Results of Union with Christ

In this part of the sermon: He uses an extended illustration of a wealthy, benevolent man first neutralizing a pauper's miseries (debt, disease, chains) and then conferring upon him wealth, health, and…

An extended analogy of a wealthy, benevolent man encountering a pauper. First, he neutralizes the pauper's squalor, disease, debt, and chains. Second, he confers wealth, health, a wardrobe, and adoption. This illustrates the two-fold work of God in salvation: neutralizing past miseries and conferring the exact opposite blessings, demonstrating 'exceeding riches of grace'.

Let me illustrate it this way. Imagine in your mind's eye a wealthy man. A kind man. A benevolent man.

5:02 - 5:10 Read in full sermon

The point: Consciously think of what union with Christ has brought to you, recognizing that you no longer fit the description of being dead in trespasses and sins.

The analogy of a 'vegetable' in a hospital, kept alive by machines but without communication or true life, is used to describe the spiritual condition of all men by nature: existing without vital communion, love, or desire for God.

That spiritually has its parallel in that pitiable condition. That some know physically. And if I speak to any who have relatives or loved ones in this condition. I do not speak coldly or heartlessly.

15:20 - 15:33 Read in full sermon

The point: Pray that God will make you strong in faith to lay hold of and grasp the magnitude of what He has made you in union with Jesus Christ.

The analogy of a beggar who has $10,000 credited to his account but still begs for pennies, illustrating how a Christian might fail to live in the conscious reality and enjoyment of their rich inheritance and exalted status in Christ.

Now, you see, that poor beggar who's had $10,000 credited to his account may have such a beggar's mentality that he says, he still goes around holding up his little cup for shekels. While all the while there's credited in the local bank $10,000 in his name. The fact that he does not live in the consciousness of it and in the enjoyment of it doesn't change the reality of it if that is his legal status.

38:23 - 38:50 Read in full sermon