Like Christ in Glory
The sermon emphasizes the importance of reflecting Christ's character in our lives as we await His return in glory.
John Nelson Darby emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects Christ's glory, urging believers to manifest His life in their actions and hearts. He reminds us that we are in the presence of the world to represent Christ, who intercedes for us before God. Darby stresses the need for earnestness in our faith, especially in challenging times, and challenges Christians to truly embody their faith so that others may understand the essence of Christianity. He calls for a deep sense of Christ's love, encouraging believers to live for Him and to share His message of redemption with those who do not know Him.
Text
(Words in Season Vol. 7, 1893, page 242.)
I am going to be like Christ in glory; then I must be as like Him now as ever I can be; of course we shall all fail, but we are to have our hearts full of it. Remember this, that the place you are in is that of the epistle of Christ. We are set for this, that the life of Christ should be manifested in us. Christ has settled the question with God: He appears in the presence of God for us, and we are in the presence of the world for Him. "In that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you." If I know He is in me, I am to manifest the life of Christ in everything. If He has loved me with unutterable love which passes knowledge, I feel bound in heart to Him; my business is to glorify Him in everything I do. "Bought with a price" - that is settled: if bought, I am His. But, beloved friends, I press upon you that earnestness of heart which cleaves to Him, especially in these last evil days, when we wait for the Son from heaven. Oh! if Christians were more thoroughly Christians, the world would understand what it was all about. There is a great deal of profession and talk; (and the activity of the Spirit of God, thank God there is); but DO YOU THINK THAT IF A HEATHEN CAME HERE TO LEARN WHAT CHRISTIANITY MEANT, HE WOULD FIND IT OUT?
The Lord give you to have such a sense of the love of Christ, that, as bought with a price, the only object of your souls may be to live by Christ and to live for Christ; and for those who do not know Him, that they may learn how He came down in love to seek us, and, because righteousness could not pass over sin, died to put it away.
J. N. D.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The call to be like Christ in glory
- The importance of manifesting Christ's life
- Understanding our position as Christ's representatives
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II
- The love of Christ and its implications
- Being bought with a price
- The responsibility to glorify Christ
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III
- The urgency of earnestness in faith
- The impact of true Christianity on the world
- The challenge of living out our faith
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IV
- The role of the Spirit of God in our lives
- The need for clarity in Christian witness
- The mission of reaching those who do not know Christ
Key Quotes
“I am going to be like Christ in glory; then I must be as like Him now as ever I can be.” — John Nelson Darby
“If I know He is in me, I am to manifest the life of Christ in everything.” — John Nelson Darby
“Oh! if Christians were more thoroughly Christians, the world would understand what it was all about.” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- Strive to reflect Christ's love in your daily interactions.
- Commit to living earnestly for Christ, especially in challenging times.
- Be a clear witness of your faith to those around you, demonstrating the true essence of Christianity.