In Him

Big Idea: “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.”...“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (Colossians‬ ‭2‬:6,‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

When we accept Christ as Lord of our lives, we do not need to struggle to receive all He has for us. The scripture tells us to “walk in Him”. Much like a glass that is immersed in a tank of water, we are not only IN CHRIST but He is in us. In fact, the scripture tells us that ALL of the fullness of God is in Christ and we are complete through our union with Him. In this lesson we will look at four areas of our life that are now different because we are IN CHRIST.  

Key Verses: 

• Colossians 2:6,9-10
• 2 Corinthians 5:17,21
• Ephesians 2:6
• 2 Corinthians 2:14
• Romans 8:6
• Ephesians1:3
• Philippians 4:13,19
• John 5:17
• Colossians 1:27

1. WHO YOU ARE in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

One of the great promises we can rejoice in is when we are in Christ our old life has passed away, just like it never was, and everything is made new! We really are new creatures. Our old sinful life is overwhelmed by grace and washed away. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us the one who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we could become the righteousness of God in Him! When we are IN HIM, His righteousness is in us!

Discussion Questions: How does this wonderful truth change the way you see yourself? Do you know someone who would love a second chance? In your own words, how would you communicate this first point to someone who is lost and away from God? 

2. WHERE YOU ARE in Christ (Ephesians 2:6)

“…He has seated us in heavenly places in Christ Jesus”. Things look different when your perspective changes. God has seated us in heavenly places. This statement implies it is not a result of our own efforts but a desire of God. A heavenly perspective is a perspective of victory! 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, “Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ” 

Discussion Questions: God has seated us spiritually next to Christ Jesus at a place of victory over our enemy! How does this heavenly perspective change the way we see our enemy and the trials we walk through? Explain.  

3. WHAT YOU POSSESS in Christ (Romans 8:16)

Romans 8:16 tells us since we are now children of God, we are also joint heirs with Christ. As heirs we inherit all Christ Jesus has received from His Father!

• We have inherited His name and have the authority to to use His name
• We have inherited His wisdom since we now have the mind of Christ
• Jesus is the healer and now He lives inside of us so we inherit healing
• We have inherited provision since Jesus the provider now lives inside of us
• Jesus has all love, joy, and peace, so now we also have these benefits available to us 

Discussion Question: Our enemy will try to contest what is rightfully ours in Christ. In which of the above areas do you need to claim your inheritance? 

4. WHAT YOU CAN DO in Christ (Philippians 4:19 RSV)

“I can do all things in Him who strengthens me”  Notice that we can do all things in Him. Since the power and authority comes from God, it is His work that is being accomplished. Jesus said in John 5:17 “My Father is working until now, and I am working”. When we are IN CHRIST, we are in His work as well. We must remember it is not our work but His work. 

Discussion Question: In what ways are you seeing God work through you? Is there a specific assignment you feel called to? Explain. 

Conclusion:

When we are in Christ our identity changes, we are spiritually seated with Christ, and become joint heirs with Him, His power working through us. This wonderful privilege is ours as we walk in relationship with Him. Our enemy will attempt to contest what Christ has purchased for us but we must stand firm in our rightful inheritance.