Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
This sermon explores our identity in Christ, the importance of recognizing falsehoods from the enemy, and the transformative power of God's love.
Hey there, church family! I'm so thrilled to have you all here today. We're going to be chatting about something that I believe is really essential for us as followers of Christ. It's all about who we are in Him, how we can spot the falsehoods that the enemy tries to feed us, and the beautiful transformation we can experience through our Savior.
But before we get into all of that, let's take a look at these passages from God's Word.
First, we have Colossians 2:10, which says, "and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority."
Then, we have 1 John 3:1, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
And finally, 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Isn't that just beautiful? We're full in Christ, loved by the Father, and made new through Him. That's some powerful truth right there!
And speaking of truth, I want to share a quote with you from a Christian author I really admire, A.W. Tozer. He once said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." I love that, don't you? It's a powerful reminder that our understanding of God—and our identity in Him—shapes everything.
Now, let's bow our heads for a moment of prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for gathering us here today. We're just so grateful for your love and your truth. As we chat about our identity in you, help us to really grasp the depth of your love for us. Show us how to recognize the lies of the enemy and to embrace the transformation you offer. We're so excited to see what you have in store for us today. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Alright, friends, let's get to it. We've got a lot to chat about!
We're all aware of the importance of identity, aren't we? It's the lens through which we view ourselves and the world around us. It's the foundation of our self-perception, our actions, and our interactions with others. But when we talk about our identity in Christ, we're talking about something much deeper and more profound. We're talking about a spiritual identity that transcends our earthly existence and connects us to the divine.
The book of Colossians: Paul tells us that in Christ, we have been brought to fullness. This is a powerful statement. It means that in Christ, we find our completeness. We're not lacking anything. We're not half-filled or partially satisfied. We're full. We're complete. We're whole. This completeness is not something we achieve on our own. It's not the result of our efforts or our achievements. It's a gift from God, given to us through Christ.
What does it mean to be full in Christ?: It means that we're fully loved, fully accepted, fully forgiven, and fully redeemed. It means that we're fully equipped to live the life God has called us to live. It means that we're fully capable of fulfilling our God-given purpose. It means that we're fully empowered to overcome the challenges we face. It means that we're fully assured of our eternal destiny. It means that we're fully alive in Christ.
The first letter of John: We're reminded of the great love the Father has lavished on us. This love is not ordinary or common. It's not conditional or temporary. It's not limited or restricted. It's lavish. It's extravagant. It's unconditional. It's eternal. It's limitless. It's boundless. This love is so great that it has made us children of God. This is not a title or a status. It's an identity. It's who we are.
Being a child of God: It’s not about doing the right things or saying the right words. It's not about following a set of rules or meeting a set of standards. It's about being loved by God, accepted by God, and belonging to God. It's about being connected to God, related to God, and identified with God. It's about being part of God's family, part of God's kingdom, and part of God's plan. It's about being a recipient of God's grace, a beneficiary of God's promises, and a participant in God's mission.
His second letter to the Corinthians: Paul declares that if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. This is a radical transformation. It's not a minor adjustment or a slight modification. It's not a superficial change or a temporary alteration. It's a total makeover. It's a complete overhaul. It's a brand new start. The old has gone, and the new is here.
This new creation: It’s not a product of our willpower or our determination. It's not a result of our discipline or our dedication. It's a work of God, performed in us through Christ. It's a spiritual rebirth, a divine renovation, and a heavenly regeneration. It's a miraculous metamorphosis, a supernatural conversion, and a celestial transformation. It's a new life, a new nature, and a new identity.
As we continue to delve into the richness of God's Word, we find ourselves confronted with a stark reality ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO