Breaking Free: Embracing Our Identity in Christ

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the transformative power of breaking free from the past and stepping into the fullness of our identity in Christ. I shared a personal testimony of overcoming a label that was placed upon me in my youth, which suggested that I was not good enough due to my learning pace. This label became a stronghold that hindered my spiritual growth and understanding of God's Word. However, through the power of God's truth and the support of the church community, I was able to declare my freedom from this past narrative.

I emphasized the importance of not allowing past experiences or words spoken over us to define who we are. Instead, we must recognize and affirm our identity in Christ. I recited scriptures that affirm our position as children of God, such as being accepted in Christ, justified, united with the Lord, and free from condemnation. These truths are foundational to understanding our worth and purpose in God's Kingdom.

During the sermon, I used a visual demonstration to illustrate the concept of breakthrough. Minister Aaron represented the distractions and lies of the past, while Minister Dejon symbolized the presence of the Lord, and Ministers Elder Michael and T represented the act of breaking through. This demonstration showed the congregation that when we are fed up with the chains of our past and ready to move forward, we can confess the scriptures and allow the truth of God's Word to release us into freedom.

I encouraged the congregation to actively reject the past and to speak with authority over their lives, declaring, "I'm done with this past." This act of speaking out is not just a one-time event but a continuous practice of aligning our thoughts and words with the truth of who we are in Christ.

The sermon concluded with a call to action for everyone to receive their breakthrough by repenting for allowing the past to hold them back and by embracing the scriptural truths of their identity in Christ. I prayed for everyone to experience the manifestation of their breakthrough and to walk in the fullness of what God has for them.

Key Takeaways:

- Our identity in Christ is not determined by our past experiences or the labels others have placed upon us. We must actively reject these false narratives and embrace the truth that we are God's children, justified, and free from condemnation. This understanding is crucial for living a life of purpose and freedom in Christ. [15:11]

- Breakthrough is not just a spiritual buzzword; it is a tangible experience that occurs when we confront our past, confess the truth of God's Word, and allow His presence to propel us forward. The visual demonstration of breakthrough in the sermon serves as a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this process; the church community and the presence of the Lord are with us. [08:55]

- Speaking with authority over our lives is a powerful tool in the spiritual battle for our minds and hearts. When we declare, "I'm done with this past," we are not just saying words; we are exercising our God-given authority to break free from the chains that hold us back. [11:22]

- Repentance is a key step in achieving breakthrough. It involves acknowledging the ways we have allowed the past to influence us negatively and turning away from those lies towards the truth of God's Word. This step is essential for moving into the fullness of what God has for us. [12:04]

- The scriptures are alive and active, and they hold the power to transform our lives. As we confess and meditate on the truths of who we are in Christ, we will find ourselves being perfected by God's grace and growing in confidence as citizens of heaven, empowered to do all things through Christ. [16:17]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:1 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
2. Colossians 1:14 - "In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
3. Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

#### Observation Questions
1. What personal testimony did the pastor share about overcoming a label from his youth? ([09:34])
2. How did the visual demonstration during the sermon illustrate the concept of breakthrough? ([08:12])
3. What specific scriptures were recited to affirm our identity in Christ? ([14:44])
4. What was the congregation encouraged to declare with authority over their lives? ([11:22])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Romans 8:1 help us understand our position in Christ and our freedom from condemnation?
2. In what ways does Colossians 1:14 emphasize the completeness of our redemption and forgiveness in Christ?
3. How does Philippians 4:13 empower believers to overcome past narratives and step into their God-given identity?
4. What role does the church community play in supporting individuals to break free from their past, as illustrated in the sermon? ([08:55])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a label or past experience that has held you back. How can you actively reject this false narrative and embrace your identity in Christ? ([09:34])
2. The pastor encouraged the congregation to declare, "I'm done with this past." What specific past experience or lie do you need to speak against with authority this week? ([11:22])
3. How can you incorporate the practice of confessing scriptures about your identity in Christ into your daily routine? ([14:44])
4. Think of a time when you allowed past experiences to influence your decisions negatively. How can you repent and turn towards the truth of God's Word? ([12:04])
5. Identify a distraction or lie from your past that you need to confront. What steps will you take to break free from it and move forward in God's presence? ([08:55])
6. How can you support someone in your church community who is struggling with their past? What practical steps can you take to encourage them in their journey towards breakthrough? ([08:12])
7. Reflect on the visual demonstration of breakthrough. How can you visualize and apply this concept in your own life to experience tangible freedom? ([08:12])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Identity Beyond the Past
Our true identity is not a reflection of our past mistakes or the labels that others have placed upon us. It is essential to recognize that these past experiences do not define us. Instead, we are defined by our identity in Christ, which is rooted in the truth of God's Word. This identity is one of acceptance, justification, and freedom from condemnation. It is a divine declaration of our worth and purpose within God's Kingdom. By embracing this identity, we can begin to live out the fullness of life that God intends for us, one that is not shackled by previous misconceptions or limitations.

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:15 ESV)

Reflection: What past label or experience have you allowed to define you, and how can you start to see yourself through the lens of your identity in Christ today? [15:11]

Day 2: The Reality of Spiritual Breakthrough
Breakthrough is more than a concept; it is a significant and real experience that we can encounter when we confront our past and align ourselves with the truth of God's Word. This process often involves the support of our faith community and the undeniable presence of the Lord. As we confess the scriptures and allow God's truth to permeate our lives, we find that the chains of our past begin to break, releasing us into a new level of freedom and spiritual growth. The act of breaking through is not solitary; it is a communal and divine interaction that propels us into our God-given destiny.

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." (Revelation 12:11 ESV)

Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you need a breakthrough, and what step can you take today to move towards that freedom? [08:55]

Day 3: Authority in Declaring Freedom
Speaking with authority over our lives is not merely a form of positive affirmation; it is a spiritual practice that involves exercising the authority given to us by God. When we declare our freedom from the past, we are not just uttering words; we are engaging in a battle for our minds and hearts. This declaration is a powerful tool that helps us to break free from the chains that have held us back and to step into the liberty that Christ has secured for us.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12 ESV)

Reflection: What is one declaration of truth you can speak over your life today to exercise your authority in Christ? [11:22]

Day 4: Repentance as the Pathway to Breakthrough
Repentance is a crucial step in the journey towards breakthrough. It involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of the ways we have allowed the past to negatively shape our lives and a deliberate turn away from those falsehoods. By embracing repentance, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of God's truth and prepare our hearts to receive the fullness of what He has in store for us. This act of turning away from the past and towards God's promises is essential for experiencing true spiritual renewal.

"Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 1:3b ESV)

Reflection: What past belief or influence do you need to repent of, and how can you actively turn towards God's truth in that area of your life today? [12:04]

Day 5: The Transformative Power of Scripture
The scriptures are not just words on a page; they are alive, active, and powerful. As we meditate on and confess the truths of who we are in Christ, we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, perfecting us by God's grace. This practice strengthens our faith and confidence as citizens of heaven, empowering us to overcome challenges and to fulfill our calling through Christ who strengthens us.

"And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." (2 Corinthians 3:18b ESV)

Reflection: Which scripture about your identity in Christ can you meditate on this week to help transform your perspective and actions? [16:17]

Quotes

"When I was younger, I didn't read as fast as everybody else, so I had to be put in a special class... that had that brought into my life I'm not good enough to do this, I'm not able to do that, and then it just started snowballing... I listened to the word and you know I got something out of it but I really didn't get everything out of it... why am I not listening to what God is speaking to me through you? I'm done." [10:43]( | | )

"Okay, so Aaron is my past, Aaron is my distraction. I'm trying to get over there, I'm trying to see Jesus... I don't want that, no, but look at that over there... I remember that from like 20 years ago... I need to know who I am. So who am I in Christ? All this is scriptures... I'm accepted in Christ, I'm God's child, I've been Justified, I'm United with the Lord and one with him in spirit." [14:44]( | | )

"Today I receive my breakthrough. Teacher said I was dancing... I actually came in here and was dancing with some people in here... Aaron is my past, he's my distraction... I'm trying to see Jesus... I'm done, I'm done, I'm done. You sure? I mean you sure you're done? I'm done, you sure? Sure, sure, sure. I need to know who I am." [13:58]( | | )

"Minister Aaron is what has been holding me back for 40 years... this is the distraction, this is a word that was spoken over me 40 years ago... the enemy... he has everything at his fingertips and he utilizes it... something that shouldn't have done anything to me... it was just something that was done, manifested and affected every single part of my life." [07:30]( | | )

"Minister Aaron is going to be what has holding me back, he's going to be the demonstration of that when I get to the point where I am fed up with it and I'm ready to move forward and I start confessing the scriptures... minister Dejon is going to release the Angels, the angels are going to come up slowly and then when I'm finally done with it, I finally break Covenant with it." [08:55]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?