Finding True Identity Through Christ's Humility

 

Summary

In our journey to meet Jesus, we began by exploring His divine nature and how He reveals God to us. Today, we shift our focus to understanding our own identity. This question of "Who am I?" is one that many grapple with, often seeking answers in their roles, relationships, or achievements. However, these external identifiers fall short of defining our true selves. Reflecting on a conversation with a friend who was struggling with this very question, I realized that without Jesus, we lack a foundational understanding of who we are. In meeting Jesus, we not only come to know God but also discover our true identity.

John Calvin wisely noted that all wisdom boils down to two things: the knowledge of God and the knowledge of ourselves. These are inseparable, and in meeting Jesus, we gain both. As we delve into the testimony of John the Baptist, we see a man who understood his role and identity in relation to Jesus. John the Baptist, a man of remarkable ministry and filled with the Holy Spirit, humbly acknowledged that he was not the Christ, nor a wonder worker, nor the lawgiver. His mission was to point others to Jesus, the one whose sandals he was unworthy to untie.

This humility is a hallmark of a gospel-centered life. It reminds us that we are not the saviors of others; that role belongs to Jesus alone. Our identity and worth are not found in our achievements or roles but in our relationship with Christ. John the Baptist's confession challenges us to make much of Jesus and little of ourselves. In doing so, we find true humility, worship, and hope. Our lives are not defined by what we do or who we are but by who Jesus is and what He has done for us. This understanding liberates us from the pressures of self-reliance and self-exaltation, leading us to a life of worship and service rooted in the grace and mercy of God.

Key Takeaways:

1. Identity in Christ: Our true identity is not found in our roles or achievements but in our relationship with Jesus. Without Him, we lack a foundational understanding of who we are. Meeting Jesus provides us with the knowledge of God and ourselves, which are inseparable. [03:53]

2. Humility in Ministry: John the Baptist exemplifies humility by acknowledging that he is not the Christ. This humility should characterize our lives and ministries, reminding us that we are not the saviors of others; that role belongs to Jesus alone. [17:26]

3. The Temptation of Self-Exaltation: The church and individuals often face the temptation to assume roles that belong to Christ, such as being the savior or lawgiver. We must resist these temptations and focus on pointing others to Jesus. [23:24]

4. The Gift of Ministry: Ministry is a gift and not a right. It is by God's mercy that we are involved in His work. Our hope and success in ministry depend on God's blessing, not our efforts or achievements. [29:42]

5. Hope in Christ: Our hope and worth are not found in who we are or what we have accomplished but in Jesus Christ. This understanding liberates us from self-reliance and leads us to a life of worship and service rooted in God's grace. [33:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to the Series
- [00:53] - The Question of Identity
- [02:44] - Personal Reflection on Identity
- [03:53] - Meeting Jesus and Knowing Ourselves
- [04:24] - Introduction to John the Baptist
- [05:14] - The Birth and Ministry of John the Baptist
- [06:20] - John the Baptist's Character and Mission
- [08:17] - The Greatness of John the Baptist
- [09:32] - John's Message and Its Impact
- [11:13] - The Response to John's Ministry
- [13:01] - John's Confession About Himself
- [17:26] - John's Humility and Our Identity
- [23:24] - The Temptations Facing the Church
- [29:42] - The Gift and Privilege of Ministry
- [33:54] - Finding Hope in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 1:19-27
- Luke 1:15
- Matthew 11:11

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the primary mission of John the Baptist as described in John 1:19-27? How did he respond to those questioning his identity? [17:26]

2. According to Luke 1:15, what was unique about John the Baptist from birth, and how did this influence his ministry?

3. In Matthew 11:11, how does Jesus describe John the Baptist, and what does this reveal about John's significance in the biblical narrative?

4. How does the sermon describe the temptation faced by the church and individuals to assume roles that belong to Christ? [23:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does John the Baptist's understanding of his identity in relation to Jesus challenge contemporary views of self-importance and achievement? [17:26]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between humility and effective ministry, as exemplified by John the Baptist? [19:20]

3. How does the sermon interpret the significance of John the Baptist's statement, "I am not worthy to untie the sandal on the feet of Jesus," in terms of personal humility and worship? [26:39]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding our identity in Christ can liberate us from the pressures of self-reliance and self-exaltation? [33:54]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you find your identity in roles or achievements rather than in your relationship with Jesus? How can you shift your focus to find your identity in Christ? [03:53]

2. John the Baptist exemplified humility by acknowledging he was not the Christ. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions and ministry, ensuring that you point others to Jesus rather than yourself? [17:26]

3. The sermon warns against the temptation of self-exaltation. Are there specific situations where you are tempted to assume roles that belong to Christ, such as being the savior or lawgiver? How can you resist these temptations? [23:24]

4. Ministry is described as a gift and not a right. How can you cultivate an attitude of gratitude and dependence on God's mercy in your service to others? [29:42]

5. The sermon emphasizes hope in Christ rather than in personal achievements. How can you remind yourself daily that your worth and hope are found in Jesus, especially during challenging times? [33:54]

6. Consider a time when you felt the pressure to be the "savior" in someone else's life. How can you redirect that responsibility to Jesus and support them in a way that points them to Him? [19:20]

7. How can you incorporate the practice of making much of Jesus and little of yourself in your personal worship and community involvement? [13:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Discovering Identity in Christ
Our true identity is not found in our roles or achievements but in our relationship with Jesus. Without Him, we lack a foundational understanding of who we are. Meeting Jesus provides us with the knowledge of God and ourselves, which are inseparable. This understanding is crucial because it shifts our focus from external validations to a deeper, spiritual connection with Christ. When we encounter Jesus, we begin to see ourselves through the lens of His love and purpose, which transcends any earthly measure of success or identity. [03:53]

"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: What roles or achievements have you been using to define yourself, and how can you begin to see your identity through your relationship with Jesus today?


Day 2: Embracing Humility in Ministry
John the Baptist exemplifies humility by acknowledging that he is not the Christ. This humility should characterize our lives and ministries, reminding us that we are not the saviors of others; that role belongs to Jesus alone. John’s example teaches us the importance of pointing others to Christ rather than seeking personal glory. In a world that often values self-promotion, embracing humility allows us to serve others genuinely and reflect the character of Jesus in our actions and words. [17:26]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility in your daily interactions and ministry, ensuring that Jesus remains the focus rather than yourself?


Day 3: Resisting the Temptation of Self-Exaltation
The church and individuals often face the temptation to assume roles that belong to Christ, such as being the savior or lawgiver. We must resist these temptations and focus on pointing others to Jesus. This requires a conscious effort to recognize our limitations and the unique role that Jesus plays in the lives of others. By acknowledging that we are not the ultimate source of salvation or guidance, we can better direct people to the true source of hope and redemption. [23:24]

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you might be tempted to take on a role that belongs to Christ. How can you redirect your focus to point others to Him instead?


Day 4: Recognizing the Gift of Ministry
Ministry is a gift and not a right. It is by God's mercy that we are involved in His work. Our hope and success in ministry depend on God's blessing, not our efforts or achievements. This perspective helps us approach ministry with gratitude and humility, recognizing that it is a privilege to serve in God's kingdom. By relying on His strength and guidance, we can be effective instruments in His hands, bringing glory to His name rather than our own. [29:42]

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (2 Corinthians 4:7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for the opportunity to serve in ministry, acknowledging it as a gift from God rather than a personal achievement?


Day 5: Finding Hope in Christ
Our hope and worth are not found in who we are or what we have accomplished but in Jesus Christ. This understanding liberates us from self-reliance and leads us to a life of worship and service rooted in God's grace. By placing our hope in Christ, we can experience true freedom and joy, knowing that our value is secure in Him. This perspective allows us to live with confidence and purpose, trusting in His promises and provision. [33:54]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than placing your hope in Christ? How can you shift your focus to trust in His grace and provision today?

Quotes


I am a creation of God Who belongs to him and exists for his glory. I am a sinner who deserves nothing from God but looks to him for Mercy. I am a new creation in Jesus Christ redeemed at inestimable cost despite all the struggles that arise from sin that remains in my flesh. [00:03:00]

It was John Calvin who said famously on one occasion that nearly all the wisdom that we can possess it all boils down to two things it comes in two parts it's the knowledge of God and it's the knowledge of ourselves you never get the one without the other and when you meet Jesus you get both. [00:04:01]

The ministry of any person and of any church will be shaped in large measure by these two things what we say about ourselves and what we say about Jesus and what we're going to see today is that John spoke very specifically in a way that humbled Sinners and exalted the Savior and that should be a Hallmark of any gospel centered church or Ministry. [00:13:13]

The gospel always humble Sinners the gospel always exalts the Savior people who are shaped by the gospel, it is their character to make little of themselves no matter what they have achieved and to make much of Jesus Christ who is their Savior and their lord. [00:13:48]

We cannot communicate at the same time that we are great and that Jesus also is great you just can't communicate at the same time hey we're great people and at the same time communicate Jesus is a great savior. [00:14:18]

He confessed and he did not deny I am not the Christ I am not the Savior I am not the answer to the great needs of other people the answer does not not lie in me could not be clearer now here's the application to us when you love people when you serve other people it is easy to get the idea that in some way you are the one who can fix their problems. [00:17:57]

The church has often been tempted to assume the role of the wonder worker to focus on miraculous gifts to present ourselves as the ones who are channels of divine power and they say to John is this what you are and John says I am not that's not me. [00:22:24]

The Christian church will often be tempted to assume the role of the Great Law Giver like Moses to present ourselves as the custodians of the moral lifestyle to see ourselves as the people who somehow are here to tell others what to do and how to live and they say to John is that who you are John says no. [00:22:56]

Ministry is a gift and not a right you find that in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 and verse 1 Since By God's mercy we have this ministry you're involved in Ministry in some way you lead a group you serve with a team um It Is by God's mercy that you have this this is a gift this is an immense privilege. [00:29:42]

We do not have the right to a healthy and thriving church if God were to withhold his Blessing from any or all of us everything we ever seek or imagine to do for him would come to nothing unless the Lord builds the house those who labor labor in vain. [00:30:02]

Your hope rests not in who you are not in what you have accomplished not in what you have become but in Jesus Christ and in the mercy of God that flows so richly and lavishly to you through him. [00:28:49]

Life like lies not in who you are life lies in who he is and this gospel John would say to you is written that you may know that Jesus is the Christ and that by believing in his name you may have life. [00:33:58]

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Transcript
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