SERMON BIG IDEA:

The journey of discipleship is learning to live out your union with Christ
, which results in a new ME, a new WE, and a new WAY.

KEY TAKEAWAYS/APPLICATION:

• The Bible assigns everyone an identity that determines their destiny.
• Union with Christ allows us to live the way of Jesus.
• Our new identity secures us in the ultimate safe place, providing unimaginable benefits.

SERMON OVERVIEW

This sermon focuses on the doctrine of "union with Christ," which the speaker argues is one of the most essential yet overlooked doctrines in the modern evangelical church. The speaker begins by highlighting that while many biblical topics receive significant attention, the concept of union with Christ is often neglected, despite being central to the Christian faith, as noted by theologian John Murray.

The sermon's main idea is that the journey of discipleship involves learning to live out one's union with Christ, which leads to a "new me," a "new we," and a "new way." The message unpacks the "new me" aspect, which is about identity. The speaker contrasts two identities presented in the New Testament, particularly in Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15: being "in Adam" versus being "in Christ." In Adam, humanity inherits a sinful nature and is subject to death and condemnation. In Christ, a person is given a new identity, crucified with Christ and made alive with him.

The speaker emphasizes that this new identity is not earned but is a gift received through faith. It is not merely a relationship but a profound, mysterious union. The sermon concludes by stating that this new identity provides ultimate security and access to unimaginable benefits, enabling believers to live a God-centered life and resist worldly influences. It's a permanent and unchangeable reality, even if a person's feelings or experiences of communion with God fluctuate.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Union with Christ is the central reality of salvation, not merely a theological concept but the very foundation of Christian identity.It is not just that we have a relationship with Jesus, but that we are actually “in Christ” and He is in us—a truth that transforms how we see ourselves and how we live. This union is the lens through which all of Scripture and discipleship should be understood. [14:48]

2. The story of redemption is the story of two humanities: in Adam and in Christ. Everyone is born into Adam, inheriting sin and death, but through faith, we are transferred into Christ, sharing in His life, death, and resurrection. Our destiny is determined not by our achievements or failures, but by which “head” we are united to. [25:34]

3. Modern identity formation—rooted in self-expression, achievement, or social markers—ultimately leads to instability and crisis. In contrast, the identity given in Christ is received, not achieved, and is unshakeable. Discipleship is the ongoing process of learning to live out this new, secure identity, resisting the pull of old patterns and cultural narratives. [29:24]

4. The mystery of union with Christ means that what happened to Jesus—His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension—has, in a real sense, happened to us. Our old self has been crucified, and our new life is now hidden with Christ in God. This is not just a future hope but a present reality, empowering us to live with new motivation, direction, and purpose. [37:10]

5. Our union with Christ secures us in the most protected place imaginable—hidden in God Himself. This security provides us with unimaginable spiritual benefits: justification, sanctification, adoption, victory, and more. While our feelings of closeness to God may fluctuate, our union with Christ is unchangeable, and it is from this place of security that we are called to live, serve, and grow. [41:36]