Anchored in Christ: Embracing Our Spiritual Benefits
Summary
Coming off a powerful Easter weekend, it’s important to pause and anchor ourselves in the foundational benefits that belong to every believer in Christ. Whether you’re new to faith or have walked with Jesus for years, these truths are meant to be the bedrock of your spiritual life. Too often, we forget the benefits God has given us, just as Psalm 103 warns: “Forget not all His benefits.” These are not just theological ideas, but living realities that shape our identity, our confidence, and our daily walk.
First, in Christ, you have been made alive. Your old identity in Adam—marked by sin and separation from God—has been replaced by a new identity in Christ. This isn’t just a future hope; it’s a present reality. The life you now live is the “Zoe” life, the God-kind of life, filled with peace, joy, and the assurance that death is not the end but a promotion to eternal life with Him.
Second, you are completely forgiven. Many of us grew up with the idea that forgiveness was something we had to earn or maintain through rituals, confessions, or good works. But the truth is, Jesus dealt with the root of sin—the noun, the entity of sin inherited from Adam—once and for all. Your forgiveness is not based on your ability to confess every misstep, but on the finished work of Christ. You live in a continual state of being cleansed, not because of what you do, but because of what Jesus has done.
Third, you have overcome the enemy. Jesus’ victory over Satan is complete, but living in that victory requires us to renew our minds and yield to the Holy Spirit. The armor of God is not a set of external rituals, but mindsets and heart conditions rooted in truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation. As you let God’s Word shape your thinking and the Spirit guide your actions, you walk in the authority and freedom Christ purchased for you.
Finally, you have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God Himself lives in you—not just as a distant hope, but as a present reality. This is the unique privilege of the believer: to be the very temple of God, empowered and led from within.
When you anchor your heart in these four benefits—being alive in Christ, forgiven, victorious over the enemy, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit—you are positioned to live the abundant life God intends. Let these truths settle deep in your soul, and watch as God does great things in and through you.
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Key Takeaways
- Your Identity Is Now in Christ, Not in Adam
The moment you believe, your old identity rooted in Adam’s fallen nature is replaced by a new identity in Christ. This means you are spiritually alive, sharing in the very life of God—Zoe life. Death no longer has the final word, and your hope is anchored in the reality that your last breath here is your first in eternity. Let this truth shape your confidence and your daily perspective. [06:53]
- Forgiveness Is a Finished Work, Not a Daily Transaction
Many believers live under the weight of trying to earn or maintain forgiveness, but Jesus’ sacrifice dealt with the root of sin once and for all. The Bible speaks of sin primarily as a noun—the entity inherited from Adam—rather than just the actions we commit. Because Jesus destroyed the power of sin at its root, you are continually cleansed, not by your confessions, but by His blood. This frees you from a cycle of guilt and striving, allowing you to rest in God’s grace. [16:48]
- Confession Restores Your Conscience, Not Your Standing
Confessing your sins is not about regaining right standing with God, but about clearing your conscience and realigning your heart. Your standing in Christ is secure; it does not fluctuate with your daily successes or failures. Just as a marriage’s legal standing doesn’t change with every argument, your position in Christ remains firm even when your state (your feelings or actions) varies. This distinction brings freedom and assurance in your relationship with God. [32:46]
- Victory Over the Enemy Comes Through Renewed Mindsets
Jesus has already defeated the enemy, but experiencing that victory in your life requires you to renew your mind and yield to the Holy Spirit. The armor of God is not a ritual, but a set of mindsets—truth, righteousness, faith, salvation—that protect and empower you. As you let God’s Word transform your thinking and the Spirit lead you, you walk in the authority and freedom that is already yours in Christ. [41:28]
- The Holy Spirit’s Indwelling Is Your Daily Source of Power
God is not distant; He lives within you by His Spirit. This indwelling presence is unique to the believer and is the source of your strength, guidance, and comfort. You are the temple of God, and His Spirit empowers you to live out the abundant life Jesus promised. Embrace this reality, and let it fuel your faith and boldness every day. [44:03]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Celebrating Easter and New Beginnings
[03:30] - The Importance of Remembering God’s Benefits
[04:59] - Personal Story: Discovering Hidden Benefits
[06:53] - Made Alive in Christ: A New Identity
[10:47] - What It Means to Be “In Christ”
[12:12] - The Struggle to Understand Forgiveness
[16:48] - Sin: Noun vs. Verb—The Root and the Fruit
[19:50] - Religion’s Confusion About Forgiveness
[21:04] - Confession and the Nature of Sin
[23:20] - Living in Continual Cleansing
[25:37] - Freedom from the Cycle of Guilt
[32:09] - State vs. Standing: Secure in Christ
[37:54] - Overcoming the Enemy: Renewing Your Mind
[41:28] - The Armor of God: Mindsets for Victory
[44:03] - The Indwelling Holy Spirit
[45:10] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Don’t Forget His Benefits”
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### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 103:1-5
*Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.*
2. Ephesians 2:4-6
*But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.*
3. Colossians 2:13-15
*And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.*
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 103, what are some of the specific benefits that God gives to His people?
(forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies)
[04:17]
2. In Ephesians 2:4-6, what does it say God has done for us even when we were “dead in our trespasses”?
[10:47]
3. From Colossians 2:13-15, what did Jesus accomplish for us on the cross regarding our sins and the enemy?
[32:46]
4. The sermon mentions that “the armor of God” is not just a ritual but a set of mindsets. What are some of these mindsets mentioned in Ephesians 6?
[41:28]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The psalmist warns us not to “forget all His benefits.” Why do you think it’s so easy for believers to forget what God has done for them? What are some consequences of forgetting?
[04:17]
2. The sermon explains the difference between our “state” and our “standing” before God. How does understanding this difference affect the way a believer relates to God after they sin?
[32:46]
3. The pastor said that many believers live as if forgiveness is something they have to earn or maintain. How does the truth that forgiveness is a finished work in Christ change the way we approach God daily?
[16:48]
4. According to the sermon, what is the believer’s part in living out victory over the enemy, and why isn’t victory always automatic?
[37:54]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says our identity is now in Christ, not in Adam. Are there areas in your life where you still see yourself through your old identity? What would it look like to start seeing yourself as “alive in Christ” this week?
[06:53]
2. The pastor shared how he used to confess every possible sin before bed out of fear. Have you ever felt like you had to “do something” to stay forgiven? How does knowing you are continually cleansed by Jesus’ blood change your daily mindset?
[13:50]
3. The difference between “state” and “standing” was compared to marriage—your standing doesn’t change, but your state can go up and down. When you have a “bad day” spiritually, how can you remind yourself that your standing in Christ is secure?
[32:46]
4. The sermon teaches that victory over the enemy comes through renewing your mind and yielding to the Holy Spirit. What is one practical way you can renew your mind with God’s Word this week? Is there a specific mindset you need to put on?
[37:54]
5. The armor of God is described as mindsets like truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation. Which of these do you struggle to “put on” the most, and what is one step you can take to grow in that area?
[41:28]
6. The pastor said, “You are the temple of God, and His Spirit empowers you to live out the abundant life Jesus promised.” How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your daily life? Is there a situation this week where you need to rely on His power?
[44:03]
7. The sermon encourages us to anchor our hearts in these four benefits. Which of the four—alive in Christ, forgiven, victorious, indwelt by the Spirit—do you find hardest to believe or live out? What is one thing you can do this week to let that truth settle deeper in your soul?
[45:10]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person remember and live out the benefits He has given us in Christ.
Devotional
Day 1: Living the New Identity Beyond Adam’s Shadow
In Christ, your identity is transformed from the old nature inherited from Adam to a new, vibrant life rooted in God’s own essence. This new identity is not a distant promise but a present reality, where you share in the “Zoe” life—the divine, eternal life that overcomes death and fills you with peace and joy. Recognizing this truth reshapes how you view yourself and your daily experiences, anchoring your confidence in the unshakable hope of eternity rather than temporary circumstances.
This transformation means that your worth and purpose are no longer defined by past failures or inherited sin but by the life-giving power of Christ within you. As you embrace this new identity, you begin to live with a perspective that death is not the end but a gateway to eternal life, empowering you to face each day with courage and assurance. [06:53]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Reflection: What old labels or identities do you need to release today to fully embrace the new life God has given you in Christ? How can this shift in identity change your daily decisions and interactions?
Day 2: Embracing Forgiveness as a Completed Gift, Not a Task
Forgiveness in Christ is not a fragile, daily transaction that must be earned or maintained through rituals or confessions. Instead, it is a finished work accomplished by Jesus, who dealt decisively with the root of sin—the inherited power of sin itself. This means that your forgiveness is secure and continual, not dependent on your ability to confess every misstep but grounded in the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice.
Understanding forgiveness this way frees you from the exhausting cycle of guilt and striving. It invites you to rest deeply in God’s grace, knowing that your standing before Him is not shaken by your failures but held firm by His unchanging love. This truth transforms how you approach confession—not as a way to regain favor, but as a means to clear your conscience and realign your heart with God’s truth. [16:48]
Zechariah 3:1-4 (ESV)
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.”
Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to earn or maintain God’s forgiveness? How can you begin to rest in the completeness of Christ’s work today?
Day 3: Confession as Heart Realignment, Not Legal Standing
Confession is often misunderstood as a way to regain God’s favor, but in reality, your standing before God is secure and unchanging because of Christ. Instead, confession serves to restore your conscience and realign your heart with God’s truth. Just as a marriage’s legal status does not change with every disagreement, your position “in Christ” remains firm regardless of your daily successes or failures.
This distinction brings profound freedom and assurance in your relationship with God. It means you can confess openly without fear of losing your acceptance, knowing that God’s love is constant. Confession becomes a practice of honesty and healing, helping you maintain intimacy with God and clarity in your conscience as you walk in grace. [32:46]
Psalm 51:6-9 (ESV)
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
Reflection: How can you practice confession this week as a way to clear your conscience rather than to earn God’s approval? What changes when you view your standing as secure regardless of your daily struggles?
Day 4: Walking in Victory Through Renewed Mindsets
Jesus has already won the battle over the enemy, but living in that victory requires intentional renewal of the mind and yielding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The armor of God is not a set of external rituals but a collection of mindsets—truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation—that protect and empower you.
As you allow God’s Word to transform your thinking and the Spirit to lead your actions, you begin to walk confidently in the authority and freedom Christ has purchased for you. This daily renewal is essential to overcoming the enemy’s schemes and living out the victorious life God intends. [41:28]
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection: What specific thoughts or beliefs do you need to surrender to God’s truth today? How can you practically renew your mind daily to walk in the victory Christ has won?
Day 5: Empowered by the Indwelling Holy Spirit
The presence of the Holy Spirit within you is not a distant hope but a present reality and the source of your strength, guidance, and comfort. As the temple of God, you are uniquely empowered and led from within by His Spirit. This indwelling presence fuels your faith, boldness, and ability to live the abundant life Jesus promised.
Embracing the Holy Spirit’s work in your life means recognizing that God is intimately involved in your daily walk, equipping you to face challenges and fulfill your calling. This relationship invites you to depend on His power rather than your own, experiencing God’s presence as a constant source of renewal and courage. [44:03]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV)
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Reflection: In what ways can you become more aware of and dependent on the Holy Spirit’s presence today? How might inviting His guidance change your approach to challenges this week?
Quotes
You have been made alive in Christ. Everybody say, I'm in Christ. Again, whenever I got saved, nobody told me this. Nobody at 12, 13, 14 years old sat me down and said, listen, I want you to understand. Listen, your idea. is not you anymore. Your identity is in Christ now. You are in Christ Jesus. Let me give it to you this way from a biblical verse perspective. 1 Corinthians 15, 22, listen to this. For as in Adam, all die. Even so in Christ, all shall be made what? Alive. Listen, all die in Adam. Here's the truth. In Christ, you don't die. [00:06:40] (45 seconds)
He who believes in the Son has everlasting life. That everlasting is Zoe life. Everybody say Zoe. Zoe life. It's redeemed life. In the Greek, it's redeemed life free from the penalty of sin. We could say it this way, and even a Bible commentary does say it this way, the God kind of life. See, when you were in Adam, before you got saved, you had the fallen nature life. You had the sinful life. You had the life separated from God. When you got saved and born again, you went from death to life. And that word life is Zoe life. It's God's kind of life. [00:08:15] (44 seconds)
If you want to know how God feels about you, look at Jesus. Everything that God feels about you is in Jesus. You're in Christ. Oh, God's mad at me. Is he mad at Jesus? No, he's not mad at you either. Is God going to punish me? Did he punish Jesus? Yeah. On a cross, God had to turn his back on him only because he took our sin upon himself. Right? But will he ever leave you or forsake you now? Absolutely not. Absolutely not. It goes on to say, by grace, you have been saved and you have been raised together and made us to together in him. [00:10:41] (41 seconds)
So first and foremost, right out of the gate, you have been made alive in Christ. Everybody say, I'm alive. I'm alive. This is so important. You are alive, praise God. Now, let's get into point two, and I think it's probably more powerful, and it's something that religion struggles with, but here it is. You are, help me out, forgiven. Let me tell you, whenever I got on fire for God, it blew my mind that for 10 years of me being born again, no one ever told me I was forgiven. They never told me that. What they told me is, if you want to be forgiven, you need to get baptized. [00:11:33] (41 seconds)
Religion has used the forgiveness of sins as a way of manipulating people. Okay. That's wrong, everybody. That's wrong. I'm here to tell you what Jesus gave you was the forgiveness of sins. You are free. You're free in every aspect. Your past, your present, and your future sins are gone. Gone. They are gone. Praise God. Amen. Amen. Amen. [00:14:50] (28 seconds)
But how many of you know in every one of you, if you are in Christ, the noun, the entity of sin, the strength of sin, the power of sin has been destroyed. Amen? It's been wiped out. Jesus wiped it out. This is why it's easy for God. I don't want to be sloppy in the way I say this, but God destroyed the noun so that the verb would lose its power in your life. Okay? Let me go one step further. When you get out of this vessel that's stuck to this earth called the body, you're going to be amazed at how free from sin you are because the only thing anchoring you to sin now is that fleshly house that you live in. [00:18:26] (50 seconds)
The truth of the matter is if you're born again, you are, help me out, in Christ. And his blood makes you righteous all the time. That first John 117 I was talking about, if we walk in the light as he is in the light. In the Greek, it's a present perfect tense. Who cares? I get it. But here's the deal. It means it's a continual washing. So watch this. Literally, you and I live in the car wash. Every moment of every day of our lives, we're continually being made clean. Y 'all getting what I'm saying? God's cleansing power in my life has nothing to do with what I do. Has everything to do with what Jesus did for me at the cross. [00:24:10] (46 seconds)
But this man, everybody say this man, after he had offered, help me out, one sacrifice for sin, help me out, forever. Ha ha. We're free. Praise God. One sin forever. Past, present, future. All the sins of the world upon Jesus. All my sin has already been dealt with. Praise God. All I got, that's right. All I got to do is, is watch us, receive the benefit of what Jesus did. I am, I get the benevolence. of what God has already done for me. Praise God. I don't have to do anything to receive it. It's a benefit. I'm forgiven. When? Every day of my life. [00:29:19] (47 seconds)
For by this one offering he has perfected, I didn't say it. Don't be mad at me. He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. Perfected forever. I'm perfect. You're perfect. You're in Christ. You've been made perfect. See, no one taught me that. I lived for years thinking I got to do stuff to be made right with God. No. No. You have to believe in what Jesus did to be made perfect in the eyes of God. Amen? Let me break it down to you this way. You ready? There's a simple idea. And it's more of a theological principle, but I think it's important that you understand. [00:31:08] (37 seconds)
Hopefully, prayerfully, you're going from glory to glory, from faith to faith. You're growing in your faith, and you're moving forward in your faith. You follow me? But you're standing. It's only one or two. It's either one, you're a sinner, or B, you're saved. You're either, watch this, in Adam, or you're in Christ. That's your state. You can only be in one state at a time. You cannot be, it is unbiblical to say, I'm just a sinner saved by grace. Well, if you're a sinner, and your state is that of Adam, you should get saved. And you should change the state you're in. Come on. You should go from sinner identified with Adam, to saint identified with Christ. [00:32:46] (52 seconds)
All the while, God lived in me. Nobody told me. God's in me. God lives with me. He's taken up. Listen, do you not know that you are the temple of God and the spirit of God dwells in you? Only religion in the world where God leaves heaven and lives on the inside of you. Praise God. What an awesome privilege. Amen? Amen. [00:44:44] (21 seconds)
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