Embracing Our New Identity in Christ

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we encounter the profound truth that God made Jesus, who was without sin, to become sin on our behalf. This divine exchange is the cornerstone of our belief, where we are invited to switch places with Christ. Through this act of grace, everything in our past can be wiped clean, and we are seen by God as He sees His own Son. This transformation is not just a change in status but a complete renewal of our identity. God places His Spirit within us, infusing us with His divine DNA, so that we begin to live, speak, and act like Jesus. This is the essence of Christian living—allowing our old selves to die so that Christ can live through us.

This transformation is not merely theoretical; it is practical and observable. As we embrace this new identity, others will notice the change in us. Our lives become a testament to the power of God's Spirit working within us, shaping us to reflect the character of Jesus. This is the ultimate goal of our faith journey: to become more like Christ in every aspect of our lives. It is a continuous process of dying to self and allowing Jesus to take the lead in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Exchange: The heart of our faith is the divine exchange where Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us. This act allows us to stand before God as righteous, not because of our deeds, but because of Christ's sacrifice. This truth should fill us with gratitude and humility, knowing that our salvation is a gift beyond measure. [00:11]

2. New Identity in Christ: When we accept this exchange, we receive a new identity. God sees us as He sees His Son, pure and blameless. This identity is not just a label but a transformation that affects how we live and interact with the world. We are called to embody the character of Christ in our daily lives. [00:26]

3. Indwelling of the Spirit: God places His Spirit within us, giving us His divine DNA. This means that our actions and words should increasingly reflect those of Jesus. The Spirit empowers us to live out our faith authentically and boldly, making us recognizable as followers of Christ. [00:26]

4. Visible Transformation: Our transformation in Christ should be evident to those around us. As we grow in our faith, others should see the change in our character and conduct. This visible transformation is a powerful testimony to the reality of God's work in our lives. [00:45]

5. Dying to Self: The Christian journey involves a continual process of dying to our old selves so that Christ can live through us. This means surrendering our desires and ambitions to align with God's will. It is a daily commitment to let Jesus take the lead in every aspect of our lives. [00:45]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Divine Exchange
[00:26] - New Identity in Christ
[00:45] - Indwelling of the Spirit
[00:45] - Visible Transformation
[00:45] - Dying to Self

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

2. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does the phrase "divine exchange" mean in the context of 2 Corinthians 5:21? How is this concept central to the sermon? [00:11]

2. According to the sermon, how does God view us after the divine exchange? What changes in our identity are highlighted? [00:26]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in our transformation? What evidence of this transformation should be visible to others? [00:45]

4. What does the speaker mean by wanting "Francis to die and Jesus to live through me"? How does this relate to Galatians 2:20? [00:45]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of the divine exchange challenge or affirm one's understanding of righteousness and grace? What implications does this have for a believer's daily life? [00:11]

2. In what ways does the new identity in Christ affect a believer's interactions with the world? How might this transformation be both internal and external? [00:26]

3. What does it mean for a believer to have God's "divine DNA"? How does this idea influence one's actions and words according to the sermon? [00:45]

4. How does the process of "dying to self" manifest in practical terms? What are some challenges believers might face in this journey? [00:45]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant change in your identity or perspective. How does this compare to the transformation described in the sermon? [00:26]

2. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to let Christ take the lead. What steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him? [00:45]

3. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life? What practices might help you align your actions with the character of Jesus? [00:45]

4. Think of a situation where you need to demonstrate the righteousness of God. How can you approach this situation differently, knowing your identity in Christ? [00:11]

5. What are some practical ways you can make the transformation in your life visible to others? How can your life be a testament to God's work within you? [00:45]

6. Consider a personal ambition or desire that might conflict with God's will. How can you align this with the process of dying to self and living for Christ? [00:45]

7. How can you support others in your community who are also on this journey of transformation? What role can you play in encouraging their faith and growth? [00:45]

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Exchange: Christ's Sacrifice for Our Righteousness
In the heart of Christian faith lies the profound truth of the divine exchange, where Jesus, who was without sin, became sin for us. This act of grace allows believers to stand before God as righteous, not because of their deeds, but because of Christ's sacrifice. This truth should fill believers with gratitude and humility, knowing that their salvation is a gift beyond measure. The divine exchange is not just a theological concept but a transformative reality that invites believers to live in the freedom and joy of being seen by God as He sees His own Son. [00:11]

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle to accept God's grace. How can you embrace the truth of the divine exchange in this area today?


Day 2: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
When believers accept the divine exchange, they receive a new identity in Christ. God sees them as He sees His Son, pure and blameless. This identity is not just a label but a transformation that affects how they live and interact with the world. Believers are called to embody the character of Christ in their daily lives, allowing their new identity to shape their thoughts, words, and actions. This transformation is a journey of becoming more like Christ in every aspect of life. [00:26]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally live out your new identity in Christ today? How can this change your interactions with others?


Day 3: The Indwelling of the Spirit: Living with Divine DNA
God places His Spirit within believers, infusing them with His divine DNA. This means that their actions and words should increasingly reflect those of Jesus. The Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith authentically and boldly, making them recognizable as followers of Christ. This indwelling presence is a source of strength and guidance, enabling believers to navigate the challenges of life with grace and wisdom. [00:26]

"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." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance? How can you invite the Spirit to lead you in this area today?


Day 4: Visible Transformation: A Testament to God's Work
The transformation in Christ should be evident to those around believers. As they grow in their faith, others should see the change in their character and conduct. This visible transformation is a powerful testimony to the reality of God's work in their lives. It is a witness to the world of the transformative power of the gospel, inviting others to experience the same renewal and hope. [00:45]

"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." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you could have reflected Christ's character more clearly. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future?


Day 5: Dying to Self: Letting Christ Lead
The Christian journey involves a continual process of dying to one's old self so that Christ can live through them. This means surrendering personal desires and ambitions to align with God's will. It is a daily commitment to let Jesus take the lead in every aspect of life, allowing His love and wisdom to guide decisions and actions. This surrender is not a loss but a gain, as believers find true life and purpose in following Christ. [00:45]

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you are holding back from surrendering to Jesus. What steps can you take today to let Christ lead in this area?

Quotes

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Transcript
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