Our Identity In Christ

Opener:

Good Morning Church! We are thrilled that you are here joining us this morning. This morning we are concluding our week of prayer and fasting and it has been a tremendous week of refreshment.

This morning we are talking about our identity in Christ. If there is one area that I feel like many Christians struggle in, it is knowing who they are in Christ. This is really a critical area of our lives. If we do not know who we are in Christ, we can be easily swayed one way or the other.

Our personal identity is really based on how we see ourselves. How we see ourselves is really shaped and formed through our childhood years and the experiences that we have in life. For some, they had a great childhood and as a result, have a healthy self image. For others, they had parents or other influential people in their lives that did and said things for you to doubt your worth or value.

While we are all working and learning our identity in the Lord, it is imperative that through this process that we maintain a teachable spirit. To have a teachable spirit is that you are willing to change your views and practices. To admit when you are wrong, and work to be and do better. In others words, always maintaining a humble heart.

This morning we are talking about how our identity is found in Christ, that we are a chosen people and that our future is secure in Christ.

I. Our identity in Christ

A. As many as received Him

a. Our first point here this morning, is that we need to find our identity in Christ. The first step to finding our identity in Christ is to become born again. This is when you receive Christ as your personal Saviour.

b. The bible says in John 1:12 (NKJV) 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

c. While salvation takes place in an instant, we are then called on a journey to pursue the Lord the remainder of our lifetime.

d. In order to have a saving faith we must continue walking with the Lord.

B. New creations in Christ

a. Once we have become born again, we are a new creation. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

b. We are a new creation in Christ. Our past mistakes, our past sins, they are forgiven and our slate has been wiped totally clean.

c. All things are new, God is opening up a whole new world. In this world, God is in control and we begin to live our lives for Him, a life that is pleasing to Him.

d. While giving up past hang ups and habits may be difficult, with the Lord’s help these things can be overcome in your life.

C. Love God, love others, love yourself

a. In this new life, we were given some instruction on how to live. We do not have to guess, we do not have to come up with our own standard of living. The bible is God’s instruction manual to the believer.

b. Contained within this instruction manual are the two greatest commandments that we are to follow which are found in Matthew 22:37-40(NKJV) 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

c. Sound simple, right ?, Love God, Love People. It is that simply, now walking it out will take everything ounce of effort that you have.

d. Speaking of loving God, and loving people. I would add that we also need to love ourselves as well. That is why having a healthy identity in Christ is so important.

D. We are his workmanship

a. Once we have found our identity with Christ, we are called to go into the harvest field and work for Him.

b. The bible says in Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

c. We are not saved so we can just sit around and do nothing. We are not saved just to be a seat warmer, we are saved so we can then go out and do the work of the Lord.

d. While we recognize, good works don’t save us, but when we are saved we will do good works.