Union With Christ
Believers are called to a union with Christ in the heavenly realm, where they are meant to be beautiful to God and make a triumphant impact.
Watchman Nee emphasizes the profound union believers have with Christ, highlighting that while they possess heavenly beauty, they are also equipped to confront spiritual battles against the enemy. He illustrates that the Church, likened to the beauty of Tirzah and Jerusalem, is called to be both stunning and formidable, marching triumphantly like an army with banners. This duality signifies that true beauty in the eyes of God comes with the strength to challenge adversaries. The sermon encourages believers to embrace their identity as victorious warriors in Christ, impacting the heavenly realm.
Text
"Thou art fair, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners." Song of Songs 6:4
It is in the heavenly realm that the saints have their union with Christ, but there too they meet the real force of the enemy's attacks. God never intended believers to possess heavenly beauty merely and be without the spiritual stamina to fight his battles. Unfurled banners denote victory. It is the defeated who have to roll them up. Christ's beloved people are meant to make an impact in the heavens, marching on triumphantly as an army.
Yet when that is said, they are at the same time likened to Tirzah, a place renowned for its beauty, and are described as being comely as Jerusalem, the city of God. There is no contradiction here. The Church which is beautiful to God will be a challenge to his enemies.
Sermon Outline
- Union with Christ in the Heavenly Realm
- The Nature of Christ's Beloved People
- Beautiful to God
- Comely as Jerusalem
- Terrible as an army with banners
Key Quotes
“Unfurled banners denote victory. It is the defeated who have to roll them up.” — Watchman Nee
“Christ's beloved people are meant to make an impact in the heavens, marching on triumphantly as an army.” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- Believers must understand their union with Christ as a source of beauty and impact in the heavenly realm.
- Believers must be prepared to face spiritual warfare in the heavenly realm, but emerge victorious through their union with Christ.
- Believers must recognize their beauty as a result of their union with Christ and their ability to make a difference in the heavens.