Embracing Our Heavenly Identity Through Christ's Ascension

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored the profound truth of Jesus' ascension and its significance for our lives as Christians. We began by acknowledging the common struggle to believe certain biblical truths, such as the advantage of Jesus' departure from this world. Jesus' statement in John 16:7, "It is to your advantage that I go away," challenges us to understand the deeper implications of His ascension. This event is not merely a historical footnote but a pivotal moment that shapes our identity and reality as believers.

The ascension of Christ is a celebration of His return to glory, a glory He shares with the Father and the Holy Spirit. It marks His enthronement as the King of Kings, seated at the right hand of God, far above all earthly and heavenly powers. This exaltation is not just for His sake but for ours. It assures us that our identity is rooted in the heavenly realm, not in the transient and often hostile world around us. As citizens of heaven, we are part of a kingdom that is eternal and unshakeable.

Paul's letter to the Ephesians serves as a meditation on this truth, urging us to grasp the fullness of our identity in Christ. We are called to live by faith in what is true in heaven, not by what we see or experience on earth. This heavenly perspective fills us with joy, gratitude, and a sense of the immeasurable riches we have in Christ. The ascension also means that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, is present with each of us, empowering us with His strength and peace.

Moreover, the ascension signifies the lavish gifts Christ bestows upon His church. The Holy Spirit, the great gift of the ascended Christ, connects us to Jesus, enabling us to receive His truth, life, and joy. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, and these blessings are not just for the future but are ours to experience now. As we embrace our identity in Christ, we are reminded that being a Christian is not a loss but a gain, a reality that transcends any earthly status or power.

Key Takeaways:

- The ascension of Christ is a pivotal event that affirms our identity as citizens of heaven, reminding us that our true home and identity are in the eternal kingdom of God. This perspective challenges us to live by faith in what is true in heaven, not by what we see on earth. [11:29]

- Jesus' enthronement in heaven assures us of His immeasurable power and authority over all earthly and heavenly powers. This truth encourages us to trust in His sovereignty and to find peace in His reign, knowing that nothing happens outside His purpose. [24:20]

- The Holy Spirit, the great gift of the ascended Christ, connects us to Jesus and empowers us with His truth, life, and joy. Through the Spirit, we receive every spiritual blessing, enabling us to live as part of the heavenly temple and household of God. [39:53]

- Our identity in Christ is marked by the riches of His grace, mercy, and love. These riches are not just future promises but present realities that we can experience now, filling us with hope and assurance in our walk with God. [45:54]

- Being a Christian is a gain, not a loss. Despite any earthly challenges or perceptions of weakness, we are part of an eternal kingdom, and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. This truth calls us to rejoice in our identity and to live with confidence in His promises. [49:02]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - Introduction and Humor
[01:11] - Hard to Believe Truths
[02:32] - The Advantage of Jesus' Departure
[03:40] - Understanding the Ascension
[05:19] - Christian Identity in Ephesians
[07:07] - Ephesus: A City of Pride
[09:40] - The Glory of Christian Identity
[11:29] - Living by Faith in Heavenly Truth
[15:02] - Christ's Glorification and Power
[19:46] - The Fullness of Christ
[24:20] - Immeasurable Power of Christ
[29:40] - Christ's Concern for His Church
[32:06] - The Presence of Jesus Through the Spirit
[39:53] - The Holy Spirit: Our Great Gift
[45:54] - Riches of Grace and Identity in Christ
[49:02] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 16:7 - "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you."
2. Ephesians 1:19-23 - "And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."
3. Acts 1:9-11 - "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'"

Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus promise will happen if He goes away, according to John 16:7? How does this promise relate to the role of the Holy Spirit? [32:06]
2. In Ephesians 1:19-23, what is described as being under Christ's authority, and how does this relate to His position in the heavenly places? [16:56]
3. How does the description of Jesus' ascension in Acts 1:9-11 emphasize the significance of His return to heaven? [04:55]
4. What are some of the key attributes of Christ's power and authority mentioned in the sermon, and how do they impact our understanding of His reign? [24:20]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the ascension of Christ challenge the way Christians view their identity and citizenship? What does it mean to be a citizen of heaven? [13:34]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the ascension of Christ provides believers with strength and peace through the Holy Spirit? [32:06]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of living by faith in what is true in heaven rather than what is seen on earth? What practical implications does this have for believers? [11:29]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between Christ's ascension and the spiritual blessings believers receive? How are these blessings experienced in the present? [42:56]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to believe a biblical truth. How can the understanding of Christ's ascension help you overcome similar struggles in the future? [01:11]
2. How can you cultivate a mindset that prioritizes your identity as a citizen of heaven over earthly identities or achievements? What practical steps can you take this week? [13:34]
3. In what ways can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you with Christ's truth, life, and joy in your daily life? Identify one area where you need His strength. [32:06]
4. Consider the challenges you face that make you feel weak or powerless. How can the knowledge of Christ's immeasurable power and authority provide you with peace and confidence? [24:20]
5. How can you actively embrace and experience the spiritual blessings that are yours in Christ? Choose one blessing to focus on and describe how you will incorporate it into your life this week. [42:56]
6. Think about a situation where you need to live by faith in what is true in heaven rather than what you see on earth. How can you apply this heavenly perspective to that situation? [11:29]
7. How can you share the hope and assurance of your identity in Christ with someone who may not understand or appreciate it? Identify one person you can encourage this week. [10:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Our Heavenly Citizenship Shapes Our Earthly Perspective
The ascension of Christ is not just a historical event but a transformative truth that redefines our identity as Christians. It reminds us that our true home is in the eternal kingdom of God, and our identity is rooted in the heavenly realm. This perspective challenges us to live by faith in what is true in heaven, rather than being swayed by the transient and often hostile world around us. As citizens of heaven, we are called to embrace a heavenly mindset, which fills us with joy, gratitude, and a sense of the immeasurable riches we have in Christ. This heavenly perspective empowers us to navigate the challenges of life with hope and assurance, knowing that our true identity is secure in Christ. [11:29]

Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself today that your true identity is as a citizen of heaven, especially when faced with earthly challenges or distractions?


Day 2: Trusting in Christ's Sovereign Reign
Jesus' enthronement in heaven assures us of His immeasurable power and authority over all earthly and heavenly powers. This truth encourages us to trust in His sovereignty and to find peace in His reign, knowing that nothing happens outside His purpose. As believers, we are invited to rest in the knowledge that Christ is in control, even when circumstances seem uncertain or overwhelming. His reign is a source of comfort and strength, providing us with the assurance that He is working all things for our good and His glory. By trusting in His sovereign reign, we can experience a deep sense of peace and confidence in our daily lives. [24:20]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in Christ's sovereignty? How can you intentionally surrender this area to Him today?


Day 3: The Holy Spirit Empowers Us with Christ's Presence
The Holy Spirit, the great gift of the ascended Christ, connects us to Jesus and empowers us with His truth, life, and joy. Through the Spirit, we receive every spiritual blessing, enabling us to live as part of the heavenly temple and household of God. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a constant reminder that we are never alone, and we have access to the strength and peace of Christ. This empowerment allows us to live out our faith with boldness and confidence, knowing that we are equipped with everything we need to fulfill God's purposes for our lives. [39:53]

John 14:16-17 (ESV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

Reflection: How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life today, and in what ways can you rely on His empowerment to face your current challenges?


Day 4: Experiencing the Riches of Grace in Christ
Our identity in Christ is marked by the riches of His grace, mercy, and love. These riches are not just future promises but present realities that we can experience now, filling us with hope and assurance in our walk with God. As believers, we are invited to embrace the fullness of our identity in Christ, recognizing that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. This understanding transforms the way we live, as we are empowered to walk in the confidence of who we are in Christ and to share His love and grace with others. [45:54]

Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."

Reflection: Reflect on a specific area of your life where you need to experience the riches of God's grace. How can you open your heart to receive His grace and allow it to transform you today?


Day 5: Rejoicing in Our Eternal Gain
Being a Christian is a gain, not a loss. Despite any earthly challenges or perceptions of weakness, we are part of an eternal kingdom, and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. This truth calls us to rejoice in our identity and to live with confidence in His promises. As believers, we are invited to embrace the reality that our lives are secure in Christ, and we have an eternal inheritance that cannot be shaken. This perspective empowers us to live with joy and purpose, knowing that our ultimate hope and fulfillment are found in Him. [49:02]

Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and joy today, knowing that your life is hidden with Christ in God and that you are part of an eternal kingdom?

Quotes


The ascension of Christ is a celebration of His return to glory, a glory He shares with the Father and the Holy Spirit. It marks His enthronement as the King of Kings, seated at the right hand of God, far above all earthly and heavenly powers. This exaltation is not just for His sake but for ours. It assures us that our identity is rooted in the heavenly realm, not in the transient and often hostile world around us. [00:15:02]

Paul's letter to the Ephesians serves as a meditation on this truth, urging us to grasp the fullness of our identity in Christ. We are called to live by faith in what is true in heaven, not by what we see or experience on earth. This heavenly perspective fills us with joy, gratitude, and a sense of the immeasurable riches we have in Christ. [00:11:29]

The ascension signifies the lavish gifts Christ bestows upon His church. The Holy Spirit, the great gift of the ascended Christ, connects us to Jesus, enabling us to receive His truth, life, and joy. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, and these blessings are not just for the future but are ours to experience now. [00:39:53]

Being a Christian is a gain, not a loss. Despite any earthly challenges or perceptions of weakness, we are part of an eternal kingdom, and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. This truth calls us to rejoice in our identity and to live with confidence in His promises. [00:49:02]

You are who you are, Christian, in light of who Christ is today for you in heaven. And what Paul is calling all of us to is a recognition that we have to live and we have to identify ourselves by faith in what is true in heaven; not by what is true on earth, either in terms of what we see or what we experience. [00:11:29]

The ascension speaks of how Christ is now glorified in heaven. He is taken up to the place from which He came. His ascension is His return home. He, for all eternity, had been glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit. And it was only in leaving that eternal glory, to be incarnated, to be humiliated, to be part of the fallen world that He had come to save sinners. [00:14:20]

The power of Christ is so great, it is immeasurable. Now, one of the things that modern science has done for us in really remarkable and wonderful ways is to give us the ability to measure things. We can measure light years. But what Paul is saying is if you got all the scientists in the whole world together with every measurement ability that they possess, they could not measure the greatness of the power of Christ glorified in heaven. [00:24:20]

And Paul has written the letter of Ephesians to help Christians grasp more fully their identity in Christ and what being a Christian really means, and he is helping them to see that particularly by meditating on the ascension. You are who you are, Christian, in light of who Christ is today for you in heaven. [00:11:29]

And that glorious place allows Him to give forth a glorious plenitude. It's amazing to go through the letter to the Ephesians and underline words like 'all' and 'fullness.' He is the fullness of Him who fills all in all. What does that mean? I don't have a clue. But it's good, isn't it? It's a splendid thing. It has to be a splendid thing. [00:19:46]

The Holy Spirit is, in many ways, the great gift that Christ gives to His people because in that gift so many other gifts are contained. In John’s Gospel, we read that Jesus very explicitly said to them, "It is to your advantage that I go away because if I go away I go to prepare a place for you in my heavenly temple. [00:39:53]

Paul says rejoice in who you are. You are a Christian. You are a citizen of heaven. You are part of the household of God. You are a living stone in the temple that is already in heaven. You are already there with Him because you're in Him, and you're linked to Him by the Holy Spirit. [00:45:54]

And Paul wanted them, as he wants us, to be filled with a sense of joy, with a sense of gratitude, with a sense of almost delirium in what we really have in Christ, who we are in Christ. The language of Paul in this letter almost trips over itself in trying to pile up the statements of how great it is to be in Christ. [00:11:29]

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Transcript
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