Embracing Our Identity: The Call to Repentance
Summary
In our journey through the New Testament, we encounter a profound and recurring call from Jesus: to repent. This call is not one of anger or condemnation, but an invitation to change our minds about God and how God thinks about us. It is a call to align our thinking with the truth that God sees us as perfect, is proud of us, and has chosen us. We are in Christ, and Christ is in us. This truth is not just for intellectual assent but is meant to be worked into our very bones, transforming our relationships and our self-perception.
We often carry the burden of feeling unworthy, a burden that can be traced back to various voices in our lives that have, intentionally or not, communicated that we are not good enough. This is the thinking we must repent from, the pattern we must change. It is not a one-time event but a continual process of listening to God's voice over our lives, which declares us worthy of love and good in His sight.
This message is not just for us individually but is meant to be shared and affirmed within the community of believers. As we gather, we remind each other of our identity in Christ, encouraging one another to live out of the fullness of being loved, chosen, and enjoyed by God.
The theological foundation for this assurance is found in the Apostle Paul's writings, where he frequently uses the phrase "in Christ" to describe our united identity with Jesus. Because we are in Christ, we share in His glory, His dignity, and His honor. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing because we are united with Him.
To internalize this message, we must practice remembering and reminding each other of these truths. We must also reach out and share our vulnerabilities with those we trust, allowing the body of Christ to minister to us through acceptance, love, and sometimes forgiveness.
As we embrace this truth, we find ourselves better equipped to love our neighbors, our enemies, and ourselves. The Spirit of God works through us, addressing the things within us that need healing or change, starting from a place of assured love and acceptance.
Key Takeaways:
- Repentance is not about self-condemnation but about changing our minds to align with God's perspective. When we understand that God sees us as perfect and chosen, we can begin to live out of that truth, impacting our relationships and self-view. This is a continual process, not a one-time event. [53:50]
- Our identity in Christ is foundational to understanding our worthiness of love. The Apostle Paul's frequent use of "in Christ" underscores our shared identity with Jesus, assuring us of God's love and acceptance. This identity is not earned but given freely to all who are united with Christ. [46:19]
- Community plays a crucial role in affirming our identity in Christ. Sharing our vulnerabilities with trusted friends, family, or spiritual leaders can be a powerful experience of God's love and acceptance. The body of Christ is designed to support and affirm one another in our journey. [01:00:55]
- The practice of remembering and reminding is essential in our spiritual lives. We need to regularly recall the truths of our identity in Christ, both individually and collectively, to reinforce the foundation upon which we build our lives. This practice helps us to resist the lies of unworthiness that can so easily entangle us. [01:05:31]
- Embracing our identity in Christ enables us to love more fully. Trusting in God's unconditional love for us empowers us to extend that love to others, including our enemies. The Spirit of God works within us to heal and transform us, starting from a place of love and acceptance. [01:04:52]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 3:16-17 (NIV)
> "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"
2. Colossians 1:27 (NIV)
> "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
3. Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)
> "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event in Jesus' life is described in Matthew 3:16-17, and what does God declare about Jesus in this passage?
2. According to Colossians 1:27, what is the "mystery" that Paul speaks about, and what does it mean for believers?
3. In Ephesians 1:3, what does Paul say we have received because we are united with Christ?
4. How does the sermon describe the process of repentance and its purpose in our lives? ([55:26])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the declaration from God during Jesus' baptism significant for understanding our own identity in Christ? ([42:41])
2. How does the concept of being "in Christ" as described in Colossians 1:27 and Ephesians 1:3 shape our understanding of our worth and identity?
3. The sermon mentions that repentance involves changing our thinking about God and how God thinks about us. How does this differ from traditional views of repentance? ([55:26])
4. What role does community play in affirming our identity in Christ, according to the sermon? ([01:00:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or not good enough. How can the truth of being "in Christ" help you change your perspective on that experience? ([55:26])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering and reminding each other of our identity in Christ. What practical steps can you take to regularly remind yourself and others of these truths? ([01:02:40])
3. How can you create a supportive environment in your small group or community where people feel safe to share their vulnerabilities and receive affirmation? ([01:00:27])
4. Think about the voices in your life that have made you feel unworthy. How can you actively replace those voices with the voice of God that declares you are loved and chosen? ([55:26])
5. The sermon suggests that embracing our identity in Christ enables us to love more fully. Identify one person in your life who is difficult to love. How can you apply the truth of God's unconditional love to improve your relationship with them? ([01:04:42])
6. How can you practice repentance in your daily life by changing your thinking to align more closely with God's perspective of you? ([55:26])
7. The sermon encourages sharing our stories and vulnerabilities with trusted individuals. Who is someone you trust that you can share a personal story with this week, and how might this act of sharing help you grow in your faith? ([01:00:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Perspective on Us
Repentance often carries a connotation of guilt and shame, but the true essence of repentance is a transformative change of mind. It is about seeing ourselves through God's eyes—as perfect, chosen, and loved. This shift in perspective is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of renewal. As individuals come to understand that God is not disappointed but rather proud, they can start to shed the layers of unworthiness that have been imposed upon them by others or by themselves. This process allows for a deeper connection with God and a healthier self-image that aligns with the divine truth of their identity in Christ. [53:50]
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." - Colossians 3:12 ESV
Reflection: How does embracing God's view of you as chosen and beloved change the way you approach your daily challenges?
Day 2: Our Worthiness in Christ
The Apostle Paul's frequent use of the phrase "in Christ" serves as a reminder that our identity is deeply rooted in Jesus. This identity is not something we earn; it is a gift freely given to all who are united with Christ. Understanding that we are "in Christ" is foundational to recognizing our worthiness of love and acceptance. This assurance allows us to live confidently, knowing that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing and that our value is not determined by our actions or the opinions of others but by our relationship with Jesus. [46:19]
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" - Romans 8:15 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you live out the reality of being God's adopted child today?
Day 3: Community's Role in Affirming Identity
The Christian journey is not meant to be walked alone. The community of believers plays a crucial role in affirming each other's identity in Christ. By sharing our vulnerabilities and struggles with trusted members of our spiritual family, we experience God's love and acceptance in tangible ways. This mutual support is a powerful expression of the body of Christ in action, where each member contributes to the spiritual growth and well-being of one another. [01:00:55]
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
Reflection: Who can you reach out to today to both give and receive encouragement in your shared identity in Christ?
Day 4: The Practice of Remembering and Reminding
The spiritual discipline of remembering and reminding ourselves of our identity in Christ is essential. It is through this practice that we can stand firm against the lies of unworthiness and condemnation that often assail us. By regularly recalling the truth of who we are in Christ, both individually and in community, we reinforce the foundation of our faith. This practice not only strengthens our own spiritual resilience but also equips us to minister to others with the same affirmations of God's love and truth. [01:05:31]
"Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered." - Psalm 105:5 ESV
Reflection: What is one truth about your identity in Christ that you need to remind yourself of today?
Day 5: Love Empowered by Identity in Christ
When we truly embrace our identity in Christ, we unlock the ability to love others more fully. Trusting in God's unconditional love for us empowers us to extend that same love to our neighbors, our enemies, and ourselves. The Spirit of God works within us, healing and transforming us from a place of assured love and acceptance. This divine love becomes the source from which we can offer forgiveness, kindness, and compassion to those around us, reflecting the heart of God in our daily interactions. [01:04:52]
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." - 1 John 4:7 ESV
Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's love to someone who may be difficult to love in your life today?
Quotes
- "This is the thinking that we want to repent. This is the thinking that we want to change our mind about. And I don't know about you. I have to do this over and over and over again." [01:00:15](Download | Download)
- "We are the body of Christ which is another phrase that the apostle Paul uses and I think part of the beauty of that is that I can hear all day long through the scripture that God says these things about me." [01:00:55](Download | Download)
- "The more we work this truth into our lives, the more we have faith and trust in God's unconditional love for us, the better able I am to love my neighbor and to love my enemy and to love myself." [01:04:52](Download | Download)
- "We need to remember and remind one another that the answers to these questions are yes. That God does love us, that God does say that we are good enough." [01:04:00](Download | Download)
- "We want to change the way that we think about God. We want to change the way that we think about how God thinks about us. That's what it means to repent. We change our thinking." [55:51](Download | Download)
- "God is saying to Jesus, all of this is because of who you are, not because of what you are going to do. It's who you are that is chosen, who you are that I say is good, who you are that is worthy of my love." [44:38](Download | Download)
- "We are in Christ, this is our common identity. It's the truth and guarantee of who God says we are. The apostle Paul really established this theological foundation all throughout the New Testament." [46:19](Download | Download)
- "You are my child and I love you. You are worthy of my love. I choose you. I formally and publicly approve of you. I am pleased with you." [49:20](Download | Download)
- "Sometimes we need to share this with a therapist. Sometimes we share it with a pastor. Sometimes we share it with our small group. I shared with two of my kids yesterday because I knew I was going to be telling you to do this." [01:02:15](Download | Download)
- "The voice of God over your life can only ever always be loving and kind. It can only ever always be loving and kind." [56:53](Download | Download)
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