Living in Our New Identity in Christ
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of our identity in Christ, particularly through the lens of baptism. Baptism symbolizes our death with Christ and our resurrection into a new life. This is not just a symbolic act but a transformative reality that redefines our existence. We are called to remember that we have died to sin and are now alive in Christ. This new life is not about exerting power or influence as the world understands it, but about living in the grace and freedom that Christ offers.
We delved into the concept of sin as a powerful force, likened to a munitions factory, producing sins that entangle us. However, the grace of God is even more powerful, overwhelming sin and offering us a new trajectory in life. This grace is not a license to continue in sin but a call to live in the newness of life that Christ provides.
The challenge lies in the tension between our old self, which is dead, and the new life we are called to live. We often feel the pull of our old ways, but we must reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. This requires a daily commitment to remember our identity in Christ and to live out of that truth.
We also discussed the cultural pressures to define our identity based on external validation, which can be crushing. Instead, we are invited to find our identity in who Jesus says we are. This is a liberating truth that allows us to live authentically and purposefully.
Finally, we acknowledged the ongoing battle with sin and the old self, which can feel like an old captain trying to steer us off course. Yet, we have a new captain in Christ who leads us to true life. Trusting in Him and declaring His lordship over our lives is the path to freedom and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
- Baptism is a profound declaration of our death to sin and resurrection into new life with Christ. It is not merely symbolic but a transformative reality that redefines our identity and purpose. We are called to live in the newness of life, continually remembering that we have died with Christ and are now alive in Him. [06:35]
- Sin is a powerful force that produces entangling sins, but God's grace is even more powerful, offering us freedom and a new trajectory in life. This grace is not a license to sin but a call to live in the freedom and newness of life that Christ provides. [05:05]
- Our identity should not be based on external validation or cultural pressures but on who Jesus says we are. This truth liberates us to live authentically and purposefully, free from the crushing weight of trying to perform for the world. [09:26]
- The tension between our old self and new life in Christ is an ongoing battle. We must reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God, committing daily to live out of our true identity in Christ. This requires trust in Jesus and a declaration of His lordship over our lives. [22:50]
- The old self, like an old captain, may try to steer us off course, but we have a new captain in Christ who leads us to true life. Trusting in Him and declaring His lordship is the path to freedom and fulfillment, allowing us to live a life that reflects Christ's love and humility. [39:10]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:42] - The Paradox of Baptism
[02:06] - Grace Overcoming Sin
[05:05] - Dying to Sin
[06:35] - United with Christ
[07:17] - Reckoning Ourselves Dead
[08:13] - The Reality of New Life
[09:26] - Identity in Christ
[11:14] - Who Do You Say I Am?
[12:16] - Living Out Our Identity
[13:09] - The Declaration of Death
[14:45] - Hidden in Christ
[16:54] - The Christoform Life
[18:12] - Bearing the Cross
[19:08] - Freedom from Sin's Dominion
[20:11] - Living in Tension
[22:50] - Trusting the New Captain
[24:01] - Honesty with Jesus
[25:15] - Turning Upward and Outward
[26:25] - Loving God and Neighbor
[27:01] - Identity Crisis and Authority
[28:31] - Idolatry and Disordered Desires
[30:07] - The Back Door of Idolatry
[31:30] - The Temptation of Greed
[34:00] - Authority in Christ
[34:51] - The Image of God
[35:40] - Repentance and Authority
[36:34] - Practicing Our Death to Sin
[37:19] - Accepting Our Death with Christ
[38:07] - Standing in Our Position
[39:10] - Declaring King Jesus is Lord
[39:57] - Letting Christ Live Through Us
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 6:3-11
- Colossians 3:1-4
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 6:3-11, what does baptism symbolize in the life of a believer? How does this relate to the concept of dying to sin and living a new life? [05:05]
2. In the sermon, how is sin described metaphorically, and what does this metaphor suggest about the nature of sin? [02:06]
3. What does Colossians 3:1-4 say about our identity in Christ, and how does this passage encourage us to live? [14:45]
4. How does the sermon describe the tension between our old self and new life in Christ? What imagery is used to illustrate this struggle? [20:11]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "dead to sin" challenge the way we view our daily struggles with sin? What does it mean to "reckon" ourselves dead to sin? [07:17]
2. The sermon mentions cultural pressures to define our identity based on external validation. How does finding our identity in Christ differ from this, and why is it considered liberating? [09:26]
3. What does it mean to have a "new captain" in Christ, and how does this metaphor help us understand our relationship with Jesus? [22:50]
4. How does the sermon suggest we handle the ongoing battle with sin and the old self? What practical steps are recommended? [24:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your baptism or the concept of baptism if you haven't been baptized. How does this act remind you of your identity in Christ and your call to live a new life? [05:05]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the pull of your old self. What steps can you take to reckon yourself dead to sin in this area? [07:17]
3. Consider the cultural pressures you face to define your identity. How can you focus more on who Jesus says you are rather than seeking external validation? [09:26]
4. In what ways can you trust Jesus as your "new captain" in areas where you feel uncertain or tempted to rely on your old ways? [22:50]
5. Think about a time when you felt crushed by the weight of performing for the world. How can you shift your focus to living authentically in Christ this week? [09:26]
6. How can you practically declare Jesus' lordship over your life in your daily routine? What specific actions can you take to live out this truth? [39:10]
7. Reflect on the metaphor of the old captain and the new captain. How can you remind yourself to listen to the new captain, Jesus, in moments of decision-making? [22:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a Transformative Reality
Baptism is more than a symbolic act; it is a profound declaration of our death to sin and resurrection into new life with Christ. This transformative reality redefines our identity and purpose, calling us to live in the newness of life. We are reminded that we have died with Christ and are now alive in Him, which means our old ways no longer define us. This new life is not about exerting worldly power or influence but about embracing the grace and freedom that Christ offers. As we live out this truth, we are invited to continually remember our identity in Christ and the transformative power of baptism. [06:35]
Colossians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses."
Reflection: How does understanding baptism as a transformative reality change the way you view your daily life and decisions?
Day 2: Grace Overcoming the Power of Sin
Sin is a powerful force that produces entangling sins, but God's grace is even more powerful, offering us freedom and a new trajectory in life. This grace is not a license to sin but a call to live in the freedom and newness of life that Christ provides. The imagery of sin as a munitions factory highlights its destructive nature, yet God's grace overwhelms it, providing a path to true freedom. We are encouraged to embrace this grace, not as an excuse to continue in sin, but as a transformative force that leads us to live in the newness of life. [05:05]
Romans 6:14 (ESV): "For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively embrace God's grace to overcome specific sins in your life today?
Day 3: Identity in Christ Over Cultural Pressures
Our identity should not be based on external validation or cultural pressures but on who Jesus says we are. This truth liberates us to live authentically and purposefully, free from the crushing weight of trying to perform for the world. In a culture that often defines worth by achievements and appearances, finding our identity in Christ offers a countercultural freedom. We are invited to rest in the truth of who we are in Jesus, allowing His words to shape our identity and purpose. This shift in perspective enables us to live with authenticity and purpose, grounded in the love and acceptance of Christ. [09:26]
Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Reflection: What cultural pressures are you facing that challenge your identity in Christ, and how can you reaffirm your true identity today?
Day 4: The Ongoing Battle Between Old Self and New Life
The tension between our old self and new life in Christ is an ongoing battle. We must reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God, committing daily to live out of our true identity in Christ. This requires trust in Jesus and a declaration of His lordship over our lives. The pull of our old ways can be strong, but we are called to remember that our old self is dead, and we are now alive in Christ. This daily commitment involves a conscious decision to live out of our new identity, trusting in Jesus to lead us in this journey. [22:50]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to live out of your new identity in Christ, despite the pull of your old self?
Day 5: Trusting the New Captain, Christ
The old self, like an old captain, may try to steer us off course, but we have a new captain in Christ who leads us to true life. Trusting in Him and declaring His lordship is the path to freedom and fulfillment, allowing us to live a life that reflects Christ's love and humility. This metaphor of the old captain highlights the struggle of our past trying to influence our present, yet Christ offers a new direction. By trusting in Him and declaring His lordship, we find true freedom and fulfillment, living a life that reflects His love and humility. [39:10]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 areas of your life do you need to trust Christ as your new captain, and how can you declare His lordship today?
Quotes
"I don't know if you can imagine this with me, but imagine receiving official papers declaring you legally dead while you're still walking around alive. Probably hasn't happened to too many of you. There was a man in Ohio who had this happen. He had to spend years proving that he was alive." [00:00:06] (21 seconds)
"How can we who died to sin, still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? It's kind of a rhetorical question, but you might be like, wait, that's what happened? That's what their baptism? I go through the waters of baptism and I'm laying down my life, dying with Christ and being raised, to newness of life. Don't you know that you died with Christ?" [00:05:05] (38 seconds)
"We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now, if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." [00:06:21] (24 seconds)
"Remembering you're dead is the only way to live. Remembering that I died with Christ. That was the baptism. I remember that one. Through the waters I died, buried with Christ in baptism, raised in newness of life. Why can't I experience that? Why don't I experience this freedom that is available to me?" [00:08:30] (27 seconds)
"You'll crush yourself under the weight of that. Have any of you experienced that? You put out an identity, this is who I want to be for the world, and then experience the pain of trying to hold that up, trying to keep the pretenses, keep the look, keep the feel, keep the presentation, all that? Any of you experience that? That's a huge part of our current culture." [00:10:14] (25 seconds)
"And those two questions, I think, can define a life. Who do you say Jesus is, and who does he say you are? And if you can get those things solid, then you can realize, remember that you're dead because you're with Christ. You can remember that you're hidden in Christ, because that's the only place you wanted to be in the first place, is just in Christ." [00:11:00] (21 seconds)
"Your life is hidden with Christ in God. This is the battle. I don't know if I've told you. I'm sure I've told you because I've had this battle for decades with Jesus. It's Colossians 3, verse 1. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Or hidden in Christ with God." [00:14:45] (23 seconds)
"And I've used this analogy before it was a couple years ago but sin is going to be put away with at the very end. Sin is like an old captain. The old flesh is like the old captain of your ship that has been sentenced and brought below deck into the brig and that old flesh, that old sin nature that wants to just tell you where to go is now below deck." [00:21:03] (32 seconds)
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