Not I But Christ
Ernie emphasizes that when the Lord acts, He does so in significant ways, and he expresses gratitude for the fellowship experienced during their gathering. He references John 10:7-10, where Jesus identifies Himself as the door for the sheep, indicating that He came to provide abundant life. Ernie explains that the life Jesus offers is not merely physical or psychological but spiritual, referred to as "zoe," which signifies eternal life. He highlights that this life is the very essence of God and is available through faith in Jesus Christ. Ernie stresses that living the Christian life is not about striving but allowing Christ to live through believers. He discusses the paradox of being crucified with Christ yet living, emphasizing that true Christian living involves exchanging one's natural life for the spiritual life found in Christ. He encourages believers to recognize their role as priests, ministering Christ to God and others. Finally, Ernie calls for unity in the body of Christ, urging members to contribute to the growth of the church by allowing Christ's life to manifest through them, ultimately glorifying God.
Outline of Main Points
- Significance of the Lord's actions
- Fellowship and gratitude in gathering
- Jesus as the door and source of abundant life
- Understanding "zoe" as spiritual, eternal life
- Living the Christian life through Christ
- Paradox of being crucified with Christ yet living
- Role of believers as priests
- Unity and growth in the body of Christ
- Glorifying God through the manifestation of Christ's life
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
