Embracing Our Identity and Authority in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of identity in Christ and how it forms the foundation of our authority and power as believers. We began by acknowledging that many of us spend our lives managing the identities handed to us by our past, rather than embracing the new identity given to us in Christ. This new identity is not something we earn; it is a gift of grace, a union with God that transforms us into new creations. In Christ, we are empowered to do all things, as Paul declares in Philippians 4:13.
The journey begins with surrender, a step that requires us to live outside of ourselves and in Him. Surrendering to Christ is not about losing control but stepping into a new identity that transforms every aspect of life. The Gospel's goal is not to affirm us as we are but to rescue, transform, and redirect us into this new identity. Our authority and power flow from this identity, not from our own efforts or merits.
We delved into the distinction between authority and power, using the analogy of a police officer who, despite lacking physical power, commands authority through their position. Similarly, our authority in Christ is not based on our strength but on the sovereign power of God backing us. This authority is granted, not earned, and it is available to every believer.
We also examined the story of Jacob, whom God called a "worm" yet transformed into a powerful instrument. This illustrates that our identity in Christ overcomes our human frailties and limitations. We are not defined by our weaknesses but by the authority and power given to us through our union with Christ.
Finally, we were challenged to identify with our identity in Christ, to walk in the authority granted to us, and to experience the power that comes from this divine relationship. This is not about living in the identity handed to us by the world but embracing the identity given to us by the Gospel of grace.
Key Takeaways:
- Identity in Christ: Our true identity is found in Christ, not in the identities handed to us by our past or the world. This new identity is a gift of grace, transforming us into new creations empowered to live triumphantly. [01:53]
- Surrender and Transformation: Surrendering to Christ is the doorway to a new identity. It is not about losing control but stepping into a life transformed by His power and purpose. [05:17]
- Authority and Power: Authority in Christ is not earned but granted. It is the legal right to act, and power follows authority. Our authority is backed by God's sovereign power, enabling us to overcome challenges. [12:12]
- Living from Identity: We are called to live from our identity in Christ, not for it. This means embracing the authority and power given to us, rather than striving to earn it through our efforts. [07:12]
- Overcoming Weakness: Our identity in Christ overcomes our human frailties. Like Jacob, who was called a "worm" but transformed into a powerful instrument, we are empowered to rise above our limitations through our union with Christ. [22:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Introduction to Identity in Christ
- [01:53] - New Creation in Christ
- [02:57] - Exercising Authority
- [03:46] - Surrender and Transformation
- [05:17] - The Goal of the Gospel
- [06:11] - Identity as the Basis of Authority
- [07:12] - Living from Identity
- [09:00] - The Enemy's Attack on Identity
- [10:54] - Authority vs. Power
- [12:12] - Police Officer Analogy
- [17:24] - Authority Over the Enemy
- [22:15] - Wonderful Worms
- [30:10] - Identity and Authority in Action
- [34:43] - Timothy's Example
- [43:56] - Conclusion and Challenge
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
2. John 15:5 - "Apart from me you can do nothing."
3. Isaiah 41:14-15 - "Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Behold, I make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Philippians 4:13 suggest about the source of a believer's strength and capability? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on identity in Christ? [03:59]
2. In John 15:5, Jesus states that apart from Him, we can do nothing. How does this statement contrast with the empowerment described in Philippians 4:13? [03:46]
3. How does the analogy of a police officer illustrate the difference between authority and power as discussed in the sermon? [12:12]
4. What transformation does God promise to Jacob in Isaiah 41:14-15, and how does this relate to the concept of identity in Christ? [22:15]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of surrender play a role in stepping into a new identity in Christ, according to the sermon? [05:17]
2. The sermon mentions that authority in Christ is granted, not earned. How does this understanding affect a believer's approach to challenges and obstacles? [06:11]
3. In what ways does the story of Jacob being called a "worm" and then transformed into a powerful instrument illustrate the overcoming of human frailties through identity in Christ? [22:15]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to the enemy's attacks on their identity? [09:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of your identity in Christ. Are there areas in your life where you are still managing an identity handed to you by your past? How can you begin to embrace your new identity in Christ this week? [01:38]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to Christ. What is one area of your life where you struggle to surrender control? What steps can you take to live more fully in your new identity? [05:17]
3. Consider the analogy of the police officer. In what situations do you find it difficult to exercise your authority in Christ? How can you remind yourself of the backing you have from God? [12:12]
4. The sermon challenges us to live from our identity in Christ, not for it. What practical changes can you make in your daily life to live from this identity? [07:12]
5. How can you apply the lesson of Jacob's transformation to your own life, especially in areas where you feel weak or inadequate? [22:15]
6. Identify a specific challenge you are facing. How can you apply the authority and power granted to you in Christ to overcome this challenge? [15:37]
7. The sermon encourages believers to speak and act with authority. What is one specific situation this week where you can practice speaking or acting with the authority you have in Christ? [45:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our True Identity in Christ
Our identity in Christ is a profound gift of grace that transforms us into new creations. This identity is not something we earn or achieve through our own efforts; it is bestowed upon us through our union with God. Many people spend their lives managing the identities handed to them by their past or the world, but in Christ, we are called to embrace a new identity that empowers us to live triumphantly. This identity is the foundation of our authority and power as believers, enabling us to overcome challenges and live in the fullness of God's purpose for our lives. [01:53]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What past identity or label are you still holding onto that prevents you from fully embracing your identity in Christ? How can you begin to let go of it today?
Day 2: Surrender as the Pathway to Transformation
Surrendering to Christ is the doorway to a new identity and a transformed life. It is not about losing control but about stepping into a life that is empowered by His purpose and power. The Gospel's goal is not to affirm us as we are but to rescue, transform, and redirect us into the new identity given to us by grace. This transformation requires us to live outside of ourselves and in Him, allowing His power to work through us in every aspect of our lives. [05:17]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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 is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Authority and Power in Christ
Authority in Christ is not something we earn; it is granted to us as believers. This authority is the legal right to act, and it is backed by God's sovereign power. Just as a police officer commands authority through their position, our authority in Christ is not based on our strength but on the power of God that supports us. This authority enables us to overcome challenges and live victoriously, as we are empowered by the divine relationship we have with Christ. [12:12]
Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Reflection: In what situations do you find yourself doubting the authority and power you have in Christ? How can you remind yourself of this truth in those moments?
Day 4: Living from Our Identity in Christ
We are called to live from our identity in Christ, not for it. This means embracing the authority and power given to us, rather than striving to earn it through our efforts. Our identity in Christ overcomes our human frailties and limitations, empowering us to rise above our weaknesses. Like Jacob, who was transformed from a "worm" into a powerful instrument, we are empowered to live victoriously through our union with Christ. [07:12]
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 can you shift your mindset from striving to earn your identity in Christ to living from it? What practical steps can you take to embrace this truth daily?
Day 5: Overcoming Weakness Through Union with Christ
Our identity in Christ overcomes our human frailties and limitations. The story of Jacob, whom God called a "worm" yet transformed into a powerful instrument, illustrates that we are not defined by our weaknesses but by the authority and power given to us through our union with Christ. This divine relationship empowers us to rise above our limitations and live in the fullness of God's purpose for our lives. [22:15]
Isaiah 41:14-15 (ESV): "Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Behold, I make of you a threshing sledge, new, sharp, and having teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and crush them, and you shall make the hills like chaff."
Reflection: What personal weakness or limitation do you feel holds you back? How can you rely on your identity in Christ to overcome it and live in His strength?
Quotes
In Christ, we have something in Christ that we do not have in ourselves. Can somebody thank God for that? I preached a couple of weeks ago, and one of the things I brought out is the fact that most of us, unfortunately, most of us even as Christians and Believers spend most of our Lives managing the identity that was handed to us. [00:00:27]
Surrender really is about living outside of yourself. See, when we come to Christ, the big thing, the big blockade, the hindrance for many, many people is what they don't want to surrender. They still want to be autonomous. They want to do their own thing. They want to manage their own lives. [00:04:32]
Surrendering to Christ is not just about giving up control. It's about stepping into a new identity that transforms every aspect of life. You know, the goal of the Gospel, contrary to the way some people Preach Today, the goal of the Gospel is not to affirm you, celebrate you, and even accept you. [00:05:19]
Authority in Christ is not earned but granted. They think that this status of being bold and strong and blessed and authoritative and Powerful is something we have to achieve. It's something we have to earn or Merit or do enough to gain, and instead, we have to understand it is the gift of God's grace in our lives. [00:06:32]
We have to watch out that we're not living for identity, trying to create an identity, trying to establish an identity. We are not living for identity; we're living from Identity. We're living from this Union that God has established that we've done nothing to contribute to, that we've but received as the great grace and gift of God. [00:07:12]
Just as an ambassador doesn't possess Authority inherently or by virtue of themselves, it but is granted by the leader who sent them. Our Authority comes from being associated with Christ. A president has a cabinet, and the cabinet is endowed with authority that comes from him. [00:08:12]
This is why the enemy always attacks identity first because Authority flows from Identity, and power is attached to Authority. He wants to keep you from Authority. He wants to keep you from Power ultimately, and the way he does that is to attack your identity, to try to sever you from Christ. [00:09:00]
The best illustration of authority versus Power is this: a police officer. So we have this police officer standing by a busy intersection. Cars are breezing by both ways, and this police officer is standing there, and suddenly the officer raises a hand, and when they raise their hand, all the vehicles, even those weighing several tons, come to a complete halt. [00:11:34]
If you would know your identity, exercise your Authority, you're going to find attending power. You're going to find attending power. You might be resisted by the enemy himself. Circumstances may be stubborn in your life, but if you will know your identity, exercise your Authority, you're going to find power at work in your life. [00:16:29]
Our identity and our Authority overrule human power, or I should say powerlessness. Our identity and Authority overrule our own powerlessness. God is the one who gives the new identity, and with that comes Authority and power, but there's a continual tendency and a Temptation and a daily struggle here. [00:27:24]
The two most important things any believer need know is what they are in themselves and then what they are in Christ. See, what I am in myself drives me to Christ. What I am in myself makes me desperate for Christ. What I am in myself makes me look away from myself. [00:30:30]
Know what you are without him, but know who you are in him. Know what you are, yes, but know what you are, yes. Know one side, but know the other side. Here's my question and challenge this morning: are you identifying with who you are apart from Christ, or are you identifying with who you are in Christ? [00:43:29]
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