Embracing Identity and Obedience in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Know Who You Are in Christ

Understanding your true identity in Christ changes everything. When you know who God created you to be, the enemy can no longer define you by your failures or lies. Instead of living under the weight of false labels or past mistakes, you can walk confidently in the purpose and calling God has placed on your life. This deep assurance brings freedom and resilience, empowering you to stand firm no matter what others say or what challenges you face. [00:30]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: What is one negative label or lie you’ve believed about yourself that you need to surrender to God today, so you can embrace your true identity in Christ?

Day 2: Don’t Let Past Failures Paralyze You

God does not want you to be defined or held back by your past defeats. Like the Israelites returning to Ai after a painful loss, you are called to face your failures with courage, trusting that God gives second, third, and even fourth chances. Fear and embarrassment may tempt you to avoid the places of your greatest pain, but God’s promise is that He can bring victory out of your defeat if you trust Him and move forward in faith. [06:17]

Joshua 8:1 (ESV)
And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land.”

Reflection: What is one area of past failure or defeat that you have been avoiding, and how can you take a step of faith to face it with God’s help this week?

Day 3: Seek God’s Plan, Not Your Own

Victory comes when you follow God’s instructions, not your own ideas or strategies. The Israelites failed at Ai when they relied on their own strength and pride, but when they listened to God’s specific plan, they experienced success. Even in decisions that seem small or insignificant, seeking God’s guidance through prayer is essential, because what appears minor can have a major impact on your life and future. [09:45]

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: What is one decision—big or small—that you need to bring before God in prayer today, asking for His direction instead of relying on your own understanding?

Day 4: Build Life-Giving Relationships with Godly People

You are not meant to walk out God’s calling alone. Just as Joshua surrounded himself with elders and faithful companions, you need intentional, supportive relationships with mature believers who will pray for you, encourage you, and walk with you through life’s battles. These relationships don’t happen by accident—they require purposeful investment and vulnerability, but they are essential for spiritual growth and victory. [13:20]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Reflection: Who is one godly friend or mentor you can reach out to this week to strengthen your walk with God, or how can you intentionally invest in a Christian friendship?

Day 5: Obey God Fully, Not Halfway

Partial obedience leads to disappointment and missed blessings, but full obedience brings about God’s best for your life. Like Achan, it’s easy to follow God up to a point and then do things your own way, but God’s instructions are for your benefit, not His. Just as you can’t expect good results from a recipe you don’t follow, you can’t expect God’s blessings if you pick and choose which parts of His Word to obey. [17:55]

James 1:22-25 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Reflection: Is there an area where you have been obeying God only halfway? What specific step can you take today to fully obey Him in that area?

Sermon Summary

One of the most important questions we can ever answer is, “Do you know who you are?” Many of us spend years trying to fit into different molds, never realizing that God created us with a unique purpose. When we finally discover our true identity in Christ, everything changes. The enemy loses his power to define us, and we begin to walk in the confidence of who God says we are.

Looking at the story of Joshua and the Israelites in Joshua chapters 6-8, we see a powerful lesson about obedience, failure, and redemption. The Israelites experienced a miraculous victory at Jericho when they followed God’s instructions exactly, even when those instructions didn’t make sense. But when they faced the much smaller city of Ai, they relied on their own strength and plans, neglecting to seek God. The result was a humiliating defeat that left them discouraged and afraid.

Yet God, in His mercy, called them to go back to Ai—not to avoid their place of failure, but to face it with renewed obedience and trust. This time, they listened to God’s plan, acted in unity, and experienced victory. God’s instructions were different the second time, showing that He cares about both the big and small steps in our lives. He doesn’t want us to live in fear of our past failures or to rely on our own wisdom. Instead, He calls us to seek Him in every decision, surround ourselves with godly community, and obey Him fully—not just partially.

Obedience is not about doing God a favor; it’s about aligning ourselves with His best for us. Just as you can’t expect good cookies without following the recipe, we can’t expect God’s results without following His instructions. Even after our most embarrassing defeats, God offers us another chance. He can turn our failures into victories if we trust Him, obey Him completely, and refuse to let fear or pride dictate our next steps. God is a God of second, third, and fourth chances, always ready to restore and lead us forward when we return to Him with open hearts.

Key Takeaways

1. Knowing your true identity in Christ is foundational. When you understand who God created you to be, the enemy’s lies lose their grip, and you walk in a confidence that cannot be shaken by circumstances or opinions. This deep-rooted identity is the anchor that keeps you steady through every season of life. [00:30]
2. God often calls us to face the very places of our past failures, not to shame us, but to redeem those places and show His power. Avoiding our failures out of fear only keeps us stuck, but obedience—especially when it’s hard—opens the door for God to bring victory where there was once defeat. [06:17]
3. Partial obedience is still disobedience. Like Achan, we may follow God up to a point, but true transformation and blessing come when we surrender every area of our lives to Him. God’s commands are for our benefit, not His, and full obedience positions us to receive all He has for us. [13:45]
4. God cares about both the big and small decisions in our lives. Sometimes the steps that seem insignificant end up being the most life-changing. Seeking God’s guidance in every decision, no matter how minor it appears, is essential for walking in His will and experiencing His best. [17:10]
5. We are not meant to walk alone. God designed us for community, to have relationships with mature believers who can support, challenge, and encourage us. Intentional, godly friendships are not optional—they are necessary for fulfilling God’s calling and persevering through life’s battles. [20:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - The Power of Knowing Who You Are
[02:10] - Recap: Jericho and Ai
[04:15] - The Consequences of Disobedience
[06:17] - God’s Second Chances
[08:05] - Facing Failure and Returning to Ai
[10:20] - God’s New Battle Plan
[12:30] - The Importance of Obedience
[13:45] - Partial Obedience vs. Full Obedience
[15:30] - Learning from Past Mistakes
[17:10] - Praying Over Every Decision
[18:55] - The Value of Godly Community
[20:55] - Building Intentional Relationships
[23:10] - Personal Testimony: Financial Defeat to Victory
[27:00] - Applying God’s Recipe for Life
[29:30] - Moving Forward After Failure
[32:00] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Joshua 6:1-5, 7:1-13, 8:1-8, 30-35 (ESV) —
Joshua 6:1-5
Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, as soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.”

Joshua 7:1-13
But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel... (read through verse 13 for the full context of Israel’s defeat at Ai and God’s response).

Joshua 8:1-8, 30-35
And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land. And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its livestock you shall take as plunder for yourselves. Lay an ambush against the city, behind it.” ... (read through verse 8 for the battle plan, and verses 30-35 for the altar and reading of the law).

Observation Questions

What was different about the Israelites’ approach to Jericho compared to their first attempt at Ai?
According to Joshua 8, what specific instructions did God give Joshua for the second attack on Ai?
What role did obedience (or disobedience) play in the outcomes of the battles at Jericho and Ai?
After the victory at Ai, what did Joshua do on Mount Ebal, and why was this significant?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God required the Israelites to return to the place of their failure (Ai) instead of just moving on? What might God have wanted to teach them through this?
The sermon says, “Partial obedience is still disobedience.” Why is full obedience so important in our relationship with God?
How does knowing your true identity in Christ help you resist the enemy’s lies and walk in confidence, according to the sermon?
Why do you think God sometimes gives us different instructions for similar situations (like Jericho vs. Ai)? What does this say about seeking God’s guidance in every decision?

Application Questions

The sermon talked about the importance of knowing who you are in Christ. Are there any labels or lies you’ve believed about yourself that you need to let go of? What would it look like to walk in your true identity this week?
Is there a “place of failure” in your life that you’ve been avoiding out of fear or shame? What would it look like to face it with renewed trust and obedience to God?
Think about a recent decision you made without really seeking God’s guidance. How might things have been different if you had prayed and listened for His direction? What’s one decision coming up where you can intentionally seek God’s plan?
The sermon said, “Partial obedience is still disobedience.” Are there areas in your life where you’re only obeying God halfway? What’s one step you can take toward full obedience this week?
The Israelites experienced victory when they acted in unity and followed God’s plan together. Who are the “godly community” or mature believers in your life that you can lean on for support and accountability? How can you be more intentional about building those relationships?
The pastor shared a personal story about financial defeat and how God brought victory through obedience and applying biblical wisdom. Is there an area of your life (finances, relationships, habits, etc.) where you need to start following God’s “recipe” more closely? What’s one practical change you can make this week?
God is a God of second, third, and fourth chances. Is there something in your past that you need to bring to God for forgiveness and a fresh start? How can you remind yourself of God’s grace when you’re tempted to give up?

Sermon Clips

One of the most important questions you will ever figure out in your entire life is do you know who you are? I spent most of my life not knowing. I spent most of my life with no idea who I was trying to make myself into nine million different things never knowing who I was created to be. When I figured out who I was created to be it changed everything because God created you with a purpose. God created you on purpose for a purpose. When you figure out what God created you to be it changes everything. [00:00:22] (28 seconds) #KnowYourPurpose

Know who you are and I tell you what one of the most powerful things about knowing who you are is the devil can't tell you you're somebody that you're not anymore. You'll spend your whole life if you're not sure your devil will try to put every single kind of definition on you. He will tell you you're worthless. He'll tell you you're useless and if you don't know who you are you start to believe him because he repeats it over and over and over again. But when you finally figure out who you are and you know it all the way down deep in your heart no one else can tell you you're anything else. [00:01:01] (28 seconds) #UnshakableIdentity

What you're not going to do is avoid past failures because you're afraid god told them to go back to i again and i can imagine what the people of israel are thinking like god says go back to ai and the first thought i'd have go through my mind is like yeah i've been there done that uh didn't go so well for me i'm not in a big hurry to head back. [00:12:56] (17 seconds) #FacingFearWithFaith

My next point is what you're not going to do is use your plan instead of God's plan we kind of alluded to that a minute ago in Joshua chapter 7 the Israelites went up against I and they did it with their plan they didn't pray first they didn't seek God they didn't do it God's way they let their pride and their arrogance again they looked at this little city and they're like man this this is nothing we don't have to pray about this we can just go in there and take the city what a painful reminder that that's not the way it works and very often God cares about your big steps and God cares about your little steps too and this is a perfect reminder of that because they prayed about Jericho because they walked up to Jericho and they see the 50 -foot wall six feet thick and like man there there's no way we can defeat Jericho without God's help so they prayed and they asked God what to do and they asked God for help and they followed his plan exactly but then they look at I and they're going man we got this we don't we don't need God for this step this is just a little step we'll just take this ourselves and we see how that went for him right. [00:16:29] (55 seconds) #SmallStepsBigImpact

Joshua had a mission and he brought friends and these weren't just any friends they were the elders of Israel these were men who knew God there is the the elders of Israel supported Joshua and Joshua supported them this was the kind of this this is the kind of friendships that you want to build in your life these are the kind of people that you want to have relationship with where they know God they support you you support them I pray for you you pray for me those are critical relationships in your life you need to have those relationships these if you're going to walk out what God's calling on your life these relationships are required they're not optional do you hear what I'm saying these relationships are required they're not optional these relationships are built on purpose these are not relationships that accidentally happen. [00:18:39] (44 seconds) #StrongerTogether

Do you understand that every single thing that God told you to do is for your benefit not his obedience was never required for God to be great God was complete happy before he invented man if anything man's been a massive headache to him everybody in this room included you have been a massive headache to God if anything praise God for his grace for us we somehow think that when we're obedient to God we're doing something nice for God everything God told you to do is for your benefit God knows the things happening in your life God knows the good things he has planned for you and he knows how to get you there God tells us to do things because it's good for us not because it's good for him. [00:22:56] (44 seconds) #FollowTheRecipe

What you're not gonna do is let your past failure stop you from moving forward it's very easy to take your failures and let your failures paralyze you and hold you somewhere or to ignore the failures in your life and not address them again we start working around them instead of going through them like God commands us to when the Bible tells us not to be afraid that's a blanket statement don't let fear run your life don't let fear be your main decision -making tool I've been there making decisions out of fear is never going to get you to the bold place God wants you to be start relying on God start relying on what God can do remember who your God is remember that you serve a miracle working God if he can bring people back from the dead he can work miracles in your life stop stop living in fear and start trusting God. [00:29:26] (51 seconds) #AllInFaith

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the importance of knowing your true identity in Christ

How can fear of past failures hinder spiritual progress

What role does obedience play in experiencing God's promises