Flourishing Through Christ: Embracing Our True Identity

 

Summary

In the presence of God's majesty, we are often struck by the overwhelming sense of our own unworthiness, much like the prophet Isaiah in the temple. Yet, it is in this very moment of humility and recognition of our sinfulness that God extends His grace to us. The seraphim's touch upon Isaiah's lips with a burning coal is symbolic of the purifying power of God's forgiveness, which then empowers us to hear His call and respond, "Here I am, send me." This transformative encounter with the divine is not just for the prophets of old but is available to each one of us today.

We are called to flourish, not by our own strength or through the broken lens of humanity, but through a pure revelation of Jesus Christ. Flourishing is not merely surviving; it is thriving with purpose and vigor because of the life Jesus offers. When we fix our eyes on Him, we see beyond the drama and challenges of our daily lives to the eternal perspective that anchors our identity in Christ. Our true identity is not determined by the outcomes of situations but by our standing with God.

As we navigate the dramas of work, relationships, finances, and personal struggles, we must resist the temptation to view these through the shattered lens of humanity. Instead, we must seek a pure revelation of Jesus, which brings peace, order, and dignity to every situation. Our authority and responsibility as believers are to bring forth God's peace and to protect the dignity of all involved, reflecting His glory in the midst of a broken world.

The deception that we can flourish without God has led to a fractured image of humanity. We see this in the environmental crisis, where some have created a religion of environmentalism, while others neglect their God-given responsibility to care for creation. Both perspectives are flawed, as they are based on a shattered human perspective rather than God's purpose for us to work together for His glory.

In Romans 5, we are reminded that through one man, Adam, sin entered the world, but through one act of righteousness by Jesus Christ on the cross, we are offered a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. It is only through Jesus that we can overcome the deception and bondage that keep us from truly flourishing.

As we look to the week ahead, let us pray for a fresh revelation of Jesus, to see Him high and lifted up in our lives, and to reflect His glory, even amidst brokenness. Let us worship Him for the peace of God within us, for the eternal dignity in everyone, and for the authority and responsibility He has given us to proclaim truth and hope.

Key Takeaways:

- True flourishing in life is not found in our own efforts or through the distorted lens of a broken humanity. It is only when we fix our eyes on Jesus and His pure revelation that we can grow in a healthy and vigorous way, reflecting God's glory in every aspect of our lives. [58:07]

- Our identity in Christ is unshakeable, not contingent on the outcomes of our circumstances. When we understand this, we can approach life's dramas with an eternal perspective, knowing that our worth and purpose are secure in Him. [01:01:09]

- We have been given both authority and responsibility by God to bring peace and order to the chaos around us. This is not a call to dominate but to serve and protect the dignity of all, as we are all bearers of God's image. [40:10]

- The greatest deception humanity faces is the belief that we can flourish without God. This lie has led to a shattered image of who we are meant to be. Only through the redemptive work of Jesus can we be restored to our true purpose and identity. [47:17]

- As we face the brokenness of the world, let us not be conformed to its shattered perspectives. Instead, let us be agents of reconciliation, carrying the message of hope and truth that can only be found in Jesus, the one who came to heal our brokenness and restore us to God. [01:09:49]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 6:1-8 (NIV)
> In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

2. Romans 5:17-19 (NIV)
> For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

3. Psalm 92:12-15 (NIV)
> The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Isaiah's reaction when he saw the Lord in the temple? How did the seraphim respond to his confession? (Isaiah 6:1-8)
2. According to Romans 5:17-19, what are the contrasting results of Adam's trespass and Jesus' righteous act?
3. In Psalm 92:12-15, what imagery is used to describe the flourishing of the righteous? What does this suggest about their spiritual vitality?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Isaiah's experience of feeling unworthy and then being cleansed by the seraphim relate to our own experiences of God's grace? (Isaiah 6:1-8) [01:06:57]
2. What does it mean to have an "eternal identity" in Christ, as opposed to being defined by our mortal life? How does this affect our daily living? (Romans 5:17-19) [49:02]
3. How can the imagery of flourishing like a palm tree or cedar in Psalm 92 inspire us in our spiritual growth and resilience, especially in challenging times? [32:59]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy in the presence of God. How did you experience His grace in that moment? How can you seek a fresh revelation of Jesus this week? [01:07:36]
2. In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength rather than seeking God's guidance and revelation? How can you shift your focus to Jesus in these areas? [01:01:09]
3. Think about a current drama or challenge you are facing. How can you bring peace and order to this situation by protecting the dignity of everyone involved? [01:01:49]
4. How can you actively resist the deception that you can flourish without God? Identify one practical step you can take this week to deepen your reliance on Him. [47:17]
5. In what ways can you be an agent of reconciliation in your community, reflecting God's glory amidst brokenness? Share a specific action you can take to promote unity and hope. [01:09:49]
6. How can you cultivate a thriving spiritual life that goes beyond mere survival? What practices or habits can you adopt to ensure you are growing in a healthy and vigorous way? [34:12]
7. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the message of hope and truth found in Jesus. How can you share this message with them in a loving and impactful way this week? [01:08:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Eyes Fixed on Jesus for Growth
True flourishing comes from a life centered on Christ, not self-effort. When individuals focus on Jesus, they experience a transformation that goes beyond mere survival; they thrive with purpose and vigor. This is not a prosperity that the world gives, which is fleeting and often hollow, but a deep-rooted growth that reflects the glory of God in every aspect of life. By fixing one's gaze on Jesus, the pure revelation of God's love and grace, believers can navigate the complexities of life with a sense of peace and assurance that their identity is secure in Him. This flourishing is a testament to the power of the divine touch, much like the coal that touched Isaiah's lips, purifying and preparing him for God's service. [58:07]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from your own efforts to Jesus' transformative power in your daily life?

Day 2: Unshakeable Identity in Christ
Understanding one's identity in Christ is crucial for facing life's challenges with an eternal perspective. This identity is not based on the shifting sands of circumstance but on the solid rock of God's truth. When believers grasp that their worth and purpose are secure in Christ, they can approach the dramas of life—whether in work, relationships, or personal struggles—with a sense of peace and confidence. This perspective allows them to rise above the transient and see their lives through the lens of eternity, where every outcome is an opportunity to glorify God. [01:01:09]

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: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you respond to challenges in your life?

Day 3: Agents of Peace and Dignity
Believers are called to be agents of peace and dignity in a world often marked by chaos and disrespect for human worth. This responsibility is not about wielding power but about serving others and reflecting the image of God in every interaction. By bringing God's peace and order to various situations, Christians demonstrate the kingdom values that honor and protect the dignity of every person. This is a divine mandate that echoes the seraphim's act of purification in Isaiah's life, preparing him to be a vessel for God's glory. [40:10]

James 3:17-18 (ESV)
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Reflection: What is one way you can actively bring peace and uphold the dignity of others in your community today?

Day 4: Overcoming Deception with Redemption
The greatest deception is the belief that humanity can thrive without God. This lie has led to a fractured understanding of human purpose and identity. However, through Jesus' redemptive work on the cross, believers are restored to their true calling. Just as Jesus' act of righteousness countered Adam's sin, so does the truth of the gospel counter the lies that bind humanity. Embracing this truth leads to a life that reflects God's design and glory, even amidst a broken world. [47:17]

Colossians 2:8-10 (ESV)
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to reject the deception of self-sufficiency and embrace the truth of Christ's redemption?

Day 5: Reconciliation and Hope Bearers
In a world rife with brokenness, believers are called to be bearers of reconciliation and hope. This mission involves carrying the message of Jesus, the one who came to heal our divisions and restore our relationship with God. As Christians engage with the world, they are not to conform to its shattered perspectives but to offer the hope and truth found in Christ alone. This calling is an echo of the seraphim's message to Isaiah, a call to be sent out as messengers of God's healing and restoration. [01:09:49]

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV)
"All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."

Reflection: How can you be a messenger of hope and reconciliation in a specific situation you are facing this week?

Quotes

- "You will only flourish when you gaze upon life through a pure revelation of Jesus. That's when you flourish, when you stop and go, 'No, hold on a second, which way am I looking through that at this through? Am I looking through the shattered image or am I looking through back at Jesus, the pure revelation of who God has created us and wants us to be?'" [58:07] (Download | )

- "Every human being has been created with an eternal identity. We were created in God's image in both form and function... every human being has infinite dignity." [39:07] (Download | )

- "Humanity has been given the authority and the responsibility to establish order and purpose in God's creation... Authority with responsibility. If you give somebody a responsibility without authority, that's slavery." [40:10] (Download | )

- "Every human has been given a prophetic relationship with God that can call forth life and purpose. You were created to hear the voice of God." [41:59] (Download | )

- "The greatest deception that has ever been laid before any of us is that you have the capacity to flourish without God... that deception has broken our path and broken our fullness of who we are." [47:17] (Download | )

- "We live in a broken world that we live in, it is shattered, and most of the perspectives are shattered perspectives. But God is saying because of Jesus, you don't need to be trapped in that shattered perspective anymore." [01:03:41] (Download | )

- "My identity is unfazed because I stand eternally with God... I have a god-given responsibility and I have a god-given authority in the midst of this drama... to bring peace and order to it." [01:01:09] (Download | )

- "When facing drama, if I have a pure revelation of God, I'm going to pause for a minute and worship God and listen to His voice... then I am going to speak forth what He says and speak forth hope and life and purpose into this situation." [01:01:49] (Download | )

- "We know we are looking through a shattered human perspective when our hearts aren't broken when the image of God and the dignity of another human being is being overlooked or hurt." [55:34] (Download | )

- "God thank you for the authority and the responsibility that you've given us to hear your voice and to speak forth truth and hope. God, I pray that there would be creativity and goodness and love that just pours out." [01:09:49] (Download | )

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Transcript
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