Awakening to Our New Identity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new series titled "Waking Up." Just as our physical life begins with birth, our spiritual life begins with being born again. This new birth is the start of a transformative journey where everything changes. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; old things have passed away, and all things have become new. This transformation is not just a superficial change but a complete renewal of our identity in Christ.
God sees us as righteous, holy, and clothed in robes of righteousness, even when we struggle to see ourselves that way. Our perceptions are often clouded and distorted, but God's view is always true. We must learn to trust His word over our own limited understanding. This is the essence of faith—believing God's word over any other perception, evidence, or opinion.
The concept of revival has been a longstanding desire in the church, but what we truly need is an awakening. Many of us are spiritually asleep, and it's time to wake up. Isaiah 52:1-2 calls us to awake, clothe ourselves with strength, and shake off the dust. We are not dead; we are simply asleep and need to rise up and embrace our true identity in Christ.
God has already provided us with everything we need—garments of salvation and robes of righteousness. We must put off our old selves and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This awakening involves recognizing our royal identity as children of the King, seated with Him in heavenly places, and exercising the authority He has given us.
We must also free ourselves from the chains of sin and bondage. God has given us the power to do so, but we must take action. This includes forgiving others, shaking off the dust of inactivity, and stepping into the authority and freedom that Christ has provided.
Corporate prayer is a powerful tool for awakening and revival. When we come together in one accord, praying with one heart and mind, God moves mightily. It's time to wake up, put on our new robes, and begin praying together for God's will to be done in our lives and our church.
### Key Takeaways
1. New Birth and Transformation: Being born again is the start of a new life where everything changes. This transformation is not just superficial but a complete renewal of our identity in Christ. We must believe that we are a new creation, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17, and live out this new identity. [00:50]
2. Trusting God's Word Over Our Perceptions: Our perceptions are often clouded and distorted, but God's view is always true. Faith involves believing God's word over any other perception, evidence, or opinion. We must learn to trust His word and let it shape our reality. [04:58]
3. Awakening to Our True Identity: We are not dead; we are simply asleep and need to wake up. Isaiah 52:1-2 calls us to awake, clothe ourselves with strength, and shake off the dust. We must recognize our royal identity as children of the King and exercise the authority He has given us. [22:32]
4. Freedom from Bondage: God has given us the power to free ourselves from the chains of sin and bondage. This involves taking action, such as forgiving others and shaking off the dust of inactivity. We must step into the authority and freedom that Christ has provided. [34:14]
5. The Power of Corporate Prayer: Corporate prayer is a powerful tool for awakening and revival. When we come together in one accord, praying with one heart and mind, God moves mightily. It's time to wake up, put on our new robes, and begin praying together for God's will to be done in our lives and our church. [39:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Born Again: The Start of New Life
[01:35] - Everything Changes in Christ
[02:20] - Trusting God's Perfect Vision
[03:34] - God's Truth vs. Our Perceptions
[04:58] - The Essence of Faith
[06:13] - Renewing Our Minds
[09:22] - The Spirit as Our New Operating System
[10:53] - Perceptions vs. Reality
[12:13] - The Power of God's Word
[13:34] - Revival vs. Awakening
[15:07] - The Need for Spiritual Awakening
[18:11] - God's Call to Wake Up
[19:40] - The Vision of Awakening
[22:32] - Clothe Yourself with Strength
[24:06] - Garments of Salvation and Righteousness
[26:50] - God's Call to Wake Up
[27:24] - Putting Off the Old Man
[29:27] - Living the New Identity
[30:02] - Taking Action: Putting on the New Man
[30:32] - Shake Off the Dust
[31:15] - The Urgency of Awakening
[32:03] - Embracing Our Royal Identity
[34:14] - Free Yourself from Bondage
[35:13] - The Power to Quit
[36:41] - Authority Over the Enemy
[37:16] - Self-Imposed Bondage
[38:19] - The Key to Forgiveness
[39:18] - The Power of Corporate Prayer
[40:56] - A New Season of Awakening
[41:31] - Invitation to Receive Jesus
[42:07] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
2. Isaiah 52:1-2 - "Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength. Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens to someone who is in Christ? How does this verse describe the change? [02:20]
2. In Isaiah 52:1-2, what are the specific actions that Zion is called to take? What do these actions symbolize? [22:32]
3. The sermon mentions that our perceptions can be clouded and distorted. How does the pastor illustrate this point using the example of a blind man? [03:34]
4. What does the pastor say about the difference between revival and awakening? Why does he believe the church needs an awakening rather than a revival? [18:11]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ according to 2 Corinthians 5:17? How should this new identity affect a believer's life? [02:20]
2. How does Isaiah 52:1-2 encourage believers to take action in their spiritual lives? What might "clothing yourself with strength" and "shaking off the dust" look like in practical terms? [22:32]
3. The pastor emphasizes trusting God's word over our own perceptions. Why is this important for spiritual growth, and what challenges might believers face in doing this? [04:58]
4. How does corporate prayer contribute to spiritual awakening and revival according to the sermon? What examples does the pastor give to illustrate its power? [39:50]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Do you feel like you are living as a "new creation" in Christ? What steps can you take to embrace this new identity more fully? [02:20]
2. Isaiah 52:1-2 calls us to "awake" and "clothe ourselves with strength." What specific areas of your life need awakening? How can you start taking action to "shake off the dust"? [22:32]
3. The pastor talks about the importance of trusting God's word over our own perceptions. Can you identify a situation where your perception was clouded? How did or could trusting God's word change your perspective? [04:58]
4. The sermon highlights the need to free ourselves from the chains of sin and bondage. Is there a specific sin or habit that you feel bound by? What practical steps can you take to free yourself from it? [34:14]
5. Corporate prayer is described as a powerful tool for awakening. How often do you participate in corporate prayer? What can you do to make it a more regular part of your spiritual life? [39:50]
6. The pastor mentions the importance of forgiving others as part of freeing ourselves from bondage. Is there someone you need to forgive? What steps can you take this week to move towards forgiveness? [34:14]
7. The sermon calls for an awakening to our true identity as children of the King. How does recognizing your royal identity in Christ change the way you view your daily life and interactions? [22:32]
Devotional
Day 1: New Birth and Transformation
Description: Being born again marks the beginning of a new life where everything changes. This transformation is not just superficial but a complete renewal of our identity in Christ. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; old things have passed away, and all things have become new. This means that our past mistakes, failures, and sins no longer define us. Instead, we are defined by our new identity in Christ, which is characterized by righteousness, holiness, and a renewed purpose.
This new birth is a transformative journey where we must continually remind ourselves of our new identity. It’s easy to fall back into old patterns of thinking and behavior, but we must remember that we are no longer the same. We are now children of God, clothed in His righteousness, and empowered to live a life that reflects His love and grace. [00:50]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What old habits or thought patterns do you need to let go of to fully embrace your new identity in Christ?
Day 2: Trusting God's Word Over Our Perceptions
Description: Our perceptions are often clouded and distorted, but God's view is always true. Faith involves believing God's word over any other perception, evidence, or opinion. We must learn to trust His word and let it shape our reality. This is the essence of faith—believing God's word over our own limited understanding. When we trust in God's word, we align ourselves with His truth and allow it to transform our lives.
It’s important to recognize that our feelings and perceptions can be misleading. They are often influenced by our circumstances, past experiences, and the opinions of others. However, God's word is unchanging and reliable. By meditating on His promises and allowing them to renew our minds, we can develop a faith that is steadfast and unwavering. [04:58]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own understanding rather than trusting in God's word? How can you begin to shift your focus to His truth today?
Day 3: Awakening to Our True Identity
Description: We are not dead; we are simply asleep and need to wake up. Isaiah 52:1-2 calls us to awake, clothe ourselves with strength, and shake off the dust. We must recognize our royal identity as children of the King and exercise the authority He has given us. This awakening involves a conscious effort to live out our true identity in Christ, embracing the strength and authority that comes with being His children.
Many of us go through life unaware of the power and authority we have in Christ. We allow ourselves to be weighed down by doubts, fears, and insecurities. However, God calls us to rise up and take our rightful place as His children. By awakening to our true identity, we can live with confidence and purpose, knowing that we are loved, valued, and empowered by God. [22:32]
Isaiah 52:1-2 (ESV): "Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake yourself from the dust and arise; be seated, O Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to awaken to your true identity in Christ and exercise the authority He has given you?
Day 4: Freedom from Bondage
Description: God has given us the power to free ourselves from the chains of sin and bondage. This involves taking action, such as forgiving others and shaking off the dust of inactivity. We must step into the authority and freedom that Christ has provided. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge our freedom; we must actively live it out by making choices that align with our new identity in Christ.
Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of this freedom. Holding onto unforgiveness keeps us in bondage and prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God's grace. By choosing to forgive, we release ourselves from the chains of bitterness and resentment. Additionally, we must shake off the dust of inactivity and step into the purpose and calling that God has for our lives. [34:14]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today? How can you take a step towards living in the freedom that Christ has provided?
Day 5: The Power of Corporate Prayer
Description: Corporate prayer is a powerful tool for awakening and revival. When we come together in one accord, praying with one heart and mind, God moves mightily. It's time to wake up, put on our new robes, and begin praying together for God's will to be done in our lives and our church. There is a unique power in collective prayer that can bring about significant change and transformation.
When believers unite in prayer, it creates an atmosphere of faith and expectation. It allows us to support and encourage one another, and it amplifies our prayers. Corporate prayer aligns our hearts with God's will and opens the door for His power to be manifested in our midst. As we come together in prayer, we can expect to see God move in miraculous ways. [39:50]
Acts 4:31 (ESV): "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Reflection: How can you participate in corporate prayer this week? What specific needs or concerns can you bring before God in unity with others?
Quotes
1. "The life we are living now in the spiritual life would never have been possible if we hadn't been born again. Born again is the beginning of the new life. Born again." [00:50] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When a man or a woman or child makes a choice, a decision in life to put their trust in Jesus as their Savior, and they invite Jesus to come into their heart, forgive them for their sins, everything changes. Everything changes. Everything changes." [01:35] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our heavenly father, we must understand, he sees things as they actually are. He's the only one that's got perfect vision. The rest of us, it's distorted. The rest of us, it's foggy, it's cloudy. We see partially. We see as looking in a mirror or a glass darkly, but he sees everything clearly." [02:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's view of things is true. Even if you passionately believe something, it's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's still true. You could argue with him as a blind man. No, no, it's blue. It's blue. He says, actually, I can see it's not blue. It's red. We need to take God's word for things." [04:58] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Genuine faith, the kind of faith we're supposed to be walking in, comes from hearing the word of God and then agreeing with it. This is a problem for a lot of people. It's the agreeing with it. Because we don't agree with it if we don't fully understand it. We don't agree with it if we say, I can't really see it." [06:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The devil is a liar and his trade is in lies. That's how he approaches you, attacks you, binds you, keeps you bound is with lies. The Bible says they shall know the truth the truth will make them free. We don't know the truth in every area yet so in some areas we're still bound because we still have a lie that's in place of the truth." [12:13] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The first step to live in a completely new life is to acknowledge that all of your perceptions all of your perceptions your own perceptions they might be wrong it's hard for us to let go of some stuff you know we believed it for so long we believe certain things about ourself for so long it's hard for us and we got to say if it's contrary to what God has said I'm gonna let it go I've got to let it go." [13:34] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Revival is something that in reality isn't really about us waiting for God to move. This is the key thing you need to understand. We thank God we're praying. We're all praying. Thousands of us are praying. Millions of us around the world are praying for revival. We're praying, we're praying, we're praying. God move, God move, God move. And we don't understand how it actually works. We're waiting for God to move. Please, God, move. Please, God, move. No, it's actually not about us waiting for God to move. It's about God waiting for us to move." [18:11] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The Lord spoke to me a number of things concerning this subject and I'm going to be sharing that with you in the few weeks to come. And I'd like to urge you to come because these things will build one upon another and get it all because I believe the Lord is about to do something big. But listen to this. The Lord's going to do something big and we all go, that's what I want, something big. But I'm going to tell you the truth. It's going to be big, but not in everybody's life. Because if you're not on board, not participating, don't expect anything." [21:04] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Awake, awake, Zion. Clothe yourself with strength. Well, guess what? It's time for us to wake up and get ready. Wake up and clothe yourself with strength. This is filled with valuable truths. In fact, it's a gold mine if you'll look at it carefully enough and ask the Lord to open it up to you. Wake up and clothe yourself. Now, this is the thing. It implies something. We don't think these things out sometimes. We just read them and move on to the next verse. Wake up because you're not dead. Clothe yourself. The Lord couldn't tell you to clothe yourself if you didn't have clothes. So he's saying, put on what you've already got that I gave you." [24:06] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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