Embracing Our True Identity in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Identity in Christ

Our true identity is found in Christ. As we come to Him, we discover who we are because of who He is. This foundational truth helps us navigate moments of self-doubt and confusion, reminding us that our worth and identity are anchored in Jesus, the living stone rejected by men but chosen and precious in God's sight. [12:33]

In a world where identity is often tied to performance, appearance, or the opinions of others, it is crucial to remember that our true identity is found in Christ. This means that our worth is not based on what we do or how we look but on who Jesus is and what He has done for us. As believers, we are described as living stones, being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, and a chosen race. These metaphors emphasize that our identity is both individual and corporate, formed in community and focused on Christ.

When we align our lives with Jesus, we find a stable foundation that helps us navigate the uncertainties and challenges of life. Our identity in Christ is not something we achieve but something we receive. It is a gift from God, reminding us that we are beloved children of God, chosen and precious in His sight. This truth provides us with a sense of belonging and purpose, even in a world that often makes us feel like outsiders.

1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV): "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with self-doubt or confusion about your identity? How can you remind yourself today that your true identity is found in Christ?

Day 2: Community and Identity

Our identity is not just individual but also corporate. We are living stones being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood. This communal aspect of our identity reminds us that we are part of something much greater than ourselves, and our role is to contribute to the collective purpose of glorifying God. [15:43]

As believers, our identity is not solely an individual matter but also a communal one. We are described as living stones being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood. This imagery highlights the importance of community in shaping our identity. We are not isolated individuals but part of a larger body of believers, each contributing to the collective purpose of glorifying God.

Being part of a community means that we support and encourage one another, helping each other grow in our faith and understanding of who we are in Christ. It also means that we have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being and mission of the community. Our identity is formed and strengthened in the context of relationships with other believers, reminding us that we are part of something much greater than ourselves.

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your faith community this week? What steps can you take to support and encourage others in their walk with Christ?

Day 3: Alignment with Christ

Just as a cornerstone aligns a building, Christ aligns our lives. We must choose to align our narratives and identities with Him, allowing His story to shape ours. This alignment is crucial for living a life that reflects His glory and draws others to Him. [14:09]

The cornerstone of our identity is Jesus Christ. Just as a cornerstone aligns and supports a building, Christ aligns and supports our lives. This means that we must choose to align our narratives and identities with Him, allowing His story to shape ours. This alignment is not just for our benefit but for the glory of God.

When we align our lives with Christ, we find a sense of direction and purpose that helps us navigate the complexities of life. This alignment is crucial for living a life that reflects His glory and draws others to Him. It means that our actions, decisions, and relationships are all influenced by our relationship with Jesus, and we seek to live in a way that honors Him.

Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to realign with Christ? What practical steps can you take today to ensure that your actions and decisions reflect His glory?

Day 4: Proclaiming His Excellencies

Our identity in Christ calls us to proclaim His excellencies. This means living in a way that showcases His greatness rather than our own. Our actions and words should point others to the identity of God, highlighting His strength, greatness, and glory. [17:56]

As believers, our identity in Christ calls us to proclaim His excellencies. This means that our lives should be a reflection of His greatness, not our own. Our actions and words should point others to the identity of God, highlighting His strength, greatness, and glory. This is not about drawing attention to ourselves but about showcasing the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

Proclaiming His excellencies involves living in a way that is consistent with our identity in Christ. It means that our behavior, attitudes, and interactions with others should all reflect the character of Jesus. This is not always easy, especially in a world that often values self-promotion and individual achievement. However, as we seek to live in alignment with Christ, we can trust that He will give us the strength and wisdom to proclaim His excellencies in all that we do.

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: How can you proclaim the excellencies of Christ in your daily life? What specific actions or words can you use today to point others to the greatness of God?

Day 5: Beloved Children of God

In a world that often makes us feel like outsiders, it's essential to remember that we are beloved children of God. This identity is a gift we receive through Christ, and it provides us with a sense of belonging and purpose, even in the midst of a dangerous and confusing world. [22:16]

In a world that often makes us feel like outsiders, it is essential to remember that we are beloved children of God. This identity is not something we achieve but something we receive through Christ. It is a gift from God that provides us with a sense of belonging and purpose, even in the midst of a dangerous and confusing world.

As beloved children of God, we are assured of His love and care for us. This identity gives us the confidence to face the challenges and uncertainties of life, knowing that we are not alone. It also reminds us that our worth is not based on the opinions of others or our circumstances but on the unchanging love of God. This truth can provide us with peace and security, even in the most difficult times.

1 John 3:1 (ESV): "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."

Reflection: How does knowing that you are a beloved child of God impact the way you view yourself and your circumstances? What steps can you take today to rest in the assurance of God's love and care for you?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In recent weeks, we've been exploring the theme of living in dangerous days through the lens of 1 Peter. We've discussed hope and holiness, and today, we delve into the concept of embracing our identity, as outlined in 1 Peter 2. Identity is a complex and often misunderstood concept. Many of us define ourselves through various lenses—our performance, appearance, the opinions of others, our intellect, lifestyle, and experiences. These narratives, while not entirely false, are often incomplete and can lead us astray.

Peter's message to the early Christians, who were themselves grappling with identity crises, is a powerful reminder of where our true identity lies. He emphasizes that our identity is not rooted in these superficial or cultural narratives but in Christ. As believers, we are described as living stones, being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, and a chosen race. These metaphors highlight that our identity is both individual and corporate, formed in community and focused on Christ.

The cornerstone of our identity is Jesus Christ. Just as a cornerstone aligns and supports a building, Christ aligns and supports our lives. We are called to align our stories, our narratives, and our identities with Him. This alignment is not just for our benefit but for the glory of God. Our role is to proclaim His excellencies and to live in such a way that others may see our good deeds and glorify God.

In a world obsessed with self-identity, we are reminded that our true identity is found in being beloved children of God. This identity is not something we achieve but something we receive through Christ. As we navigate our lives, let us continually come to Him, allowing His identity to shape ours, and let us live in community, pointing others to His greatness and glory.

###

Key Takeaways

1. doubt and confusion, reminding us that our worth and identity are anchored in Jesus, the living stone rejected by men but chosen and precious in God's sight. [12:33]
2. Community and Identity: Our identity is not just individual but also corporate. We are living stones being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood. This communal aspect of our identity reminds us that we are part of something much greater than ourselves, and our role is to contribute to the collective purpose of glorifying God.

3. Alignment with Christ: Just as a cornerstone aligns a building, Christ aligns our lives. We must choose to align our narratives and identities with Him, allowing His story to shape ours. This alignment is crucial for living a life that reflects His glory and draws others to Him.

4. Proclaiming His Excellencies: Our identity in Christ calls us to proclaim His excellencies. This means living in a way that showcases His greatness rather than our own. Our actions and words should point others to the identity of God, highlighting His strength, greatness, and glory.

5. Beloved Children of God: In a world that often makes us feel like outsiders, it's essential to remember that we are beloved children of God. This identity is a gift we receive through Christ, and it provides us with a sense of belonging and purpose, even in the midst of a dangerous and confusing world.

### [12:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - Introduction to Identity
[02:07] - Personality Tests and Cultural Narratives
[04:50] - Seven False I Am Statements
[08:16] - Identity Crisis and Cultural Narratives
[08:58] - Reading 1 Peter 2:4-12
[10:37] - Identity in Christ
[12:33] - Foundational Identity in Christ
[14:09] - Aligning with the Cornerstone
[15:43] - Identity in Community
[17:27] - Focused on Christ
[19:01] - Personal Story: What's Your Name?
[20:34] - Story of Hosea and Identity
[22:16] - Beloved Children of God
[24:56] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1 Peter 2:4-12 (ESV)

### Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 2:4-5, what are believers compared to, and what is their purpose? How does this metaphor help us understand our identity in Christ?
In 1 Peter 2:6-8, what is the significance of Jesus being described as the "cornerstone"? How does this imagery relate to our lives as Christians?
What are the different titles given to believers in 1 Peter 2:9-10, and what do these titles imply about our identity and mission?
How does 1 Peter 2:11-12 describe the behavior expected of believers, and what is the intended outcome of such behavior?

### Interpretation Questions

How does the metaphor of "living stones" in 1 Peter 2:4-5 illustrate the communal aspect of our identity in Christ? Why is it important to see our identity as both individual and corporate? [15:43]
What does it mean to align our lives with Christ, the cornerstone, as described in 1 Peter 2:6-8? How can this alignment impact our daily decisions and actions? [14:09]
In what ways does proclaiming the excellencies of God (1 Peter 2:9) serve as a reflection of our true identity in Christ? How can this proclamation influence those around us? [17:56]
How does the concept of being "beloved children of God" (1 Peter 2:11) provide comfort and purpose in a world that often makes us feel like outsiders? [22:16]

### Application Questions

Reflect on the different false narratives you might have believed about your identity (e.g., performance, appearance, opinions of others). How can you begin to replace these with the truth of your identity in Christ? [04:50]
How can you actively participate in your church community to help build up the "spiritual house" mentioned in 1 Peter 2:5? What specific actions can you take to contribute to the collective purpose of glorifying God? [15:43]
Think about a recent decision or action. How did it align (or not align) with Christ as your cornerstone? What steps can you take to ensure your future decisions are more aligned with Him? [14:09]
In what ways can you proclaim God's excellencies in your daily life? Identify one specific area (work, school, family, etc.) where you can intentionally showcase His greatness this week. [17:56]
When you feel like an outsider or face moments of self-doubt, how can you remind yourself of your identity as a beloved child of God? What practical steps can you take to reinforce this truth in your life? [22:16]
How can you support others in your community to understand and embrace their identity in Christ? Think of one person you can encourage this week and plan a specific way to do so.
Reflect on the story of Hosea and the transformation of names from "Not my people" to "My people" (1 Peter 2:10). How does this story inspire you to see God's faithfulness in your own life? How can you share this message of transformation with others? [20:34]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I am the summation of my performance. I am performance. How well I do on a paper. How well I perform in preaching class. I am my GPA. Or maybe when someone walks up to us and asks us, who are you? First thing. What we come to is a title, an achievement." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I am my reflection, appearance. And I ask you today who you are. And the first thing that pops into your mind as you think about yourself is perhaps body image, if not how you are perceived by others by what you wear. I am my reflection." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I am my intellect. I mean, this is the moment where we obsess over posting something on social media as if it is flexing some sort of bicep to cause people to be impressed with us. Do you study? Do you study to impress? Or do you study as a steward? I am my intellect. I am my intellect. I am my wit." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I remember being a junior higher. I had a t-shirt that said basketball is life. And now I play intramural basketballs and realize I'm thankful it's not." (9 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I think the church needs more people. Who are willing to point to the identity of God. Rather than their own identity. And show his strength rather than their strength. And his greatness rather than their greatness. And his glory rather than their own glory." (14 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "So in the midst. In the midst of our quest for identity. Here's what I want this text to do. I want us to recognize. That this text is written to a people. Who themselves were in a crisis of identity. And needed to be reminded of not only who they were. But more importantly who God was. Or who Christ was." (17 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Your identity is formed in community. Look at the phrases. Spiritual house. A royal priesthood. A chosen kind or race. And in this text over the last several weeks. Here's what I discovered. I discovered that I'm much smaller than I had hoped. But I'm part of something. Much greater than I had ever dreamed." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Your identity must be in the midst of that community. Focused on Christ. Bricks and priests. And sacrifices. I mean when you walk. Imagine walking into the temple. And noticing a stone. But never getting to the place of sacrifice. The place of the holy of holies. And never discovering God there." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Once you were not a people. But now you were God's people. Once you had not received mercy. But now you've received mercy. Do you know that story? If you don't. It's okay. It's the story of Hosea. When the people were living amongst the nations. And they were not being faithful to God. And God in his faithfulness wanted to call them back. And sent Hosea. And Hosea had children." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "As you come to him. I need that. In the moments where I'm more obsessed. About who I am not. I need to remember who he is. And come to him yet again. As you come to him. Because it is by coming to him. That we discover who we are. Because of who he is." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Embracing Our True Identity in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Identity in Christ

Day 2: Community and Identity

Day 3: Alignment with Christ

Day 4: Proclaiming His Excellencies

Day 5: Beloved Children of God

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Embracing Our True Identity in Christ

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