Embracing Our Identity: The Journey with Jesus
Summary
In the coming weeks, we will embark on a journey to deepen our understanding of Jesus, focusing on truly knowing and following Him. As we approach Holy Week, we aim to shift our focus from traditional celebrations to the profound significance of Jesus' death and resurrection. This journey will be marked by seven key stops, each revealing a deeper aspect of Jesus' identity and mission. The number seven, symbolizing completion and perfection in the Bible, will guide us as we explore these pivotal moments in Jesus' life.
Our first stop is the baptism of Jesus, a significant event that marks the beginning of His ministry. Unlike others, Jesus' baptism was not for the forgiveness of sins but an act of identification. It was a declaration of His identity as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Son of Man. This event connects back to the garden narrative in Genesis, where humanity's separation from God began. Jesus, as the new Adam, came to restore this broken relationship, embodying the perfect human who fully trusts God.
In His baptism, Jesus identified with humanity, sharing in our experiences and emotions, yet without sin. This act foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He took on our sins to reconcile us with God. As followers of Jesus, we are called to embrace our new identity in Christ. We are not defined by our past, our failures, or the world's perceptions. Instead, we are new creations, filled with the Spirit of God, and called to live as His ambassadors.
Understanding our identity in Christ transforms our lives. It shifts us from striving for worth to resting in His love, from living in shame to walking in grace, and from fear of the future to confidence in His promises. As we journey together over the next seven weeks, let us lean into our true identity in Christ, following His example and embracing the life He has called us to live.
Key Takeaways:
- Identity in Christ: Jesus' baptism was an act of identification, showing us that He is both fully God and fully man. As believers, we are called to embrace our identity in Christ, recognizing that we are new creations, filled with His Spirit, and called to live as His ambassadors. [09:07]
- The New Humanity: Jesus is the prototype of a new humanity, one that is not defined by sin but by the Spirit of God. As followers of Jesus, we are part of this new humanity, called to live in the fullness of His presence and power. [14:20]
- Transformation Through Christ: Our journey with Jesus is one of transformation, where we grow to become more like Him. This process involves recognizing our true identity in Christ and allowing His Spirit to empower us to live according to His purpose. [21:30]
- Victory Over Sin: In Christ, we have victory over sin and shame. Though we may still struggle, our identity as new creations assures us that we are more than conquerors, empowered by His Spirit to overcome the challenges we face. [24:47]
- Living as God's Masterpiece: We are God's masterpiece, created with purpose and intention. Embracing this truth allows us to live confidently, knowing that we are loved, chosen, and equipped to fulfill the unique calling He has placed on our lives. [28:50]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Upcoming Easter Events
- [01:45] - Significance of the Number Seven
- [03:11] - Knowing and Following Jesus
- [05:00] - Journey with Jesus: Seven Stops
- [07:30] - The Baptism of Jesus
- [09:07] - Jesus' Identity and Baptism
- [11:45] - The Garden Narrative
- [14:20] - Jesus as the New Adam
- [16:30] - Our Identity in Christ
- [18:33] - Why We Still Sin
- [21:30] - Transformation in Christ
- [24:47] - Victory Over Sin
- [28:50] - Living as God's Masterpiece
- [31:06] - Embracing Our True Identity
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 3:13-17
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17
3. Romans 8:28-29
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Observation Questions:
1. What significant event marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry, and how is it described in Matthew 3:13-17? [09:07]
2. According to the sermon, why was Jesus' baptism not for the forgiveness of sins, and what did it signify instead? [09:07]
3. How does the sermon describe the connection between Jesus' baptism and the garden narrative in Genesis? [14:20]
4. What does the sermon say about the number seven and its significance in the context of Jesus' life and ministry? [03:11]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding Jesus' baptism as an act of identification with humanity deepen our understanding of His mission and identity? [09:07]
2. In what ways does the concept of Jesus as the "new Adam" challenge or enhance our understanding of our identity in Christ? [14:20]
3. How does the sermon explain the transformation process for believers, and what role does our identity in Christ play in this transformation? [21:30]
4. What does it mean to be part of the "new humanity" as described in the sermon, and how does this impact our daily lives? [14:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own baptism or the concept of baptism. How does understanding Jesus' baptism as an act of identification with humanity influence your view of your own baptism? [09:07]
2. The sermon emphasizes embracing our identity in Christ as new creations. What past failures or perceptions do you need to let go of to fully embrace this new identity? [21:30]
3. How can you actively live as an ambassador for Christ in your current environment, whether at work, home, or in your community? [24:47]
4. The sermon mentions victory over sin and shame. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with sin or shame. What steps can you take to claim victory in that area through Christ? [24:47]
5. Consider the idea of being God's masterpiece. What unique gifts or talents do you have that you can use to fulfill the purpose God has for your life? [28:50]
6. How can you lean into your true identity in Christ this week, especially when faced with challenges or negative perceptions from others? [31:06]
7. The sermon encourages us to follow Jesus' example. What is one specific way you can follow Jesus more closely in your daily life, starting today? [31:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
In Jesus' baptism, He identified with humanity, not for the forgiveness of sins, but as a declaration of His identity as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Son of Man. This act connects back to the garden narrative in Genesis, where humanity's separation from God began. Jesus, as the new Adam, came to restore this broken relationship, embodying the perfect human who fully trusts God. As believers, we are called to embrace our identity in Christ, recognizing that we are new creations, filled with His Spirit, and called to live as His ambassadors. This understanding transforms our lives, shifting us from striving for worth to resting in His love, from living in shame to walking in grace, and from fear of the future to confidence in His promises. [09:07]
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 do you need to let go of today to fully embrace your identity in Christ?
Day 2: Living as Part of the New Humanity
Jesus is the prototype of a new humanity, one that is not defined by sin but by the Spirit of God. In His baptism, Jesus identified with humanity, sharing in our experiences and emotions, yet without sin. This act foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He took on our sins to reconcile us with God. As followers of Jesus, we are part of this new humanity, called to live in the fullness of His presence and power. This means living a life that reflects His love, grace, and truth, and being a light in a world that desperately needs hope. [14:20]
Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the characteristics of this new humanity in your interactions with others today?
Day 3: Transformation Through Christ
Our journey with Jesus is one of transformation, where we grow to become more like Him. This process involves recognizing our true identity in Christ and allowing His Spirit to empower us to live according to His purpose. Transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and character. It requires us to be intentional about our spiritual growth, seeking His guidance and strength in every area of our lives. [21:30]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you feel God is calling you to transform, and what steps can you take today to begin this transformation?
Day 4: Victory Over Sin
In Christ, we have victory over sin and shame. Though we may still struggle, our identity as new creations assures us that we are more than conquerors, empowered by His Spirit to overcome the challenges we face. This victory is not about being perfect but about relying on His strength and grace to overcome our weaknesses. It is about living in the freedom that Christ has won for us and not allowing sin to have dominion over our lives. [24:47]
Romans 6:14 (ESV): "For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."
Reflection: What is one sin or struggle you need to surrender to God today, trusting in His power to give you victory?
Day 5: Living as God's Masterpiece
We are God's masterpiece, created with purpose and intention. Embracing this truth allows us to live confidently, knowing that we are loved, chosen, and equipped to fulfill the unique calling He has placed on our lives. This means recognizing our worth in Christ and living out our purpose with passion and dedication. It involves using our gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to God, knowing that He has a plan for each of us that is good and perfect. [28:50]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and talents to serve others and fulfill God's purpose for your life today?
Quotes
"We wanna really know Jesus. We wanna really experience Jesus, because we wanna really follow Jesus. And I think even this term, following him, is just, it's always been like watered down, I think, following Jesus, that we've just made that so much less than it's supposed to be." [00:02:17] (21 seconds)
"When Jesus says, follow me, he means dropping what you're doing. He means changing how you're living. He means really following him, going where he went, doing what he did, living like he lived, loving like he loved. And so this series is going to be about really knowing Jesus and really following Jesus." [00:03:33] (19 seconds)
"Jesus is the first of a new mankind, a new humanity that are not like Adam. They're like Jesus because they are the spirit of God in the body of a man. So Jesus came to live the life that Adam was created for but couldn't live because he was separated from God." [00:14:32] (24 seconds)
"And that's why I'm saying in his baptism, Jesus is identifying himself. He's identifying himself as human. And he's accepting the same baptism that humans need for the forgiveness of sin. He didn't have any sin. But his baptism identified him with us as one of us, a human." [00:15:06] (20 seconds)
"So when he was baptized, Jesus identified himself with us as humans. He called it being a son of man, and he was identified as a son of God. When the father spoke from heaven and said, this is my dearly loved son who brings me great joy." [00:15:58] (19 seconds)
"Jesus is the firstborn of the new humanity, that he's the prototype who is human, who is human, but is also full of the Spirit of God. So Jesus is our big brother. He's the firstborn of this new humanity, and in his baptism, we see Jesus like leaning into this identity." [00:17:41] (20 seconds)
"We are the new Christ-like humanity. We are the sons and daughters of men living in human bodies. But we're also the sons and daughters of God filled with his spirit. And our spirit is united with Christ. And we will spend the rest of our lives partnering with God to help our outer self." [00:22:01] (21 seconds)
"We are not who the world says we are, and we are not who social media tells us we are, and we're not who our bank statement makes us feel like we are, and we're not who our latest success or our latest failure tells us that we are, and we are not who that fat old person in the mirror says we are." [00:22:48] (18 seconds)
"Romans 8:37 says, we are winners. I love this term. We are more than conquerors, and I think this is really important for us because sometimes it feels like, or we hear, or people make us feel like that we're losing our battle with Satan or with sin or with shame or with life, but in Christ, we don't live in defeat." [00:26:04] (20 seconds)
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