others, and promoting peace in their communities.

Reconciliation to Urgency: Knowing our role in reconciliation, let’s now consider the urgency with which we must embrace this ministry.

Urgency:The Time is Now

2 Corinthians 6:1–2 “Working together with Him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.” For He says: I heard you in an acceptable time, and I helped you in the day of salvation. Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.”

Explanation: In these verses, Paul emphasizes the urgency of responding to God’s offer of grace and salvation. He begins by urging the Corinthians not to receive God’s grace in vain. This means they should not take for granted the grace they have received, but rather, they should let it transform their lives and motivate them to live out their faith actively. Paul is calling for a response that goes beyond mere acknowledgment; he wants the believers to fully embrace and act upon the grace they have been given.

Paul then quotes Isaiah 49:8, highlighting that now is the time of God’s favor and now is the day of salvation. By using the present tense, Paul underscores the immediacy and importance of the moment. This is not a call to be postponed or delayed; it demands immediate action. The message is clear: the opportunity for reconciliation with God and the chance to experience His salvation is available right now. The urgency lies in recognizing that this moment is a pivotal time in God’s redemptive plan, and we must not let it pass by without response.

The urgency Paul conveys is a powerful reminder that life is fleeting and opportunities for spiritual transformation and growth can be missed if not seized promptly. He wants his readers to understand that the grace and salvation offered through Christ are not perpetual opportunities to be casually considered. Instead, they are urgent calls to be embraced and acted upon immediately. This sense of urgency compels believers to prioritize their spiritual lives, make the most of the opportunities God provides, and be diligent in their ministry of reconciliation, sharing the message of salvation with others without delay.

Anecdote: Missed Opportunities

Consider the tragic story of the Titanic, a ship often associated with missed opportunities and ignored warnings. The Titanic, deemed "unsinkable," set sail in April 1912 on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. Despite receiving multiple iceberg warnings from other ships, the Titanic continued its course at high speed, confident in its design and the belief that nothing could bring it down.

On the night of April 14, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg, causing catastrophic damage. The ship's crew had missed numerous opportunities to alter their course or reduce speed. As a result, the Titanic sank, leading to the loss of more than 1,500 lives. This disaster could have been mitigated or even avoided if the warnings had been heeded and timely actions had been taken.

This historical example underscores the importance of timely action and responding to warnings and opportunities before it’s too late. Just as the Titanic's crew missed critical opportunities to save the ship and its passengers, we too can miss the spiritual opportunities God places before us if we fail to act promptly. Paul's message in 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 reminds us that the time to embrace God's grace and salvation is now. We must not delay, for we do not know what the future holds. The call to be reconciled to God and to live out our faith urgently is a reminder to seize the moment and respond to God’s call without hesitation.

A Broken Clock is right twice a day. We may be broken and working on our selves but we need to know the time for action is NOW

Seize the opportunity to reconcile with God and be proactive in your ministry.

Urgency to Identity: In recognizing the urgency, we must also understand the depth of our identity in Christ as those who live by faith in the Son of God.

Living by Faith in the Son of God

Galatians 2:20 “and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Explanation: The significance of being crucified with Christ is profound and transformative. When Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ," he is expressing a deep spiritual truth about the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection. This concept involves several key elements:

Death to the Old Self: Being crucified with Christ means that our old self, characterized by sin, rebellion, and separation from God, has been put to death. Just as Christ died on the cross to atone for sin, our old sinful nature is symbolically nailed to the cross with Him. This signifies a decisive break from our past and the power of sin over our lives.

New Identity in Christ: With the death of our old self, a new life begins. Paul emphasizes, "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." This indicates that our identity is now found in Christ. We are no longer defined by our past sins, failures, or earthly identities, but by our relationship with Jesus. Christ's life and character begin to manifest in and through us, transforming us from the inside out.

Living by Faith: The life we now live is lived "by faith in the Son of God." This means that our daily existence is grounded in trust and dependence on Jesus. Our actions, decisions, and perspectives are shaped by our faith in Christ and His love for us. Faith becomes the guiding principle of our lives, influencing how we interact with others, face challenges, and pursue our purpose.

Love and Sacrifice: Paul also highlights the personal nature of Christ's sacrifice, noting that Jesus "loved me and gave himself for me." This underscores the intimate and sacrificial love of Christ, which is the foundation of our new life. Recognizing the depth of His love compels us to respond with gratitude, devotion, and a desire to live for Him.

Transformation and Renewal: Being crucified with Christ leads to ongoing transformation. It’s not a one-time event but a continual process of becoming more like Jesus. As Christ lives in us, His Spirit works to renew our minds, change our hearts, and conform us to His image.

In essence, being crucified with Christ means that our old, sinful selves have died, and we are now living a new life through Jesus. This new life is characterized by faith, love, and a profound sense of purpose rooted in our relationship with Christ. It signifies a complete and radical change in our identity, priorities, and way of living. As we embrace this new identity, we are called to reflect Christ in all we do, living out the transformative power of His love and grace in our everyday lives.

PUTTING it plain and simple= this transformation means Christ lives in us, shaping our actions and thoughts.

Testimony: Living by Faith

Consider the testimony of Tim Tebow, a well-known American football player and outspoken Christian. Born to missionary parents, Tim was raised with strong Christian values and a deep faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout his college football career at the University of Florida, where he won the Heisman Trophy, and later in the NFL, Tebow became known not only for his athletic skills but also for his public displays of faith.

Tebow's journey has not been without challenges. Despite his early successes, his professional football career faced significant ups and downs, including being traded and eventually released from teams. Many questioned his abilities and criticized his public expressions of faith, such as kneeling in prayer (a gesture that became popularly known as "Tebowing").

Through these trials, Tebow's faith in Christ remained steadfast. He consistently emphasized that his identity and worth were not defined by his athletic achievements or public opinion but by his relationship with Jesus. Tim Tebow lives out Galatians 2:20 by embodying the principle that "Christ lives in me." He uses his platform to share his testimony, inspire others, and engage in charitable work, including his foundation that supports children and those in need.

Tim Tebow's life highlights the significance of living by faith in the Son of God, showing that no matter the public scrutiny or personal trials, faith can provide a firm foundation and a sense of purpose. His example encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and let Christ's presence in them shine through in every aspect of their lives.

Application:

Embrace Your New Identity in Christ: Reflect on what it means to be crucified with Christ and to have Him live in you. Let this truth shape how you see yourself and your purpose. Remember that your worth and identity are defined by your relationship with Jesus, not by worldly measures of success or failure.

Live by Faith Daily: Make a conscious effort to live each day by faith in the Son of God. Trust in His guidance and rely on His strength in all situations. When facing challenges, remind yourself that Christ lives in you and that He is working through you.

Demonstrate Christ’s Love and Sacrifice: Let the sacrificial love of Christ motivate you to love and serve others. Look for opportunities to show compassion, kindness, and forgiveness in your daily interactions. Just as Christ gave Himself for you, be willing to make sacrifices for the well-being of others.

Engage in Continuous Transformation: Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life, continually transforming and renewing you. Spend time in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers to grow in your faith and become more like Jesus.

Share Your Faith: Use your unique platform and opportunities to share your testimony and the message of Christ with others. Whether through words or actions, let your life be a reflection of the hope and transformation that comes from living by faith in the Son of God. Encourage and inspire others to seek the same transformation in their lives.

We’ve seen how our identity in Christ transforms us, calls us to the ministry of reconciliation, urges us to act now, and leads us to live by faith. Let’s conclude by committing ourselves to this divine calling.

Conclusion

Summary of Main Points:

As new creations in Christ, we are transformed into a new identity, leaving behind our old selves and embracing a renewed purpose. This profound change compels us to actively engage in the ministry of reconciliation. Just as God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ, we are called to extend this message of reconciliation to others, sharing the love and forgiveness we have received.

The urgency of this calling cannot be overstated. The time for action is now, as Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 6:1-2. We must seize the opportunity to reconcile with God and help others do the same, recognizing that today is the day of salvation. Living by faith in the Son of God, as described in Galatians 2:20, means that our daily lives should reflect Christ living in us. This faith drives our actions, decisions, and interactions, ensuring that we live out our new identity with purpose and conviction.

Our new identity in Christ compels us to live our faith actively, not passively. It calls us to be ambassadors of reconciliation, to demonstrate Christ's love and grace in all we do, and to share the transformative power of the gospel with those around us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible transformation You have worked in our lives through Jesus Christ. As new creations, we are grateful for the gift of reconciliation and the calling to share this message with others. Lord, we ask for Your guidance and strength as we live out our faith daily. Help us to embrace our new identity and to actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation. Give us a sense of urgency to seize the opportunities You place before us and to share Your love and grace with those who need it most. May our lives be a testament to Your transformative power, and may we bring glory to Your name in all that we do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.