Encouragement

"…the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles which is CHRIST IN YOU…" Col 1:27

As children we often learnt that IN THE WATER, unless we rested or relaxed we would sink. If we remained fearful we would sink. Once we grew confident we were amazed that the water actually supported us. We could float and swim IN THE WATER. Amazing picture of our eternal rest and security in Christ.

What then happens if the WATER IS IN US?

Ah…a different story, once the water is in us this means death for us. And indeed, it does. At least to our old nature.

I have often reflected on a similar statement in scripture, John 15:4 "…He who abides in Me, and I in Him, bears much fruit…"Two conditions of Christian fruitfulness. 1For me be in Christ, and 2for Him to be in me,

How is that possible?

I suggest the first condition is simple. We are new creatures IN CHRIST. That is, on conversion, God sees us united to Christ by our faith in Him, and His reciprocating forgiveness and redemption. A one-time event that lasts for eternity. Abiding also has the sense of resting permanently. All the benefits and perfection of Christ, God credits to us.

How then does the scripture describe Christ being in us?

" I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me…" Gal 2:20. In other places it speaks of 'being transformed into the likeness of Christ by the presence of the Spirit of God.'

For this to happen, we need to be totally committed to the Lord. To allow the Spirit of God to fill and direct our lives, so that our old nature is kept in the place of death, with no power, no influence, no appetite.

That's what it means for the Christian to produce fruit. We need to be believers in Christ for our salvation first. Then we need to allow the Spirit of God to possess our lives, and through Him we serve and pass on the grace of Christ. We take what the Spirit of God teaches us about Christ. This empowers us and then we pass Him on. We are transformed into the likeness of Christ in the process. He truly is IN US.

Once these two features are satisfied in our lives, being in Christ and Christ being in us, the fruit will truly flow.

You have a safe and blessed week.

Kind regards in Him

Doug