How can you live out the truth of being "raised up with Him"? Our Shared Resurrection Reality • “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). • This is not poetic imagery; it is a literal, present-tense fact for every believer. • Because you are spiritually united with the risen Christ, your position is already in the heavenly realms even while your feet are on earth. Seeing Yourself Through Heaven’s Lens • Colossians 3:1–3 reminds you to “set your hearts on things above… For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” • Start each day by affirming: – I am raised with Christ. – My citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). – I face today from a position of victory, not for victory. • Let this identity silence guilt, fear, or shame that contradicts what God has declared. Renewing the Mind • Romans 12:2 calls you to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • Practical steps: – Read passages on resurrection power (Ephesians 1:19–20; Romans 8:11). – Replace condemning thoughts with Galatians 2:20: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” – Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17 to anchor daily choices in your new-creation status. Walking in Resurrection Power • Romans 6:4: “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” • What this looks like: – Freedom from habitual sin—count yourself dead to it and alive to God (Romans 6:11). – Bold obedience—step into assignments God gives, trusting His power, not your own. – Persevering joy—circumstances lose the final word because you operate from eternity’s vantage point. Pursuing Holiness Set Apart • Being raised with Christ severs the grip of the old life; therefore, “put to death” what belongs to it (Colossians 3:5). • Guard inputs: music, media, conversations that drag your gaze earthward. • Cultivate purity of heart and conduct, knowing you represent heaven’s culture on earth. Serving from Heavenly Resources • God “created us in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). • Serve others not to earn standing but because you already share Christ’s throne-room resources: – Pray with authority for the lost and the hurting. – Give generously, confident that your real treasure is secure above. – Encourage believers, reminding them of their exalted position. Living in Hope of Glory • 1 Peter 1:3 speaks of a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” • When trials hit, rehearse the certainty that the same power that raised Jesus guarantees your final resurrection body and eternal inheritance. • Hope fuels endurance; it also attracts seekers who notice your unshakable confidence. Strengthening One Another • Hebrews 10:24 encourages believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” • Share testimonies of how the Lord’s resurrection power is at work in daily life. • Gather regularly for worship where heaven’s reality is proclaimed, reinforcing collective identity. Living out the truth of being raised with Him means carrying heaven’s perspective, power, purity, and purpose into every arena of life—confident that what God has declared is already accomplished and will one day be fully revealed. |
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