Embracing Our New Identity in Christ

In this Advent season, we are reminded of the newness that God brings into our lives, not through the absence of problems, but through His ongoing work, especially through Jesus. Today, we reflect on God's promise to give us a new name, a new identity, and a deeper relationship with Him. This promise is beautifully illustrated in Revelation 2:17, where God promises a white stone with a new name to those who persevere. This name is a secret between the individual and God, symbolizing a unique and intimate relationship.

Names hold significant power and meaning. In the Bible, God often changes names to reflect a new identity or mission. Abram becomes Abraham, the father of many nations, symbolizing God's love for all people. Sarai becomes Sarah, and their son Isaac, meaning laughter, is a testament to God's joy and fulfillment of promises. Jacob, the deceiver, becomes Israel, one who wrestles with God, highlighting the importance of persistence in our relationship with Him.

Throughout scripture, naming is a recurring theme. In the New Testament, Jesus gives new names to His disciples, such as Simon becoming Peter, the rock, and James and John being called the Sons of Thunder. These new names reflect their transformed identities and roles in God's plan. Similarly, Saul becomes Paul, a name that signifies his mission to reach the Gentiles.

God's promise of a new name is an invitation to discover our true identity in Him. It is a call to reflect on what we love and how it reveals God's character. As C.S. Lewis suggests, each person reflects a unique facet of God, and through our love for life and its gifts, we reveal God's love to others. Our new name is not just a label but a reflection of our relationship with God and our purpose in His kingdom.

As we journey through life, we should ask God, "What's my new name?" and seek to live out that identity. Embrace the things that bring you joy and life, for they are gifts from God. Let your love for these things be a testament to God's love and a way to draw others closer to Him.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God's promise of a new name signifies a new identity and relationship with Him. It is a personal and intimate gift that reflects our unique journey and purpose in His kingdom. [00:42]
• 2. Names in the Bible often signify transformation and mission. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob's stories remind us of God's love, joy, and the importance of persistence in our faith journey. [01:44]
• 3. Jesus' renaming of His disciples highlights the transformative power of His love and grace. Our new name in Christ reflects our new identity and mission in His service. [04:59]
• 4. Our love for life and its gifts reveals God's character. As we embrace what brings us joy, we reflect God's love to others and fulfill our unique role in His plan. [08:41]
• 5. Asking God for our new name is a call to discover our true identity in Him. It is an invitation to live out our purpose and reflect His love and character in all we do. [09:19]
  ** [09:19]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:19] - The Newness of God's Work
• [00:42] - God's Promise of a New Name
• [01:05] - The Power of Names
• [01:44] - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
• [02:15] - The Story of Isaac
• [03:14] - Jacob's Transformation
• [04:21] - Naming in Scripture
• [04:59] - Jesus and His Disciples
• [05:58] - New Names in the Early Church
• [06:32] - The Meaning of a New Name
• [07:10] - C.S. Lewis on God's Facets
• [08:41] - The Love of Life's Gifts
• [09:19] - Discovering Your New Name
• [10:12] - Living Out Your New Identity

1. In Revelation 2:17, what is the significance of the white stone with a new name, and how does it relate to the promise of a new identity? [00:42]
2. How does the renaming of Abram to Abraham in Genesis 17:5 reflect God's promise and mission for him? [01:44]
3. What transformation does Jacob undergo when his name is changed to Israel, and what does this signify about his relationship with God? [03:40]
4. How does Jesus' act of renaming His disciples, such as Simon to Peter, illustrate the transformative power of His love and grace? [04:59]

1. What might the new name given in Revelation 2:17 symbolize about the individual's relationship with God, and why is it described as a secret between the individual and God? [00:53]
2. How does the story of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob demonstrate the importance of persistence and faith in one's relationship with God? [03:14]
3. In what ways do the new names given by Jesus to His disciples reflect their transformed identities and roles in God's plan? [05:12]
4. How does C.S. Lewis' analogy of God as a diamond with infinite facets help us understand the unique ways individuals can reflect God's character? [07:10]

1. Reflect on the idea of God giving you a new name. What aspects of your current identity do you feel align with God's purpose for you, and what might need transformation? [06:44]
2. Consider the things in life that bring you joy and fulfillment. How can these passions be used to reflect God's love and character to others? [08:41]
3. How can you actively seek to understand and embrace the new identity God has for you, especially in times of challenge or uncertainty? [09:19]
4. Think about a time when you felt God was calling you to a new mission or purpose. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [06:56]
5. Identify a person in your life who might benefit from understanding their unique identity in God. How can you support them in discovering and embracing this identity? [09:07]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of asking God for your "new name" into your daily spiritual routine, and what steps can you take to live out that identity? [09:19]
7. Reflect on the story of Jacob wrestling with God. How can you apply the lesson of persistence in your own spiritual journey, especially when seeking God's blessings? [03:29]