Does the Deity of Christ Matter?

What is left when Christ is Removed from the equation?

Moralism

“If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” (Colossians 2:20–23, ESV)

• Systems of Good/Bad, Right/Wrong without foundation. - human precepts and teachings

• Without Jesus “Love your neighbor” becomes meaningless “But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”” (Luke 10:29, ESV)

• with Christ – An anchor for defining morality

Legalism

““Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’” (Matthew 23:29–30, ESV)

What I Gain in Christ

Freedom

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, ESV)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, ESV)

Reconciliation

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, ESV)

Access

“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2, ESV)

Questions

1. What is the most important, personal impact that Jesus has had on your life?

2. Can you identify the difference between a Jesusbased life and a moral life? How would you contrast those two?

3. What motivates you the most to Live for Jesus?