The ABC’s for Life in Christ

Sometimes we lose sight of our life in Christ. But these elements of Christianity set us apart from the world and other religions.

Because they are essential to help us grow in our relationship with Christ. And the spiritual tools we need to live as a believer.

So, here are the ABC’s for a life in Christ.

Life in Christ: Abide

Abide in Christ. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” John 15:5, ESV.

Believe God. Believe what God says and who He is. Because when the journey turns bumpy, our Christian beliefs carry us over life’s potholes. “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” Romans 4:3b, NIV.

Confess. Confess our sin against God, own it, and take responsibility for when we go in the wrong direction. Because sometimes we fall into sin or we fail to walk in the direction God instructed (Proverbs 28:13 and James 4:17).

Declare God’s glory and works. We declare His glory and works to others and ourselves. In other words, preach it. Then preach it to the choir. “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:3, ESV.

Encourage other believers. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV.

Forget what’s behind. Looking back on our life may help us move forward. But Jesus never intended for the past to paralyze us (Philippians 3:13-14).

Abide in Christ. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” John 15:5, ESV. Share on X

Hope in the Hope-Giver

Give all. We give our heart and life to Jesus. Yet, it never ends there. Giving Christ everything: our cares, desires, goals, and relationships (1 Peter 5:7, Romans 12:1).

Hope in the Hope-giver. False and weaker forms of hope exist. Yet, true hope is only found in the Lord. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” Romans 15:13, ESV.

Imitate Jesus. Not just following Jesus as a one time deal. But follow through by imitating His life (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Join the saints. Unite with other believers in the gospel and protect the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-13).

Know Jesus more. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” 2 Peter 3:18a, ESV.

Live on purpose. Be intentional about living the Christian life through the power of Christ (Galatians 2:20).

Imitate Jesus. Not just following Jesus as a one time deal. But follow through by imitating His life (1 Corinthians 11:1). Share on X

Life in Christ: Obey

Make disciples. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19a, ESV.

Never turn back. Only turn back from our old self, never from the cross. “But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world…” Galatians 4:9a, ESV.

Obey the Lord. Obeying the Lord and His commands is always for our good and His glory. Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28, NIV. 

Pray without ceasing. There is power in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:14-16). 

Quiet time with Christ. Spend time alone with Christ to mute the world’s constant noise and hear His voice (Mark 6:30-32).

Renew our mind. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” Romans 12:2, NIV.

Seek righteousness. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” Matthew 6:33, NIV.

Life in Christ: Godliness

Trust in the Lord. God is trustworthy and faithful to His promises. “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:2, NIV.

Uphold the cause. The Lord upholds the cause of the poor, oppressed, needy, and fatherless. We’re called to the same ministry (Matthew 25:31-40, Psalm 82:3, Isaiah 61:1-3).

Value godliness. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” I Timothy 4:8, NLT.

Walk in the Spirit. “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” Galatians 5:16, NIV.

X-ray the inner man. X-rays allow us to view the inside for a diagnosis and treatment. The Holy Spirit views our inside to transform us into God’s likeness (Proverbs 20:27, Psalm 139).

Yield to God’s discipline. “…he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness” Hebrews 12:10b, ESV.

Zoom in on God’s Word. Zooming gives clarity to an image or content. As we magnify God’s commandments and promises, it gives clarity for Christian living (Psalm 119).

Walk in the Spirit. “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” Galatians 5:16, NIV. Share on X

Any particular point stand out to you?

Featured photos courtesy of our YouTube Channel, Friday’s Forever.

Last week’s post, Not Leaning on our Own Understanding.

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:

Let’s Have Coffee/Embracing the Unexpected (Grace & Truth).

---

© 2024 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved