In part two of this message series, we’ll discover the secret of moving from “average” to “normal” as Scripture defines it.
Discussion questions are below the link!
If you’re the group discussion leader, have everyone in your group open to this page on their mobile device so you can all participate together. Encourage everyone to be sure to listen to the podcast before arriving at group if they missed Sunday’s message. That way, everyone can contribute.
What was your high school career like? Were you an “A” student, a “C” student? How did that work out for you?
On Sunday, we contrasted “average” with “normal.” When it comes to living the Christian life, what does that mean to you?
Do you know/have you seen people who are “normals?” do you know/have you seen “averages?”
Steve talked about knowing something that makes the difference between those two. What is that? (hint… Look at this verse:)
We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin -Romans 6:6 NLT
What does this mean for us?
Why don’t “averages” get this?
“If only I were stronger,” we say, “I could overcome my violent outbursts of temper,” and so we plead with the Lord to strengthen us that we may exercise more self-control.
But this is altogether a fallacy; it is not Christianity. God’s means of delivering us from sin is not by making us stronger and stronger, but by making us weaker and weaker. That is surely a peculiar way of victory, you say; but it is the divine way. God sets us free from the dominion of sin, not by strengthening our old man, but by crucifying him; not by helping him to do anything,but by removing him from the scene of action.
Watchman Nee, “The Normal Christian Life”
Just as Christ became the substitute for the non-believer’s punishment, He is the substitute for the believer’s life. The process of “transforming” us into His image is not simply making us better, but by REMOVING me and REPLACING me with Christ. How easy is that?
For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. -Romans 6:7 NLT
So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God.
-Romans 7:4 NLT
So here is the big question… Can you be “forgiven,” but not be a “Christian?” Can you receive that gift of salvation but not live it out?
Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? -Romans 6:1-2 NLT
What does 2 Timothy say about this?
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT
How can I live my new nature this week?