Finding Identity and Deliverance in Christ

 

Summary

Summary:

Today, we explored the theme of mistaken identity and deliverance through the lens of Acts 21:38, where Paul is mistaken for an Egyptian revolutionary. This story serves as a reminder that our identity in Christ is not defined by our past or by what others say about us. We delved into the historical context of the Egyptian, a messianic figure who led a revolt against Rome, and how this mistaken identity led to Paul's arrest. Despite the false accusations and imprisonment, Paul maintained his faith and continued to spread the gospel, demonstrating that true deliverance is not about escaping trials but about maintaining integrity and faithfulness amidst them.

We also reflected on the story of Richard Wurmbrand, a Romanian pastor who endured severe persecution for his faith. His ability to forgive and love his torturers exemplifies the power of Christ-like love and the importance of community support. In our own lives, we are encouraged to be sources of hope for one another, sharing our burdens and supporting each other through difficult times. Deliverance, as Paul and Wurmbrand show us, is about how we conduct ourselves in adversity, keeping our hearts pure and our hands clean.

Key Takeaways:

1. Identity in Christ: Our identity is not determined by our past mistakes or what others say about us. In Christ, we are new creations, and our worth is found in being children of God. This truth empowers us to live confidently, knowing we are loved and accepted by God. [25:10]

2. True Deliverance: Deliverance is not about escaping trials but about maintaining integrity and faithfulness amidst them. Like Paul, we are called to keep our hands clean and our hearts pure, trusting that God is with us in every situation. [27:51]

3. Power of Community: In times of struggle, the support of a loving community can provide hope and strength. We are encouraged to share our burdens and be there for one another, offering hope and encouragement when it is needed most. [50:46]

4. Forgiveness and Love: Richard Wurmbrand's story teaches us the power of forgiveness and love, even towards those who have wronged us. By choosing to love and forgive, we reflect Christ's love and can lead others to Him. [53:31]

5. Walking Together in Hope: We are called to walk alongside each other, sharing hope and love. When we find ourselves low on hope, we can lean on our community, borrowing hope from one another and strengthening our faith together. [55:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:24] - Introduction to the Theme
- [07:07] - The Egyptian in Acts 21
- [11:01] - Historical Context of the Egyptian
- [15:28] - Paul's Journey and Challenges
- [19:37] - Paul's Arrest and Mistaken Identity
- [22:31] - The Power of Community Support
- [25:10] - Identity in Christ
- [27:51] - True Deliverance
- [39:37] - Testimonies and Authenticity
- [44:44] - Personal Story of Hope
- [48:20] - Richard Wurmbrand's Story
- [50:46] - Forgiveness and Love
- [53:31] - Walking Together in Hope
- [55:31] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 21:38
- Philippians 1:19-21
- Job 13:15-16

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Observation Questions:

1. In Acts 21:38, why do the Roman soldiers mistake Paul for the Egyptian revolutionary? What does this reveal about the situation Paul was in? [22:31]

2. How does Paul describe his situation in Philippians 1:19-21, and what does he mean by "this will turn out for my deliverance"? [27:51]

3. What is the significance of Job's statement in Job 13:15-16, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him"? How does this relate to the theme of deliverance discussed in the sermon? [27:51]

4. How does the story of Richard Wurmbrand illustrate the power of forgiveness and love, even in the face of severe persecution? [50:46]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of true deliverance, and how does it differ from the common understanding of escaping trials? [27:51]

2. How does the mistaken identity of Paul in Acts 21:38 serve as a metaphor for the mistaken identities we might face in our own lives? [25:10]

3. In what ways does the story of Richard Wurmbrand challenge our understanding of forgiveness and love towards those who have wronged us? [50:46]

4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of community support during times of struggle, and what role does this play in our deliverance? [53:31]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt misunderstood or wrongly identified by others. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of Paul's experience? [25:10]

2. How can you maintain integrity and faithfulness in the midst of trials, as Paul did, rather than seeking immediate escape? What practical steps can you take to keep your "hands clean and heart pure"? [27:51]

3. Think of a person or group in your life that you find difficult to forgive. What steps can you take to extend forgiveness and love, following the example of Richard Wurmbrand? [50:46]

4. Identify a specific way you can be a source of hope and support to someone in your community who is struggling. How can you practically share their burdens and offer encouragement? [53:31]

5. Consider your own identity in Christ. How does understanding that you are a new creation and a child of God empower you to live confidently and resist the labels others might place on you? [25:10]

6. When you find yourself low on hope, who in your community can you turn to for support? How can you cultivate relationships that allow for mutual sharing of hope and encouragement? [55:31]

7. Reflect on a recent conflict or disagreement. How can you approach it with a mindset of reconciliation and unity, rather than division, as Paul did with the Jerusalem church? [19:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Identity in Christ: A New Creation
Our identity in Christ is not defined by our past mistakes or by what others say about us. In Christ, we are new creations, and our worth is found in being children of God. This truth empowers us to live confidently, knowing we are loved and accepted by God. When Paul was mistaken for an Egyptian revolutionary, it was a reminder that others' perceptions do not define us. Instead, our true identity is rooted in our relationship with Christ, who sees us as His beloved. Embracing this identity allows us to live with purpose and assurance, free from the chains of past failures or external judgments. [25:10]

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: Consider an area of your life where you have allowed past mistakes or others' opinions to define you. How can you embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ today?


Day 2: True Deliverance: Integrity Amidst Trials
True deliverance is not about escaping trials but about maintaining integrity and faithfulness amidst them. Like Paul, who faced false accusations and imprisonment, we are called to keep our hands clean and our hearts pure, trusting that God is with us in every situation. Deliverance is about how we conduct ourselves in adversity, holding onto our faith and integrity. It is in these moments that our character is refined, and our trust in God is deepened. By focusing on our faithfulness rather than our circumstances, we find true deliverance in God's presence and strength. [27:51]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Reflect on a current trial you are facing. How can you maintain integrity and faithfulness in this situation, trusting in God's deliverance?


Day 3: Power of Community: Sharing Burdens
In times of struggle, the support of a loving community can provide hope and strength. We are encouraged to share our burdens and be there for one another, offering hope and encouragement when it is needed most. The story of Richard Wurmbrand highlights the importance of community support in enduring persecution and trials. By walking alongside each other, we can share hope and love, strengthening our faith together. In a world that often promotes individualism, the power of community reminds us that we are not alone and that together, we can overcome challenges. [50:46]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Think of someone in your community who is struggling. How can you offer them support and encouragement today?


Day 4: Forgiveness and Love: Reflecting Christ
Richard Wurmbrand's story teaches us the power of forgiveness and love, even towards those who have wronged us. By choosing to love and forgive, we reflect Christ's love and can lead others to Him. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is a powerful testimony of Christ's transformative love in our lives. When we forgive, we release the hold that bitterness and resentment have on us, allowing God's peace to fill our hearts. This act of love can be a powerful witness to others, showing them the depth of Christ's love and grace. [53:31]

Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?


Day 5: Walking Together in Hope: Leaning on Each Other
We are called to walk alongside each other, sharing hope and love. When we find ourselves low on hope, we can lean on our community, borrowing hope from one another and strengthening our faith together. The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone, and the support of others can be a source of strength and encouragement. By walking together, we can uplift each other, sharing the burdens and joys of life. This communal journey allows us to experience the fullness of God's love and grace, as we support and encourage one another in faith. [55:31]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when someone in your community supported you in a difficult moment. How can you be a source of hope and encouragement for someone else today?

Quotes


And I will be totally transparent right now, there's some verses that that's happened to, and I still don't have a full understanding of it. And if that makes you like, I'm not going to be at a church with a pastor that don't have a full understanding of every single scripture, I'm sorry, you could go to a church where a pastor says he does, but I don't know that I would believe him. Because, truthfully, I don't know that I ever want to come to a place where I have full understanding because I want to be able to continue to learn and learn, and I want to, I'm so thankful that I'm not where I was five years ago, and if I'm where I'm at five years from now, if I'm where I'm at right now, it'll be a shame. I hope that I always continue to grow. [00:04:59] (48 seconds)


Now, Paul is not like, well, I don't care what you have to say. Say, who cares? That's why I'm not in Jerusalem anymore. He didn't say that. He didn't go on social media and post negative things about the church of Jerusalem. He didn't go on there and post, the church of Jerusalem is not accepting. They don't care about people getting saved. He didn't do any of that. Shocking, I know. Instead, he goes, what can I do to make this better? What can I do? [00:18:24] (36 seconds)


And you think all of that is who you are. And I want to tell you that is not who you are. That is not your identity. Your past mistakes is not who you are. But if you have accepted Jesus, he has accepted you. That means when the Father looks at you, he sees his son. You, my friend. You are a child of God. And he loves you and you are accepted and you have worth. [00:25:41] (31 seconds)


So I'm just going to say this. If this was a prophetic word from Paul to the church in Philippi that, hey, this is going to lead to my deliverance, and they're thinking he's going to get out, Paul missed the boat. That's okay. Right? If he did. Either Paul missed the boat, messed up on that prophetic word, or it means something else. What do you think? [00:29:27] (23 seconds)


Job 13, 15, and 16 This is what Job says He says Though he slay me Yet will I hope Well I hope in him I will surely defend My ways to his face Indeed This will turn out For my Deliverance So what that tells me Is Deliverance Is not about Whether I have enough faith To get out of something Rather deliverance Is more of While I'm in the middle Of something I'm going to keep my hands clean And my heart pure I'm not going to do something That I'm going to regret Or that's going to come back Against my character While I'm in the middle Of this trial While I'm in the middle Of this mess It's Head up Shoulders back Hands clean Heart pure Tastes sweet Right in the middle of it [00:31:03] (56 seconds)


And so What do you do When you get free And the most powerful Man of the world Is chasing you And wanting to kill you Evidently You write a poem That's what you do Because that's what David did And we find that poem And made its way To the Bible It's in Psalms 34 1 -8 And it says I will extol The Lord At all times His praise Will always be On my lips I will I will glory In the Lord Let the afflicted Hear and rejoice Glorify the Lord With me Let us exalt His name together I sought the Lord And he answered me He delivered me From all my fears Those who look To him Are radiant Their faces Are never covered With shame This poor man Called And the Lord Heard him He saved him Out of all His troubles The angel The Lord Encamps around Those who fear Him And delivers them Taste And see The Lord Is good Blessed Is the one Who takes Refuge In him What he's saying Is let your Behavior Always reveal To the world That God is good [00:37:25] (73 seconds)


Plus as This will turn Out for my Deliverance How we Picture deliverance And how the Church of Philippi Picture deliverance No it didn't But what he's Saying is No matter How difficult This gets I want I'm entering This in a Way that I won't Regret it In a way That's going to Inspire people So check this out Anybody ever Been to a Heard a Testimony And how many Have you ever Had that We used to Have it back When I was Growing up Testimony Services Where everybody And I always Was like yeah That's when the Preacher like Didn't have Time He's like I fell asleep I didn't have Time to like Write my message Or just had Testimony services I don't know If that's really What happens But you know It's kind of Funny to say Like that But how many Ever went to Like where Just everybody Testified It was just Testimony service Right How many How many Have ever Heard a Testimony And after That testimony You didn't Feel better You felt Absolutely Worse That's great That your Marriage is Saved Mine's Falling Apart That's great That somebody Came over And just paid Off your Entire Home I'm Six Months Late That's Great That Somebody Just walked Up out of The blue And just Gave you The keys To their Mercedes And now You got A brand New Mercedes [00:39:37] (87 seconds)


And I'm going to keep stepping forward. And most likely, I'm going to get up here again and tell you that at some point, at some time, I fell again. I messed up again, but I'm going to continue to get back up and sing praises to my Lord. Because I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that. And if someone did that, that would be inspiring, right? Much better than I got it right 100 % of the time. We don't want to hear that. No. [00:42:53] (31 seconds)


And you know what? There's going to be times where things go on in my life and all my hope is gone. But you know what? During those times, what I know I can do? Hey, Desi, right now, I'm out of hope. I'm running empty on hope. Can I borrow some of yours? Can I, can I? Can I borrow some of your hope? There's going to be times where you come up to me and you say, Hey, Jimmy, know exactly what you meant. What, how you felt when that 13 year old girl broke up with you. By the way, she was 15. She's two years older than me. All right. You know what I'll say? I'll say, you know what? You can borrow some of my hope. [00:47:10] (49 seconds)


And in his book, he tells stories that they would strip his wife of all her clothes. They would tuck her in ice water, and they would torture her, and they would do it in front of him, and they would say, you need to deny Christ. And his wife would yell, don't do it. Don't do it. He never did it. And my granddaddy told me that somebody asked him, when they were asking him questions, they did a Q &A, and somebody asked him, said, how did you feel towards the soldiers? How did you treat those that tortured you? And he said this. He said, every time after they tortured us, when we left, we would look their soldiers in the eyes and say, God loves you. We love you. God forgives you. We forgive you. You can go home knowing nothing stands between you and God. [00:50:21] (50 seconds)


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Transcript
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