Embracing Our True Identity as Children of God
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of identity in Christ, emphasizing the importance of understanding who we are as children of God. We began by acknowledging the presence of God and expressing gratitude for His unwavering love and mercy. The focus was on breaking free from a religious spirit and embracing a genuine relationship with God, where we walk in the identity He has given us as His children. This identity crisis is prevalent not only in the world but also within the church, where many believers struggle with insecurity and a lack of understanding of their true identity in Christ.
We delved into the biblical narrative of creation, highlighting how humanity was originally designed to dwell with God in perfect union. Before sin entered the world, we were image bearers of God, called to rule, reign, and have dominion over the earth. However, the enemy's deception led to the fall, distorting our identity and introducing shame, fear, and distance from God. Despite this, God's relentless pursuit of us is evident throughout history, as He seeks to restore our identity and relationship with Him.
The message emphasized the significance of understanding our purpose and identity in God, which is not based on our achievements, relationships, or societal status, but on our Creator. We were reminded that our identity is found in being part of God's family, and that His love and mercy are unfailing. The ultimate act of mercy was demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, which restored our broken relationship with God and offered us a new identity in Him.
As we concluded, we were encouraged to reject any negative names or identities that have been placed upon us and to embrace our true identity as sons and daughters of God. This understanding empowers us to walk in freedom, authority, and purpose, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by our Heavenly Father.
Key Takeaways:
1. Identity in Christ: Our true identity is found in our relationship with God, not in our achievements or societal status. As children of God, we are called to walk in the authority and purpose He has given us, free from insecurity and fear. [05:16]
2. The Enemy's Deception: The enemy seeks to distort our understanding of God and our identity by introducing doubt and fear. However, we must remain rooted in God's Word and close to Him to resist these deceptions and walk in the fullness of our identity. [20:12]
3. God's Relentless Pursuit: Throughout history, God has pursued humanity to restore our relationship with Him. His love and mercy are unfailing, and He desires for us to dwell with Him in intimacy and purpose. [28:20]
4. The Power of Jesus' Sacrifice: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of mercy, restoring our broken relationship with God and offering us a new identity in Him. We are called to live in the freedom and authority that comes from this restored identity. [40:20]
5. Rejecting Negative Identities: We must reject any negative names or identities that have been placed upon us and embrace our true identity as sons and daughters of God. This understanding empowers us to walk in freedom, purpose, and authority. [47:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:02] - Prayer for Revelation
- [05:16] - Identity in Christ
- [07:07] - Walking with God
- [09:53] - Purpose and Dominion
- [10:59] - Created in God's Image
- [13:21] - The Fall and Deception
- [15:20] - Satan's Hatred for Humanity
- [16:44] - Authority Over the Enemy
- [17:45] - The Enemy's Lies
- [20:12] - The Tragic Fall
- [21:40] - God's Pursuit of Relationship
- [23:50] - The Enemy's Attack on Identity
- [24:51] - God's Unfailing Love
- [26:23] - God's Declaration of Victory
- [28:20] - Intimacy with the Father
- [29:59] - Justice and Mercy
- [31:22] - God's Protective Love
- [32:19] - Reconciliation with God
- [34:53] - Fear of God vs. Fear of Punishment
- [38:02] - God's Presence with His People
- [38:55] - Jesus, the Ultimate Mercy
- [40:20] - The Cross and Our Identity
- [42:05] - Living in Our True Identity
- [43:28] - Embracing Our Identity in Christ
- [44:39] - Rejecting Negative Names
- [46:21] - Reorienting Our Identity
- [47:14] - Declaring Our True Name
- [48:56] - Receiving God's Grace
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Identity in Christ
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:26-31
2. Genesis 3:1-7
3. John 1:14
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Genesis 1:26-31, what responsibilities were given to humanity in their original design as image bearers of God?
2. In Genesis 3:1-7, how did the serpent deceive Eve, and what was the result of this deception?
3. How does John 1:14 describe the significance of Jesus becoming flesh and dwelling among us?
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how believers might struggle with understanding their true identity in Christ? [05:16]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being created in God's image influence a believer's understanding of their identity and purpose? [10:59]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the impact of the enemy's deception on a believer's identity and relationship with God? [20:12]
3. How does Jesus' sacrifice on the cross restore our broken relationship with God and offer us a new identity? [40:20]
4. In what ways does the sermon describe God's relentless pursuit of humanity to restore our relationship with Him? [28:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of your identity in Christ. Are there any areas where you feel insecure or unsure? How can you seek a deeper revelation of your identity as a child of God? [05:16]
2. The sermon emphasizes rejecting negative identities. Are there any negative names or identities you have accepted about yourself? How can you actively reject these and embrace your true identity in Christ? [47:14]
3. Consider the ways in which the enemy might be distorting your understanding of God and your identity. How can you remain rooted in God's Word to resist these deceptions? [20:12]
4. How does understanding your purpose and identity in God change the way you approach your daily life and responsibilities? [09:53]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of intimacy with God. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a closer relationship with Him and walk in the fullness of your identity? [28:20]
6. Reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice for your life. How does this understanding empower you to live in freedom, authority, and purpose? [40:20]
7. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with their identity in Christ? What role can you play in helping them embrace their true identity as sons and daughters of God? [24:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Identity
Understanding our identity in Christ is crucial for living a life of purpose and authority. As children of God, our worth is not determined by our achievements or societal status but by our relationship with our Creator. This identity empowers us to walk confidently, free from insecurity and fear, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by God. Embracing this truth allows us to live in the fullness of the authority and purpose He has given us. [05:16]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to see yourself as God’s beloved child? How can you remind yourself of your true identity in Christ today?
Day 2: Resisting the Enemy's Lies
The enemy seeks to distort our understanding of God and our identity by introducing doubt and fear. This deception began in the Garden of Eden and continues today, aiming to separate us from the truth of who we are in Christ. By staying rooted in God's Word and maintaining a close relationship with Him, we can resist these lies and walk in the fullness of our identity. It is essential to recognize the enemy's tactics and stand firm in the truth of God's promises. [20:12]
1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Reflection: What specific doubts or fears has the enemy used to challenge your identity in Christ? How can you counter these with God’s truth today?
Day 3: God's Unfailing Pursuit
Throughout history, God has relentlessly pursued humanity to restore our relationship with Him. His love and mercy are unfailing, and He desires for us to dwell with Him in intimacy and purpose. Despite humanity's fall and the distortion of our identity, God continues to seek us out, offering redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ. This pursuit is a testament to His unwavering love and desire for us to live in communion with Him. [28:20]
Jeremiah 31:3 (ESV): "The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."
Reflection: How have you experienced God’s pursuit in your life? What steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with Him today?
Day 4: Living in the Power of Jesus' Sacrifice
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of mercy, restoring our broken relationship with God and offering us a new identity in Him. This sacrifice empowers us to live in freedom and authority, no longer bound by the chains of sin and shame. By embracing the power of the cross, we can walk confidently in our restored identity, knowing that we are forgiven and redeemed. [40:20]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: In what ways can you live out the freedom and authority given to you through Jesus’ sacrifice today? How does this change your perspective on your daily challenges?
Day 5: Rejecting Negative Identities
We must reject any negative names or identities that have been placed upon us and embrace our true identity as sons and daughters of God. This understanding empowers us to walk in freedom, purpose, and authority, unburdened by the labels and limitations imposed by the world. By declaring our true name in Christ, we align ourselves with God's vision for our lives and step into the destiny He has prepared for us. [47:14]
Isaiah 62:2-3 (ESV): "The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God."
Reflection: What negative identities or labels have you accepted in your life? How can you actively reject these and declare your true identity in Christ today?
Quotes
"I love this topic of identity because I don't actually believe that we can move forward in our walk, with God, without first establishing our identity. And I think we have an identity crisis on the earth right now because we don't know who we belong to. We have an identity crisis in the world especially, but even in the church." [00:05:39]
"And the thing for me is that I've been serving the Lord for over 30 years now and I've been a Christian for over 40 and I am marvelled at the fact that there are so many insecure questions. Christians. So many insecure Christians who still really don't know where their identity is placed. And so they're grappling for validation and they're working for acceptance when actually as born-again believers you actually need to walk from validation, from acceptance, from authority." [00:06:11]
"And this is the most beautiful thing because your identity is actually found with the person you are in most close proximity with. Think about children. Their identity is in their family because that's all they know. They walk and talk and live and breathe. Their mother and father, they are given a name. Their identity is found in their family and whether that's broken or brilliant, that's where we often find, it's in the most closest proximity." [00:08:03]
"Before we were sinners we were in perfect union with our Father in heaven and I think so much of us we start our walk by seeing ourselves as sinners, though we inherited sin, before sin ever entered the earth we were dwellers with God and Adam and Eve were perfect in all of their ways. The world was perfect. Everything was perfect." [00:09:29]
"And yet as it stands, we have an enemy. And this enemy was toing and froing over the earth and hated the fact that God created mankind in His image. So you've gotta understand that before Satan was here on the earth, that he resided in heaven as Lucifer. So he understands the power of God, the angels. He understands Father, Son, Holy Spirit's connection." [00:14:51]
"He hates us because he understands that if humanity got a hold of their true identity, he is in trouble. Do you understand this? See, I think we think that the enemy is this big, bad, scary wolf that he is just equal to God. He is not equal to God. In fact, we know now he's a defeated foe." [00:16:42]
"And you've got to understand, even as Christians, what you have been given by God is greater than anything that you will ever receive. And yet we're satisfied for the lesser because the enemy tempts us to believe that God is holding out on us. But if you really knew your Father and you really knew your identity, you would look at whatever the enemy dangled in front of you and go, that is not for me because I have something greater because I'm attached to the Creator." [00:20:23]
"Are you hiding because your walked sense of God is that He is a punishing God? Are you hiding because you think your sin makes you detestable in God's sight so you can't come near Him? You have been spun alive from the enemy because no matter how far you've fallen, God says, my grace is sufficient for you. My love is unfailing. I will continue to pursue you because my whole life is to be one with you, to dwell with you, to be in relationship with you and I can handle your mess." [00:25:04]
"And this is why, Church, we must know our identity because it's strong and it's powerful and the enemy's afraid of us. But so many Christians, live afraid of the enemy. So many Christians are afraid of the world. So many believers are afraid and they're not sure of themselves. I've been in ministry for 30 years and even ministers that I meet are insecure." [00:23:39]
"And this is why our identity has to be found in Christ. It's not in what you do. It's not in who you're married to. It's not whether you're married. It's not whether you have kids. It's not what job you have. Your identity is in who created you. It is in God the Father. You're a child of God. And because of this fall, now we find we've got authority was replaced with this timidity. We don't feel like we have great authority. Acceptance was replaced with rejection. Innocence was replaced with shame. Love was replaced with fear. And relationship was replaced with distance." [00:28:24]
"And because of what Jesus did by shedding His blood, it's the greatest act of mercy. You realise that His work on the cross, His sacrifice on the cross is the biggest expression of God's mercy. Saying, I will be the substitute so that you can be close again, so that we can restore what was broken in Eden." [00:39:49]
"I declare all shame be taken off you, all guilt be removed from you. God, I pray right now that the whispers that go on from the enemy on the inside would be just made shut, that no longer do they have voice in their hearts and their minds. God, I pray that we would get a fresh revelation of our lives. Our identity in you, that we no longer walk with our head held down, but we walk with our head held high because we understand who we are and whose we are." [00:47:48]
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