This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”, by continuing with our mini-series entitled, “Focusing on Dying To Self”. A couple of weeks ago I introduced you to the following passage and we began to walk our way through it. Let’s get back to it today and continue.
The Apostle Paul said, “The love of Christ controls us, because we know that one person died for everyone. So all have died. He died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from death so that they would live for him. From this time on we don’t think of anyone as the world thinks of people. It is true that in the past we thought of Christ as the world thinks. But we don’t think that way now. When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new!” (2 Cor 5:14-17 ERV).
We spent over a week looking at the line, “From this time on we don’t think of anyone as the world thinks of people.” Today we move on to the next line and focus in on the words: “It is true that in the past we thought of Christ as the world thinks.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. The world does not know Jesus’ true identity.
a. We were all born sinners and we lived like sinners. The Bible says, “In the past you were spiritually dead… your lives were full of sin. You lived the way the world lives, following the ruler of the evil powers that are above the earth. That same spirit is now working in those who refuse to obey God. In the past all of us lived like that, trying to please our sinful selves. We did all the things our bodies and minds wanted.” (Eph 2:1-3). While we were living that way, we had no revelation of who Jesus is.
b. The Father had to draw us to Jesus. Jesus Himself said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” (John 6:44). We were drawn to Jesus and we responded to the Lord’s prompting.
c. God’s Spirit revealed to us who Jesus really is. The Bible says, “No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” without the help of the Holy Spirit.” (1 Cor 12:3).
d. Those who are still living as sinners do not know Jesus the way we know Jesus.
2. Those who do not know Jesus’ true identity cannot relate to Him properly.
a. Since sinners don’t have a revelation of Jesus’ true identity, they can’t relate to Him Spirit-to-Spirit.
b. Sinners see Jesus as a mere man. Many see Him as a “good man”, but still a man nonetheless.
c. If you can’t see Jesus in the Spirit, then you can’t receive from Jesus in the Spirit. If you only see Him in the flesh, you can only receive from Him in the flesh. If you only see Jesus this way, His life will not change yours.
3. There was a time when we thought of Jesus the way the world does.
a. When you thought of Jesus as a mere man, the reality of His life made no impact in yours.
b. When you thought of Jesus as a mere man, you were limited to seeing things from this world’s point of view. Therefore, you were only able to receive on the level of this world.
4. Now that we know who Jesus is, we should relate to accordingly.
a. We have learned that you can relate to people after the flesh (carnal, worldly), or after the Spirit (the way God expects).
b. When we discern someone’s true identity, we are then in position to receive from them on that level.
c. When you discover who Jesus really is, you get to receive from Him on the level God wants you to receive from Him.
d. Never see Jesus as any less than whom the Father called Him to be. As you properly relate to Jesus, He can properly relate to you!
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus in 2016. When I was born into this world I learned how to see things from this world’s point of view. But I was Born-Again. Now that I am Born-Again into Your Kingdom I learn to see things from Your point of view. This is critical for me, because I know I will not be able to RECEIVE on any level that I cannot PERCEIVE. Therefore, I declare that I properly perceive Jesus. I know Jesus to be Your Son. I see Him the way You see Him. I properly relate to Him. So He is able to properly relate to me. I receive from Jesus Spirit-to-Spirit. I am empowered to be just like Jesus in the earth. As Jesus is, so am I, in this world! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
