Treasure in Earthen Vessels
The Christian life requires a constant submission to the crucifixion of the flesh in order to experience a continual manifestation of Holy Spirit life.
Alan Redpath emphasizes the stark contrast between worldly principles of self-glorification and the Christian call to self-crucifixion. He explains that true greatness in the Christian life comes from recognizing the glory of God in Jesus Christ, which leads to a personal confrontation with one's own motives and desires. Redpath stresses the necessity of continual submission to the crucifixion of the flesh, highlighting that many Christians fail to mature because they have not truly encountered Christ. He calls for a consistent rejection of the flesh's demands for recognition and approval, urging believers to carry the marks of Jesus in their lives.
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The principle of the world is "self-glorification," and the principle of the Christian is "self-crucifixion." The principle of the world is "exalt yourself," and the principle of the Christian is "crucify yourself." The principle of men is greatness, bigness, pomp, and show; the principle of the cross is death. Therefore, whenever a man has seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ . . . at once he comes right into a head-on collision within his own personal living, with all of his principles and motives upon which he has lived until this moment. . . . if there is to be a continual manifestation of Holy Spirit life, there must be a constant submission to the crucifixion of the flesh, not simply sometimes, but always.
. . . . I see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, in the measure in which I am prepared to die. . . Why is it that so many Christians behave like kindergarten children? Because they have not seen His face!
. . . And the cost in the Christian life. . . . Deep down in the Christian's life, always and all the time, there is to be a "no" to every demand that the flesh may make for recognition, and every demand that the flesh may make for approval, and every demand that the flesh may make for vindication. Always the Christian must bear about in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus (Blessings Out of Buffetings, p. 37-38).
Sermon Outline
- The Principle of the World vs. the Principle of the Christian
- The Consequences of Seeing God's Glory
- The Cost of the Christian Life
- A 'no' to every demand of the flesh
- Bearing the marks of the Lord Jesus
Key Quotes
“I see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, in the measure in which I am prepared to die.” — Alan Redpath
“Why is it that so many Christians behave like kindergarten children? Because they have not seen His face!” — Alan Redpath
“Always the Christian must bear about in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” — Alan Redpath
Application Points
- As a Christian, you must be willing to submit to the death of your fleshly desires in order to experience true life in Christ.
- A constant 'no' to the demands of the flesh is essential for a life that is pleasing to God.
- Bearing the marks of the Lord Jesus is a necessary part of the Christian life.