Embracing Our Identity: Adopted, Appointed, Anointed
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered to worship our almighty God, the cosmic architect, and to marvel at His creative genius. We began by reading Psalm 57:7-11 together, which speaks of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. We prayed for renewal and for the Holy Spirit to fill us afresh, making us living sacrifices devoted to God.
We celebrated the generosity of our congregation, which has helped us exceed our financial targets and increase our involvement in the church's life and mission. We also announced upcoming events, including a men's weekend and my upcoming sabbatical. We prayed for our offering and for our children as they went to their respective classes.
The core of today's message focused on three powerful words: adopted, appointed, and anointed. Drawing from Ephesians 1:3-14, we explored the radical and liberating nature of our identity in Christ. We are adopted into God's family, appointed for His mission, and anointed with every spiritual blessing. This identity empowers us to make a difference in the world, wherever we are and whatever we do.
We discussed the importance of recognizing our spiritual tools and using them wisely. These tools are not just for our benefit but for advancing God's kingdom. We are called to be thermostats, setting the spiritual temperature around us, rather than thermometers that merely react to the environment.
We concluded with a reminder that our faith is a radical and rebellious act against the world's norms. We are equipped with every spiritual blessing to live out our mission. As we shared communion, we remembered the sacrifice of Jesus and our covenant with God. We welcomed new members into our church family and prayed for continued growth and unity.
### Key Takeaways
1. Adopted into God's Family: Our adoption into God's family is a profound transformation that changes everything about us. It gives us a new identity and purpose, empowering us to stand for justice and be advocates for others. This adoption is not based on our merits but on God's grace and love. [01:06:02]
2. Appointed for a Mission: We are appointed by God for a specific mission in this world. This appointment is not just about our final destination in heaven but about living out our faith here and now. We are ambassadors of Christ, called to bring unity and advance God's kingdom wherever we are. [01:13:17]
3. Anointed with Spiritual Blessings: We are anointed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. These blessings are tools that equip us to face life's challenges and fulfill our mission. Whether it's strength, wisdom, or resilience, God's provision is unlimited and always available to us. [01:18:27]
4. Living Radically for Christ: True Christianity is a radical and rebellious act against the norms of this world. It calls us to live differently, to be thermostats that set the spiritual temperature rather than thermometers that merely react. This radical faith is what makes us effective witnesses for Christ. [01:04:36]
5. The Power of Community and Covenant: Our journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. We are part of a larger family, the Kingdom of Heaven, and we are called to support and encourage one another. Our covenant with God and each other strengthens us and helps us grow in our relationship with Him. [01:29:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[13:37] - Psalm 57 Reading
[14:22] - Prayer for Renewal
[33:14] - Announcements and Updates
[37:44] - Generosity Appeal Update
[39:13] - Serving Opportunities
[40:41] - Men's Weekend Announcement
[43:15] - Prayer for Offering
[44:54] - Sharing Jesus Stories
[50:09] - Ephesians 1:3-14 Reading
[56:13] - Adopted, Appointed, Anointed
[01:00:32] - Identity in Christ
[01:03:01] - Radical Faith
[01:06:02] - Covenant with God
[01:09:03] - Chosen and Sealed by the Holy Spirit
[01:13:17] - Living Out Our Mission
[01:18:27] - Spiritual Toolbox
[01:24:34] - Thermostat vs. Thermometer
[01:26:39] - Communion and The Lord's Prayer
[01:27:55] - Welcoming New Members
[01:32:19] - Simplicity in Communion
[01:48:26] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 57:7-11
- Ephesians 1:3-14
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 57:7-11 say about God's love and faithfulness?
2. According to Ephesians 1:3-14, what are the three key aspects of our identity in Christ? [56:13]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between being a thermostat and a thermometer in a spiritual context? [01:23:42]
4. What examples were given in the sermon about using our spiritual tools wisely? [01:18:27]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our adoption into God's family change our perspective on our identity and purpose? [01:06:02]
2. What does it mean to be appointed for a mission in the context of our daily lives? [01:13:17]
3. How can recognizing our anointing with spiritual blessings help us face life's challenges? [01:18:27]
4. In what ways is living out our faith described as a radical and rebellious act against the world's norms? [01:04:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How does knowing you are adopted into God's family impact the way you view yourself and others? [01:06:02]
2. What specific mission do you feel God has appointed you for in your current season of life? How can you live this out more intentionally? [01:13:17]
3. Identify a spiritual blessing you feel you need more of right now (e.g., strength, wisdom, resilience). How can you actively seek and utilize this blessing in your daily life? [01:18:27]
4. Think of a situation where you have been more of a thermometer, merely reacting to your environment. How can you become a thermostat and set the spiritual temperature instead? [01:23:42]
5. How can you support and encourage others in your church community to recognize and use their spiritual tools for advancing God's kingdom? [01:29:35]
6. What steps can you take to live out your faith more radically, challenging the norms of the world around you? [01:04:36]
7. Reflect on a recent experience where you felt God's provision in your life. How can this experience strengthen your faith and encourage others? [01:18:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Adopted into God's Family
Our adoption into God's family is a profound transformation that changes everything about us. It gives us a new identity and purpose, empowering us to stand for justice and be advocates for others. This adoption is not based on our merits but on God's grace and love. When we understand that we are adopted, we realize that we belong to a family that transcends earthly ties. This divine adoption means we are heirs to God's promises and recipients of His unwavering love. It also calls us to extend that same love and grace to others, reflecting the heart of our Heavenly Father.
As adopted children of God, we are called to live out this new identity in our daily lives. This means embracing our role as advocates for justice, showing compassion, and standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Our adoption is a testament to God's inclusive love, and it challenges us to break down barriers and build bridges in our communities. Let us remember that our worth and identity are rooted in God's love, not in our achievements or failures. [01:06:02]
Ephesians 1:5-6 (ESV): "He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who feels marginalized or unloved. How can you show them the love and acceptance that comes from being part of God's family today?
Day 2: Appointed for a Mission
We are appointed by God for a specific mission in this world. This appointment is not just about our final destination in heaven but about living out our faith here and now. We are ambassadors of Christ, called to bring unity and advance God's kingdom wherever we are. This mission is a divine calling that gives our lives purpose and direction. It challenges us to look beyond our personal ambitions and to see the bigger picture of God's plan for humanity.
Living out our mission means being intentional in our actions and interactions. It means seeking opportunities to share the love of Christ and to be a light in the darkness. Our appointment is a reminder that we are not here by accident; we have a divine purpose to fulfill. As we go about our daily lives, let us be mindful of the ways we can contribute to God's mission, whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or standing up for what is right. [01:13:17]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can act as an ambassador for Christ in your workplace, school, or community today?
Day 3: Anointed with Spiritual Blessings
We are anointed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. These blessings are tools that equip us to face life's challenges and fulfill our mission. Whether it's strength, wisdom, or resilience, God's provision is unlimited and always available to us. Understanding our anointing means recognizing that we are not left to navigate life on our own; we have divine resources at our disposal.
These spiritual blessings are not just for our benefit but for the advancement of God's kingdom. They empower us to overcome obstacles, to persevere in difficult times, and to be effective in our witness for Christ. As we tap into these blessings, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and His commitment to equip us for every good work. Let us be diligent in seeking and utilizing these blessings, knowing that they are given to us for a purpose. [01:18:27]
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's spiritual blessings to navigate this challenge today?
Day 4: Living Radically for Christ
True Christianity is a radical and rebellious act against the norms of this world. It calls us to live differently, to be thermostats that set the spiritual temperature rather than thermometers that merely react. This radical faith is what makes us effective witnesses for Christ. Living radically for Christ means embracing a lifestyle that may seem countercultural, but it is rooted in the truth of God's Word.
Being a thermostat in our spiritual lives means actively influencing our environment with the love and truth of Christ. It means standing firm in our convictions, even when it is unpopular or difficult. This radical faith challenges us to be bold in our witness, to live with integrity, and to prioritize God's kingdom above all else. As we strive to live radically for Christ, let us remember that we are not alone; we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to make a difference in the world. [01:04:36]
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: In what area of your life do you feel called to be a thermostat rather than a thermometer? How can you take a step towards setting the spiritual temperature in that area today?
Day 5: The Power of Community and Covenant
Our journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. We are part of a larger family, the Kingdom of Heaven, and we are called to support and encourage one another. Our covenant with God and each other strengthens us and helps us grow in our relationship with Him. The power of community lies in its ability to provide accountability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
Being part of a faith community means sharing in each other's joys and burdens, praying for one another, and working together to advance God's kingdom. Our covenant with God is a reminder of His faithfulness and His commitment to us, and it calls us to be faithful in our relationships with others. As we engage in community, let us be intentional in building meaningful connections and supporting one another in our walk with Christ. [01:29:35]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Think of someone in your faith community who may need encouragement or support. How can you reach out to them and offer your support today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever you do in your ordinary place, your scattered place, however insignificant you may feel, you have the ability to make all the difference in the world, whoever you are." [01:00:32] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There is nothing more radical than being a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Why? Because it's the cement that holds our identity. We are never lost when we're rooted in Christ. No matter how tough life will be, even if suffering is there and you're encountering it in a life-threatening way." [01:03:01] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and you will be equipped with all the tools from heaven, as it says in Ephesians 1. You're desperate to know what's in there, aren't you? You might be disappointed." [01:17:08] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Whoever believes in me, Jesus says, as scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow. Rivers of living water will flow from within them. Whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever you do, as a child of God, you will make all the difference in the world. If you embrace that you are adopted and appointed and anointed." [01:24:34] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Being a Christian is seriously radical business. Most people will keep out of the way. We've heard this for many years, decades now. If somebody's been mugged on the street, we walk the other side. You know, we've got a story about that in the scriptures, haven't we? The Good Samaritan." [01:16:09] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We are adopted. We are appointed. We are anointed. This is... I don't know about you, but it's absolutely liberating. It's absolutely radical. It's absolutely rebellious to go against this world. It's crazy." [01:01:26] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul reminds us in this short Jewish-style poetic praise of God's good news that we are adopted, we are appointed, we are anointed Christ's brothers and sisters, citizens of God. We are of the same family, God's kingdom." [01:02:08] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you recognise your adoption into God's family, it changes everything about us, doesn't it? And you get involved in things that you would never have got involved in before because you want to stand for justice. You want to stand against injustice. You want to be an advocate for other people." [01:08:31] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are ambassadors of Christ to this world. We bear testimonies of who he is to live the mission of Jesus. We are who we are. We are who we are. Wherever we are and whatever we do, and through the Holy Spirit, we are convicted, compelled to live for God's glory, to love one another and to make Jesus known." [01:13:17] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you have given your life to Jesus, you are marked. You have God's seal on your life. You are adopted. You are appointed. You are anointed. Whoever believes in me, Jesus says, as scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow. Rivers of living water will flow from within them." [01:24:34] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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