Embracing Our Identity as God's Redeemed Children
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series titled "Do You Know That You Are My Child?" This series explores the profound question God asks us and delves into the depths of what salvation means for us. It's not just a theological concept but a transformative reality that changes our lives. We are reminded that our identity as children of God is foundational to our faith. Whether you are a new believer or have been in the church for years, it's crucial to remember that we are not just part of a religion but children of a loving God who guides and walks with us.
Our identity as God's children is not something we earned; it is a gift from God. We passively receive this identity, and it is God's work, not ours. Today, we focus on the concept of redemption. Redemption is not just a theological term but a reality that impacts our daily lives. It signifies being freed from bondage, typically through the payment of a ransom. This freedom is vividly illustrated in the baptisms we witnessed last week, where individuals shared their testimonies of how God redeemed them from sin and evil.
We turn to the book of Isaiah, written 700 years before Jesus, to understand redemption better. Isaiah speaks to a nation in exile, beaten down by their enemies and overwhelmed by God's judgment due to their repeated sins. Yet, God promises to take away the cup of judgment from their hands and give it to their enemies. He assures them that they will never drink from it again. This promise of redemption is not just for Israel but for all nations.
Isaiah 52:7-10 paints a beautiful picture of a messenger announcing good news: victory, salvation, and the reign of God. This messenger brings the news that God has redeemed His people, showing His power and might to the entire world. The world will see God's strength through His servant, who is high and exalted yet marred and disfigured. This servant, a humble priest, will purify many nations, not just Israel, through his suffering.
Isaiah 53:4-10 describes this servant's suffering in detail. He was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. His suffering brings us peace and healing. This servant, who is Jesus, took upon Himself the iniquity of us all. His death was not in vain; it was the price paid for our redemption. Jesus' death achieved the rescue of a world in chains, setting us free from sin and death.
In Colossians 1, Paul reminds us that God rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. We are now children of God, holy and blameless, beyond reproach. This redemption is not just a past event but a present reality. We are called to live as obedient children, walking close to our Father and reflecting His holiness.
As we conclude, let's remember that our redemption is a real event in history. God asks us to live as His children, freed from sin and death. Let's walk in the freedom and good works He has planned for us, staying close to our Father. Call upon God as Father this week, stay close to Him, and invite others to experience this beautiful family of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Our Identity as Children of God: Our identity as God's children is foundational to our faith. It is not something we earned but a gift from God. This identity changes how we view ourselves and others. We are not just part of a religion but children of a loving God who guides and walks with us. [00:43]
2. Redemption Through Suffering: Redemption is vividly illustrated in the book of Isaiah, where God's servant suffers to bring salvation. This servant, who is Jesus, was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. His suffering brings us peace and healing, showing God's immense power and love. [13:03]
3. Living as Obedient Children: As redeemed children of God, we are called to live in obedience, reflecting God's holiness. Our redemption is not just a past event but a present reality. By staying close to our Father, we walk in His ways and avoid falling back into our former captivity. [31:22]
4. The Infinite Value of Our Lives: The price for our redemption was the infinite blood of Jesus. This means our lives have infinite value to God. We are called to live lives that reflect this value, becoming holy like our Holy Father. God didn't free us just to boss us around but to walk closely with Him. [32:39]
5. Freedom and Responsibility: Our redemption sets us free from sin, death, and empty religious behavior. We are now part of a new family with a relationship with God as our Father. This freedom comes with the responsibility to live as God's children, inviting others to experience this beautiful family of God. [38:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - Introduction to the Series
[03:00] - Understanding Redemption
[06:11] - Israel's Captivity and God's Promise
[13:03] - The Messenger of Good News
[15:07] - God's Redeeming Power
[18:40] - The Suffering Servant
[22:00] - Jesus' Purpose and Redemption
[25:32] - Living as Redeemed Children
[28:10] - Jesus Calls Us His Family
[31:22] - Our Responsibility as God's Children
[35:45] - Freedom from Darkness
[38:43] - Call to Live in Freedom
[40:07] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 52:7-10: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!' Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God."
2. Isaiah 53:4-10: "Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand."
3. Colossians 1:13-14: "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 52:7-10 describe about the messenger and the message he brings?
2. According to Isaiah 53:4-10, what did the servant of the Lord endure, and for what purpose?
3. In Colossians 1:13-14, what has God done for us, and what does this mean for our identity?
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of redemption and its impact on our daily lives? ([03:00])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of the messenger in Isaiah 52:7-10 relate to the good news of salvation in the New Testament?
2. What is the significance of the servant's suffering in Isaiah 53:4-10, and how does it connect to the concept of redemption?
3. How does the transfer from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of the Son in Colossians 1:13-14 change our understanding of our identity as children of God?
4. The sermon mentions that our redemption is not just a past event but a present reality. How should this influence our daily walk with God? ([31:22])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your identity as a child of God. How does this identity influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? ([01:13])
2. The sermon emphasizes that redemption is a gift from God, not something we earned. How can you remind yourself of this truth in moments of self-doubt or pride? ([02:21])
3. Isaiah 53:4-10 describes the suffering servant who took on our iniquities. How can you live in a way that honors the sacrifice Jesus made for your redemption?
4. Colossians 1:13-14 speaks of being rescued from darkness. What are some practical steps you can take to stay in the light and avoid falling back into old patterns of sin? ([33:58])
5. The sermon calls us to live as obedient children, reflecting God's holiness. What specific areas of your life need to align more closely with God's holiness, and how can you make those changes? ([31:22])
6. How can you use your freedom in Christ to invite others into the family of God? Think of one person you can reach out to this week and share the message of redemption with them. ([38:43])
7. The sermon encourages us to call upon God as Father and stay close to Him. What are some daily practices you can implement to deepen your relationship with God and stay close to Him? ([39:25])
Devotional
### Day 1: Our Identity as Children of God
Our identity as God's children is foundational to our faith. It is not something we earned but a gift from God. This identity changes how we view ourselves and others. We are not just part of a religion but children of a loving God who guides and walks with us. This understanding transforms our lives, giving us a sense of belonging and purpose. We are reminded that our worth is not based on our achievements but on God's love for us. This identity should shape our interactions, making us more compassionate and loving towards others. [00:43]
Bible Passage:
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13, ESV)
Reflection:
How does knowing you are a child of God change the way you see yourself and others? Can you think of a specific relationship where this understanding could make a difference today?
### Day 2: Redemption Through Suffering
Redemption is vividly illustrated in the book of Isaiah, where God's servant suffers to bring salvation. This servant, who is Jesus, was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. His suffering brings us peace and healing, showing God's immense power and love. Redemption is not just a theological term but a reality that impacts our daily lives. It signifies being freed from bondage, typically through the payment of a ransom. This freedom is vividly illustrated in the baptisms we witnessed last week, where individuals shared their testimonies of how God redeemed them from sin and evil. [13:03]
Bible Passage:
"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-5, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a time when you felt the weight of your own sins. How does understanding Jesus' suffering for your redemption change your perspective on that experience?
### Day 3: Living as Obedient Children
As redeemed children of God, we are called to live in obedience, reflecting God's holiness. Our redemption is not just a past event but a present reality. By staying close to our Father, we walk in His ways and avoid falling back into our former captivity. This means living a life that reflects our new identity, making choices that honor God and show His love to others. It is a daily commitment to walk in the freedom and good works He has planned for us. [31:22]
Bible Passage:
"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:14-16, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you struggle to live in obedience to God? What steps can you take today to align that area with your identity as His child?
### Day 4: The Infinite Value of Our Lives
The price for our redemption was the infinite blood of Jesus. This means our lives have infinite value to God. We are called to live lives that reflect this value, becoming holy like our Holy Father. God didn't free us just to boss us around but to walk closely with Him. Understanding the immense value God places on us should inspire us to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His love to the world. [32:39]
Bible Passage:
"Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19, ESV)
Reflection:
How does knowing the infinite value God places on your life change the way you view yourself and your actions? What is one way you can honor this value in your daily life?
### Day 5: Freedom and Responsibility
Our redemption sets us free from sin, death, and empty religious behavior. We are now part of a new family with a relationship with God as our Father. This freedom comes with the responsibility to live as God's children, inviting others to experience this beautiful family of God. It is a call to live in a way that reflects our new identity, sharing the good news of redemption with those around us. [38:43]
Bible Passage:
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you use your freedom in Christ to serve others today? Is there someone you can invite to experience the family of God with you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Let's go and invite other people to be part of this beautiful family of God, walking in the freedom, walking in the good works that He has planned for us to do. Call upon God as Father this week. Reach out to Him and stay close to your Father as He leads you through this week. God bless you. Hug somebody. Tell them you love them. And we'll see you next week." [42:21]
2. "You have all been chained to sin, but now through Christ you have been unchained, from that sin that broke your relationship with God. We didn't know him as Father before because we were under the weight of his judgment. Right? We all felt that weight of judgment. We were all drinking that cup of God's wrath before. But God has promised to take that away from us. And so when we were under that judgment, we didn't know God as Father, that's when Jesus, our brother, stepped in and traded his place for ours. He traded your chains for a perfect relationship with God." [30:27]
3. "We were set free by the eternal blood of Jesus, something of infinite worth. The price for you, was an infinite amount. And God paid for that infinite amount with his own life. So if the cost for your life was infinite, what does that mean for the life you have now? It has infinite value to God. Your lives should begin to reflect the value that Christ paid for you. And that looks like becoming holy, just like our Holy Father." [33:22]
4. "Our redemption, God's freedom, brought us out of this kingdom of darkness where we were confused, where we couldn't see our way, where we couldn't see what was right, we couldn't see what was wrong, we didn't know what to do. It was dark. God picked us up out of that and placed us in a new kingdom where we're called children of God, where we get to call him Father." [35:45]
5. "Jesus' death was not just betrayal and humiliation and abandonment and backstabbing by his best friends and suffering for nothing. Jesus' death was not in vain. We don't just read about it and say, Oh, that's tragic. Jesus' death actually did something. Jesus' death actually accomplished something. As one scholar puts it, said, It would rescue a world of people in chains, like hostages on a hijacked aircraft, not perished yet, but in imminent danger of perishing. His death was the price that God paid, for sinners to go free." [24:37]
### Quotes for Members
1. "For every single person who he has freed. So don't run back to the bondage and the chains. Continue on. We witnessed baptisms last week. Use that to be reminded of your own baptism, of your own relationship with God. Yes, that was me five years ago. That was me 10, 20, 30 years ago. I remember when God freed me from that. I remember when I was joined as a family member of God. Don't run back to the old way of life. He has set you free. Use that freedom for him. Remain firm. Pursue holiness by staying close to your Father, being obedient to the one who loves you and has redeemed you, the one who set you free." [38:43]
2. "He fights for his people. He defends his people. And so, because of that, he makes a promise. He says, I'm going to take that cup of judgment, that suffering that you deserve, I'm gonna take that out of your hand, and I'm gonna give it to your enemy. He says, I'm gonna take it out of your hand, and you will never drink from it again. God makes a promise to his people, Israel, that they will never drink from the judgment again." [09:42]
3. "This servant of the Lord, it's a picture of a humble priest. The servant of the Lord is a priest. And he will prosper, meaning he will act with wisdom. He will fear God rather than fear men. And because of his faithfulness, he will be exalted. And when he is raised up, instead of seeing like this king dressed in amazing golden shining clothes. We actually see that he is exalted. We see that he is disfigured and marred and distorted. So much that you can't even recognize that he's a man." [16:55]
4. "This servant will be faithful to carry out God's will perfectly. And when he accomplishes God's will, he will see it, and he will be completely satisfied with it. He will be satisfied to see God's perfect will accomplished through his life. And so the redemption God promises to bring takes place through the anguish of a righteous servant, so that many people, not just Israel, many people would be made righteous because of him." [22:00]
5. "God has brought you into his family. He has made you free from sin. He does not accuse you of any of the wrongdoings you've done. I have done my full fair share of those. But Jesus presents me before God, my Father, as holy and blameless. And he does the same thing for you." [38:11]
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