Finding Our Identity and Unity in Christ
Summary
In our ongoing series, "Who Am I?", we delve into understanding our identity in Christ. We are reminded that our identity is not found in isolation but within the context of community. God designed us for relationships, and through these connections, we discover our natural and spiritual gifts. Our journey in Christ is one of continuous growth, fueled by hope and the assurance of our salvation. This hope purifies us and propels us forward, knowing that God has a promised goal for us.
We are the offspring of God, carrying His spiritual DNA. Believing in Jesus as the Son of God is crucial to embracing our identity as God's children. The enemy seeks to undermine this belief, but our faith in Christ's resurrection assures us of our own resurrection and destiny in Him.
Today, we explore what I call the real Lord's Prayer, found in John 17. This prayer, unlike the model prayer Jesus gave us, is Jesus' own prayer to God as He prepares for the crucifixion. Remarkably, Jesus prays not for Himself but for us, emphasizing His love and purpose for us. He prays for our unity with God, mirroring His own connection with the Father.
Prayer is a powerful tool that changes lives, akin to digesting the Word of God. It is an umbilical cord to God's spirit, character, and power. Jesus' prayer in John 17 is a testament to His desire for us to be one with God and each other. He prays for our protection, sanctification, and perfection, urging us to manifest God's glory in the world.
Our journey involves purification and perfection, akin to the process of pottery. Just as clay is shaped and refined through heat, we undergo trials that break old bonds and strengthen us. God's character is imprinted on us, and His Word purifies us. We are called to give glory to God by using the gifts He has placed within us, sharing them with others, and helping them come to Christ.
Ultimately, our identity in Christ is about unity with God and each other. We are unique yet share the same spiritual DNA, allowing us to be different yet one in Him. Let us strive for this unity, reflecting God's character and fulfilling our purpose in Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. Community and Growth: Our identity in Christ is discovered within the context of community. Relationships are essential for uncovering our natural and spiritual gifts. Through these connections, we grow continuously, fueled by hope and the assurance of our salvation. This hope purifies us and propels us forward, knowing that God has a promised goal for us. [00:00]
2. Belief in Jesus: Believing in Jesus as the Son of God is crucial to embracing our identity as God's children. The enemy seeks to undermine this belief, but our faith in Christ's resurrection assures us of our own resurrection and destiny in Him. This belief is foundational to fulfilling our destiny in Christ. [11:13]
3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool that changes lives, akin to digesting the Word of God. It is an umbilical cord to God's spirit, character, and power. Jesus' prayer in John 17 is a testament to His desire for us to be one with God and each other. He prays for our protection, sanctification, and perfection, urging us to manifest God's glory in the world. [19:33]
4. Purification and Perfection: Our journey involves purification and perfection, akin to the process of pottery. Just as clay is shaped and refined through heat, we undergo trials that break old bonds and strengthen us. God's character is imprinted on us, and His Word purifies us. We are called to give glory to God by using the gifts He has placed within us, sharing them with others, and helping them come to Christ. [27:15]
5. Unity in Christ: Our identity in Christ is about unity with God and each other. We are unique yet share the same spiritual DNA, allowing us to be different yet one in Him. Let us strive for this unity, reflecting God's character and fulfilling our purpose in Him. [30:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to "Who Am I?" Series
- [01:45] - Identity in Community
- [03:10] - The Role of Hope in Growth
- [05:00] - Belief in Jesus as the Son of God
- [07:20] - The Real Lord's Prayer
- [09:00] - The Power of Prayer
- [11:13] - Jesus' Prayer for Us
- [13:45] - Unity with God and Each Other
- [16:30] - Purification and Perfection Process
- [19:33] - The Potter and the Clay
- [22:00] - God's Character and Our Identity
- [24:15] - The Role of Trials in Growth
- [27:15] - Giving Glory to God
- [30:18] - Conclusion and Call to Unity
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 17:1-26
- 1 John 3:1-3
- Romans 8:28-30
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 17, what specific requests does Jesus make to God on behalf of His disciples? How does this reflect His priorities for them? [11:13]
2. According to the sermon, how does the analogy of the potter and the clay illustrate the process of purification and perfection in a believer's life? [19:33]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of community in discovering our identity in Christ? How is this supported by the Bible passages? [00:00]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between prayer and our connection to God's spirit, character, and power? [19:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' prayer in John 17 emphasize the importance of unity among believers? What might this unity look like in a modern church setting? [11:13]
2. The sermon mentions that our identity in Christ involves both purification and perfection. How do these concepts relate to the trials and challenges we face in life? [19:33]
3. In what ways does the belief in Jesus as the Son of God serve as a foundation for our identity as God's children, according to the sermon? [11:13]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the transformative power of prayer in a believer's life? What are some practical ways to incorporate this understanding into daily life? [19:33]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current community. How can you actively contribute to fostering a sense of unity and growth within it? What steps can you take this week to strengthen these relationships? [00:00]
2. Consider a recent trial or challenge you have faced. How might viewing it through the lens of purification and perfection change your perspective? What practical steps can you take to embrace this process? [19:33]
3. How can you deepen your belief in Jesus as the Son of God in your daily life? Are there specific doubts or challenges you need to address to strengthen this belief? [11:13]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel disconnected from God. How can you use prayer as a tool to reconnect and seek His guidance? What changes can you make to prioritize prayer in your daily routine? [19:33]
5. Think about the spiritual gifts you have discovered within yourself. How can you use these gifts to glorify God and serve others in your community? What is one action you can take this week to share these gifts? [27:15]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt God's character was imprinted on you. How did this experience shape your actions and decisions? How can you continue to cultivate this character in your life? [27:15]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to embrace their identity in Christ and pursue unity with God and each other? What role can you play in facilitating this growth? [30:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Discovering Identity Through Community
Our identity in Christ is intricately linked to the community around us. God designed us for relationships, and it is through these connections that we uncover our natural and spiritual gifts. As we engage with others, we experience continuous growth, fueled by hope and the assurance of our salvation. This hope acts as a purifying force, propelling us forward with the knowledge that God has a promised goal for us. In community, we find encouragement, accountability, and the opportunity to reflect Christ's love to one another. [00:00]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to today to encourage and support in their spiritual journey?
Day 2: Embracing Our Identity as God's Children
Believing in Jesus as the Son of God is foundational to embracing our identity as God's children. This belief is not just a mental assent but a transformative faith that assures us of our own resurrection and destiny in Him. The enemy seeks to undermine this belief, but our faith in Christ's resurrection is a powerful assurance of our future. As we hold onto this truth, we are empowered to live out our destiny in Christ, confident in our identity as His beloved children. [11:13]
1 John 5:4-5 (ESV): "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
Reflection: In what ways can you strengthen your belief in Jesus today, and how does this belief shape your identity and actions?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that changes lives, akin to digesting the Word of God. It serves as an umbilical cord to God's spirit, character, and power. In John 17, Jesus' prayer is a testament to His desire for us to be one with God and each other. He prays for our protection, sanctification, and perfection, urging us to manifest God's glory in the world. Through prayer, we align ourselves with God's will and draw strength from His presence, enabling us to live out our faith boldly. [19:33]
Colossians 4:2-3 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine, and what specific areas of your life need God's transformative power today?
Day 4: The Process of Purification and Perfection
Our journey in Christ involves purification and perfection, much like the process of pottery. Just as clay is shaped and refined through heat, we undergo trials that break old bonds and strengthen us. God's character is imprinted on us, and His Word purifies us. We are called to give glory to God by using the gifts He has placed within us, sharing them with others, and helping them come to Christ. This process, though challenging, is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity. [27:15]
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: What trials are you currently facing, and how can you view them as opportunities for growth and purification in your spiritual journey?
Day 5: Unity in Christ
Our identity in Christ is about unity with God and each other. We are unique yet share the same spiritual DNA, allowing us to be different yet one in Him. This unity is a reflection of God's character and is essential for fulfilling our purpose in Him. As we strive for unity, we reflect God's love and grace to the world, drawing others to Him. Let us embrace our shared identity and work together to fulfill God's mission on earth. [30:18]
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."
Reflection: How can you actively promote unity within your church or community, and what steps can you take to bridge any divides that may exist?
Quotes
"because that is a prerequisite for you believing that you are a child of God and therefore the enemy if he wants to keep you from fulfilling your destiny in Christ he wants you to deny Christ deny that he's to say like some say oh he was just a nice guy you know or he was a philosopher or he had some good teachings but he didn't go to the cross and he definitely if he died on there he definitely didn't come back those are the lies that the enemy tells he's telling him so that you won't believe that you can be resurrected but today I'd like to go a little further and I love this particular scripture it's what I like to call the real Lord's Prayer now we said the Lord's Prayer we said we have it so that you can read it but if it's not up there I think most of us would recite it verbatim maybe everyone maybe a little tiny bit differently but almost the same we go through the our father who art in heaven and all the way down but actually that's our prayer Jesus gave that to us as a model prayer for us to pray and it's a great prayer to pray it's the first real prayer I learned how to pray and my father when I was six you" [00:06:31] (94 seconds)
"i i began to learn some things over time i would learn that as i would get older if i would i'm sure you've never done this all right but if you would lay in bed and say well lord i don't need to get out of bed because you can hear my prayer you stay there right in bed right and you don't get on your knees okay i'm not talking about people who have difficulty getting down i'm talking about people who have all the strength thing oh i'm sure you've never done that you know or you say oh i've got i've got a lot i'm busy i'm late for i can't i can't pray this morning i can't do that morning i can't do that morning i can't do that morning i can't do that" [00:09:59] (40 seconds)
"and so this lord's prayer when i look back i believe that prayer protected me growing up my father spending the time to teach me to pray like that and then getting conviction to like you know something when i prayed in bed it helped but it wasn't like praying when i was down there meaning that it's not so much on the knee what it is is an attitude to give up something to spend time with god god gave you life why can't you give him a little effort why can't you give him a little time if you have the strength in your legs to get on your knees if you have the gift of time and the breath in your body why can't you give him five minutes 30 minutes you" [00:11:48] (47 seconds)
"and that's a good thing again i'm not saying you shouldn't but in your own time read chapter 16 and 17 and what you'll notice is that god doesn't pray much about himself i mean jesus doesn't he prays about you he's praying about you and he's praying about you because he loves you he's praying about you because his heart is about you his purpose is about you in fact when he's talking to god he thanks god for giving him those that belong to god and then he tells god i did what you told me to do i protected them except for the one who was lost of course he's talking about judas and then he prays for them he prays and he says i pray that they will be one as we are one in other words he's praying that we would have the same connection with god that he has with god and i maintain that if you do not want the cross to be in vain if you don't want what we're looking to right now which is the cross in lent to be nullified for you then it behooves you to make sure you've got that connection because he died that you would have that kind of vibrancy that you would have that kind of power what he says earlier is that you're going to do even greater things than i do and that is hard for us to comprehend i uh you know if there's a lake out there you" [00:11:13] (101 seconds)
"i'm probably gonna look at that lake and if i want to go to the lake i'm gonna get in a boat but i'm not gonna walk in that water amen all right but what is he saying he does these things so that we have you know so so that we have a high bar now i want you to know something sometimes we'll say oh my goodness that stuff i'm not saying you all would say this but some have said it we've talked about it a bit in bible studies i've heard preachers say all kind of things some of them denying the resurrection we talked about that none of us have all right but others have all right i've heard i've heard uh like when i was in seminary i was taking a class and they were they you know lifted up this great church this great church this wonderful church and then the preacher gets talking and he says you know something we're not going to talk about things that we know never really happened in the bible that you know that kind of stuff is what keeps people from being everything jesus died for you to be i'm here to tell you god is in the miracle working business today" [00:12:54] (76 seconds)
"and you never know when that gift is going to come out of you you never know when god is going to be glorified through the gift that's in you you never know when he's going to put you in a position to not only glorify him but also to be made complete in the process of that glorification donation donation" [00:14:11] (22 seconds)
"now i remember i was a young kid i was still in college and i was going to an annual conference and it was christian education night and i've always been involved in christian education i was doing work in the conference you know as a christian education leader and so it was the thursday night that's when they have all the young people come in do their thing and i was up there i was the i think i was the worship leader or something so i'm sitting up there next to the bishop the bishop says after the service he leans over to me and they did an altar call and the altar was filled you know it was a smaller conference so there was maybe like you know 300 people there wasn't like the thousands that we have or something and so coming up they're all full altar and then he leans over to me little old edwin college kid ed and says edwin i want you to go down and i want you to pray for the people i was terrified what am i going to do what am i going to say why are you asking me to do this i have no idea you know so i got down there i walked down i go to the first person and i lay hands on her and i just start praying as i began to pray this warmness and this tingling sensation came over me i laid hands on her shoulder and i said dear lord god as i said dear lord god as i said dear lord god" [00:14:31] (94 seconds)
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