Finding True Identity and Transformation in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Our True Identity Is Found in Christ, Not in Roles

In a world that constantly pushes us to define ourselves by our jobs, family roles, or achievements, Scripture reminds us that our deepest identity is not found in what we do, but in who we are in Christ. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are given a new identity—one that is not bound by old titles, failures, or even successes. This new identity is like changing out of old, stained clothes and putting on something fresh and clean, given to us by Christ himself. When we internalize this truth, it changes how we see ourselves and how we live each day, anchoring us as beloved children of God and citizens of heaven. [32:38]

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: When you look in the mirror or reflect at night, what labels or roles do you most often use to define yourself—and how might you begin to see yourself first and foremost as a child of God?

Day 2: Put to Death the Old Self and Its Habits

Paul calls us to a radical transformation—not just to try harder or manage our sin, but to put to death the old, sinful patterns that once defined us. This is not about legalism or cheap grace, but about taking our habitual sins as seriously as we take our biggest life challenges. Just as we bring our griefs and struggles to God in prayer, we are called to bring our recurring sins—anger, greed, lust, dishonesty, and more—before him, seeking his power to overcome them. This is a call to honest self-examination and to actively pursue freedom in Christ, refusing to let these old habits camouflage us in the world. [43:47]

Colossians 3:5-9 (ESV)
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.

Reflection: What recurring sin or old habit do you tend to minimize or ignore, and how can you bring it honestly before God today, asking for his help to put it to death?

Day 3: Renewal Is an Ongoing, Spirit-Led Process

The Christian life is not just about stopping bad behaviors and starting good ones; it is about ongoing renewal—a lifelong process of being made new by the Spirit of God. This renewal is not achieved by sheer willpower, but by surrendering to God and allowing him to reshape our instincts, desires, and reflexes. As we put off the old self, we are called to put on the new, to be continually renewed in knowledge and likeness of our Creator. This is not a one-time event, but a daily journey of sanctification, where we grow more and more like Jesus. [57:31]

Colossians 3:9-11 (ESV)
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God inviting you into deeper renewal, and what would it look like to surrender that area to his ongoing work today?

Day 4: Clothe Yourself with the Character of Christ

Having put off the old self, we are called to actively put on the new—clothing ourselves with the very character of Jesus. This means choosing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. These are not just behaviors to check off a list, but qualities that flow from our new identity as God’s beloved people. When we wear these “new clothes,” we stand out in a world marked by anger, pride, and division, becoming visible representatives of Christ’s love and unity. [01:01:17]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 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. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Reflection: Which of these Christlike qualities do you find most challenging to “put on,” and how can you intentionally practice it with someone in your life this week?

Day 5: Live as a Representative of Jesus in All You Do

Our new life in Christ is not just for ourselves—it is meant to be lived out as representatives of Jesus in every word and action. We are called to let the message of Christ fill our lives, to encourage and support one another, and to do everything in his name with gratitude. This is a communal journey, not a solo project; we need each other to walk in renewal and to show the world who Jesus is. Every day, we have the opportunity to either blend in or to let Christ’s life shine through us, pointing others to him by the way we live. [01:09:03]

Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can represent Jesus—through your words, actions, or attitude—at home, work, or school today?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the profound transformation that comes from finding our true identity in Christ. So often, we define ourselves by our roles, our jobs, or our family status, but when we’re alone with our thoughts, those labels fall short. Paul, in Colossians 3, invites us to a deeper reality: our real life is hidden with Christ in God. This means that our identity is not rooted in what we do, but in who we are as children of God, citizens of heaven, and disciples of Jesus. The world tells us that our most important decisions revolve around career, relationships, or possessions, but the most significant choice is to surrender our lives to Jesus and receive the new life He offers.

Paul uses the imagery of changing clothes to describe this transformation. We are called to take off the old, stained garments of our former way of life—habits and attitudes like sexual immorality, greed, anger, malice, dishonesty, and more. These are not just isolated mistakes, but patterns that can become ingrained if left unaddressed. Paul’s instruction is not simply to “try harder” or manage our sin, but to put these things to death, to treat them with the same seriousness and focus we give to the overwhelming circumstances in our lives. We are not to be casual about sin, but to bring it before God with the same urgency as we do our deepest struggles.

But the Christian life is not just about subtraction. Paul calls us to put on new clothes—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. These virtues are not a checklist to achieve by willpower, but the natural outflow of our new identity in Christ. Renewal is a lifelong process, not a one-time event. It is about surrendering to the Spirit’s work, allowing God to reshape our instincts and desires so that we increasingly reflect Jesus in all we do.

This transformation is not meant to be lived out in isolation. We are called to community, to teach, counsel, encourage, and pray for one another. As we let the message of Christ fill our lives, we become representatives of Jesus in every word and action, standing out from the world not by blending in, but by living out the new life He has given us.

Key Takeaways

1. True identity is found in Christ, not in roles or achievements. When we look beyond the surface labels and ask, “Who am I really?” the answer is rooted in being a child of God, hidden with Christ, and a citizen of heaven. This identity is secure and unchanging, regardless of our circumstances or what the world says about us. [35:31]
2. Paul’s call to “put to death” the old self is not about self-improvement or legalism, but about a decisive break with habitual sin. We are to treat recurring sin with the same seriousness as life’s biggest challenges, bringing it before God in prayer and seeking real transformation, not just temporary relief or casual repentance. [53:53]
3. Renewal in Christ is an ongoing, lifelong process. It’s not about managing sin through willpower, but about surrendering to the Spirit’s work, allowing God to continually renew us and reshape our character. This process, known as sanctification, is about becoming more like Jesus day by day. [57:31]
4. The virtues we are called to “put on”—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love—are not just moral goals, but the very character of Christ. As we clothe ourselves in these, we become visibly different from the world, reflecting Jesus to those around us and bearing fruit that lasts. [63:18]
5. The journey of transformation is meant to be lived in community. We are called to teach, counsel, encourage, and pray for one another, letting the message of Christ dwell richly among us. Renewal is not a solo project; it flourishes as we walk together, supporting and representing Jesus in all we do. [66:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:37] - Offering and Prayer
[19:39] - Back-to-School Blessing
[22:08] - Volunteer Opportunities
[24:15] - Announcements and Potluck
[26:47] - Upcoming Marriage Class
[28:41] - Prayer-First Posture
[31:24] - The Question of Identity
[32:38] - New Life in Christ
[35:31] - Setting Our Minds on Heaven
[40:00] - Living Out Our New Identity
[40:45] - Putting Sin to Death
[47:57] - Legalism vs. Cheap Grace
[53:53] - Treating Sin Seriously
[56:37] - Putting On the New Self
[60:25] - The Wardrobe of a Disciple
[63:18] - Standing Out in the World
[66:57] - Renewal in Community
[69:03] - Reflection and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Colossians 3:1-17 (ESV) —
> 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
> 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
> 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
> 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
> 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
> 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
> 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
> 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
> 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
> 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
> 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
> 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
> 13 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.
> 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
> 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
> 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
> 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Observation Questions

According to Colossians 3:3, where is our "real life" found, and what does Paul say about it?
What are some of the "old clothes" or behaviors Paul tells us to put to death in verses 5-9?
What are the "new clothes" or virtues Paul calls us to put on in verses 12-14?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the difference between just “trying harder” and the transformation Paul describes? ([43:47])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says our identity is not in our job, family, or achievements, but in being a child of God, hidden with Christ. Why is this distinction important for how we see ourselves? ([35:31])
Paul uses the image of changing clothes to describe transformation. What does it mean to "put to death" the old self, and why is this more than just self-improvement? ([40:45])
The virtues Paul lists (compassion, kindness, humility, etc.) are described as the character of Christ, not just a checklist. How does this change the way we approach spiritual growth? ([01:02:00])
The sermon emphasizes that renewal is a lifelong process, not a one-time event. How does this perspective affect the way we deal with recurring struggles or sins? ([57:31])

Application Questions

When you are alone with your thoughts, what labels or roles do you tend to use to define yourself? How might your sense of identity change if you truly believed your life is “hidden with Christ in God”? ([35:31])
Is there a specific “old garment” (habit, attitude, or sin) that you feel God is asking you to put to death right now? What would it look like to treat this with the same seriousness as a major life challenge? ([53:53])
The sermon warns against being casual about recurring sin. What is one practical step you can take this week to bring a recurring struggle before God with urgency and honesty? ([55:07])
Which of the “new clothes” (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love) do you find most challenging to put on? Why do you think that is? ([01:00:25])
The pastor said that these virtues are not achieved by willpower, but by surrendering to the Spirit’s work. What does surrender look like for you in a practical, daily sense? ([57:31])
How can you invite others into your journey of renewal? Is there someone you can ask to pray with you, encourage you, or hold you accountable as you seek to live out your new identity? ([01:06:57])
In what ways can your small group help each other “let the message of Christ dwell richly” among you? What is one thing your group could do together to encourage growth and transformation? ([01:05:41])

Sermon Clips

We must give as much prayer and attention and faithful reliance on Jesus to the habitual sin in our lives as we do the financial issues we are facing, or the diagnosis, or whatever it is that's going on. We must identify the habitual sin in our lives and attack it. We must stop being casual about sin in our lives and take it as seriously as the outward circumstances of our lives. Paul says, stop it. Put habitual sin to death. Don't just live a life of cheap and casual grace. put off these things. Put them off and kill it. [00:55:18] (62 seconds) #CommunityInRenewal

Paul doesn't just leave it and stop it, put it to death. He says, put on your new nature. Be renewed. This is resurrection language. Too often, we get in this binary mindset of addition and subtraction. I need to stop doing this. I need to start doing this. A long list of do's and an equally long list of don'ts. What if we look at this as not just subtraction of the list that Paul gives us, but replacement? Paul says, be renewed, and that is present tense, not the past tense. This is not a one and done thing, but a present tense, ongoing, lifelong process. [00:56:51] (56 seconds) #ChildOfGodNewLife

It's about surrender. It's about becoming a new person. As the spirit of God reshapes our instincts and our desires and our reflexes. So that our life begins to look more and more like Jesus. [00:58:25] (22 seconds)

We can't claim Jesus has made us new and claim our new identity in him. And keep walking around with the stains of sin. If we are truly surrendered and following Jesus, those things don't reflect him. Or who we are anymore. So Paul says, stop it, put them to death, and become renewed. Put on the new clothes that God provides. [00:59:54] (31 seconds)

Paul doesn't say, try harder. No. Instead, he roots everything in who we are in Christ. You are dearly loved. You're not merely tolerated. You're not the object of God's forbearance. You're not just kind of accepted and put up with. You are deeply and dearly loved. You belong to God. You are called to be holy and set apart for his purposes. [01:01:32] (42 seconds)

Because what we put on reveals who we are and whose we are. So, take off the old stained clothes. Put on the new clothes. And what exactly are those? Well, Paul gives us another list. Mercy, or compassion. Kindness. Humility. Gentleness. Patience. Patience. Forgiveness. Forgiveness. And not just any forgiveness. The kind that God offers. Love. And not just any love. The kind of love that unifies. The kind of love that brings people together. The kind of love that is severely, severely absent in this world. [01:02:31] (44 seconds)

Those old clothes look like the world. If we're dressed in those, we're basically wearing camouflage. Because no one will really notice us. We'll simply blend into the world. We will certainly not be recognizable as someone belonging to Jesus. We are not called to blend into this world. But these new clothes that Paul tells us to go put on, they look like Jesus. These clothes will shape how we live our lives and how we treat and live with others, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love. These things look nothing like the world. They make us stand out, stick out, be recognizable, because they are reflecting Jesus. [01:03:37] (49 seconds)

This is what renewal looks like in practice. It's not just about what we take off and put on, but also what fills us. Not an empty life attempting to be filled by just trying harder, but a spirit-filled life shaped by the word and centered on Jesus. Notice the communal picture here, teaching each other, counseling each other, singing together. Renewal isn't just an individual project. It's something we do together. We're to belong with one another. [01:06:23] (36 seconds)

``We live as representatives of Jesus. Every word, every action, every decision is an opportunity to either blend into the world and put on some camo, or show the world who he is by putting on these new clothes to let his life shine through ours. This is renewal, not just avoiding sin, not just following rules, but living a new life clothed in Christ, filled with his word, shaped by him, and representing him in all we do. [01:08:08] (44 seconds)

So when we look at the mirror or we lay in bed and ask, who am I really? Who am I really? The answer is, I'm a child of God, a disciple of Jesus, a citizen of heaven, because Jesus is my new life. Jesus is my new life. [01:08:52] (27 seconds)

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