LIVING THROUGH HIM

I read this morning in 1 John 4:9. God sent His Son that we might live through Him. What does that look like? I could pretty much describe what it doesn't look like by drawing you a picture of my anxiety lately. Anxiety is an alarm bell that tells me I'm depending on myself. Living through Christ means to be fully dependent on God's performance on my behalf.

So what has God performed? Everything.

In the past He has ~

Foreknown me - go to John Piper's sermon on Romans 8:29-30 and you'll discover a new word - foreloved. Very transforming stuff.
Predestined me - to a purpose that is working itself out now according to Him who began the good work and will bring it to completion. (Phil.1:6)
Called me - He wrought faith in me, drew me to Himself.
Gave Christ on my behalf - see 1 John 4:9-10.

In the present He is ~

Working all things in me for the purpose of His will, which is to make me like Christ. See Philippians 2:13, Romans 8:28-30.
And not forgetting the daily benefits we too easily take for granted - Psalm 118:24, He makes the day. 1 John 1:9, He forgives all our sins. Lamentations 3:22-23, He renews His mercies every morning.
And in all things He is for me - Psalm 118:6-7, Romans 8:31-32.

There are so many more things to say and many more we are never aware of I'm sure. And in the future God has promised so much more as described in 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 John 3. Our mortal will be clothed in immortality and we will see Him as He is.

Look away from the mud puddle and take in that endless ocean vista which is all that God has promised to be for us in Christ.

"For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why we utter our Amen to God for his glory." 2 Corinthians 1:20