Living Because of Christ vs Living by Christ vs Living for Christ

 

Living Because of Christ vs Living by Christ vs Living for Christ

Rome 11:36  Because out from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

Co 1:16  Because in Him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or lordships or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and unto Him.

John 6:57  As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me.

Aspect	Living Because of Christ	Living by Christ	Living for Christ
Definition	Having Christ as the source and power of life, just as Christ lives because of the Father	Living by relying on Christ's life and power	Living to glorify Christ and fulfill His will
Distinction	Emphasizes the source and essence of life	Emphasizes the way and power of living	Emphasizes the purpose and direction of living
Explanation	Like plants growing because of sunlight and water, we have spiritual life and growth because of Christ	Like branches connected to the vine, drawing life's nutrients and power from Christ	Like servants living for their master, with everything aligned to Christ's will
Example	Accepting Christ into ourselves, absorbing His life as if eating and drinking	Relying on Christ's wisdom and strength for decisions and actions in daily life	Aiming to glorify Christ in all aspects of life: work, family, social interactions, etc.
Related Scripture	John 6:57 "As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me."	Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."	2 Corinthians 5:15 "And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

 

This table compares the concepts of "Living Because of Christ," "Living by Christ," and "Living for Christ." Each concept has its unique emphasis and significance, but they all point towards establishing an intimate relationship with Christ and manifesting it in daily life.

 

"Living Because of Christ" emphasizes that Christ is the source of our life, just as Christ's life comes from the Father. This concept particularly stresses our need to continually receive Christ, absorbing Him into our lives as we would food and drink.

"Living by Christ" focuses more on how we rely on Christ's power and life in our daily living. It's like branches depending on the vine for nutrients and vitality.

"Living for Christ" primarily concerns the purpose and direction of our lives, emphasizing that we should live with the ultimate goal of glorifying Christ and fulfilling His will.

 

While these three concepts are distinct, they are interrelated and all essential. We have life because of Christ, we gain power by Christ, and we live out meaning for Christ. This profound relationship is described in John 6:57: "As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me."

 

*Please refer to the 2024 Summer Training on Experiencing, Enjoying, and Expressing Christ (1) - Message Seven: The Bread of Life