In Christ... So what does it mean?

Disclaimer: I am not taking any credit for this message. Judah Smith preached on this topic and inspired me to share. In addition, I am writing this to remind myself.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

Sounds like a very familiar verse right? Well let me try and share a different perspective of this popular verse. Here's a quick background. The apostle Paul is writing to the church of Corinth. He's encouraging followers of Christ with this verse

You become a follower of Jesus. You feel pumped up and passionate about Christ and the Gospel. After a few days or weeks, you go back to your old ways. This is the cycle.

1. Go to a church retreat/conference/mission trip and get very passionate about God.
2. Come back home to your normal life.
3. Get "burned out" within a few days or weeks.
4. Repeat.

You're wondering: Why do I go back to being normal again after a few weeks? Why do I not feel any different? Why is it still difficult for me to resist my old habits? Why isn't God helping me?
You're asking the wrong questions.

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We live in a world where POSITION dictates everything. For example, you want to be a CEO, billionaire, famous person, pro-athlete, happy person doing what you love, etc. All of these things that we want are achieved by what we PRACTICE. Here's what I mean.

If you PRACTICE hard enough at whatever you want, then you will achieve that POSITION you want. This is what society says: practice an instrument to become a famous musician, study hard so you become successful, train hard so you can become a pro athlete. The list goes on and on.

This is the world's order. PRACTICE dictates your POSITION.
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Now, let's look at the Gospel. We know that, as Christians, Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. Long story short, Jesus saved us from the wrath of God. Okay, if we believe that, then you should also agree that we are IN CHRIST. Paul uses the phrase "in Christ" around 70 times.

So what is Paul even talking about? What does it mean to be "in Christ?" 
Imagine this picture. Because Christ took our place on the cross and faced the wrath of God, we are covered by the blood of Jesus. His blood saved us. When God looks down from heaven, he doesn't see us with our sin. He sees Jesus' blood and perfection. We are hidden in the blood of Christ. If God doesn't want to find something, He hides it so that He will never see it. That means we are surrounded and covered by the blood of Christ. We are IN CHRIST.

Okay, so you agree that we are in Christ. What does that mean? That means our POSITION is IN CHRIST.  
Right now, we're so caught up with life trying to make a name for ourselves. We want to become successful, happy, or whatever. God has already given you all that you need. In fact, he has given something WAY better than what you could imagine. When you're in Christ, you're given everything that is eternal and beyond the materials of this world. The highest position is being a child of God and a follower of Christ. We are loved and valued by the creator, the most high, the holiest name.

We're so selfish. We completely forget about what Christ has done. We have been given EVERYTHING. However, we forget. We always think like this...

"Okay, God I appreciate everything that you've given/done/completed for me, but hold on just a second while I try and fix some stuff about my life. I'll come back when I'm better and ready for you."

Wrong. Stop trying to focus on your own life. There is no way a broken person can fix anything. If you focus on God, Christ will live through you and for you. Be obsessed and immersed with God.

Going back to the verse. When Paul mentions that "the old is gone" and "the new has come", he's talking about the rules of society. The current world order will be gone! In the end, it won't matter how much money you have, how famous you are, or how successful you are. There will be a new order that is eternal. It will be dictated by God's kingdom when Christ returns. Take an eternal perspective of things. Don't get caught up with the temporary things.

So here's the kicker. Our POSITION IN CHRIST dictates how we PRACTICE our lives. (It's the opposite of what the world says). Be obsessed with God. Be immersed in his love. Continue to admire how great his sacrifice is. Pursue Him through prayer and reading the Word. Have an eternal mindset.

Here's an example. Paul is deemed to be, probably, the most faithful servant of God. He did everything for Christ, and he accomplished some amazing things. However, Paul admits that it wasn't even him that did any of the work!

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Paul boasts in his weaknesses. He doesn't even try to do anything by his own strength because it is impossible to do anything without Christ. We should do the same. Be passionate about Christ. Focus on Him. The rest will follow. 

Don't worry about what society tells you. Worry about what God is telling you.
Don't worry focus on fixing yourself. Focus on God and Christ.
Don't let practice dictate your position. Let your position dictate your practice.

If you've finished this, thank you for reading. I'll offer to buy you food, and I'll be happy to share or listen to whatever you have to say! But that depends on how many people get this far.