Thinking, Acting, Being like Jesus
Identity in Christ
Introduction-
We continue our series Thinking, Acting, Being like Jesus.
This morning we will be looking at Who we are in Christ Jesus, and what we ought to be doing as children of God.
Last week, we looked at God’s Word.
The 3rd truth we looked at was that “we believe that the Word of God is the inspired word of God that guides us in our lives and our actions.”
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
In studying God’s Word, by sermons, Bible Studies, individual Bible study, we find there the identity we have in Christ.
We discover, and that is a good way to put it because we seek and we discover who we are when we become children of God and learn who we were before we came to Christ.
Text is John 1:12
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”
As I have said before, not all will be going to heaven, not all have a relationship with the Lord. God desire’s that to happen, but because of choice, it will not happen.
“Lord is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Desiring that all should come to repentance and into the knowledge of the truth of God.
“Those that believe, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Universalist believe;
That eventually everyone will be saved by the atonement of Jesus Christ.
They believe that Hell is not a real place that God would send anyone.
It sounds good, but that is not the truth.
Those that want to do their own thing
Those that just want to let the chips fall as they may and plead ignorance, they like that but that is not what God’s Word says.
The Bible tells us that there will be a day of judgment and that we are saved only by faith in Jesus Christ and what He has done for us on the cross.
We have to be in an active relationship with Jesus Christ and be following Him as Lord.
The question is “Who am I”?
We answer by saying that we are the son or daughter of so and so. That is true in the flesh, that is who physically produced a baby.
Spiritually we are either in Christ or we are unbelievers.
Spiritually if you like what I just said, you probably have a good foundation that is built around Christ and what He has done for you.
If you don’t like what was said, you are putting your faith in something that cannot save you spiritually.
Doctors tell us that to have a healthy self-esteem you need the following;
To feel loved
To have purpose
To feel secure
To feel significant
To belong
The Lord knew these things long before doctors. He understands those things that we need and provides them in our relationship with the Lord and the church family.
We are significant to God and He desires to have us with a well rounded relationship with Him and with the children of God. (Other believers)
Are you going to grab unto the truth that you are significant to God and that He desires to have a relationship with you?
That what Jesus has done on the cross is enough?
Do you have identity in Christ? Or are you going to listen to another voice that hinders that relationship.
Those other voices
Bitter ex-spouses
A bully
Gossip that has gotten out of control
A rejection letter or a rejection by a person.
A mean boss with an attitude.
A parent who never gives you a break.
God wants us to know who we are! (In ourselves and in Him.)
The moment we profess faith in Christ, God wants us to know we are.
We are children of God, and we have a new identity.
As we draw close to Him, He quiets the other voices that have lied to us, and draws us closer to Himself.
We must identify, not with the other voices, but with Jesus Christ.
Roman 8:17
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his suffering in order that we may also share in his glory.”
1 Cor. 3:16
“Don’t know that you yourself are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst.”
(in you)
2 Cor. 5:17
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here.”
God sees us differently than we were. We are now identified in Him and His Spirit dwells inside of us to help us and guide us in our lives and one day the Bible tells us He will create a new heaven and a new earth, but until then, He desires to help us right now with our walk with God.
He dwells within the believer to give us full access to himself, his character, his gifts, and his blessings.
What difference does this make in your life?
You embrace your new identity in Christ and Christ will change your life forever.
You will approach each day different because you are a child of God and part of the family of God.
You will also be set free from bandage- that bondage of not measuring up to other people and be set free from the past so you can truly become the new creation God intended you to be.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
Many people today struggle with God’s grace and mercy. That is a sermon in itself.
Paul tells us is that there is “no condemnation” means that by faith in Christ you can be set free and walk in the freedom of Christ.
It means that every time the devil is in your ear condemning you-Christ stands before the Father and says I died for that.
It means when someone starts to tell you that you are insignificant and you are worthless, you don’t act upon it because you know who you are in Christ.
In Christ, you know that that is not true!
Randy Frazee makes some good observations about our identity in Christ. I like to share a few of them.
1. Because of our identity in Christ, our worth comes from a position in Christ, not our performance.
We are saved by Christ- not any works that we do or have done.
Because we are saved, we should have a desire to serve Christ and see people come to Christ.
We should have a desire to see His Kingdom grow.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
You were not saved by works but you were saved to serve God.
2. Because of your identity in Christ, we live to express who we are in Christ, not prove who we are.
Because of our new identity in Christ and getting away from our old lifestyle, we want others to see Christ in our lives.
We are running a race to finish strong and make heaven our home, but we are also compassionate and wanting others to experience God’s love and mercy.
We are our brothers keepers when we think about it, we have a responsibility to make sure we give opportunity to Christ to those we come into contact with in your lives. We are not just saved for ourselves, but to impact those around us.
3. Because of our identity in Christ, we can focus on building others up, not tearing down.
The more we learn who we are In Christ, the more others will see and be drawn to Christ. I think it is funny how some people need to be dead right. What I mean is that for them to be right they will risk all and tear down in the process anything and anyone. We have the truth, but it can be shown in a way that draws people toward God instead of away from Him. When someone feels that what is said is said in love rather than condemnation, you have a better chance of reaching them. You don’t water the truth down, you just present it with love instead of a hammer.
Closing,
Maybe you have struggled with who you are in Christ.
Maybe you have listened to other people put you down and you have felt like there is no escape.
Know that there is…His name is Jesus. In Christ, we have the freedom to walk in His grace and allow God to guide our lives by His Holy spirit dwelling in us as believers.
Understand that God’s grace is there to help us when we stumble. His mercy is available to a repentant child of God.
It is a get out jail free card in the sense that we have an advocate to forgive our sins and a God that is willing to work in our lives.
It is not a get out of jail card in the sense that we live our lives as we please, but to please God with our service to Him.
Know who you are in Christ and walk boldly in service for Him, and humble as we marvel in His grace. Amen.
