Embracing Our Identity and Mission in Christ
Summary
In Christ, we are not only alive but also adopted into the family of God. As sons and daughters of the Father, our identity is fundamentally transformed. We are called to love God, love people, and embrace our role as missionaries. This is not a secondary aspect of our Christian walk; it is central to who we are. We are warriors for the kingdom, tasked with spreading the good news of the Gospel.
However, distractions can cause us to forget our true identity. Whether it's the busyness of life, personal sin, or the pursuit of idols, these distractions can lead us away from the Father's business. Yet, it is in the remembrance of who we are in Christ and in the pursuit of His mission that we find the deepest joy and peace. This peace is a rare commodity in our fast-paced culture, but it is attainable when we focus on our identity in Christ and our mission as His ambassadors.
The question we must confront is: What obstacles are preventing us from remembering who we are and from carrying out our mission? We must identify and overcome these barriers to live out our God-given purpose. C.S. Lewis once said that Christians often need to be reminded more than they need to be taught. This sermon serves as a reminder of these fundamental truths.
Psalm 51 provides a powerful example of King David's repentance and return to his identity in God. After committing grave sins, David turns back to God with a contrite heart, seeking forgiveness and restoration. His plea for a clean heart and a renewed spirit is a model for us when we stray from our identity and mission. David's transformation leads him to teach others about God, showing us that our personal renewal can have a profound impact on those around us.
The story of Simba in "The Lion King" parallels our spiritual journey. Like Simba, who forgets he is the rightful king, we can forget our royal identity in Christ. It is only when Simba remembers who he is that he returns to fulfill his destiny. Similarly, we must remember our identity in Christ and live accordingly.
In conclusion, our identity as children of God and our mission as His representatives are inseparable. We must actively remember who we are, overcome obstacles that distract us, and live out our calling with joy and peace. Let us embrace our identity and mission with renewed vigor, knowing that in Christ, we are forgiven, restored, and empowered to make a difference in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Our identity as missionaries is not an optional part of our Christian life; it is intrinsic to who we are in Christ. When we live out this identity, we align ourselves with God's purpose and experience profound joy and peace. This alignment requires daily commitment and focus, as we are easily distracted by the world's demands and our own sin. [01:03:55]
- True peace is found in the remembrance of our identity in Christ and the pursuit of His mission. This peace transcends the chaos of our culture and is a testament to the power of living in accordance with God's will. As we seek to maintain this peace, we must be vigilant in guarding against distractions and idols that vie for our attention. [01:05:09]
- The simplicity of the Gospel is its power. We must not underestimate the importance of being reminded of the basic truths of our faith. These reminders serve to reorient us to our foundational beliefs and the mission that flows from them. In a world that often complicates the message of Christ, we must cling to the simplicity and clarity of the Gospel. [01:05:44]
- Psalm 51 is a testament to the transformative power of repentance and the restoration of our identity in God. When we, like David, acknowledge our sins and seek God's forgiveness, we are not only restored but also become vessels through which others can encounter the grace of God. Our personal renewal can spark a movement of repentance and revival in our communities. [01:18:37]
- The story of Simba in "The Lion King" serves as a powerful allegory for our spiritual journey. It reminds us that forgetting our identity can lead to a life of aimlessness and unfulfilled potential. By remembering who we are in Christ, we can reclaim our purpose and live out the calling He has placed on our lives. This remembrance is crucial for stepping into the fullness of our destiny as children of the King. [58:48]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:1-11 - "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
2. Psalm 51:1-12 - "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 2:1-11 say about the mindset we should have in our relationships with others?
2. In Psalm 51, what are the key elements of David's prayer for forgiveness and restoration?
3. According to the sermon, what are some common distractions that can cause us to forget our true identity in Christ? [01:03:55]
4. How does the story of Simba in "The Lion King" illustrate the concept of remembering our identity in Christ? [58:48]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the humility of Christ, as described in Philippians 2:1-11, serve as a model for our own lives and relationships?
2. What does David's plea for a clean heart and a renewed spirit in Psalm 51 teach us about the process of repentance and restoration?
3. Why is it important to actively remember our identity in Christ, according to the sermon? [01:03:55]
4. How can personal renewal, as seen in David's story, impact those around us and lead to a broader movement of repentance and revival? [01:18:37]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there specific distractions or idols that prevent you from focusing on your identity in Christ? How can you minimize these distractions this week? [01:05:09]
2. Think about a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take to restore your relationship with Him, and how can you apply those steps to your current spiritual walk?
3. Identify one area in your life where you can practice humility and value others above yourself, as instructed in Philippians 2:3-4. What specific actions can you take this week to live this out?
4. David's repentance in Psalm 51 was a turning point for him. Is there a sin or habit in your life that you need to repent of and seek God's forgiveness for? What steps will you take to address it?
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of being reminded of our identity in Christ. How can you create a daily habit or practice that helps you remember and live out this identity?
6. Consider someone in your life who may be struggling with their identity in Christ. How can you support and encourage them to remember who they are in Him?
7. The story of Simba shows the power of remembering one's true identity. How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ during challenging times? What practical steps can you take to reinforce this truth? [58:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Missionary Identity
In Christ, we are called to a life that transcends the ordinary; we are missionaries with a divine purpose. This identity is not a mere label but the essence of our existence as believers. It is a call to action, to live out the Great Commission in every aspect of our lives. As missionaries, we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, actively seeking to share the love and truth of the Gospel with those around us. This requires a daily commitment to align ourselves with God's purpose, which brings a profound sense of joy and peace that the world cannot offer. Distractions will come, but they must not deter us from this central aspect of our Christian walk. It is in the daily pursuit of this mission that we find our true selves and God's plan for our lives. [01:03:55]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be a light in your immediate environment today, and what specific action can you take to demonstrate the love of Christ to someone?
Day 2: The Pursuit of Peace in Identity
True peace is a rare commodity, yet it is promised to us when we remember our identity in Christ and engage in His mission. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but on the internal assurance of who we are as God's children. It stands in stark contrast to the chaos of our culture and serves as a testament to the transformative power of living in accordance with God's will. To maintain this peace, we must be vigilant, constantly re-centering our lives around Christ and guarding against the distractions and idols that vie for our attention. [01:05:09]
Colossians 3:15 (ESV)
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: What distractions or idols are currently disrupting your peace in Christ, and what practical steps can you take to refocus on your identity in Him?
Day 3: Clinging to Gospel Simplicity
The Gospel's simplicity is its most profound strength. In a world that often complicates faith, the basic truths of Christianity serve as an anchor for our souls. These truths remind us of our foundational beliefs and the mission that flows from them. As believers, we must not underestimate the importance of being reminded of these truths, for they reorient us to our purpose and calling. The Gospel's simplicity provides clarity in a complex world, and it is this clarity that empowers us to live out our faith with confidence and conviction. [01:05:44]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV)
"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed the message of Christ to become overcomplicated in your life, and how can you return to the simplicity of the Gospel today?
Day 4: Repentance and Restoration Through God
Psalm 51 is a powerful demonstration of the transformative power of repentance and the restoration that follows. When we acknowledge our sins and turn to God for forgiveness, we are not only restored to right relationship with Him but also become vessels for His grace to flow to others. Our personal renewal can have a ripple effect, leading to repentance and revival in our communities. It is through our contrite hearts and renewed spirits that we can truly teach others about the grace and love of God. [01:18:37]
Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
Reflection: What specific sin or struggle do you need to bring before God in repentance today, and how can this act of contrition lead to renewal in your personal walk with Him?
Day 5: Remembering Our Royal Identity
The story of Simba in "The Lion King" serves as a poignant allegory for our spiritual journey. Forgetting our royal identity in Christ can lead to a life of aimlessness and unfulfilled potential. It is only when we remember who we are—children of the King—that we can step into the fullness of our destiny. This remembrance is crucial for living out the calling He has placed on our lives. As we embrace our identity as children of God, we reclaim our purpose and live with the authority and inheritance that is rightfully ours. [58:48]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: What aspect of your royal identity in Christ have you forgotten or neglected, and what can you do today to reclaim and live out this truth?
Quotes
1) "We are meant to be warriors for the kingdom, good news spreaders for the King of Kings with the best news ever, the gospel, to spread with the world." [01:04:35] (Download)
2) "The most joy and peace in my life is when I wake up and say I love you God, spend time in the presence of my father, remember who I am, and that I was designed to love him and be about his business." [01:05:09] (Download)
3) "CS Lewis said sometimes Christians need to be reminded more than they need to be taught. I want to remind you of these basic truths today." [01:05:44] (Download)
4) "David's repentance and return to his identity in God is a model for us when we stray from our identity and mission." [01:06:55] (Download)
5) "Remember who you are this morning. If you have received Jesus... you are a son or a daughter of the father." [58:48] (Download)
6) "When you remember who you are and confess your sin and get right with the father, you work through whatever is hindering you from staying close to God and carrying out his mission." [01:16:54] (Download)
7) "Revival begins with me. Remember what the father's called you to be about and just live a quiet life where you chase after Jesus, loving him, loving others, using your gifts and talents." [01:18:37] (Download)
8) "The gospel changed me when I was 15 years old... Now my identity has changed. Amen if that's happened for you, that's awesome this morning. Can I just encourage you to remember who you are." [01:02:33] (Download)
9) "David says I have sinned... he takes responsibility for his sin. Do we live in a culture that blames everybody else for our problems? Take responsibility like David is and just say God against you I've sinned." [01:13:24] (Download)
10) "I invite you compassionately, like as a dad to his kids, to take the next step in moving forward and not letting that obstacle hinder you anymore, whether it's sin or needing to work through pain." [01:15:36] (Download)
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