Getting Into Christ from Galatians 3 (Galatians 3:26-29)
Introduction:
1. The Bible contains 2 passages that teach us how to get into Christ. 2. One passage is in Galatians 3, and the other one is in Romans 6. 3. This morning we are concentrating on what we can learn about "getting into Christ from Galatians 3." 4. This evening we will turn our attention to verses in Romans. 5. Before we consider 5 reasons why we should get into Christ, let us first consider . . . Discussion: I. THE INSTRUCTIONS IN GALATIANS 3:26-29 THAT TEACH US HOW TO GET INTO CHRIST
A. (vs.26) Today, we become God's children "by faith in Christ Jesus," as opposed to following the Law of Moses. 1. Let us make an observation from Galatians 6:15. a. In Christ, whether a person is circumcised does not matter. b. What really matters is becoming "a new creature." 2. This applies to everyone ["all"], including Jews and Greeks, bond and free, males and females (vs.28). 3. How do we get into Christ so we can become new creatures? B. (vs.27) We get into Christ by being baptized into Him. 1. When we are baptized into Christ we put on Christ. 2. We also become God's children, and we become new creatures. C. (vs.29) When we get into Christ we enjoy two other blessings. 1. We become "Abraham's seed" [his spiritual descendants]. 2. We become "heirs according to the promise" -- in Genesis 12:3 God promised that "all families of the earth" would be blessed in Abraham. D. The way we get into Christ is illustrated many times in Acts. 1. Acts 2 a. On Pentecost, Jews from all over the world were in Jerusalem (vs.5, 9-11). b. What did they do? (see vs.37-38, 41) 2. Acts 8 a. (vs.5a) Philip went to Samaria. 1) (vs.5b) He "preached Christ" to the people in Samaria. 2) What did they do? (see vs.12-13) b. (vs.26) Philip was led to a deserted area. 1) He studied with the eunuch of Ethiopia [Africa] (vs.35). 2) What did the eunuch do? (see vs.36-38) 3. Acts 9 a. The Lord sent Ananias to teach Saul, a Jew who persecuted Christians (vs.10-11). b. What did Ananias tell Saul to do? (Acts 22:16) c. What did Saul do? (Acts 9:18) 4. Acts 10 a. Cornelius, a Gentile, was told to send for Peter who would teach him what he needed to do (vs.5-6). b. What did Cornelius do? (see vs.48) 5. Acts 16 a. Notice what happened with Lydia, a businesswoman (vs.14-15). b. Notice what happened with the jailer in Philippi (vs.30-33). 6. Acts 18 a. Paul traveled from Athens to Corinth where he preached in the synagogue. b. What did the people in Corinth do? (see vs.8) 7. Acts 19 a. In Ephesus, Paul contacted some people who had been baptized, but they had not been baptized correctly (vs.3-4). b. What did these people do? (see vs.5) E. Now that we understand how to get into Christ, let us turn our attention to . . . II. 5 REASONS WHY WE SHOULD GET INTO CHRIST
A. Jesus said we must abide in Him for our prayers to be answered (John 15:7). B. Those who are in Christ are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1). C. Those who are in Christ are new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). D. All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). E. Those who die in the Lord are blessed (Revelation 14:13). Conclusion:
1. After studying these passages that teach us about getting into Christ,: a. Do you believe that Jesus is God's Son? b. Will you repent of your sins? c. Will you confess your faith in the Lord? d. Will you be baptized into Christ? 2. By obeying the Gospel, you will become a child of God, you will put on Christ, you will become a new creature, you will become a spiritual descendant of Abraham, and you will become an heir of the promise God made to Abraham.
