Embracing Spiritual Maturity and Our Identity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Tonight's message is a call to spiritual maturity and understanding our true identity in Christ. We began by acknowledging the power of testimonies and the movement of the Holy Spirit, setting the stage for God to work mightily among us. Reflecting on Galatians 4, we explored the concept of being heirs to God's kingdom. An heir, by definition, is someone who receives an inheritance not because of their labor but because of the work done by someone else—in our case, Jesus Christ. However, many Christians fail to receive their full inheritance because they remain spiritually immature, stuck in an adolescent stage of faith.
The heart of the message is a challenge to "grow up" spiritually. We must move beyond being spiritual children who rely solely on pastors and teachers for our spiritual nourishment. Instead, we should develop a personal, intimate relationship with God, recognizing that we are no longer slaves but sons and daughters of the King. This maturity is essential for us to fully receive the inheritance God has for us, which includes grace, mercy, gifts, power, and authority.
We also addressed the issue of identity. Many believers are trapped in an identity crisis, shaped by past traumas and negative experiences rather than by God's will. It's crucial to understand that some things that happen to us are not God's will but the result of man's will. We must disengage from these past identities and embrace our new identity in Christ. This new identity is not as sinners but as redeemed sons and daughters of God, filled with the Spirit of Christ.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of recognizing and rejecting false identities imposed by past abuses or negative experiences. God wants to change our identity from victims to victors, from slaves to heirs. This transformation requires us to mature spiritually and embrace the fullness of our inheritance in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Maturity is Essential for Inheritance: To fully receive the inheritance God has for us, we must grow up spiritually. Remaining in a state of spiritual adolescence keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God's grace, mercy, gifts, power, and authority. Spiritual maturity involves developing a personal, intimate relationship with God and moving beyond reliance on pastors and teachers for spiritual nourishment. [10:37]
2. Understanding Our True Identity in Christ: Many believers are trapped in an identity crisis, shaped by past traumas and negative experiences. It's crucial to recognize that our true identity is not defined by these past events but by our relationship with Christ. We are no longer slaves but sons and daughters of the King, filled with the Spirit of Christ. [21:28]
3. Rejecting False Identities: Some things that happen to us are not God's will but the result of man's will. We must disengage from these past identities and embrace our new identity in Christ. This involves recognizing that we are not defined by past abuses or negative experiences but by our redemption and adoption as God's children. [25:27]
4. The Cost of Salvation and Redemption: Salvation is not free; it was bought with a price—the life of Jesus Christ. Understanding the cost of our redemption helps us appreciate the value of our new identity in Christ. We have been bought back from the pawn shop of sin and now belong to the King. [13:51]
5. Embracing Our Role as Heirs: As heirs, we have a right to the inheritance left for us by Jesus. This inheritance includes spiritual blessings and authority. However, to access this inheritance, we must mature spiritually and embrace our identity as sons and daughters of God. This requires rejecting the false identities imposed by past experiences and fully accepting our new identity in Christ. [33:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:39] - Setting the Atmosphere
[01:20] - Vacation Interrupted by a Burden
[03:20] - The Call to Receive the Word
[04:05] - Testimonies and National Revival
[05:40] - Prayer and Introduction to Galatians 4
[07:22] - Understanding Heirship and Inheritance
[09:11] - The Need for Spiritual Maturity
[10:37] - Grow Up: A Call to Spiritual Adulthood
[13:51] - The Cost of Redemption
[15:42] - From Sinners to Sons
[19:50] - The Spirit of Christ in Us
[21:28] - Identity Crisis in the Church
[25:27] - Disengaging from Man's Will
[28:33] - Diagnosing Spiritual Pain
[30:15] - The Importance of Spiritual Maturity
[33:50] - Embracing Our Role as Heirs
[35:27] - The Importance of Identity to God
[39:04] - Jesus and Lucifer: Identity and Redemption
[44:00] - Making the Enemy Pay
[47:49] - Taking Back What Belongs to Us
[50:33] - Changing Our Identity
[55:36] - Altar Call and Invitation to Change
[58:06] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Galatians 4:1-7 (ESV): "I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 4:1-7, what is the difference between a child and an heir? How does this relate to our spiritual maturity? [07:22]
2. What does it mean to be "redeemed" according to the sermon and Galatians 4:4-5? How does this concept of redemption relate to our identity in Christ? [13:51]
3. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned that many Christians are stuck in spiritual adolescence. What are some signs of spiritual immaturity mentioned in the sermon? [10:37]
4. How does the pastor describe the impact of past traumas and negative experiences on our identity? What does he suggest we do to overcome these false identities? [25:27]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is spiritual maturity essential for receiving our full inheritance in Christ? How does remaining spiritually immature hinder us from experiencing God's grace, mercy, gifts, power, and authority? [10:37]
2. The pastor emphasized the importance of understanding our true identity in Christ. How does recognizing ourselves as sons and daughters of God change our perspective and behavior? [21:28]
3. What does it mean to reject false identities imposed by past abuses or negative experiences? How can we practically disengage from these past identities and embrace our new identity in Christ? [25:27]
4. The sermon mentioned the cost of salvation and redemption. How does understanding the price Jesus paid for our redemption affect our appreciation of our new identity in Christ? [13:51]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel you are still spiritually immature? What steps can you take to grow in your personal, intimate relationship with God? [10:37]
2. Think about a past trauma or negative experience that has shaped your identity. How can you begin to disengage from this false identity and embrace your true identity as a redeemed child of God? [25:27]
3. The pastor mentioned that many Christians rely too heavily on pastors and teachers for spiritual nourishment. How can you take more responsibility for your own spiritual growth and maturity? [10:37]
4. Understanding our true identity in Christ involves recognizing that we are no longer slaves but heirs. How does this truth impact the way you live your daily life and interact with others? [21:28]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of rejecting false identities. Are there any labels or identities from your past that you need to let go of? How can you actively embrace your new identity in Christ this week? [25:27]
6. The pastor spoke about the cost of our redemption. How does this understanding motivate you to live a life that honors the sacrifice Jesus made for you? [13:51]
7. As heirs of God's kingdom, we have access to spiritual blessings and authority. What specific areas of your life do you need to mature in to fully access and utilize these blessings and authority? [33:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Maturity Unlocks Our Inheritance
To fully receive the inheritance God has for us, we must grow up spiritually. Remaining in a state of spiritual adolescence keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God's grace, mercy, gifts, power, and authority. Spiritual maturity involves developing a personal, intimate relationship with God and moving beyond reliance on pastors and teachers for spiritual nourishment. This growth is essential for us to step into the roles God has prepared for us and to access the spiritual blessings He has in store.
Spiritual maturity is not just about gaining knowledge but about transforming our hearts and minds to align with God's will. It requires intentional effort, consistent prayer, and a deep commitment to studying God's Word. As we mature, we become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance and more capable of discerning God's voice in our lives. This maturity enables us to live out our faith authentically and to be effective witnesses for Christ in the world. [10:37]
Ephesians 4:13-14 (ESV): "Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your personal relationship with God and move towards spiritual maturity?
Day 2: Embracing Our True Identity in Christ
Many believers are trapped in an identity crisis, shaped by past traumas and negative experiences. It's crucial to recognize that our true identity is not defined by these past events but by our relationship with Christ. We are no longer slaves but sons and daughters of the King, filled with the Spirit of Christ. Understanding our true identity in Christ empowers us to live confidently and purposefully, knowing that we are loved, valued, and redeemed.
Our identity in Christ means that we are new creations, no longer bound by the labels and limitations of our past. This transformation is a fundamental aspect of our faith journey, as it allows us to see ourselves through God's eyes. Embracing this identity requires us to let go of the lies and false beliefs that have held us back and to fully accept the truth of who we are in Christ. [21:28]
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: What past experiences or negative labels do you need to let go of to fully embrace your identity in Christ today?
Day 3: Rejecting False Identities
Some things that happen to us are not God's will but the result of man's will. We must disengage from these past identities and embrace our new identity in Christ. This involves recognizing that we are not defined by past abuses or negative experiences but by our redemption and adoption as God's children. Rejecting false identities is a crucial step in our spiritual growth and healing.
False identities can be deeply ingrained, often stemming from years of negative reinforcement or traumatic experiences. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can break free from these chains and step into the freedom that Christ offers. This process requires intentional reflection, prayer, and sometimes seeking counsel from trusted spiritual mentors. By rejecting false identities, we open ourselves up to the transformative work of God in our lives. [25:27]
Romans 8:15-16 (ESV): "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Reflection: What false identities or labels have you been holding onto, and how can you actively reject them to embrace your true identity in Christ?
Day 4: The Cost of Salvation and Redemption
Salvation is not free; it was bought with a price—the life of Jesus Christ. Understanding the cost of our redemption helps us appreciate the value of our new identity in Christ. We have been bought back from the pawn shop of sin and now belong to the King. This profound truth should inspire us to live lives that honor the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
Recognizing the cost of our salvation also reminds us of the depth of God's love for us. Jesus willingly laid down His life so that we could be reconciled to God and receive eternal life. This sacrificial love calls us to respond with gratitude, obedience, and a commitment to sharing the gospel with others. By understanding the cost of our redemption, we are motivated to live in a way that reflects the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. [13:51]
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
Reflection: How does understanding the cost of your salvation change the way you live your daily life and interact with others?
Day 5: Embracing Our Role as Heirs
As heirs, we have a right to the inheritance left for us by Jesus. This inheritance includes spiritual blessings and authority. However, to access this inheritance, we must mature spiritually and embrace our identity as sons and daughters of God. This requires rejecting the false identities imposed by past experiences and fully accepting our new identity in Christ.
Embracing our role as heirs means recognizing the authority and power we have in Christ. It involves stepping into the responsibilities and privileges that come with being children of the King. This includes using our spiritual gifts to serve others, standing firm in our faith, and living out the values of God's kingdom. By fully embracing our role as heirs, we can experience the abundant life that Jesus promised and make a significant impact in the world for His glory. [33:50]
Galatians 4:6-7 (ESV): "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."
Reflection: What steps can you take to fully embrace your role as an heir of God's kingdom and live out the spiritual authority and blessings that come with it?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The gospel is being spread all over the world now why should that make us excited that should make us excited because that is a sign of Jesus being allowed to be returned back and get us is that the gospel be preached in all the world and so we think thank God and we're humbled that he chooses us to to be a part of that amen." [04:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's sick and tired of us being children, sitting there feeding off, off the breasts of our pastors and teachers for 20 and 30 years that we can't hear God unless somebody preaches to us. We don't know the voice of God because we haven't spent any time with him. We're so in love with our religion and our fancy prayers and our, and our, and y'all, I ain't saying nothing. We're children sitting in adult seats. But God said it's time for his people to grow up." [10:37] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The reason that our culture has an identity crisis is because the church first has embraced an identity crisis. We think that we are still under the bondage of sin, who we were, what happened to us when we were 10, what we went through when we were 11, and just when we were 15, psychology tells us that your identity is created by the negative things that you experienced." [21:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So we've got a bunch of Christians who've been in church. We've had a relationship with God long enough and had a relationship with God long enough to be adults, but we're still slaves. We react like kids. We get mad at our neighbor. And instead of realizing that the anger is coming from within us, we blame Santa Claus. We point our finger at our neighbor." [27:34] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So the same Christ, the same spirit that was in the body of Jesus, dwells. On the inside of you, you cannot understand that and stay a child. The knowledge that the spirit of Christ lives in me requires you to leave adolescence and grow up and be mature as a Christian because the spirit of Christ demands you become an heir." [19:50] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Every Christian, and I would say the majority of Christians, will never earn their earthly inheritance. Why? Because they never mature into adult Christianity. Most of our church people and most of our churches never get out of the adolescent stage into spiritual maturity. Galatians chapter 4 verse 1 says that you can be an heir, but as long as you act like a child, you never get the inheritance, you always stay a slave." [09:11] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes things will happen to you in your life that God never wanted to happen to you. Psychology and bad teaching and bad doctrine and religious spirits will tell you that God wanted these things to happen to you to build your identity. And they'll take scripture out of context like he'll work all things together for the good of those that love the Lord." [22:41] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Some of you in this room, and I would say the majority of you in this room, are living a life that you're not happy with, that you're just going through life, que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be. God will work it out in the end. His will will happen in the end. It's going to be fine, and you're just floating through life because your identity is wrapped up in man's will that happened to you." [23:59] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So many of us live our whole lives allowing people to call us by name that we're not that's why oftentimes in the Old Covenant when God would make a covenant with his people the first thing he did to identify the Covenant and to allow them to walk in the Covenant was changed what they allowed people to call them." [36:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So we've got an identity crisis in the church because we just cannot come to grips with the fact. The fact that we are not sinners anymore because all religion does is bind you and bash you and put you under the thumb of its religious spirit that you can never realize that you are not a sinner anymore. You are the child of God." [31:19] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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