Understanding Our Identity in Christ
Introduction
- Essential to know our identity in Christ to live the full life intended for us.
- Without this understanding, we may live below our rights and privileges.
- Our inheritance in Christ is not just all things, but all of Him.
Key Concepts
Identity in Christ
- Knowing who we are in Christ affects living the abundant life.
- Scripture, especially Colossians 3, helps set our mind on heavenly realities.
- Misunderstandings or lies can distort our true identity.
Building on the Right Foundation
- Building life on anything other than Jesus leads to instability (Matthew 7).
- Common wrong foundations: past sins, success, possessions, heritage, connections, and fame.
- True foundation should be built on Jesus and understanding our identity in Him.
Dangers of Misplaced Identity
- Tim Keller's insight: our core issue is often building identity on something other than Jesus.
- Faulty identities lead to spiritual instability and crises.
Correct Identity in Christ
Forgiveness and New Creation
- We are forgiven (Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 103:12).
- We are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Loved and His Child
- We are loved by God (Romans 8).
- We are His children and heirs (1 John 3:1, Romans 8:14-16).
His Workmanship and Branches
- We are branches connected to Christ, the vine (John 15:5).
- We are His workmanship, created for good works (Ephesians 2:10).
Spiritual Inheritance
- We are paid for by Christ’s sacrifice (1 Peter 1:18-20).
- We are co-heirs with Christ, receiving the fullness of God (Romans 8:17).
Presence and Known by God
- We are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
- We are fully known by God, more profoundly than by anyone else (1 Corinthians 8:3, Psalm 139).
Application and Encouragement
- It's crucial to combat lies with the truth of Scripture.
- Building our understanding of self on God’s truth brings confidence and peace.
- We must embrace our spiritual identity and inheritance.
- Encouragement to reject worldly measures of identity.
Closing Prayer
- A prayer for understanding, peace, and combating the lies of the enemy.
Conclusion
- Encouragement to revisit and reflect on the message.
- Reminder of God’s great love and knowledge of us.
Note: This summary encapsulates a lengthy discussion on identity in Christ, aiming to condense the primary teachings and scriptural references for study and reflection.