Scripture Reading: Romans 8:1-11.
Memory Verse: “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” —Ephesians 2:6
Introduction:
The words “in Christ” are used many times throughout the New Testament. It is important that we understand the significance of this term.
Jesus became totally identified with what we were, so that we could share in what He is. He became the Son of man, so that we could become the sons of God. He tasted of the very depths of the human condition so that He could lift us up to be seated with Him in heavenly places.
Jesus became a man in every sense of the word. He experienced all our emotions and human limitations, yet without sin. Jesus was fully identified with our human experiences. He faced storms, angry mobs, disappointments and apparent failure, but always maintained a sense of victory, overcoming each and every situation He came across.
Our old sinful nature is buried with Christ, never to be resurrected. In God’s eyes, when they took the Lord Jesus down from the Cross and laid Him in the tomb, we were laid in that tomb in Him. When we go down into the waters of baptism, this is our burial service, identifying us by faith with Jesus’ burial.
Having broken the power of sin, He confronted Satan in combat, conquered him and rose triumphant from the dead. When Jesus rose, triumphant over Satan, death and the grave, we rose in Him.
After His resurrection Jesus ascended into heaven to be seated on the right hand of His Father’s Throne. We were “in Christ” in His ascension. God sees us seated on the throne in Christ. From our position of authority and victory, we can fearlessly take our place, letting the devil know we are in Christ, and truly reign in life through our Lord Jesus Christ.
All that Jesus has done, He has done as our representative. In God’s sight, His victory over Satan is our victory; His triumph over sin is our triumph. As He became identified with us in our degradation, so we are now identified with Him in His glory.
Lesson Questions:
- How was Jesus identified with our humanity? Romans 8:3; Philippians 2:5-8.
- During His earthly ministry, what difficulties did Jesus face? Luke 4:1-14.
- What experiences did Jesus face? Hebrews 4:15; Luke 4:1-14, 28-30; 8:22-25; 19:41-44; 23:33-43.
- What did Jesus become for us? 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:14; Matthew 27:46.
- How did Jesus suffer for us? Matthew 27:46; Ephesians 4:8-9.
- Why is it important to identify with Christ in His death? Romans 6:6-7; Colossians 1:1-3; Revelation 20:12, 15.
- How is our old nature buried with Christ? Romans 6:4.
- Why was Jesus’ suffering on the cross acceptable to God? Isaiah 53:11; 53:3-4.
- List the benefits we receive by identifying with Jesus Christ in His sacrifice on the cross. Romans 5:17; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12-14; Romans 6:5.