Embracing Our Identity: Living from Innocence in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound topic of "Living from Innocence," which is central to our identity as Christians. We began by understanding that every person is a three-part being: spirit, soul, and body. Our spirit is sanctified and made holy when we are born again, while our soul and body are in the process of being sanctified. This transformation is crucial to grasp because it defines who we are in Christ.
We explored the concept of being a new creation, born of God's essence, and how this new identity is not just positional but intrinsic. This means that our righteousness and holiness are not merely seen through "Jesus glasses" but are actual transformations within us. We are not just forgiven sinners; we are declared innocent and righteous, as if the fall never happened.
The sermon emphasized the importance of understanding our new nature. When we accept Jesus, our old sinful nature is removed, and we receive a new, divine nature. This change is not just about covering our sins but completely removing them, making us holy and blameless in God's sight. This understanding helps us live from a place of innocence, free from condemnation and guilt.
We also discussed the practical implications of this truth. Knowing our true identity in Christ helps us resist sin and live a life that reflects our new nature. It empowers us to walk in the Spirit, disciplining our soul and body to align with our sanctified spirit. This inner transformation brings peace, joy, and strength, enabling us to face life's challenges with confidence.
Finally, we were reminded that this journey of living from innocence is ongoing. It requires constant renewal of our minds and a deep connection with God through prayer and worship. By embracing our true identity, we can live a life that honors God and reflects His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Our Three-Part Being: We are composed of spirit, soul, and body. Our spirit is sanctified and made holy when we are born again, while our soul and body are in the process of being sanctified. This understanding is crucial for living a life that reflects our new identity in Christ. [01:04:18]
2. New Creation and Divine Nature: When we accept Jesus, we become a new creation, born of God's essence. This transformation is intrinsic, not just positional. We are not merely forgiven sinners but declared innocent and righteous, as if the fall never happened. [01:10:13]
3. Living from Innocence: Embracing our new identity helps us live from a place of innocence, free from condemnation and guilt. This understanding empowers us to resist sin and align our soul and body with our sanctified spirit. [01:26:10]
4. Practical Implications: Knowing our true identity in Christ brings peace, joy, and strength. It enables us to face life's challenges with confidence and live a life that honors God. This inner transformation requires constant renewal of our minds and a deep connection with God. [01:28:48]
5. Ongoing Journey: Living from innocence is an ongoing journey that requires us to continually renew our minds and stay connected with God. By embracing our true identity, we can live a life that reflects God's glory and brings us closer to Him. [01:32:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[58:32] - Importance of Sitting in the Front
[58:55] - Upcoming Business Meeting
[59:24] - Global Online Participation
[59:59] - Funny Story and Marriage Advice
[01:00:36] - Grace and Glory Conference Recap
[01:01:07] - Five-Week Grace Series Introduction
[01:02:05] - Activating the Five-Fold Ministry
[01:02:31] - Australian Prophetic Council and GLOW Conference
[01:03:10] - Living from Innocence: Introduction
[01:04:18] - Understanding Our Three-Part Being
[01:10:13] - New Creation and Divine Nature
[01:26:10] - Living from Innocence
[01:28:48] - Practical Implications
[01:32:33] - Ongoing Journey
[01:37:33] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
[01:39:09] - Closing and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV): "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV): "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
3. Colossians 1:21-22 (NIV): "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, what are the three parts of our being that God sanctifies? How does this relate to the sermon’s explanation of spirit, soul, and body? [01:04:18]
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, what exchange does Paul describe between Jesus and us? How does this support the sermon’s point about our new identity in Christ? [01:10:13]
3. Colossians 1:21-22 speaks about reconciliation and being presented holy. How does this passage align with the sermon’s message about living from innocence and being free from condemnation? [01:26:10]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are a three-part being (spirit, soul, and body) help us in our daily walk with Christ? What practical steps can we take to align our soul and body with our sanctified spirit? [01:04:18]
2. The sermon mentioned that our new identity in Christ is intrinsic and not just positional. How does this understanding change the way we view ourselves and our actions? [01:10:13]
3. What does it mean to live from a place of innocence, as described in the sermon? How can this perspective help us resist sin and live a life that reflects our new nature in Christ? [01:26:10]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your understanding of being a three-part being (spirit, soul, and body). How can you better discipline your soul and body to align with your sanctified spirit this week? [01:04:18]
2. The sermon emphasized that our new identity in Christ is intrinsic. How can you remind yourself daily that you are not just a forgiven sinner but declared innocent and righteous? What practical steps can you take to internalize this truth? [01:10:13]
3. Living from innocence means being free from condemnation and guilt. Is there an area in your life where you still feel condemned or guilty? How can you apply the truth of your new identity in Christ to that area? [01:26:10]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of renewing our minds and staying connected with God. What specific practices (e.g., prayer, worship, Bible study) can you incorporate into your daily routine to help renew your mind and strengthen your connection with God? [01:28:48]
5. How can understanding your true identity in Christ bring you peace, joy, and strength in facing life’s challenges? Can you think of a recent challenge where this understanding could have made a difference in your response? [01:28:48]
6. The journey of living from innocence is ongoing. What are some ways you can continually renew your mind and stay connected with God to embrace your true identity? [01:32:33]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt condemned or guilty. How did that affect your actions and relationship with God? How can embracing your new identity in Christ change your response in similar situations in the future? [01:26:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Our Three-Part Being
Description: As Christians, it is essential to recognize that we are composed of spirit, soul, and body. When we are born again, our spirit is sanctified and made holy, while our soul and body are in the process of being sanctified. This understanding is crucial for living a life that reflects our new identity in Christ. By acknowledging the sanctification of our spirit, we can better align our soul and body with this new reality, allowing us to live a life that honors God and reflects His glory. This holistic view of our being helps us to understand the ongoing transformation that takes place within us as we grow in our faith. [01:04:18]
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the sanctification process of your soul and body today? What practical steps can you take to align your thoughts and actions with your sanctified spirit?
Day 2: New Creation and Divine Nature
Description: When we accept Jesus, we become a new creation, born of God's essence. This transformation is intrinsic, not just positional. We are not merely forgiven sinners but declared innocent and righteous, as if the fall never happened. This profound change means that our old sinful nature is removed, and we receive a new, divine nature. Understanding this truth helps us to live from a place of innocence, free from condemnation and guilt. It empowers us to embrace our new identity and walk in the righteousness and holiness that God has bestowed upon us. [01:10:13]
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: Reflect on the areas of your life where you still feel condemned or guilty. How can you remind yourself of your new identity in Christ and live from a place of innocence today?
Day 3: Living from Innocence
Description: Embracing our new identity in Christ helps us live from a place of innocence, free from condemnation and guilt. This understanding empowers us to resist sin and align our soul and body with our sanctified spirit. By recognizing that our sins are not just covered but completely removed, we can live a life that reflects our new nature. This inner transformation brings peace, joy, and strength, enabling us to face life's challenges with confidence. Living from innocence means walking in the freedom that Christ has given us and allowing His righteousness to shine through us. [01:26:10]
Romans 8:1-2 (ESV): "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."
Reflection: In what ways can you consciously choose to live from a place of innocence today? How can this choice impact your interactions with others and your response to challenges?
Day 4: Practical Implications
Description: Knowing our true identity in Christ brings peace, joy, and strength. It enables us to face life's challenges with confidence and live a life that honors God. This inner transformation requires constant renewal of our minds and a deep connection with God. By embracing our new nature, we can resist sin and align our soul and body with our sanctified spirit. This ongoing process of renewal helps us to grow in our faith and live a life that reflects God's glory. Practical steps such as prayer, worship, and studying the Word are essential in maintaining this connection and living out our true identity. [01:28:48]
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 specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to renew your mind and strengthen your connection with God? How can these practices help you live out your true identity in Christ?
Day 5: Ongoing Journey
Description: Living from innocence is an ongoing journey that requires us to continually renew our minds and stay connected with God. By embracing our true identity, we can live a life that reflects God's glory and brings us closer to Him. This journey involves a constant process of growth and transformation, as we seek to align our soul and body with our sanctified spirit. Through prayer, worship, and studying the Word, we can maintain a deep connection with God and continue to grow in our faith. This ongoing journey is a testament to God's grace and His desire for us to live a life that honors Him. [01:32:33]
Colossians 3:10 (ESV): "And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: How can you commit to the ongoing journey of renewing your mind and staying connected with God? What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Him and live a life that reflects His glory?
Quotes
1. "We want to get New Covenant theology out there because not many churches do actually do a lot of the training in this area. And we want to make sure that we really give Jesus everything that he paid for and that we understand everything that he's done for us. Amen." [01:00:36] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We want everybody to be growing into the fullness of the statue of Christ. To everything God has for us. And so let's pray for the team. Also, Kathleen and I will be away this week in Australia. Kathleen and I too are talking at the Australian Prophetic Council." [01:02:05] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If I had a Bible college, we want to start next year anyway, a Bible college, right? A Bible kind of a training thing. But the thing is though, I would have number one is who you are. Number one on day one, who are you? Who are you in Christ? What actually happened to you? What does this new creation mean? Who are you?" [01:03:35] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Christians are both sanctified once for all in your spirit, right? But also we are being sanctified. We are already holy in our spirit. And I'll tell you a minute why. Made holy. And we are being made holy in our soul and also in relation to our body. It's very important to know that when you are born again, and we talked about today with the baptism, when you give your heart to Jesus and you're born anew from the inside, you become a new creation." [01:05:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are a spirit. You have a soul, mind, will, and emotions. And you walk around in an earth suit. You walk around in the body, right? You're a three-part person. It says there in Thessalonians, that's in Dutch. Thessalonians. May the God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." [01:04:42] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The moment, if you're in darkness, when you were, before you became a Christian, when you said, before you, you were still in sin, with a sin nature. When you said yes to Jesus, that moment, the spirit comes, takes away the old, brings in the new. You are for one moment, a forgiven sinner. And then you step into sainthood, perfect righteousness forever. You can never be called. I still have Christians tell me, oh, I'm just a forgiven sinner. Well, you're actually unbiblical." [01:25:27] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You are a son of the living God. You're a done daughter of the living God. You're a done deal in the area of your sonship. But then the process of your soul and your body to make sure they behave and be disciplined by yourself and God is, of course, a process that will take all of our lives." [01:09:34] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Now, this is amazing! And then, of course, on the cross it was manifested. It was already concocted a long time ago, before the creation of the world. But then, here, it was made a reality, as Christ died for the sin of the world, took away the sin nature, and brought holiness." [01:11:20] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus becomes me, what I was, so I can become him, what he is. Come on. It's just an amazing thing what Jesus has done on the cross for us. It's a spiritual DNA transfer. It is so powerful, so glorious, so wonderful in Jesus' name." [01:31:55] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You are a son. You are a daughter. You are awesome. Come on, tell yourself. I am awesome. And believe it. Oh, Jesus, we worship you. There's no one like you. And what you've done for us, Lord, before the creation of the world, to see us holy and righteous and innocent in you. Father, we want to live from this beautiful place of innocence, of righteousness, of sonship, of glory." [01:35:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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