Finding Our True Identity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we have several important events coming up in September, including a birthday celebration for all women, babysitter and respite care training, and the Step It Up Conference hosted by the Dogwood Trails Baptist Association. Tara Lee Cobble will also be appearing in Tyler on November 8th.
Our main focus today is on the theme of identity, specifically finding our identity in Christ. We began by discussing the life of Peter, a fisherman called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men." Despite his bold declarations of faith, Peter had moments of failure, such as denying Jesus three times. However, Jesus never took His hand off Peter, demonstrating that our identity in Christ is not based on our successes or failures but on our relationship with Him.
Peter's journey teaches us that our true identity is found in our walk with Christ. This is crucial in a world where identity is often seen as something we can choose or change. As believers, our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and our identity is rooted in being children of God. This identity is not defined by our past, our circumstances, or our failures but by our relationship with Jesus.
Peter's letters to the early Christians, who were facing persecution, remind us to focus on our hope and privileges in Christ. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual disciplines and sanctification, which is the process of growing in Christ. Our purpose is to be obedient to Christ, allowing Him to work through us to accomplish His will.
In conclusion, knowing whose we are defines who we are. If we are children of God, that identity fuels everything we do. It shapes our actions, our relationships, and our purpose in life. As we continue our study of 1 and 2 Peter, let's focus on finding our identity in Christ and being obedient to His calling.
### Key Takeaways
1. Identity in Christ: Our identity is not defined by our past, our failures, or our successes but by our relationship with Jesus. Peter's life exemplifies this truth, showing that even in moments of failure, Jesus never takes His hand off us. Our true identity is found in being children of God. [34:51]
2. Ultimate Citizenship: As believers, our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. We are temporary residents on earth, and our true home is with Christ. This perspective helps us navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, knowing that our eternal destiny is secure. [43:58]
3. Sanctification Process: Sanctification is the process of growing in Christ, where the Holy Spirit purifies us and transforms our desires. This ongoing process helps us become more like Jesus, shedding old habits and embracing new, godly desires. [47:10]
4. Purpose in Obedience: Our purpose as believers is to be obedient to Christ. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we were created for good works, which God empowers us to do. Our obedience to Christ allows Him to work through us to accomplish His will. [48:27]
5. Grace and Peace: Peter's greeting, "May grace and peace be multiplied to you," highlights the importance of these two gifts in our lives. True peace is not the absence of activity but the absence of stress, and grace is the unmerited favor of God that sustains us. [51:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:31] - Upcoming Events
[25:20] - Worship and Reflection
[30:11] - Introduction to 1 Peter
[31:28] - Peter's Bold Faith
[32:39] - Peter's Failures and Redemption
[34:51] - Finding Identity in Christ
[35:45] - Modern Identity Issues
[36:45] - Struggles with Identity
[37:30] - Reading 1 Peter 1:1-2
[39:51] - Understanding the Audience
[41:05] - Elect Exiles and Believers
[42:23] - Identifying Believers
[43:58] - Ultimate Citizenship
[45:37] - Foreknowledge of God
[47:10] - Sanctification Process
[48:27] - Purpose in Obedience
[50:06] - Grace and Peace
[51:25] - Rest and Peace
[52:36] - Life Points
[55:10] - Knowing Who You Are
[57:18] - Dennis Quaid's Testimony
[59:44] - Closing Thoughts on Grace and Peace
[01:02:20] - Invitation to Respond
[01:04:48] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:1-2
2. Ephesians 2:10
3. Jeremiah 29:11
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Peter emphasize about the identity of believers in 1 Peter 1:1-2?
2. How does Ephesians 2:10 describe the purpose of believers?
3. According to the sermon, what were some of Peter's notable failures, and how did Jesus respond to them? ([32:39])
4. What does Jeremiah 29:11 reveal about God's plans for His people?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Peter's identity as a "fisher of men" reflect his relationship with Jesus? ([30:11])
2. In what ways does the concept of "ultimate citizenship" in heaven influence a believer's perspective on earthly life? ([43:58])
3. How does the process of sanctification, as described in the sermon, help believers grow in their faith? ([47:10])
4. What does it mean to find one's identity in Christ rather than in personal successes or failures? ([34:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt defined by your past or failures. How can you shift your focus to finding your identity in Christ? ([34:51])
2. How does knowing that your ultimate citizenship is in heaven change the way you handle current life challenges? ([43:58])
3. What are some old habits or desires that you need to shed as part of your sanctification process? How can you actively work on this transformation? ([47:10])
4. Ephesians 2:10 states that we are created for good works. What specific good work do you feel God is calling you to do, and how can you be obedient to this calling? ([48:27])
5. Peter's greeting emphasizes grace and peace. How can you cultivate a sense of peace in your life, even amidst stress and activity? ([51:25])
6. Think about your daily actions and decisions. How can you ensure that they are fueled by your identity as a child of God? ([55:10])
7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with finding your identity. What steps can you take this week to root your identity more firmly in your relationship with Christ? ([34:51])
Devotional
Day 1: Identity in Christ
Our identity is not defined by our past, our failures, or our successes but by our relationship with Jesus. Peter's life exemplifies this truth, showing that even in moments of failure, Jesus never takes His hand off us. Our true identity is found in being children of God. [34:51]
Peter's journey from a simple fisherman to a foundational leader in the early church is a powerful testament to the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus. Despite his bold declarations of faith, Peter experienced significant failures, such as denying Jesus three times. However, these failures did not define him. Instead, his identity was rooted in his relationship with Christ, who continually extended grace and redemption. This teaches us that our identity in Christ is not contingent on our successes or failures but on our ongoing relationship with Him.
In a world where identity is often seen as something we can choose or change, it is crucial for believers to understand that our true identity is found in being children of God. This identity is not defined by our past, our circumstances, or our failures but by our relationship with Jesus. As we grow in our walk with Christ, we learn to see ourselves through His eyes, understanding that we are loved, redeemed, and called for a purpose.
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: Think about a recent failure or setback in your life. How can you shift your perspective to see your identity through your relationship with Jesus rather than through this failure?
Day 2: Ultimate Citizenship
As believers, our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. We are temporary residents on earth, and our true home is with Christ. This perspective helps us navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, knowing that our eternal destiny is secure. [43:58]
Understanding that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven provides a profound shift in how we view our lives on earth. As temporary residents, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our true home is with Christ. This perspective helps us navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, knowing that our eternal destiny is secure. It also encourages us to live in a way that reflects our heavenly citizenship, prioritizing spiritual growth and obedience to God's will.
Peter's letters to the early Christians, who were facing persecution, remind us to focus on our hope and privileges in Christ. He emphasizes that our true home is not in this world but in heaven, where we will experience the fullness of God's presence and glory. This understanding helps us endure hardships and remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that our ultimate reward is eternal life with Christ.
Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
Reflection: How does knowing that your ultimate citizenship is in heaven change the way you approach your daily challenges and decisions?
Day 3: Sanctification Process
Sanctification is the process of growing in Christ, where the Holy Spirit purifies us and transforms our desires. This ongoing process helps us become more like Jesus, shedding old habits and embracing new, godly desires. [47:10]
Sanctification is an essential aspect of the Christian journey, involving the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This process of growing in Christ involves the purification of our hearts and the transformation of our desires to align more closely with God's will. As we engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and worship, the Holy Spirit works within us to shed old habits and embrace new, godly desires.
Peter emphasizes the importance of sanctification in his letters, reminding believers that it is through this process that we become more like Jesus. Sanctification is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. As we submit to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, we experience the joy and freedom that comes from living in alignment with God's purposes.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to grow? How can you actively participate in the sanctification process in this area?
Day 4: Purpose in Obedience
Our purpose as believers is to be obedient to Christ. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we were created for good works, which God empowers us to do. Our obedience to Christ allows Him to work through us to accomplish His will. [48:27]
As believers, our purpose is intricately tied to our obedience to Christ. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in. This means that our lives have a divine purpose, and our obedience to Christ is the means through which we fulfill that purpose. When we submit to God's will and follow His guidance, we allow Him to work through us to accomplish His plans and purposes.
Peter's letters highlight the importance of obedience in the life of a believer. He encourages Christians to live in a way that reflects their faith, being obedient to Christ's teachings and commands. This obedience is not about legalism but about a heartfelt response to God's love and grace. As we walk in obedience, we experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with God's will.
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to greater obedience? What steps can you take today to respond to this call?
Day 5: Grace and Peace
Peter's greeting, "May grace and peace be multiplied to you," highlights the importance of these two gifts in our lives. True peace is not the absence of activity but the absence of stress, and grace is the unmerited favor of God that sustains us. [51:25]
Grace and peace are two foundational gifts that God extends to His children. Grace, the unmerited favor of God, sustains us in every aspect of our lives. It is through grace that we are saved, and it is by grace that we continue to grow and thrive in our walk with Christ. Peace, on the other hand, is not merely the absence of conflict or activity but the profound sense of well-being and rest that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness.
Peter's greeting to the early Christians, "May grace and peace be multiplied to you," underscores the importance of these gifts in the life of a believer. In the midst of trials and uncertainties, grace and peace provide the strength and assurance we need to persevere. As we embrace these gifts, we are reminded of God's constant presence and provision in our lives.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV): "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience more of God's grace and peace? How can you intentionally seek these gifts in your daily walk with Christ?
Quotes
1. "Peter found his identity not in what he did, not in the failures that he made, not in the successes that he had, but he found his identity in his walk with Christ. That's where Peter was identified. He was first and foremost a child of God, a disciple of Jesus. That was the first and foremost thing that Peter was from that point when he followed Jesus. From that point forward, that's who he was." [34:51] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Knowing whose you are defines who you are. If my primary focus in this world is to gather as much money as I can, provide for my financial security, or if my desire is to make sure that I enjoy this life as much as I can and pile up all the things that I love to do focusing on what God would have me to do, then that determines who I am. But if I have placed my faith and trust in Christ, then knowing whose I am, if I am His kid, if I am His child, if I am His servant, if I am His beloved, then that determines who I am." [52:36] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Knowing who you are fuels what you do. If my focus is piling up all those goods, then that's going to determine what I do. That's going to order my events of my day and my life and my week. If I am a child of God, then that is going to fuel how I think about things. That is going to fuel my schedule. That is going to fuel my heart's desires. That's going to fuel how I lead my family. It's going to fuel how I vote. It's going to fuel how I intermingle with people in society. It's going to affect how I lead out in relationships of all kinds." [55:10] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus' hand on your life is not subject to whether you are a good person. Jesus' hand on your life is not subject to whether, you know, you have been 100% faithful today. Jesus' hand on your life is based upon the fact of, do you have a relationship with him? Because we all know that we love people that are going to fail us from time to time, and we continue to love them. And Jesus has that kind of love, and even more so for people like Peter." [33:47] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you are a believer in Christ, you have a relationship with him, if you are a Christian, your ultimate citizenship is out of this world. It's in heaven. We are aliens here, temporary residents of earth. And one day we will be with him in heaven. So he's identifying them as these aliens. So we need to understand that we are living temporarily in this world. It seems like forever because it's the only life that we know. But we're going to spend a lot more time somewhere else than we are here. Forever is a long time." [43:58] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If we are in Christ, we can trust that the Lord has a plan for us today and all the tomorrows that are to come. Another thing that helps identify these believers that we can also identify with is their sanctification. What does sanctification mean? It's a purifying. It's really, when he comes down to it, it's growth in Christ. You know, once we meet Jesus, whatever age you were, the growth that you, as you mature in Christ, as you grow, that is that sanctification process." [45:37] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Our purpose is obedience to Christ. Ephesians 2.10 says, we were created for good works, which he will empower us to do. We don't have to work for finding the works. He will lay those upon us. He will give us those burdens for those things. He will direct our heart and our mind. We just develop that relationship with him and he will put those things in our path. He will put those desires in our path. He will put those desires in our path. He will put those desires in our path." [47:10] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you have ever been a believer in Christ, he is never letting you go. We can trust in that. So we can identify with these people that Peter is speaking with in their security. And then finally, we can identify with them, and they are identified by their advantages. The last statement is so powerful. This is part of Peter's greeting, but this really overarches everything else. May grace and peace be multiplied to you." [50:06] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "People in this life in 2024 seem to have a need for grace and peace more than ever before, at least in my lifetime. A lot of people are battling with mental, uh, illness battling with family crises. We're scarred from things that have happened in our past. We're in situations now that we feel stuck in. We don't know how we're going to make it financially. And I'm here to tell you that start with knowing whose you are, and he will begin to develop who you are, and then he'll guide you through all of those things." [01:01:14] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Peter was a man that was one of Jesus' chosen instruments. He was used by Jesus to be very important in starting the early New Testament church. But I've already described to you two instances where Peter had really strong failures. So there was times when Peter's faith may have been tested a little bit, and he may have failed a couple of tests. But make sure and know this, that regardless of what Peter did, Jesus never took his hand off Peter." [33:47] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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