Embracing Our New Identity in Christ

Today is a day of gratitude and anticipation, as we celebrate answered prayers and the abundant blessings God continues to pour out on our community. The arrival of Asa Sellers as our new worship leader is a testament to God’s faithfulness, and we look forward to the new season of worship and ministry ahead. We are reminded that, while our methods and styles may change, the unchanging gospel unites us as one body, one church, and one loaf. Our unity is not just in tradition, but in the living presence of Christ among us, as seen in the vibrant, Spirit-filled gathering of young people this past week—an event marked by authentic worship, deep prayer, and the unmistakable movement of the Holy Spirit.

At the heart of our faith is not self-improvement or religious ritual, but a profound transformation of identity. When we come to Christ, we are not merely called to do better or try harder; we are given a new identity, hidden with Christ in God. This new self is not always visible to the world—there’s no outward halo or mark—but it is a reality that changes everything. Paul’s words in Colossians 3 remind us that we have died to our old selves and are now raised with Christ, called to set our hearts and minds on things above. The glory that will one day be revealed in us is already ours, even if it remains hidden for now.

The stories of Jed Clampett and Ira Yates serve as parables for our spiritual inheritance. Like them, we may not always realize the riches we possess in Christ, living as if we are still bound by our old limitations. Yet, the truth is that we are heirs to an unimaginable glory, and all creation waits in eager expectation for the day when the children of God are fully revealed. Our present sufferings, distractions, and even our successes pale in comparison to what is to come. We are called to live now in the light of that future, not wasting our energy on what is passing away, but embracing our new identity and purpose.

This transformation is not just for the future; it is for today. The peace, radiance, and resilience that come from knowing Christ can be seen in the lives of those who have truly embraced their new identity, even in the midst of suffering. We are invited to set aside anger, malice, and all that belongs to our old nature, and to walk in the newness of life, confident that the God who has begun a good work in us will bring it to completion.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Identity in Christ Is a Present Reality, Not Just a Future Hope The transformation that comes from following Jesus is not merely a promise for the afterlife, but a present reality. Though our outward appearance may not change, our true identity is now hidden with Christ in God. This means we can live with assurance and purpose, knowing that our lives are anchored in something eternal, even when the world cannot see it. [47:05]
• 2. The Glory to Be Revealed Far Surpasses Present Suffering Paul teaches that our current struggles, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, are insignificant compared to the glory that awaits us. All of creation is waiting for the unveiling of God’s children, a moment that will eclipse every hardship we endure. This perspective frees us from being consumed by temporary troubles and helps us persevere with hope. [48:14]
• 3. Spiritual Wealth Is Often Unrecognized and Unused Like Ira Yates, who owned vast oil reserves without realizing it, many believers live unaware of the spiritual riches they possess in Christ. Our inheritance is secure from the moment we receive it, but we must choose to live into that reality, rather than clinging to old patterns or anxieties. Recognizing our true wealth in Christ transforms how we approach every aspect of life. [55:13]
• 4. Living with a Heavenly Mindset Produces Earthly Good Contrary to the saying that being “too heavenly minded” makes one “no earthly good,” the more we set our hearts on things above, the more we are empowered to love, serve, and forgive here and now. Focusing on our eternal identity enables us to rise above petty distractions and to invest in what truly matters—relationships, compassion, and the mission of God. [51:46]
• 5. The New Identity Is Visible in Peace, Forgiveness, and Resilience The evidence of a transformed life is not outward show, but an inner peace and strength that radiate even in adversity. Whether it’s a person who has overcome addiction or someone who forgives in the face of violence, the new self in Christ is marked by a supernatural resilience and grace. This is the witness that draws others to the hope we have, even before the final “big reveal.”
  
  ** [60:33]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [16:33] - Announcements and Answered Prayers
• [18:30] - Community Prayer and Thanksgiving
• [19:55] - Praying for Churches and Revival
• [20:45] - Communion: Meaning and Order
• [26:58] - Youth Worship Night Testimony
• [31:49] - Invitation to the Lord’s Table
• [34:01] - The Christian Journey: Identity and Relationship
• [41:51] - The Beverly Hillbillies and Spiritual Identity
• [43:39] - Colossians 3: Putting on the New Self
• [45:21] - Hidden with Christ: Living the New Reality
• [48:14] - Present Sufferings vs. Future Glory
• [51:46] - Ira Yates: Unrecognized Spiritual Wealth
• [58:32] - Resurrection and the Perishable Body
• [60:33] - Stories of Transformation and Radiance
• [64:50] - Living into Our Identity Now
• [68:04] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Bible Reading

Colossians 3:1-10 (ESV) — 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Romans 8:18-19 (ESV) — 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

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.

Observation Questions

1. According to Colossians 3, what are believers told to set their hearts and minds on, and why?
2. What does Paul say has happened to our old self, and what is true about our new self?
3. In Romans 8, what is creation waiting for, and how does this relate to our identity as God’s children?
4. The sermon shared stories about Jed Clampett and Ira Yates. What did these stories illustrate about spiritual inheritance? [[55:13]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The passage says our life is “hidden with Christ in God.” What does it mean for our true identity to be hidden, and how might that affect the way we see ourselves and others? [[45:21]]
2. Paul says that the glory to be revealed in us is far greater than our present sufferings. How might this perspective change the way we handle difficulties or disappointments? [[48:14]]
3. The sermon described how some believers live as if they are still “dirt poor ranchers,” not realizing their spiritual wealth. Why do you think it’s easy for Christians to forget or ignore their new identity in Christ? [[55:13]]
4. The new identity in Christ is described as being visible through peace, forgiveness, and resilience, even in suffering. Why do you think these qualities are such powerful evidence of transformation? [[01:00:33]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about living with a “heavenly mindset” that leads to earthly good. What is one area of your life where you tend to focus on temporary things instead of eternal ones? What would it look like to shift your focus this week? [[51:46]]
2. Are there any “old self” habits—like anger, malice, or anxiety—that you still find yourself holding onto? What is one practical step you can take to “put off” that old way and “put on” your new self in Christ? [[45:21]]
3. The story of Ira Yates showed someone who was rich but didn’t realize it. In what ways might you be living as if you are spiritually poor, even though you have a rich inheritance in Christ? [[55:13]]
4. The sermon described people whose peace and radiance were visible even in hard times. Can you think of someone in your life who shows this kind of resilience? What do you notice about their faith, and how might you learn from their example? [[01:00:33]]
5. When you face suffering or disappointment, what helps you remember the “glory to be revealed” and your secure identity in Christ? Is there a verse, prayer, or practice that helps you keep this perspective? [[48:14]]
6. The message encouraged us to set aside distractions and invest in what truly matters—relationships, compassion, and God’s mission. What is one relationship or area of service you feel called to invest in more intentionally this month? [[51:46]]
7. The pastor said that the transformation in Christ is not just for the future, but for today. What is one way you can live out your new identity in Christ this week, even if no one else notices? [[45:21]]