Understanding Our Identity in Christ

Sep 23, 2024

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.