Lecture on Spiritual Identity and New Creation

Introduction

• God speaks to the children of Israel about the beginning of a new year, not determined by the calendar but by His word.
• Believers are not subject to calendar months; God controls times and seasons.
• 2023 should be seen as an extension of God's grace, not isolated.
• Key scriptures to focus: 2 Corinthians 5.17, 1 Corinthians 15.45, Job 14, Ephesians 2 and 4, Colossians 2.8, Matthew 11.11.

The New Creation

• 2 Corinthians 5.17: If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; old things have passed away.
  • Importance of tense: Old things "have passed," not "are passing."
  • Reconciliation to God happens through Jesus Christ.

Understanding the Old Man

• Job 14.1: Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.
  • Redemption acknowledges the helplessness and limitations of the old man.
  • Improvement of the old man is impossible; God provides a new identity.

Transition to a New Life

• Believers do not "give" their life to Christ; they receive the life of Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 15.45: Contrast between the first Adam (a living being) and the last Adam (a life-giving spirit).

Identity in the New Man

• Believers become life-giving spirits, not bound by earthly limitations or biological family curses.
• The switch from the image of the earthly man (Adam) to the heavenly (Christ) is essential.

Teachings and Spiritual Warfare

• Many teachings focus on overcoming generational curses, but in Christ, believers are freed from such.
• Colossians 2.8: Warning against being cheated by philosophy and traditions of men.

Fulfillment in Christ

• Believers are complete in Christ, the head of all principalities and powers.
• Christ disarmed principalities and powers, removing requirements against us.

Overcoming Tradition and Religion

• Religion coexists with new creation realities, but believers are advised to choose life.
• The tree of life vs. the tree of knowledge of good and evil: God's allowance of choice.

Conclusion and Application

• Believers must align with their identity in Christ, free from tribal or traditional curses.
• Matthew 11:11: The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist, emphasizing the new man's superiority.
• Embrace the life of Christ and reject teachings that confine believers to old identities.

Final Thoughts

• Emphasize standing firm in faith and not being tricked by the enemy into unnecessary battles.
• End with prayer and reflection on being a new creation and a life-giving spirit.