Embracing Newness: Transforming Our Identity in Christ
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God is always doing a new thing in our lives. Drawing from Isaiah 43:18-19, we are reminded not to dwell on the past, whether it be our successes or failures, as these can hinder our ability to perceive and receive the new things God is doing. The Hebrew word "zaka" teaches us to not let past influences control our present and future. This is crucial because our perception shapes our reception.
We delved into the idea that being in Christ means we are constantly in the new. Our identity as new creations in Christ allows us to experience new mercies, revelations, and transformations. This newness is not bound by chronological time but is a continuous state of being. God, who is outside of time, desires to do new things in our lives, and it is our identity in Him that enables us to move from glory to glory.
The message also highlighted the importance of having a mindset that aligns with our identity in Christ. Romans 12 urges us to renew our minds, letting go of old patterns of thinking that keep us in a state of spiritual stagnation. The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land serves as a cautionary tale of how failing to change our mindset can keep us in a place of in-between, never fully stepping into the promises of God.
We are reminded that as heirs of God, we have access to His abundance and provision. Our identity as sons and daughters of God allows us to approach Him boldly, knowing that He is more than capable of meeting our needs. This understanding should transform how we live, moving us from a mindset of lack to one of abundance.
Finally, we are encouraged to embrace the newness of life in Christ, even amidst trials and tribulations. Like Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament from prison, our circumstances do not define us. Instead, our Savior leads us into newness, empowering us to live victoriously.
Key Takeaways:
1. Perception and Reception: Our ability to perceive God's new work in our lives determines our ability to receive it. We must let go of past influences, both good and bad, to fully embrace the new things God is doing. [06:24]
2. Identity in Christ: Being in Christ means we are constantly in a state of newness. Our identity as new creations allows us to experience new mercies, revelations, and transformations, independent of chronological time. [08:39]
3. Renewing the Mind: To step into the newness God has for us, we must renew our minds and let go of old patterns of thinking. This transformation is essential for moving from spiritual stagnation to the promises of God. [21:37]
4. Heirs of Abundance: As heirs of God, we have access to His abundance and provision. Our identity as His children allows us to approach Him boldly, knowing He is capable of meeting our needs. [15:20]
5. Living Victoriously: Our circumstances do not define us; our Savior does. Even in trials, we are empowered to live victoriously, embracing the newness of life in Christ. [23:55]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[06:24] - Perception and Reception
[07:33] - New Creation in Christ
[08:39] - Identity and Newness
[09:41] - New Mercies and Revelations
[12:03] - Beyond Past Miracles
[13:34] - Pathways in the Wilderness
[15:20] - Heirs of Abundance
[16:33] - Boldly Approaching God
[19:41] - Adopted and Chosen
[20:54] - Living Seated, Not Defeated
[21:37] - Renewing the Mind
[23:55] - Embracing Newness in Trials
[24:53] - Prayer and Declaration
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
3. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 43:18-19 suggest about how we should view our past experiences? [06:24]
2. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what does it mean to be a new creation in Christ? [07:33]
3. How does Romans 12:2 describe the process of transformation in a believer's life? [21:37]
4. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the concept of living in the "new"? [08:39]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the concept of "forgetting the former things" in Isaiah 43:18-19 apply to both positive and negative past experiences? [06:24]
2. What implications does being a "new creation" have for a believer's identity and daily life according to 2 Corinthians 5:17? [07:33]
3. How does the renewal of the mind, as described in Romans 12:2, enable believers to perceive and receive the new things God is doing? [21:37]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our perception influences our ability to receive God's new work in our lives? [06:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a past success or failure that you find difficult to let go of. How might holding onto this past experience be affecting your ability to perceive new things God is doing in your life? [06:24]
2. In what areas of your life do you need to embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ? How can this understanding transform your daily actions and decisions? [08:39]
3. Identify an old pattern of thinking that you need to let go of. What steps can you take this week to renew your mind and align it with God's promises? [21:37]
4. How can you shift from a mindset of lack to one of abundance, knowing that you are an heir of God? What practical changes can you make in your life to reflect this mindset? [15:20]
5. Think of a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can you embrace the newness of life in Christ to live victoriously despite your circumstances? [23:55]
6. What specific action can you take this week to boldly approach God, trusting in His provision and abundance? [16:33]
7. How can you encourage someone else in your life to perceive and embrace the new things God is doing in their life? What role can you play in supporting their journey? [13:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Letting Go to Receive Anew
In life, our ability to perceive the new things God is doing is often hindered by our attachment to the past. Whether it is past successes or failures, these experiences can cloud our vision and prevent us from embracing the new work God is doing in our lives. The Hebrew word "zaka" emphasizes the importance of not allowing past influences to control our present and future. By letting go of these influences, we open ourselves to perceive and receive the new things God is doing. This process requires a conscious effort to release the past and trust in God's continuous work in our lives. [06:24]
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 past success or failure are you holding onto that might be hindering your ability to perceive what God is doing in your life today? How can you begin to let go of it?
Day 2: Embracing Our New Identity
Being in Christ means living in a state of constant newness. Our identity as new creations allows us to experience new mercies, revelations, and transformations that are not bound by chronological time. God, who exists outside of time, desires to do new things in our lives, and it is through our identity in Him that we can move from glory to glory. This newness is a continuous state of being, not a one-time event, and it invites us to live in the fullness of our identity in Christ. [08:39]
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: How does your understanding of being a new creation in Christ influence your daily life? What new mercies or revelations have you experienced recently?
Day 3: Transforming the Mind
To step into the newness God has for us, we must renew our minds and let go of old patterns of thinking. Romans 12 urges believers to transform their minds, which is essential for moving from spiritual stagnation to the promises of God. The journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land serves as a cautionary tale of how failing to change our mindset can keep us in a place of in-between, never fully stepping into God's promises. Renewing the mind is a daily practice that aligns our thoughts with our identity in Christ. [21:37]
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 old patterns of thinking are you holding onto that might be keeping you from experiencing the fullness of God's promises? How can you begin to renew your mind today?
Day 4: Living as Heirs of Abundance
As heirs of God, we have access to His abundance and provision. Our identity as sons and daughters of God allows us to approach Him boldly, knowing that He is more than capable of meeting our needs. This understanding should transform how we live, moving us from a mindset of lack to one of abundance. Embracing our identity as heirs of God invites us to live with confidence and trust in His provision, regardless of our circumstances. [15:20]
Ephesians 1:18-19 (ESV): "Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with a mindset of lack? How can you begin to embrace your identity as an heir of God's abundance today?
Day 5: Victorious Living Amidst Trials
Our circumstances do not define us; our Savior does. Even in trials, we are empowered to live victoriously, embracing the newness of life in Christ. Like Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament from prison, our circumstances do not limit God's work in our lives. Instead, they can become opportunities for growth and transformation. Embracing the newness of life in Christ means living victoriously, regardless of our external circumstances, and trusting in God's power to lead us through trials. [23:55]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from your current circumstances to the eternal work God is doing in your life? What steps can you take to live victoriously amidst trials today?
Quotes
"The clothes on their back, they had lost everything. And they would have remembered the stories of Egypt, how they'd got out of Egypt, but all of these, all they had experienced was slavery their whole life. So in the context of the prophet turning up and saying God is going to do a new thing, with what?" [00:05:29] (20 seconds)
"there's two pieces of glass before you, there's a little one called a rear vision mirror and there's a big one called the windscreen. And too many people live their life looking in the rear vision mirror and they wonder why they're crashing all the time." [00:06:24] (16 seconds)
"Because they're not looking forward, they're looking back. You come to a church, you got hurt by a... in church life and you're always looking back so you wanna get involved but then that same feeling happens around you and so you look back again and you go nowhere and you crash and you go, well, I crashed in that church, I'll go to another church. But because you're living in the rear vision mirror, you never step into the new." [00:06:40] (28 seconds)
"These people had been in slavery, they'd been in exile, they'd never experienced the goodness of God and God steps in and says, I'm gonna do a new thing. you today. Do you perceive that God is doing a new thing?" [00:07:08] (25 seconds)
"What's a new thing? You in Christ. So whenever you're in Christ, you're always in the new. You're in Christ, you're in the new. So if God's gonna do a new thing, He's not, the word there, new thing is hadash, which in the Hebrew, it's not talking about chronological newness. You're not going from 2024 and at New Year's Eve, you're saying, God, my goal for this year is this and I want you to do a new thing. God isn't controlled by chronological time. He's outside of time. He is the alpha and He is the omega. Omega, He's not turning a page when He says He's doing a new thing." [00:07:52] (47 seconds)
"It's His desire to do a new thing. What is a new thing? You and I living, it's not an occasion. A new thing is an occasion. A new I'm a new creation. My identity. My identity is now new. I'm in Christ. So I'm new. That means I can have new songs. That means I can have new mercies every morning. That means I can have new revelation. That means I can go from glory to glory. Why? because of my education? No, because I'm in Christ, I'm new." [00:08:39] (53 seconds)
"Let me suggest to you that as easy was for me to buy a lollipop, it's far more easier for our Father who has no limit, has no lack, created the world to provide your need, your miracle, your breakthrough, your blessing, but if you don't have the identity as a son and you have an identity as a slave, you will not perceive He has a new thing" [00:18:22] (41 seconds)
"Ephesians 2 .6 says we are seated with Christ in heavenly places. The problem is too many Christians don't live seated, they live defeated. And the reason why they live defeated is because they don't perceive anyone who is in Christ as a new creation. So they let their circumstance dominate their sonship and their daughtership. That doesn't mean the circumstances aren't real. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I walk through it. I don't live there. I walk through it." [00:19:52] (36 seconds)
"Romans 12, don't be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So we got to let go of some old thinking to step into the newness and you are a new creation so you have the ability to let it go. See, the problem with the children of Israel, they left Egypt, but Egypt didn't get out of them. Their destiny wasn't the wilderness and their destiny actually wasn't just getting out of slavery. Their destiny was the promised land." [00:21:37] (36 seconds)
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