InstaStudy

Believers in Christ: Identity, Experience, and Life

This study explores the profound identity, transformative experience, and consecrated life of those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, understanding Him as the full manifestation of the one true God.

1. The Identity of God Revealed in Jesus Christ

1.1 Jesus Christ: The One True God Manifest in Flesh

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1,14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, all in one person.
  • All the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily.
  • He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

1.2 The Name Above All Names

Verses: Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17
  • Salvation is found in no other name given among men.
  • Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
  • All things are to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.

1.3 God's Plan of Redemption Centered in Christ

Verses: John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:19
  • God Himself was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.
  • His love is supremely demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice.
  • He is the only mediator between God and humanity.

2. The New Birth: Entering into Christ

2.1 Repentance: Turning from Sin to God

Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19
  • A complete change of mind and heart towards God.
  • Essential for the forgiveness of sins.
  • A prerequisite for receiving God's Spirit.

2.2 Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5
  • For the remission of sins and identification with Christ's death and resurrection.
  • Administered by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • A command for all who believe.

2.3 Receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • The promise is for all who believe and obey.
  • Evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
  • Empowers believers for service and holy living.

3. Living as a New Creation in Christ

3.1 Sanctification: A Call to Holiness

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1
  • Believers are set apart for God's purposes.
  • Pursuing purity in thought, word, and deed.
  • Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.

3.2 Transformation by the Renewing of the Mind

Verses: Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:10
  • Putting off the old self and putting on the new.
  • Conforming to the image of Christ.
  • Renewing our thoughts and attitudes through God's Word.

3.3 Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:5; Matthew 7:16-20
  • Evidence of Christ's life within us.
  • Manifesting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
  • Abiding in Christ to produce much fruit.

4. The Purpose and Power of the Believer

4.1 Ambassadors for Christ

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8
  • Representing Christ to the world.
  • Commissioned to make disciples of all nations.
  • Empowered to be witnesses unto the uttermost part of the earth.

4.2 Exercising Spiritual Gifts

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11
  • Gifts given for the edification of the body of Christ.
  • Diverse manifestations of the one Spirit.
  • To be used in love and order for God's glory.

4.3 Living in Expectation of His Return

Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:13; Revelation 22:12
  • The blessed hope of Christ's imminent coming.
  • Living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.
  • He will reward every person according to their works.