Finding True Identity in Christ's Revelation
Summary
In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asks His disciples a profound question: "Who do you say I am?" This question is not just about Jesus' identity but also about ours. When Peter declares Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus blesses him, revealing that this understanding comes from divine revelation. This passage underscores the importance of knowing our true identity in Christ, which transcends any earthly labels or names we might carry.
The story of a young boy wanting to change his name to match his father's highlights the deep desire for identity and belonging. Similarly, as believers, our true identity is found not in our earthly lineage but in our spiritual connection to Christ. This identity in Christ empowers us to rise above the limitations and dysfunctions of our natural heritage. It is a call to embrace who God has called us to be, rather than what the world labels us.
Jesus' question to His disciples serves as a reminder that our understanding of who He is directly influences our understanding of who we are. Relationships reveal revelation, and the deeper our relationship with God, the clearer our identity becomes. Just as Peter's identity was transformed from Simon, the shaky one, to Peter, the rock, our identity in Christ provides us with resilience and strength.
Moreover, knowing our identity in Christ grants us access and authority in the spiritual realm. Jesus promises Peter the keys to the kingdom, symbolizing the authority and access we have as children of God. This authority is not based on our natural abilities but on our spiritual alignment with Christ.
Ultimately, our identity is not defined by our past or our circumstances but by the transformative power of Christ's blood. Just as the one-drop rule historically defined racial identity, the blood of Jesus defines our spiritual identity. We are called to live in the fullness of who God says we are, refusing to answer to any name or label that contradicts our identity in Him.
Key Takeaways:
- Identity in Christ: Our true identity is found in Christ, not in the labels or names the world gives us. This identity empowers us to rise above the limitations of our natural heritage and embrace who God has called us to be. [04:13]
- Relationships Reveal Revelation: The quality of our relationship with God determines the depth of our revelation about who He is and, consequently, who we are. As we deepen our relationship with Him, our true identity becomes clearer. [08:15]
- Resilience Through Identity: Knowing our identity in Christ provides us with resilience. Just as Peter was transformed from Simon, the shaky one, to Peter, the rock, our identity in Christ strengthens us to overcome challenges. [12:02]
- Access and Authority: Our identity in Christ grants us access and authority in the spiritual realm. Jesus gives us the keys to the kingdom, symbolizing the authority we have as His children. This authority is rooted in our spiritual alignment with Him. [19:34]
- Transformative Power of Christ's Blood: Our identity is defined by the transformative power of Christ's blood. Just as the one-drop rule historically defined racial identity, the blood of Jesus defines our spiritual identity, calling us to live in the fullness of who God says we are. [23:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-20
- [01:38] - Introduction: "I'm Not Answering to That"
- [02:20] - Story of Name Change
- [03:54] - Identity Beyond Labels
- [05:04] - True Identity in Christ
- [06:23] - Jesus' Question to Disciples
- [07:59] - Relationships Reveal Revelation
- [09:36] - Asking Deep Questions
- [11:25] - Peter's Revelation
- [12:02] - Identity Fuels Resilience
- [14:02] - Importance of Names
- [16:20] - Identity and Resilience
- [18:23] - Authority in Identity
- [20:12] - Access and Authority
- [23:18] - Transformative Power of Christ's Blood
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 16:13-20 (NIV)
---
Observation Questions:
1. What question does Jesus ask His disciples in Matthew 16:13, and why is it significant? [00:09]
2. How does Peter respond to Jesus' question, and what does Jesus say in return? [00:46]
3. What authority does Jesus promise to Peter, and what does this symbolize? [01:05]
4. In the sermon, what story is shared about a young boy wanting to change his name, and what lesson does it illustrate? [02:20]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Peter's declaration about Jesus' identity reveal the importance of divine revelation in understanding who Jesus is? [11:25]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between our identity in Christ and our natural heritage? [05:04]
3. How does the concept of "relationships reveal revelation" apply to our understanding of God and ourselves? [07:59]
4. What does the sermon imply about the transformative power of Christ's blood in defining our spiritual identity? [23:18]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" How does your personal understanding of Jesus influence your identity? [00:09]
2. The sermon discusses the importance of not answering to labels that do not define us. Are there any labels or names you have been answering to that contradict your identity in Christ? How can you begin to reject them? [03:54]
3. How can you deepen your relationship with God to gain a clearer understanding of your identity in Him? What practical steps can you take this week? [07:59]
4. In what ways can knowing your identity in Christ provide you with resilience in facing life's challenges? Can you think of a recent situation where this understanding helped you? [12:02]
5. The sermon mentions the authority and access we have as children of God. How can you exercise this authority in your daily life, especially in spiritual matters? [19:34]
6. Consider the transformative power of Christ's blood in your life. How does this understanding impact the way you view your past and your future? [23:18]
7. The sermon uses the story of a young boy wanting to change his name to illustrate identity and belonging. How does this story resonate with your own journey of finding your identity in Christ? [02:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Identity Beyond Earthly Labels
Our true identity is found in Christ, not in the labels or names the world gives us. This identity empowers us to rise above the limitations of our natural heritage and embrace who God has called us to be. In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" This question is not just about Jesus' identity but also about ours. When Peter declares Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus blesses him, revealing that this understanding comes from divine revelation. This passage underscores the importance of knowing our true identity in Christ, which transcends any earthly labels or names we might carry. [04:13]
Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."
Reflection: What labels or names have you allowed to define you that are not aligned with your identity in Christ? How can you begin to shed these labels today and embrace who God says you are?
Day 2: Revelation Through Relationship
The quality of our relationship with God determines the depth of our revelation about who He is and, consequently, who we are. As we deepen our relationship with Him, our true identity becomes clearer. Jesus' question to His disciples serves as a reminder that our understanding of who He is directly influences our understanding of who we are. Relationships reveal revelation, and the deeper our relationship with God, the clearer our identity becomes. Just as Peter's identity was transformed from Simon, the shaky one, to Peter, the rock, our identity in Christ provides us with resilience and strength. [08:15]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: How can you intentionally deepen your relationship with God this week to gain a clearer understanding of your identity in Him?
Day 3: Resilience Through Christ
Knowing our identity in Christ provides us with resilience. Just as Peter was transformed from Simon, the shaky one, to Peter, the rock, our identity in Christ strengthens us to overcome challenges. Our identity in Christ empowers us to rise above the limitations and dysfunctions of our natural heritage. It is a call to embrace who God has called us to be, rather than what the world labels us. This transformation is not just a change of name but a change of nature, providing us with the strength to face life's challenges with confidence. [12:02]
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel "shaky"? How can embracing your identity in Christ help you find strength and resilience in these areas?
Day 4: Authority in Spiritual Alignment
Our identity in Christ grants us access and authority in the spiritual realm. Jesus gives us the keys to the kingdom, symbolizing the authority we have as His children. This authority is not based on our natural abilities but on our spiritual alignment with Christ. Knowing who we are in Christ allows us to walk in the authority He has given us, enabling us to impact the world around us for His kingdom. This authority is a gift, not something earned, and it empowers us to live boldly and confidently in our faith. [19:34]
Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to exercise the authority given to you in Christ? How can you align yourself more closely with Him to walk in this authority?
Day 5: Transformative Power of Christ's Blood
Our identity is defined by the transformative power of Christ's blood. Just as the one-drop rule historically defined racial identity, the blood of Jesus defines our spiritual identity, calling us to live in the fullness of who God says we are. Our identity is not defined by our past or our circumstances but by the transformative power of Christ's blood. We are called to live in the fullness of who God says we are, refusing to answer to any name or label that contradicts our identity in Him. [23:18]
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
Reflection: How does understanding the transformative power of Christ's blood change the way you view your identity? What steps can you take to live more fully in the identity God has given you?
Quotes
I want you to know that if you don't hear anything else you are not obligated to answer to anything that is not identified uh not by what God has called you to be I mean since it is African-American history black history you know that as African-Americans we've been labeled some of everything. [00:03:57]
My assignment is to challenge you into shifting from looking at Who You Are and where you come from in the natural to start searching for your true identity which is found in Christ I'm not telling you to do away with your lineage and not claim your bloodline but I am trying to tell you that there's a difference. [00:04:55]
As children of God we have another bloodline running through us uh and so you don't have to subject yourself uh to the dysfunction and the drama that comes in your family because the moment you discover who you are in Christ there behold old things are passed away and all things have become new. [00:05:55]
Relationships reveal Revelation Bishop wter Scott Thomas uh Pastor introduced us uh during this staff development he said something and I want to offer it to you the quality of relationships are based on the quality of the conversation if you have surface level conversations you going to have a surface level relationship. [00:08:02]
Sometimes the deeper you discover who God is you'll discover who you are cuz everything God is you've got access to I wish you look at your neighbor and say whoever God is that's who I am because however you identify with God will dictate how you see yourself relationships reveal Revelation. [00:10:48]
Jesus stops and says Flesh and Blood didn't reveal this to you I say you are PE and Upon This Rock I will build my church y'all read the Bible too fast that you missed a shout you let's go back verse 16 says Simon Peter answered if you read in your Bible that's in Black verse. [00:12:25]
God will call you a name uh that will make you grow up into it I know you're still shaky but I'm calling you stable woo watch this that's why names matter I know we just name our kids anything today but names matter as a matter of fact this is not the first time that God has changed somebody's name. [00:13:28]
Jesus says Peter I need to change your identity from who you currently are to what I know you going to be and I see some of y'all church people Jesus you mean to tell me you going to build your church on Peter no you come here Jesus you don't know the real Peter cussing Peter fighting Peter unstable. [00:15:10]
Sometimes identity will give you resilience so that when you try to act like who you're not supposed to be who you are will remind you of who you called to be um Let me let the cat out the b the other night um I was out and my daughter called me at about midnight here. [00:16:29]
Alignment with your identity provides you access and Authority okay let me say one more time knowing who you are gives you access and Authority I'm not making this up it's right in the text and I will give you keys to the kingdom not to a house not to a business but to the kingdom. [00:19:44]
I wish you knew who you were in God and say when I come in relationship with the right person I got the master key that when I walk in the room doors open atmosphere shift cuz I got access to who I am well I started out telling y'all about my nephew who wouldn't answer to his old name. [00:22:00]
If you call me healed I'll answer to that if you call me delivered I'll answer to that if you call me free I'll answer to that because whoever God is H I am I'm going to my seat but y'all remember this old rule that they came up with in 1662 it's called the 1/8 rule. [00:22:48]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Feb 03, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?