Embracing Our Spiritual Identity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the profound topic of our spiritual identity. I want us to be Bible students, scholars even, as we explore the depths of who we are in Christ. This journey will help us take our salvation more seriously and understand our true identity as believers.
We begin by acknowledging that sometimes things get lost in translation, but the essence remains. Similarly, the Scriptures may have been translated over time, but the likeness of God's message is still there. We need to listen with our mindset, not just our ears, to truly grasp the spiritual truths.
Let's look at Isaiah's prophecy: "Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and wonders." This prophecy was fulfilled at the resurrection of Jesus. As believers, we are part of this new creation, a sign and a wonder. Our spiritual identity is deeply rooted in this truth. We are not just ordinary people; we are a new creation in Christ, designed for signs and wonders.
Moving on, we discuss the purification of the bride. The bride, representing the church, must prepare herself for the groom, Jesus. This preparation involves consecration, fidelity, and gathering others to join in the joy of the coming wedding. The bride's responsibility is to keep her lamp burning, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. We must live a life of holiness, free from spots and wrinkles, which represent external and internal impurities.
We then explore the concept of the new creation. As believers, we are the zenith, the pinnacle of God's power. Our new birth through the resurrection of Jesus is the greatest demonstration of God's power. We are designed to live supernaturally, naturally. Our lives should reflect the miraculous power of God, making us signs and wonders to the world.
Understanding the spiritual realm is crucial. The world operates in a certain order, and we, as spiritual beings, belong to the invisible created order. This order is higher than the visible created order, which includes everything we see around us. As spiritual beings, we have dominion over the visible order. Our physical bodies are tools for executing God's will on earth, but our true identity is in the spirit.
We must be conscious of our spiritual nature. Our lives should not be limited to the physical realm. We are spirits having a natural experience, not the other way around. This understanding will change how we live and respond to life's challenges. We are designed to function spiritually, with visible natural effects.
In conclusion, our spiritual identity is profound and powerful. We are signs and wonders, the zenith of God's creation. We must live in this truth, preparing ourselves as the bride of Christ, and understanding our dominion in the spiritual realm. This knowledge will transform our lives and enable us to live supernaturally, naturally.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Essence of Scripture and Spiritual Listening:
Understanding Scripture requires more than just hearing with our ears; it demands listening with our mindset. The essence of God's message remains even through translations. This spiritual listening helps us grasp the deeper truths of our faith and identity in Christ. [36:00]
2. The New Creation and Our Identity:
As believers, we are a new creation in Christ, designed for signs and wonders. This identity is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, making us part of a new family. Our lives should reflect this miraculous power, living supernaturally, naturally. [44:40]
3. The Bride's Preparation and Holiness:
The church, as the bride of Christ, must prepare herself for the groom. This involves consecration, fidelity, and gathering others to share in the joy of the coming wedding. We must live a life of holiness, free from external and internal impurities, symbolized by spots and wrinkles. [25:12]
4. Dominion in the Spiritual Realm:
We belong to the invisible created order, higher than the visible order. As spiritual beings, we have dominion over the visible creation. Our physical bodies are tools for executing God's will on earth, but our true identity is in the spirit. This understanding empowers us to live beyond the physical limitations. [52:14]
5. Living as Spiritual Beings:
We are spirits having a natural experience, not the other way around. This consciousness transforms how we live and respond to life's challenges. We are designed to function spiritually, with visible natural effects. Embracing this truth will enable us to live supernaturally, naturally, reflecting God's power in our lives. [01:24:02]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:46] - The Joy of Fellowship
[12:08] - The Bride's Preparation
[25:12] - Keeping the Lamp Burning
[36:00] - Spiritual Listening
[44:40] - The New Creation
[52:14] - The Zenith of God's Power
[01:06:42] - Understanding the Spiritual Realm
[01:24:02] - Living as Spiritual Beings
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 8:18 (KJV): "Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion."
2. Ephesians 5:27 (AMP): "So that He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things; but that she would be holy (set apart for God) and blameless."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Isaiah 8:18, what are the children given by the Lord meant to be? How does this relate to our identity in Christ? ([37:31])
2. In Ephesians 5:27, what is the church expected to be like when presented to Christ? What do the terms "spot" and "wrinkle" symbolize? ([13:37])
3. What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say about those who are in Christ? How does this passage describe the transformation that occurs? ([44:40])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, particularly in keeping the "lamp burning"? ([25:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "sign and a wonder" as described in Isaiah 8:18 and the sermon? How should this understanding impact a believer's daily life? ([39:56])
2. How does the concept of the church being without "spot or wrinkle" challenge our current lifestyle and spiritual practices? What practical steps can be taken to achieve this state of holiness? ([13:37])
3. The sermon emphasizes that believers are a new creation in Christ. How does this new identity affect our understanding of our purpose and mission in the world? ([44:40])
4. The sermon discusses the importance of spiritual consciousness over physical consciousness. How can believers cultivate a mindset that prioritizes their spiritual identity? ([01:21:49])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. In what ways can you become more aware of your identity as a "sign and a wonder"? How can this awareness change your interactions with others? ([39:56])
2. The sermon talks about the church preparing itself as the bride of Christ. What specific actions can you take to "keep your lamp burning" and live a life of holiness? ([25:12])
3. Considering the idea of being a new creation, what old habits or mindsets do you need to let go of to fully embrace your new identity in Christ? ([44:40])
4. How can you practice spiritual listening in your daily Bible reading and prayer time to better understand God's message for you? ([36:00])
5. The sermon mentions the importance of gathering others to share in the joy of the coming wedding. How can you actively invite others to experience the joy of knowing Christ? ([19:24])
6. Reflect on a recent challenge or adversity you faced. How did you respond, and how might a deeper understanding of your spiritual identity change your response in the future? ([01:06:19])
7. The sermon emphasizes living supernaturally, naturally. Identify one area of your life where you can start living out this truth more fully. What practical steps will you take this week to make this a reality? ([01:03:18])
Devotional
Day 1: Listening with Our Mindset
Understanding Scripture requires more than just hearing with our ears; it demands listening with our mindset. The essence of God's message remains even through translations. This spiritual listening helps us grasp the deeper truths of our faith and identity in Christ. We must approach the Bible with an open heart and mind, ready to receive the profound truths that God wants to reveal to us. This kind of listening goes beyond the surface and allows us to internalize and live out the spiritual realities of our faith.
When we listen with our mindset, we are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in the transformative process of understanding God's Word. This means engaging with the text, asking questions, and seeking to apply its truths to our lives. It is through this deep, intentional listening that we can truly grasp our spiritual identity and live out our calling as believers. [36:00]
Isaiah 55:3 (ESV): "Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David."
Reflection: How can you practice listening with your mindset today? What steps can you take to engage more deeply with Scripture and internalize its truths?
Day 2: Embracing Our New Creation Identity
As believers, we are a new creation in Christ, designed for signs and wonders. This identity is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, making us part of a new family. Our lives should reflect this miraculous power, living supernaturally, naturally. Understanding our new creation identity means recognizing that we are no longer bound by our past or the limitations of the natural world. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out our faith in extraordinary ways.
Living as a new creation involves embracing the reality that we are part of God's redemptive plan for the world. Our lives should be a testament to His power and love, demonstrating the transformative impact of the resurrection. This means living with purpose, confidence, and a sense of divine calling, knowing that we are equipped to be signs and wonders in a world that desperately needs to see God's power at work. [44:40]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: In what ways can you live out your identity as a new creation today? How can you demonstrate the miraculous power of God in your daily life?
Day 3: Preparing as the Bride of Christ
The church, as the bride of Christ, must prepare herself for the groom. This involves consecration, fidelity, and gathering others to share in the joy of the coming wedding. We must live a life of holiness, free from external and internal impurities, symbolized by spots and wrinkles. Preparing as the bride means being intentional about our spiritual growth and purity, ensuring that we are ready for the return of Jesus.
This preparation is not just about personal holiness but also about our collective responsibility as the church to be a light to the world. We are called to invite others into the joy of knowing Christ and to live in a way that reflects His love and righteousness. Keeping our lamps burning, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence, means staying vigilant and committed to our faith, even in the face of challenges. [25:12]
Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV): "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."
Reflection: How can you actively prepare yourself as part of the bride of Christ? What steps can you take to live a life of holiness and invite others into the joy of knowing Jesus?
Day 4: Exercising Dominion in the Spiritual Realm
We belong to the invisible created order, higher than the visible order. As spiritual beings, we have dominion over the visible creation. Our physical bodies are tools for executing God's will on earth, but our true identity is in the spirit. This understanding empowers us to live beyond the physical limitations and to exercise our God-given authority in the spiritual realm.
Recognizing our dominion means understanding that we are not subject to the natural order but are called to influence and transform it through our spiritual authority. This involves living with a sense of purpose and confidence, knowing that we have been given the power to bring about God's will on earth. It also means being aware of the spiritual battles we face and using the tools God has given us to overcome them. [52:14]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: How can you exercise your spiritual authority today? What areas of your life need to be influenced and transformed by your understanding of dominion in the spiritual realm?
Day 5: Living as Spiritual Beings
We are spirits having a natural experience, not the other way around. This consciousness transforms how we live and respond to life's challenges. We are designed to function spiritually, with visible natural effects. Embracing this truth will enable us to live supernaturally, naturally, reflecting God's power in our lives. Living as spiritual beings means prioritizing our spiritual growth and understanding that our true identity is found in our relationship with God.
This perspective shifts how we approach every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our work and our personal challenges. It means living with an eternal mindset, recognizing that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God and to fulfill His will on earth. By living as spiritual beings, we can navigate life's difficulties with a sense of peace and confidence, knowing that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome and to thrive. [01:24:02]
Galatians 5:16 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Reflection: How can you prioritize your spiritual growth today? What changes can you make to live more fully as a spiritual being, reflecting God's power in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Most have not woken up to it yet. Our lives, our results, our existence, our conduct should show that there's something different about us. How you respond to adversity. How you respond to discomfort. How you. How you respond to people lying, stealing from you, that there should be something different about you." [01:06:19]
2. "Laughter is like a medicine. You should have a good time when you come to church with fellow people. I mean, you don't laugh. You're strange to me." [10:46]
3. "You are a sign and a wonder. It was prophesied in the Old Testament that the children, the children would be for a sign and a wonder. That's right, to this world. You don't know, I'm going to help you to find out who you are." [47:43]
4. "You are the zenith, the pinnacle, the apex of his creation. Sitting right there with all your issues. He said, I don't have any other power to demonstrate. In the new creation. What you are right now. He said, out of everything, things you don't even know. He said, he's telling you right there." [54:57]
5. "You are a sign and a wonder. Oh my God. Okay, okay, alright. Watch this, I'm going to show you. Joel, go to Joel 14 and 4. Amplify it. It's going to come together, I promise you. It's going to come together for them. You are a sign and a wonder. JT, you are a sign and a wonder. Miss Benita, you are a sign and a wonder. What's your name? Yes. Shania, you are a sign. You see? Okay, well you're going to be in there for the days over it." [48:25]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So we're the bride. You got to keep it has to be in your conscience. We are that. Listen to this. Listen. And then she had a responsibility of sharing her joy with her friends. Come on, evangelist. Come on. You have a response. That's what you were doing yesterday is that you were sharing your joy with the world, gathering everybody as many as she could gather because the groom was on his way." [18:35]
2. "The height of the power of God. I'm going to walk in this thing. Y'all better get this. You hear me, Miss Carrie? You are the Zenith. The height of the power of God. Watch this. Seated right here. No, no. Y'all missing it. Seated right here. Seated right here, Harold. You are the Zenith. The power. The miraculous power of God. Seated right here. You are. You don't know who you are. The whole. Seated right here today. Not tomorrow. Not yesterday. Right now. Listen. The whole creation." [52:14]
3. "You are the full expression of God's power. You are. I was saying you are. See, I know you guys. See, once you know who you are. Jesus, I know. And Paul, I'm familiar with. See, and if you do your correct study, those two words know are different. They're not the same. Know and know are not the same. Jesus, I know I know you. You're the word." [57:58]
4. "You are a sign and a wonder. It was prophesied by Isaiah and Jesus just revealed again. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, behold, I and the children, which God has given me. Aren't you his children? Wait a minute. Wait a minute. You're the new creation. The believer." [44:40]
5. "You are the zenith, the pinnacle, the apex of his creation. Sitting right there with all your issues. He said, I don't have any other power to demonstrate. In the new creation. What you are right now. He said, out of everything, things you don't even know. He said, he's telling you right there." [54:57]
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