Reigning in Life Through Christ

January 13, 2025

Our thoughts and mental images shape our reality.

Have you ever stopped to consider the power of your imagination? Just as an architect envisions a building before laying a single brick, our thoughts and mental images shape our reality. In this meditation, we'll explore how understanding this power, coupled with the truth of God's Word, can transform our lives and empower us to reign in life as children of God.

The Blueprint of Our Lives:

"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV)

Everything begins with a blueprint. Before a building rises, a detailed plan is drawn. Similarly, our thoughts are the blueprints of our lives. What we consistently focus on, what we imagine ourselves becoming, has a profound impact on what we manifest in our reality. The world understands this principle, strategically placing items in stores to capture our attention and influence our purchases. How much more should we, as believers, harness this power for God's glory?

Created to Rule:

"Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26 NKJV)

God's original intention for humanity was to rule – to have dominion over the earth. This is our birthright. Yet, so often we find ourselves ruled by circumstances, by fear, by sin. We forget the big picture, the truth of who we are in Christ. Just as a misaligned image results in a flawed printout, a distorted view of ourselves hinders us from experiencing the fullness of God's promises.

Reigning in Life Through Grace:

"For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)" (Romans 5:17 NKJV)

Through Adam's sin, death entered the world and reigned. We see the effects of this reign all around us – sickness, pain, and brokenness. But the good news is that through Jesus Christ, we have received an abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness. This empowers us to reign in life! The word "surely" in this verse emphasizes the certainty of this promise. It's not a possibility; it's a guarantee for those who believe.

Royal Priesthood, Chosen Nation:

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;" (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV)

This verse paints a powerful picture of our identity in Christ. We are chosen, royal, holy, and special. We are not ordinary; we bear the mark of God's ownership. Our identity is not defined by our circumstances or failures, but by the finished work of Jesus on the cross. We are branded with righteousness, chosen for a purpose – to proclaim the praises of God.

Renewing Our Minds:

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2 NKJV)

The world offers its own version of reality, its own set of values and customs. But we are called to be transformed, not conformed. This transformation begins in our minds. We must actively renew our thinking, replacing lies with truth, fear with faith, and a grasshopper mentality with the boldness of a lion. As we meditate on the truth of God's Word and visualize ourselves reigning in life, we begin to experience the manifestation of His promises.

Conclusion:

The power of imagination is a powerful tool, and when combined with the truth of God's Word, it becomes a catalyst for transformation. As we fix our gaze on the big picture – our identity as children of God, chosen and empowered to reign in life – we step into the fullness of His promises.

Reflect on This:

1. What areas of your life are you currently being ruled by instead of ruling over?

2. How can you intentionally renew your mind and align your imagination with God's Word?

   
   

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for choosing me, for making me a royal priest and part of Your holy nation. I declare that I am reigning in life through Jesus Christ. I am free from the power of darkness and sickness. I am walking in Your light and experiencing the fullness of Your promises. I choose to renew my mind according to Your Word and imagine myself living a life of victory and abundance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key Takeaways:

• Our thoughts are the blueprints of our lives.

• We are created to rule, not be ruled.

• Through Christ, we reign in life.

• We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.

• Renewing our minds transforms our reality.

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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.

All content on this blog is the property of Henley Samuel Ministries. For permissions or inquiries regarding the use of any material, please contact us at contact@henleysamuel.org.