The Main Thing:
We are unconditionally loved by God, and because of Jesus, we are holy and blameless in His sight. Help your disciple place their faith not in their performance (or lack of performance) but in the truth of God’s Word.
Q: Imagine Jesus was sitting with us now. How do you think He would look at you? With . . .
Excitement
Pride
Shame
Frustration
Pleasure
Embarrassment
Judgement
Sadness
Joy
Anger
Indifference
Satisfaction
Love
Disappointment
Regret
Other . . .
Q: Why do you think He looks at you this way?
When we accepted Jesus, everything changed. This is a simple diagram that can help us understand what is true according to Scripture, as well as what we often experience in our walk with God.
Tip: As you talk about this, draw out the diagram in stages (note the stages numbered 1-5 below).
1) The vertical axis is meant to show righteousness, while the horizontal axis shows the course of time in a Christian’s life
OUR POSITION
Before we knew Christ
Read Ephesians 2:1-3
2) Q: What was true of you before you knew Christ?
- Dead in transgressions and sins
- Gratified the cravings of the sinful nature
- By nature children of wrath
When Christ came into our lives
Read Ephesians 2:4-7
3) Q: What is true of you now that you know Christ?
God made us alive with Christ, raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly places.
Q: What motivated God to do this?
His great love
Read Ephesians 1:1-14
4) Q: Make a list of all of the things we have been given in Christ.
- Holy and blameless in God’s sight
- Adoption as sons/daughters
- Redemption
- Forgiveness of sins
- The ability to know the mystery of His will
- We have the Holy Spirit
Q: Looking at this list you’ve written, what does it mean to you to know that these things are sealed, guaranteed, inherited, and our possession?
It means that these things are yours, that you can’t lose them, that they’re not going anywhere, they are protected by the power of God.
5) The last part of this diagram is the difference between our position and our condition in Christ. Though we are perfect in our position in Christ, we are not perfect in our daily condition. When we trusted Christ, He gave us a perfect position in Him. He also began the work of making our lives look more and more like His.
LIVING IN OUR POSITION
Q: Do you find yourself living according to your position or your condition?
Tip: This can be a difficult question for your disciple to answer. Let them know that’s okay. The following questions should clarify what is meant by this question, and you can come back to it at the end if need be.
Tip: Share with your disciple some of the ways in which you have struggled to live according to your position, and/or defaulted to living according to your condition.
Q: How do we live according to our position in Christ?
Living according to our position in Christ is done by faith, believing what God has said to be true about us. Some practical ways we can remember the truth is by reading God’s word, remembering what He has done for us, and being thankful in prayer for all His promises.
Q: What are some lies you hear that help you recognize when you are living according to your condition?
Tip: Writes these lies down on a piece of paper. For example, “God will love me more if I’m better person” or “My sin isn’t that bad.”
Q: What are some verses from the Bible that refute these lies as false and help you place your faith in what is true?
Tip: Brainstorm some verses together. Write the passages down beside the lies.
Application and Action:
- Memorize Romans 8:1 or another verse as a reminder for the next time doubts arise.
- Think of a Christian who could benefit from hearing this truth and share it with them.
How did it go?
Discipler click here to give your feedback, then email/text your disciple this other link so they can give us their feedback too, http://p2c.sh/disciplefeedback.
Much of the content for this conversation has been adapted from The Compass, “Position in Christ,” published by Crupress. We are grateful for their ideas and want to acknowledge the impact of their content in shaping this conversation. The Compass can be found at crupress.com under Discipleship resources.