Embracing Freedom: A New Identity in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: True Freedom in Christ

Freedom in Christ means we are no longer bound by fear, sin, or shame, and nothing can hold us back from praising God. In Christ, every chain is broken—depression, doubt, addiction, and guilt lose their power over us. This freedom is not just a feeling but a reality secured by Jesus, who has set us free indeed. We are invited to let this freedom fill every part of our lives, lifting our hands and voices in gratitude, knowing that nothing in our past or present can separate us from the love and liberty found in Him. [13:47]

John 8:36 (NASB)
"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you still feel bound or held back? Ask Jesus today to break that chain and fill you with His freedom.

Day 2: New Identity—A Changed Name and Heart

When God saves us, He gives us a new name and a new identity; we are no longer defined by our past, our failures, or our shame. In Jesus, we are called children of God, received and renewed, with hearts healed and lives transformed. The old labels and wounds no longer define us—He has changed our name, and we are not who we used to be. Embrace this new identity, knowing that you are forever free and made new in Christ. [21:41]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."

Reflection: What old name or label do you need to let go of today so you can fully embrace your new identity in Christ?

Day 3: Gratitude for God’s Deliverance

A grateful heart overflows with praise because of all that God has done—He picked us up, turned us around, and placed our feet on solid ground. Remembering how God has delivered us from darkness, washed us clean, and given us a testimony fuels our worship and thanksgiving. No one else can thank God for your story like you can, so let your gratitude rise up in praise, acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness in your life. [28:44]

Psalm 40:2-3 (NASB)
"He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord."

Reflection: Recall a specific moment when God delivered you or changed your life. How can you express your gratitude to Him in a tangible way today?

Day 4: Every Chain is Broken—No More Bondage

In the presence of Jesus, every chain is broken—there is no bondage, no guilt, and no shame that can withstand His grace. His love covers every sin and heals every wound, offering us true freedom and restoration. We do not have to live under the weight of our past or the lies of the enemy; instead, we can walk boldly in the freedom and healing that Jesus provides, knowing that every chain has been shattered by His power. [36:11]

Romans 8:1-2 (NASB)
"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death."

Reflection: Is there a lingering sense of guilt or shame in your heart? Bring it to Jesus today and declare that every chain is broken in His name.

Day 5: No Turning Back—A Life Changed by God’s Presence

Once we have encountered the transforming presence of Jesus, we cannot go back to the way things used to be. The world is behind us and the cross is before us; we choose daily to follow Jesus, forsaking our old ways and relying on His strength to keep moving forward. Even when it’s hard or lonely, we resolve not to turn back, trusting that life in Christ is better than anything the world can offer. [01:15:45]

Luke 9:62 (NASB)
"But Jesus said to him, 'No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.'"

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to keep moving forward with Jesus and not return to old habits or mindsets?

Sermon Summary

Freedom in Christ is not just a concept—it's a living reality for every believer. When fear, shame, and the chains of our past try to hold us back, the presence of God breaks every bondage and fills us with a new song of praise. In the presence of Jesus, there is no room for guilt or condemnation; instead, there is healing, restoration, and a deep sense of gratitude for all He has done. We are no longer defined by our old names or our old ways. Christ has picked us up, turned us around, and placed our feet on solid ground. Our testimony is not just about what we have been freed from, but about the new life and identity we have received in Him.

This freedom is not something we earn or achieve by our own strength. It is a gift, purchased by the blood of Jesus, who redeems us from every chain—whether it be addiction, depression, doubt, or fear. The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that makes us new, giving us the ability to walk in freedom and to praise God with our whole hearts. Our gratitude flows from knowing that God did not leave us where He found us. He changed our name, healed our hearts, and made us His own.

Because of this, we are called to let freedom fill every space of our lives and our gatherings. No one else can thank God for what He has done in your life the way you can. Our praise is personal, rooted in our unique stories of deliverance and transformation. We are invited to leave behind the burdens and bitterness of the past, to refuse to go back to the way things used to be, and to follow Jesus with no turning back. In His presence, we find the strength to keep moving forward, to choose life over death, and to walk in the wisdom and joy that only He can give.

Key Takeaways

1. Freedom Is a Gift, Not an Achievement True freedom comes not from our own efforts, but from the finished work of Jesus. We are no longer bound by fear, shame, or the chains of our past because Christ has set us free. This freedom is a gift to be received with gratitude, not a reward to be earned. [09:21]
2. Your Testimony Is Unique and Powerful No one else can praise God for your story the way you can. The deliverance and transformation you have experienced are personal, and your gratitude is a powerful act of worship. Let your testimony be a continual reminder of God’s faithfulness and a source of encouragement to others. [13:47]
3. God Changes Our Identity, Not Just Our Circumstances When God sets us free, He doesn’t just remove our chains—He gives us a new name and a new identity. We are no longer defined by our failures or our past, but by who we are in Christ: healed, renewed, and beloved children of God. [21:41]
4. There Is No Bondage Too Strong for Jesus Every chain—whether it is addiction, guilt, shame, or brokenness—has been broken by the power of Jesus. In His presence, there is complete freedom, and nothing can separate us from His love. We are invited to live in this reality daily, trusting that His grace is greater than any struggle we face. [33:14]
5. Don’t Go Back—Keep Moving Forward in Christ The call is to refuse to return to the old ways, no matter how familiar they may seem. God’s presence has changed us, and there is nothing in the past worth returning to. Instead, we are to follow Jesus with resolve, knowing that life, hope, and wisdom are found only in Him.

** [75:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Let Freedom Fill the Room
[03:10] - Declaring Freedom Over Fear
[06:30] - Praise the Lord, I’m Free
[09:21] - No Longer Bound
[13:47] - Testimonies of Deliverance
[15:35] - Thanking the Master and Savior
[21:41] - A New Name in Jesus
[23:40] - God Didn’t Leave Me Where He Found Me
[28:44] - Gratitude for God’s Goodness
[33:14] - Every Chain Is Broken
[36:11] - No Guilt, No Shame
[39:57] - I Won’t Go Back
[75:45] - The Cross Before Me, No Turning Back
[81:48] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 8:36 (NASB) — > "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed."

2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
> "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."

3. Romans 8:1-2 (NASB)
> "Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death."

Observation Questions

According to John 8:36, who is the one who truly sets us free, and what kind of freedom does He give?
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens to our old life when we are in Christ? What does it mean to be a "new creation"?
The sermon repeats the phrase, "I am free, I am free, I am free" many times. What are some of the things mentioned that we are set free from? ([09:21])
In Romans 8:1-2, what is the difference between living under condemnation and living in the freedom Christ gives?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, "Freedom in Christ is not just a concept—it's a living reality for every believer." What does it mean for freedom to be a "living reality" and not just an idea? ([09:21])
The message talks about God giving us a new name and a new identity. Why is it important that our identity is changed, not just our circumstances? ([21:41])
The phrase "no one else can thank God for what He has done in your life the way you can" was emphasized. Why is personal testimony so powerful in the life of a believer and in the church? ([13:47])
The sermon declares, "There is no bondage too strong for Jesus." How does this truth affect the way we face struggles like addiction, shame, or fear? ([33:14])

Application Questions

The sermon says, "We are no longer defined by our old names or our old ways." Is there a label or identity from your past that you still struggle to let go of? What would it look like to fully embrace your new identity in Christ this week? ([21:41])
"No one else can thank God for what He has done in your life the way you can." What is one specific thing God has freed you from that you can thank Him for today? How can you share this testimony with someone else this week? ([13:47])
The message encourages us to "let freedom fill every space of our lives and our gatherings." Are there areas of your life where you still feel bound or stuck? What is one step you can take to invite Jesus' freedom into that area? ([09:21])
The sermon says, "Don’t go back—keep moving forward in Christ." What is one old habit, mindset, or relationship that tempts you to go back to your old ways? What practical step can you take to move forward instead? ([01:15:45])
"In His presence, there is no room for guilt or condemnation." Is there a specific area where you still feel guilt or shame? How can you remind yourself of the truth of Romans 8:1-2 this week?
The message says, "Our gratitude flows from knowing that God did not leave us where He found us." How can you practice gratitude in a tangible way this week for the freedom and new life you have in Christ? ([23:40])
The sermon talks about choosing life over death and walking in wisdom and joy. What is one decision you need to make this week to choose life and joy in Christ, even if it’s difficult? ([01:15:45])

Sermon Clips

If you know what he brought you out of, then that is enough, you don't need us to urge you to give him praise, knowing what your testimony is, knowing how he brought you out, knowing what he's done for you, knowing what your story used to be, but because you are in Christ, you are a new creation, your heart is new, your mind is new, nothing about you is the same, because that power that rose Christ from the grave, gave you the power to walk in freedom, you are new in him, and only in him, and he deserves the glory. [00:13:09] (30 seconds) #NewCreationPower

So let freedom fill the room, church, if you are free, and you are free indeed, let freedom fill the room, church, because can't nobody thank the Lord like you can for what he freed you from, can't nobody praise the Lord like you can from what he delivered you on out of. [00:13:47] (20 seconds) #FreedomFillsTheRoom

Just when I ran out of road. I met a man I didn't know. And he told me that I was not alone. Because you picked me up. Pick me up. Turn me around. Turn me around. You placed my feet. Place my feet. Oh, I'm sorry. I thank the master. I thank the master. I thank the savior. I thank the savior. I thank the savior. I thank the savior. I thank, I thank God. [00:15:19] (42 seconds) #NotAloneInChrist

I cannot deny what I see Got no choice but to believe My doubts are burning Oh, like ashes in the wind Yeah So long to my old friend Burden and bitterness You can't just keep it moving Cause you're not welcome here This is our hope from now till I walk Sweet to gold I'm singing how you'll save my soul This way where a child is proud of way back You pick me up Turn me around Place my feet on silent ground I thank the master I thank the master I thank the savior Cause you heal me And you change me I'm forever free Forever free I thank the master I thank the master I thank the master I thank the master. [00:16:08] (73 seconds) #FaithOverDoubt

Because he picked me up and turned me around. He placed my feet on the solid ground. I begged the master, I begged the savior. Because he healed my heart and he changed my name. I'm forever free, I'm not the same. I thank the master, I thank the savior. I thank God. [00:29:18] (33 seconds) #ForeverFreeInChrist

In your presence, there is freedom. In your presence, there is joy. In your presence, there is healing. In your presence, in your presence, say hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah. [00:36:11] (25 seconds) #PresenceBringsJoy

I can't go back to the way it used to be Before your presence came and changed me I won't go back I can't go back to the way it used to be Before your presence came and changed me Oh, Lord, I won't go back I can't go back to the came and changed me That's the power of the gospel, yeah I won't go back I can't go back to the way it used to be Before your presence came and changed me. [01:11:39] (74 seconds) #ChangedByPresence

Thank you that we get to decide, we get to make up in our mind that you are better, that your way is better, so we will forsake our flesh, we will forsake this world, And we will say that we will not go back, because there is only dead things in this world, But there is life in you, Jesus, and the way that your word was preached today, God, Is that there is wisdom in following you, Lord, that this world can't fulfill nothing for us, But we have life in you, Jesus, so we won't turn back. [01:19:21] (41 seconds) #ChoosingBetterWay

I thank you, God, that we don't have to rely on our own strength to stay in step with your spirit. I thank you, Lord, for giving us a help, for giving us a hope, for giving us a peace in you, God. So help us choose to walk his name, day after day. Help us choose to not go back, day after day. [01:21:09] (25 seconds) #StrengthInSpirit

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