Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we embarked on a journey to explore the profound concept of identity, particularly focusing on our identity in Christ. We began by acknowledging the common questions we ask when meeting someone new, such as their name or occupation, which subtly probe into their identity. However, these questions often only scratch the surface. Our true identity, as revealed in Ephesians 2, is much deeper and more significant. Before Christ, our identity was defined by sin. We were spiritually dead, separated from God, and living in rebellion against His holiness. This grim reality is a universal truth for all humanity, as we are born into sin, echoing the fall of Adam and Eve.
Yet, the narrative doesn't end there. The pivotal moment in our spiritual journey is encapsulated in the powerful phrase "But God." Despite our sinful nature, God, rich in mercy and love, intervened. Through Jesus Christ, we are offered a new identity—one that is redeemed and transformed. This transformation is not of our own doing but is a gift of grace, underscoring the immeasurable love God has for us. Our new identity in Christ is not just a change in status but a call to action. We are now His workmanship, created for good works, and called to live out our faith actively.
As we continue this series on discipleship, we are reminded that our new identity in Christ empowers us to fulfill the Great Commission. We are to go forth, making disciples of all nations, living out the gospel in our daily lives. This mission is not burdensome but a joyful response to the grace we have received. Our lives should reflect the love and mercy of Christ, drawing others to Him. As we embrace our new identity, let us be encouraged to live boldly for Christ, knowing that He is with us always.
Key Takeaways:
1. Identity in Christ: Our identity before Christ was defined by sin and separation from God. However, through Jesus, we are given a new identity, one that is redeemed and transformed by His grace. This new identity is not just a change in status but a call to live out our faith actively. [33:57]
2. The Power of "But God": The phrase "But God" signifies a divine intervention in our lives. Despite our sinful nature, God, rich in mercy, offers us salvation through Jesus Christ. This transformation is a gift of grace, underscoring the immeasurable love God has for us. [45:46]
3. Living Out Our New Identity: Our new identity in Christ empowers us to live differently. We are called to be His workmanship, created for good works, and to live out the gospel in our daily lives. This mission is a joyful response to the grace we have received. [56:09]
4. The Joy of Discipleship: Following Christ is not burdensome but a source of true joy. As we embrace our new identity, we are encouraged to live boldly for Christ, knowing that He is with us always. This joy should be evident in our lives, drawing others to Him. [58:44]
5. Fulfilling the Great Commission: Our new identity in Christ calls us to fulfill the Great Commission. We are to go forth, making disciples of all nations, living out the gospel in our daily lives. This mission is not just a duty but a privilege and a response to the love we have received. [01:01:37]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Announcements and Updates
- [03:45] - Opening Prayer
- [05:20] - Hymn: The Solid Rock
- [07:00] - Introduction to Discipleship Series
- [09:15] - The Question of Identity
- [12:30] - Our Identity Before Christ
- [21:17] - Prayer for the Church and Community
- [30:39] - The Reality of Sin
- [33:57] - A Redeemed Identity
- [38:12] - Spiritual Death and Separation
- [45:46] - The Transformative Power of "But God"
- [48:22] - Mercy and Grace in Christ
- [50:52] - Embracing Our New Identity
- [56:09] - Our New Mission in Christ
- [58:44] - The Joy of Following Jesus
- [01:01:37] - Fulfilling the Great Commission
- [01:03:00] - Closing Prayer and Hymn
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 2:1-10
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 2:1-3, what was our identity before knowing Christ? How does Paul describe our spiritual state? [38:12]
2. What does the phrase "But God" signify in Ephesians 2:4, and how does it change the narrative of our identity? [45:46]
3. In Ephesians 2:8-9, what is emphasized about the nature of salvation? How does this passage describe the role of grace and faith? [56:09]
4. What does Ephesians 2:10 say about our purpose as believers, and how does it relate to our new identity in Christ? [56:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding our former identity as described in Ephesians 2:1-3 impact our appreciation of salvation? Why is it important to remember who we were before Christ? [38:12]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of God's mercy and grace in redefining our identity? How does this understanding affect our relationship with God? [48:22]
3. How does the concept of being "God's workmanship" in Ephesians 2:10 influence the way we view our daily actions and decisions? [56:09]
4. The sermon mentions the joy of discipleship. How does embracing our new identity in Christ lead to a joyful response in fulfilling the Great Commission? [58:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of your identity in Christ. How does this understanding influence your daily life and decisions? Are there areas where you struggle to embrace this new identity? [53:04]
2. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of "But God." Can you recall a specific moment in your life where you experienced a "But God" intervention? How did it change your perspective or direction? [45:46]
3. Ephesians 2:10 speaks of being created for good works. Identify one specific good work you feel called to pursue this week. How can you actively live out this calling? [56:09]
4. The sermon highlights the joy of following Jesus. What are some practical ways you can cultivate joy in your discipleship journey, especially during challenging times? [58:44]
5. Consider the Great Commission's call to make disciples. Who in your life might God be calling you to reach out to with the gospel? What steps can you take to engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? [01:01:37]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about not needing to "clean yourself up" before coming to Christ. How does this truth impact your approach to repentance and seeking forgiveness? [50:52]
7. The sermon encourages us to remind ourselves daily of our new identity. What practical steps can you take to keep this truth at the forefront of your mind each day? [58:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Our Identity in Christ is Redeemed and Transformed
Our identity before encountering Christ was marred by sin and separation from God. This spiritual deadness was a universal condition, echoing the fall of Adam and Eve. However, through Jesus, we are offered a new identity that is both redeemed and transformed. This transformation is not merely a change in status but a profound shift in our spiritual reality. It is a gift of grace, underscoring the immeasurable love God has for us. As we embrace this new identity, we are called to live out our faith actively, reflecting the love and mercy of Christ in our daily lives. [33:57]
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: In what ways can you actively live out your new identity in Christ today, demonstrating His love and mercy to those around you?
Day 2: The Divine Intervention of "But God"
The phrase "But God" signifies a pivotal moment of divine intervention in our lives. Despite our sinful nature and spiritual deadness, God, rich in mercy, offers us salvation through Jesus Christ. This transformation is a gift of grace, highlighting the depth of God's love for us. It is a reminder that our salvation is not of our own doing but a result of God's initiative and mercy. As we reflect on this truth, we are encouraged to respond with gratitude and a renewed commitment to live for Him. [45:46]
Romans 5:8 (ESV): "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: How can you express gratitude today for the divine intervention of "But God" in your life, and how might this gratitude influence your actions and interactions with others?
Day 3: Empowered to Live Out Our New Identity
Our new identity in Christ empowers us to live differently. We are called to be His workmanship, created for good works, and to live out the gospel in our daily lives. This mission is not a burden but a joyful response to the grace we have received. As we embrace this calling, we are reminded that our lives should reflect the transformative power of Christ, drawing others to Him through our actions and words. [56:09]
Titus 2:11-14 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
Reflection: What specific good work can you commit to today that reflects your new identity in Christ and draws others to Him?
Day 4: The Joy of Discipleship
Following Christ is not burdensome but a source of true joy. As we embrace our new identity, we are encouraged to live boldly for Christ, knowing that He is with us always. This joy should be evident in our lives, drawing others to Him. Discipleship is not just a duty but a privilege, allowing us to participate in God's redemptive work in the world. As we live out our faith, we experience the joy of being in relationship with Christ and sharing His love with others. [58:44]
1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Reflection: How can you cultivate and express the joy of discipleship in your life today, and how might this joy impact those around you?
Day 5: Fulfilling the Great Commission
Our new identity in Christ calls us to fulfill the Great Commission. We are to go forth, making disciples of all nations, living out the gospel in our daily lives. This mission is not just a duty but a privilege and a response to the love we have received. As we engage in this mission, we are reminded that we are not alone; Christ is with us always, empowering us to share His love and truth with the world. [01:01:37]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to actively participate in the Great Commission, and how can you rely on Christ's presence and power as you do so?
Quotes
"Because praise be to God that we have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who is willing to rescue us from our helpless estate and to give us a redeemed identity. And that's the title of our sermon this morning, A Redeemed Identity. And so a little background on the text that we're going to dig into. It's probably about A.D. 60 to 62. Not that you probably care, but that's kind of where we're at. And the Apostle Paul is a man who was radically converted from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. And he's writing to a church. He's writing to the church in Ephesus. And this church was kind of made up of a lot of different people, Jews and Gentiles. And Paul had one unifying purpose for what he was writing. And that was to preach that Christ had given them a new identity." [00:33:57] (51 seconds)
"And so it's important to look at this passage and to see this text and see that God is the subject here. We didn't save ourselves. We couldn't clean ourselves up enough. We couldn't do it. But God could. But he being rich in mercy. See, mercy comes from the root Greek word eleos, which means undeserved kindness. And the question is, why would he show us this great kindness? Why in the world would he send his son to die a death, taking on the sins of the world, which included me and you, to rise again and save sinners? Why would he do that?" [00:48:22] (45 seconds)
"And verse 4 tells us, because of the great love for which he had for us. That's why John 3 .16 is used to share the gospel, because it paints a similar story where God's a subject. For God so loved the world. It's always been about God. The Bible isn't about us. It's always been about Jesus and what he's done for us. And so if you ever leave this church and go off to find new churches, because frankly, we all have seasons of life where that may happen. The one thing that you should look for is a gospel preaching church. And the one thing that you should look out for is this. If a preacher tells you that the Bible is about you, run. It's not about you." [00:50:52] (52 seconds)
"It's always been about what Jesus has done for us. Every page, it bounces off. And Paul reiterates this by saying, we were completely dead in our trespasses with no way to get out. But it's only by God's grace that we were rescued. The Christian life isn't about how much you can clean yourself up. Look at me. The Christian life isn't about how much you think you can clean yourself up and present yourself to Jesus. You know how you would do that sometimes? You're like, okay, I'm ready for my interview. I think I'm looking good. Okay, I got my hair." [00:56:09] (50 seconds)
"We don't do that with Jesus. We don't try to, okay, I think my sins are in order. I hid that one, so that's good. And okay, I think, all right, Jesus, I'm ready. I think, no, it's impossible. And so this is my last Sunday with you. And if there's one thing I want you to understand, it's this truth. And I know some of you need to hear it. Don't clean yourself up and then present yourself to Christ. Doesn't work. Throw yourself on Jesus, your imperfect self, your sinful self. Just throw yourself on Jesus because he loves you." [00:58:44] (38 seconds)
"And so because of that, we have a brand new identity. And 2 Corinthians 5, 17 through 18 talks about this. Paul says, therefore, if anyone is in Christ, if anyone has been hidden in Christ, if anyone has confessed their sins and said that he is Lord, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. And behold, the new has come. Notice here, Paul says, all this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. And we're going to talk about that in the last part of the message. But Christ then raised us up, and he seated us with him in heaven." [01:03:00] (50 seconds)
"And so there's two outcomes that come from this. One, we have a brand new identity. And we are raised up to live a different life because of what Christ has done for us. And Paul will give us a clearer picture of that in the last few verses. But second, we have an eternity waiting for us with Jesus. This suffering and hurt we see around us is temporary because one day we will fall at the feet of Jesus and see him and worship him in awestruck for all he is." [01:05:20] (35 seconds)
"This world is in our home. We're just passing through. My friends, do you live this out? Do you realize that because of what Christ has done for you, we have a brand new identity? Here's a list. We are a child of God, says John 1 .12. We are no longer slaves to sin, Galatians 4, 5 -7. We are joint heirs with Christ, Romans 8 .17. And the list could go on and on. We talked about it at my youth group just a week before. We are adopted. We are chosen. We are freed. We are resurrected. We are loved. We are justified. We are redeemed. And we are clothed in Jesus' righteousness." [01:07:01] (45 seconds)
"Remind yourselves of these truths. When you look in the mirror, remember that Christ has redeemed you. There's two kinds of people. Ones who can't recognize that they're sinful and think they've got it all together. They've got the perfect life. And they don't need God because they've got money. They've got fame. Good kids. But then there's a whole other side of those who are saved, but they can't let go that they're sinful, and so they let that haunt them." [01:08:46] (33 seconds)
"And for that category, you need to hear this morning that you have been justified. You have been redeemed. You have a new identity and can now live with that joy knowing that Christ is a new identity. Christ has conquered the grave, and all that we once were has been thrown away because of what was finished on the cross. So if you haven't given your life to Christ, please talk to us. We want to talk to you about it. It's one of our core missions at our church to tell others about the great news of Jesus Christ. For those of us who are saved, because of what Christ has done for us, we get the privilege of responding in obedience to what Paul is going to lay out for us next. But notice how I said that. We have the joy of responding to what Christ has done. We're not working towards anything." [01:10:54] (54 seconds)
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