In Christ or In Self

Pastor Paul teaches about the blessings of having an identity rooted in Christ rather than ourselves.  Only in Christ can we have security, a healthy attitude toward money, lasting significance, strength in failure, true freedom, and selfless love for others.

In Christ or In Self
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Sermon Notes

Security

• In Self, our security can never truly be obtained, it can never truly be counted on.
• John 10:28-29
• In Christ you have ETERNAL security
• "Security is not to be found in your wisdom and strength, but in the moment by moment grace that meets you in your weakness" - Paul Tripp
• Do you live as though you are secure because of what Christ has done?

Money

• In self our money is a curse, a vehicle for our pride and greed.  A millstone around our neck that drowns us.
• 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
• In Christ money is a blessing because it gives us a chance to participate in furthering the kingdom of God.  Where are you within this? Is your money a blessing to you, or a curse to you?

Significance

• In self we reach for whatever we can find to gain the significance we so desperately desire.  In Christ we gain significance through understanding what He says about us.
• Romans 8:1
• What is your reason for living? Where do you find your significance?

Failure/Trials

• In self failure paralyzes us and robs us of the vision of God's will in our life.
• In Christ failure is seen as a chance to be strengthened, to be molded and tested.
• James 1:2-4
• In self failure can be catastrophic and devastating
• In Christ failure can be what strengthens us to go even further than we ever dreamed.
• How do you view failure? How do you react when you face trials in your life?

Independence/Freedom

• In self independence and freedom are elusive
• In Christ our independence is found in our complete and total dependence on Christ and all that he is.
• Galatians 5:1
• In self our freedom is unreachable and our independence is a lie.
• In Christ our freedom is a gift from God, and our independence is found by full and complete submission to Him.
• Are you free today? Do you have your independence?

People Perspective/Value System

• In self we look to our own interests 1st, and seek to satisfy our desires.
• In Christ we look to the interest of others 1st and seek to glorify God by putting them first.
• John 13:34-35
• Matthew 22:37-39

Are you in Christ, or in Self?