Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
Summary
Embracing the new identity found in Christ is a journey from the natural to the spiritual, from the old to the new. Each of us begins life as a “natural man,” born of Adam’s seed, living in the flesh, and unable to comprehend the things of God. But when we are born again, God plants His incorruptible, divine seed within us, and we become a new creation—spiritually alive and united with Christ. This transformation is not just a change in behavior or a set of beliefs; it is a fundamental change in our very nature and relationship with God.
Throughout Scripture, there is a progression in how God relates to His people: Abraham walked before God, Israel walked after God, Noah and Enoch walked with God, but in Christ, we walk in Him and He in us. This union is the great mystery of the New Testament—Christ in you, the hope of glory. Our identity is no longer defined by our failures, our past, or even our performance, but by the new birth and the divine nature imparted to us. The old man, with all its sin and weakness, has been crucified with Christ; the new man is alive to God, complete in Him, and hidden with Christ in God.
Yet, the battle between the old and new natures continues in this life. The natural man will never be redeemed; only the spiritual man, born of God, will endure. The key to living out this new identity is the transformation of the mind. As we renew our minds with God’s truth, we begin to see ourselves as God sees us—chosen, beloved, and empowered. The enemy seeks to confuse and corrupt our minds, making us doubt our identity and worth in Christ. But our security is found in the finished work of Jesus, who gave everything to make us saints.
No matter our past mistakes or present struggles, our identity is not in what we do, but in who we are—children of God, begotten by His Spirit, sealed and kept by His power. We are called to walk, think, and live as saints, not because of our own merit, but because Christ lives in us and we are in Him. This is the unshakeable foundation of our hope and the source of our confidence as we journey forward.
Key Takeaways
- The Distinction Between the Natural and Spiritual Man
There is a profound difference between the natural man, born of Adam and bound to the flesh, and the spiritual man, born of God’s incorruptible seed. The natural man cannot understand spiritual things, but the spiritual man is alive to God and empowered to live in union with Christ. Recognizing this distinction is essential to understanding our true identity and walking in the freedom Christ provides. [01:25]
- The Progression of Relationship: From Walking Before to Walking In
God’s relationship with humanity has progressed from walking before Him (as a child before a father), to walking after Him (as a servant follows a master), to walking with Him (in fellowship), and finally to walking in Him (union and oneness). This New Testament reality—Christ in us and us in Christ—is the deepest expression of God’s desire for intimacy and transformation in our lives. [06:38]
- Transformation Is Rooted in Mind Renewal
The quality of our Christian life is directly tied to the purity and renewal of our minds. We cannot live above the level of our thoughts; if our minds are not transformed by God’s truth, we will struggle with confusion and insecurity about our identity. True transformation comes as we reject the lies of the enemy and embrace what God says about us, allowing His truth to shape our thoughts and actions. [13:43]
- Identity Is Based on Birth, Not Performance
Our identity in Christ is not determined by our achievements, failures, or what others think of us. Just as we do not struggle to be our earthly parent’s child, we do not have to strive to be God’s child once we are born again. Our new identity is a result of being begotten by God’s Spirit, and we are called to live from this place of security and acceptance, not from a place of striving or self-doubt. [20:13]
- Our Life Is Hidden and Secure in Christ
Being in Christ means our life is hidden with Him in God, sealed and protected from the accusations of the enemy. Our sins and failures are buried with Christ, and our new self is complete and lacking nothing in Him. This security enables us to live boldly as saints, knowing that our identity is anchored in the eternal, unchanging love and power of God. [32:21]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - The Natural vs. Spiritual Man
[02:39] - The Divine Seed and New Birth
[03:56] - Old Testament Walks with God
[04:57] - The New Testament Mystery: Christ in You
[06:38] - The Progression of Relationship
[07:49] - The Seven Mysteries of the New Testament
[09:47] - Conversion vs. Transformation
[13:43] - The Importance of Mind Renewal
[15:15] - Battling the Enemy’s Lies
[19:04] - Peter’s Identity Crisis
[20:13] - Identity: Birth, Not Performance
[22:23] - Begotten of God: A Unique Relationship
[24:24] - Conceived by the Holy Spirit
[26:06] - The Butterfly: Not Just a Converted Sinner
[28:11] - Complete in Christ
[30:58] - Our Union with Christ
[32:21] - Hidden with Christ in God
[34:51] - Known in the Heavenlies
[36:10] - Jesus Gave All to Make Us Saints
[37:13] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing Your New Identity in Christ
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### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 2:11-14 (ESV)
> For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
2. Colossians 2:6-10 (ESV)
> Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
3. Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
> I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
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### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Corinthians 2:14, what does Paul say about the natural man’s ability to understand spiritual things? How does he describe the difference between the natural and spiritual person? ([01:25])
2. According to Colossians 2:6, what are believers instructed to do after receiving Christ Jesus as Lord? What does it mean to “walk in him”? ([04:57])
3. In Romans 12:2, what is the key to transformation in the Christian life? What does Paul say will happen as our minds are renewed?
4. The sermon mentions a progression in how people related to God in the Old Testament compared to the New Testament. What are the different ways people “walked” with God, and how is the New Testament relationship unique? ([06:38])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to recognize the difference between the natural man and the spiritual man in understanding our identity in Christ? How does this affect the way we see ourselves and others? ([01:25])
2. The sermon says that our identity is based on birth, not performance. What does this mean for someone who struggles with guilt or feeling like they don’t measure up? ([20:13])
3. How does renewing our mind with God’s truth help us overcome the lies and confusion the enemy tries to bring? What are some examples of “strongholds” in our thinking that might need to be addressed? ([13:43])
4. The pastor described our life as “hidden with Christ in God.” What does this mean for our sense of security and how we handle accusations or reminders of our past? ([32:21])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon teaches that the natural man and the spiritual man are always at war. Can you think of a recent situation where you felt this battle inside you? How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? ([02:39])
2. The pastor said, “You cannot fix your mess until you fix your mind.” Are there any negative thoughts or lies about your identity that you need to confront and replace with God’s truth? What is one step you can take this week to renew your mind? ([13:43])
3. When you think about your relationship with God, do you tend to focus more on your performance or on your identity as God’s child? How does this affect your confidence and daily walk? ([20:13])
4. The sermon described our new identity as being “complete in Christ, lacking nothing.” Is there an area of your life where you feel incomplete or insecure? How can you remind yourself of your completeness in Christ in that area? ([28:11])
5. The pastor shared that our life is “hidden with Christ in God,” making us secure from the enemy’s accusations. When you are reminded of past failures, how do you usually respond? What would it look like to respond from your new identity instead? ([32:21])
6. The message challenged us to “walk, think, and live as saints.” What is one practical way you can live out your identity as a saint this week—in your family, work, or community? ([36:10])
7. The pastor said, “Jesus gave up everything to make you a saint.” How does this truth impact the way you see yourself and others in the church? Is there someone you need to encourage with this truth? ([36:10])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for the new identity He has given us in Christ. Ask for help to renew our minds, walk in the truth, and live as saints, secure in His love and power.
Devotional
Day 1: The Contrast Between the Natural Man and the Spiritual Man
The natural man, born of corruptible seed, cannot comprehend the things of God, but the spiritual man, born again by the Spirit, is given understanding and a new identity in Christ. This distinction is foundational: the old nature is unredeemable and always at odds with the new, spiritual nature that God has planted within believers. The spiritual life is not about improving the old self, but about living from the new self that is alive to God, empowered by His Spirit, and able to discern spiritual truths. As you walk through life, remember that your failures and struggles come from the old nature, but your true self is the one God has made alive in Christ. [01:25]
1 Corinthians 2:11-14 (ESV)
"For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most often find yourself thinking or acting from your old, natural self rather than your new identity in Christ? How can you intentionally choose to live from your spiritual nature today?
Day 2: The Mystery and Reality of Christ in You
The greatest mystery revealed in the New Testament is that Christ Himself dwells within believers, creating a union and oneness that was never experienced in the Old Testament. This is not just a theological idea but a living reality: Christ in you, the hope of glory. This union means that your identity is no longer defined by your past, your failures, or your performance, but by the indwelling presence of Jesus. God has chosen the undeserving and the unqualified, and by His grace, He has made you His own, giving you a new life and a new purpose. [07:49]
Colossians 1:27 (ESV)
"To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Reflection: What would it look like for you to live today with the awareness that Christ Himself lives in you? How might this change the way you approach your relationships, work, or struggles?
Day 3: The Power of a Transformed Mind
The quality of your Christian life will never exceed the purity of your mind and thought life; transformation comes as you renew your mind according to God’s truth. The enemy seeks to corrupt your mind and confuse your identity, but God calls you to reject the lies and embrace the truth of who you are in Christ. You cannot fix your mess until you fix your mind, and you will never live any better than you think. Commit your mind to God, allow Him to transform your thinking, and you will begin to walk in the fullness of your new identity. [13:43]
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one recurring thought or belief about yourself that you know does not align with God’s truth? How can you replace it with what God says about you today?
Day 4: You Are a New Creation—Not Just a Changed Sinner
When you are born again, you are not simply a converted sinner but a brand new creation in Christ, with the old nature crucified and a new life begun. Your identity is not based on your performance or your past, but on the finished work of Jesus and your union with Him. Just as a butterfly is not a converted caterpillar, you are not merely an improved version of your old self—you are entirely new, with Christ living in you and you in Him. This positional truth is the foundation for living out your practical daily life as a child of God. [26:06]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: In what ways do you still see yourself as “just a sinner” rather than a new creation? What would it mean for you to fully embrace your new identity in Christ today?
Day 5: Your Life Is Hidden with Christ in God
Your true life is hidden with Christ in God, secure and sealed by His power, beyond the reach of condemnation or accusation. No matter what others may say or what the enemy may whisper, your identity is protected in the very heart of God. You are known in the heavenlies, and your failures and shortcomings have been judged at the cross. Jesus gave everything to make you a saint, and now you are called to walk, talk, and live as one who belongs to Him, confident in your eternal identity. [32:21]
Colossians 3:3 (ESV)
"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: How does knowing your life is hidden with Christ in God affect the way you respond to guilt, shame, or criticism? What step can you take today to rest in your secure identity as God’s beloved child?
Quotes
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