Finding True Identity: From Self to Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Identity in Christ Over Cultural Identity

In a world that often encourages us to define ourselves by our achievements, attributes, or societal roles, it is crucial to remember that our true identity is found in Christ. This shift from a self-centered to a God-centered identity allows us to live authentically and purposefully. When we embrace our identity in Christ, we are no longer swayed by the changing tides of cultural expectations or personal accomplishments. Instead, we find a stable foundation in the unchanging nature of God, which empowers us to live out our true purpose. [00:11]

"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." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you allowed cultural expectations to define your identity? How can you begin to shift your focus to your identity in Christ today?

Day 2: Purpose Beyond Activities

Activities and passions, such as sports or hobbies, can provide temporary meaning and satisfaction, but they are not our ultimate purpose. Our true purpose is found in serving God, which offers lasting fulfillment and direction. When we root our identity in Christ, we discover that our worth is not tied to what we do or achieve but in who we serve. This understanding frees us from the pressure to perform and allows us to live with a sense of divine purpose. [00:25]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: What activities or passions have you allowed to define your sense of purpose? How can you realign your focus to find your purpose in serving God?

Day 3: Transformation Through Christ

Embracing our identity in Christ transforms us from being perpetrators of worldly values to protectors of God's truth. This transformation impacts our relationships, life choices, and the way we interact with the world around us. As we grow in our understanding of who we are in Christ, we become more aligned with His values and purposes, allowing us to live lives that reflect His love and truth. [00:38]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: How has your identity in Christ transformed your values and life choices? What areas of your life still need to be aligned with God's truth?

Day 4: Forgiveness as a Foundation

Forgiving ourselves is crucial because if God can forgive everyone, we should also extend that grace to ourselves. This forgiveness is foundational to building a life rooted in God's word. When we accept God's forgiveness, we are freed from the burden of guilt and shame, allowing us to live in the fullness of His grace and truth. This foundation of forgiveness empowers us to extend grace to others and live in harmony with God's purposes. [00:50]

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you struggle to forgive yourself? How can you embrace God's forgiveness and extend that grace to yourself today?

Day 5: Unchanging Identity in Christ

Life's circumstances may change, but our identity in Christ remains constant. This stability allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and authenticity. When we root our identity in the unchanging nature of Christ, we are not shaken by the ups and downs of life. Instead, we find strength and assurance in knowing that our worth and purpose are secure in Him. [01:16]

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing your identity in Christ is unchanging help you face life's challenges? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of this truth today?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of identity and how it shapes our lives. We are called to live differently, not conforming to the culture that prioritizes the self-centered "human Trinity" of me, myself, and I, but instead embracing the divine Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This shift in focus from self to God transforms our understanding of who we are and what we are meant to be.

Several testimonies highlighted the journey of discovering true identity in Christ. One student shared how their identity was once tied to their physical attributes and basketball skills, but now it is rooted in serving God. Another student found that their passion for baseball, which once defined them, left them feeling purposeless until they realized their greater purpose in Christ. These stories remind us that our identity should not be based on what we do or what we have, but on who we serve.

As a former NFL player, I too struggled with identity when my career ended. It was a pivotal moment that taught me that my identity should never have been tied to football. Instead, I found that my true identity is in Christ, an unchanging foundation that remains constant despite life's circumstances. This realization empowers us to be who we truly are, regardless of external changes.

We are not called to follow our hearts blindly; rather, we must ensure our hearts align with the truth of God's word. Building our lives on this solid foundation is urgent and necessary. There is no time to delay in embracing our true identity in Christ and living out the purpose He has for us.

Key Takeaways

1. centeredness to God-centeredness allows us to live authentically and purposefully. [00:11]
2. Purpose Beyond Activities: Activities and passions, like sports, can give temporary meaning, but they are not our ultimate purpose. Our true purpose is found in serving God, which provides lasting fulfillment and direction.

3. Transformation Through Christ: Embracing our identity in Christ transforms us from being perpetrators of worldly values to protectors of God's truth. This transformation impacts our relationships and life choices.

4. Forgiveness as a Foundation: Forgiving ourselves is crucial because if God can forgive everyone, we should also extend that grace to ourselves. This forgiveness is foundational to building a life rooted in God's word.

5. Unchanging Identity in Christ: Life's circumstances may change, but our identity in Christ remains constant. This stability allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and authenticity.

** [00:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Called to Be Different
[00:25] - Identity Beyond Achievements
[00:38] - Purpose and Transformation
[00:50] - Forgiveness and Foundation
[01:04] - Personal Testimony of Identity
[01:16] - Unchanging Identity in Christ
[01:30] - Urgency of Building on the Right Foundation
[01:45] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Sermon Clips

[Jonathan] God has called you to be different he's called you to have a different lifestyle and not simply be just like the culture who's trying to live for the human Trinity me myself and I instead of the spiritual one God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. [00:00:02]

[student 1] a large part of my identity was the fact that people knew me as the real tall strong girl that can play basketball my identity is now not based around what I do but who I serve me. [00:00:15]

[student 2] I mean baseball is really what got me up in the morning for the longest time I really had no idea what to do with my life I just felt like all of a sudden my life lacks purpose. [00:00:28]

[student 3] I know that God made me for more than just being a perpetrator God made me to be protector. [00:00:36]

[student 4] my walk with Christ it made me realize the friends that I had they weren't going down the same path that I was going. [00:00:43]

[student 5] I started using God's word as my foundation by starting with forgiving myself because if a God can forgive everyone else why can't I forgive myself. [00:00:49]

[Jonathan] as a former NFL football player and a collegiate athlete I always identified myself with football but now I don't play it anymore so what happens when you lose the thing you identify with you realize that that should have never been your identity when you understand that your identity is in Christ now you understand that no matter what you do you can truly be who you are because that's something that will never change even when life's circumstances do change. [00:00:57]

we're not called to follow our heart we're called to demand that our heart follows the truth it's time to build on this right foundation and it's time to do it right now because there's no time to wait. [00:01:24]

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