Secured Identity in Christ: Embracing Our True Self
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound concept of identity as it is shaped and affirmed within the Christian faith. We began by discussing the various sacred elements within the church that contribute to our identity formation, such as child dedication and water baptism. These rites are not merely traditional practices but are pivotal in shaping and securing our identity as followers of Christ.
We delved into the scriptural basis for our identity in Christ, referencing 2 Corinthians 5:21, which speaks of Christ becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. This passage underscores the transformative power of God's declaration over our lives, emphasizing that our true identity is rooted in what God has spoken about us.
A practical application was suggested to help internalize this truth: taking time to sit quietly, asking the Holy Spirit, "Who am I?" This practice is aimed at allowing God's voice to affirm our identity directly, helping us to start our day secure in who we are in Him.
We then examined the identity of Jesus through scriptural narratives, highlighting how different groups perceived Him. The demons recognized Him as the Son of God, His family thought He was out of His mind, and the religious leaders accused Him of being demon-possessed. These conflicting perspectives bring us to the crucial question of Jesus' true identity, which every believer must answer for themselves.
The sermon also highlighted the story of Jesus appointing the twelve disciples, emphasizing how Jesus called each by name, signifying a personal and transformative recognition that secured their identities. This act of naming by Jesus is pivotal, as it illustrates that once Jesus acknowledges us, our identity is forever affirmed.
In conclusion, the sermon emphasized that our identity should not waver because it is anchored in what Jesus has declared about us. Just as the disciples never questioned their identity after being named by Jesus, we too should embrace the security of our identity in Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Sacred Practices and Identity Formation: The church's sacred practices like baptism and communion are not just rituals; they are identity-forming activities that remind us of our alignment with Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Engaging in these practices with a conscious understanding of their significance helps solidify our identity as children of God. [07:07]
2. Righteousness Through Christ: Understanding our righteousness as a gift through Christ, based on 2 Corinthians 5:21, is crucial. It's not about achieving moral perfection through our efforts but accepting the perfect righteousness that comes from God. This acceptance transforms our self-perception and our interaction with the world. [07:49]
3. Listening to the Holy Spirit: Setting aside time to listen to the Holy Spirit is a transformative practice that can affirm and secure our identity daily. This practice is about creating space for God to speak into our lives, reinforcing who we are in Him, which in turn affects how we live out each day. [09:27]
4. Jesus' Identity and Our Response: The varied responses to Jesus' identity in the scriptures challenge us to consider our own answer to the question, "Who is Jesus?" Our understanding of Jesus' identity directly influences our own, as it shapes our beliefs and our place in the kingdom of God. [02:47]
5. The Power of Being Named by Jesus: Just as Jesus named the disciples, signifying a deep personal knowledge and relationship, being named by Jesus today—being called His own—secures our identity firmly in Him. This divine acknowledgment is foundational to living out our faith with confidence and purpose. [06:19]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
00:41 - The Identity of Jesus Through Others' Eyes
01:26 - Conflicting Views on Jesus' Identity
02:06 - Who is Jesus? The Essential Question
02:47 - The Implications of Jesus' Identity on Ours
03:27 - The Importance of Personal Identity in Faith
04:16 - Jesus Names the Disciples
04:56 - The Significance of Being Named by Jesus
05:39 - The Unquestioned Identity of the Disciples
06:19 - The Security of Our Identity in Christ
07:07 - Sacred Elements and Identity Formation in the Church
07:49 - Embracing Righteousness Through Christ
08:38 - A Practical Exercise to Secure Identity
09:27 - Daily Affirmation of Identity Through the Holy Spirit
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - "For God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
2. Mark 3:10-22 - This passage includes the various perspectives on Jesus' identity, from the demons recognizing Him as the Son of God to His family thinking He was out of His mind, and the religious leaders accusing Him of being demon-possessed.
### Observation Questions
1. What are the different perspectives on Jesus' identity mentioned in Mark 3:10-22? ([00:41])
2. How does 2 Corinthians 5:21 describe the transformation that occurs through Christ? ([07:07])
3. What significance do the sacred practices like baptism and communion hold in shaping our identity according to the sermon? ([07:07])
4. How did Jesus affirm the identity of His disciples, and what was the impact of this affirmation? ([04:56])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand the different perspectives on Jesus' identity as described in Mark 3:10-22? How do these perspectives challenge or affirm your own understanding of who Jesus is? ([02:06])
2. How does the concept of righteousness through Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:21 change the way we view our own efforts to achieve moral perfection? ([07:49])
3. What role does listening to the Holy Spirit play in affirming our identity, and how can this practice transform our daily lives? ([09:27])
4. How does being named by Jesus, as described in the sermon, provide a sense of security and purpose in our identity? ([06:19])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the different perspectives of Jesus' identity in Mark 3:10-22. How do you personally identify Jesus, and how does this influence your daily life and decisions? ([02:06])
2. In what ways can you engage more deeply with sacred practices like baptism and communion to reinforce your identity in Christ? ([07:07])
3. How can you incorporate the practice of sitting quietly and asking the Holy Spirit, "Who am I?" into your daily routine? What changes do you expect this practice to bring about in your life? ([09:27])
4. Think about a time when you felt uncertain about your identity. How can the understanding that Jesus has named and affirmed you help you overcome such uncertainties? ([06:19])
5. How does the concept of righteousness through Christ, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:21, affect your self-perception and interactions with others? ([07:49])
6. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with your identity. How can you apply the truths from this sermon to find security and confidence in that area? ([06:19])
7. How can you help others in your community understand and embrace their identity in Christ? What practical steps can you take to support them in this journey? ([07:07])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Identity Through Sacred Practices
Sacred practices within the church, such as baptism and communion, are not just traditional rituals; they are profound engagements that shape and affirm our identity as followers of Christ. These practices serve as tangible reminders of our connection to Christ's life, death, and resurrection, anchoring us in our spiritual journey. By participating consciously in these rites, we are reminded of who we are in Christ—forgiven, renewed, and united with Him in every aspect of our lives. This understanding is crucial as it transforms how we view ourselves and our role within the body of Christ. [07:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0mT6AN5lmM&t=412s)
Romans 6:3-4 ESV: "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: How does participating in baptism and communion shape your understanding of your identity in Christ?
Day 2: Righteousness as a Gift Through Christ
Understanding our righteousness as a gift through Christ, based on 2 Corinthians 5:21, shifts our perspective from striving for moral perfection to accepting the perfect righteousness that comes from God. This gift is not earned but bestowed, highlighting the grace and mercy of God towards us. Embracing this truth allows us to live freely, unburdened by the impossible task of achieving perfection, and instead, focusing on living out this righteousness in our daily interactions and decisions. This acceptance is transformative, affecting not only our self-perception but also how we engage with the world around us. [07:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0mT6AN5lmM&t=454s)
Galatians 2:20 ESV: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: In what ways can you live out the righteousness given to you by Christ in your everyday interactions?
Day 3: The Transformative Practice of Listening to the Holy Spirit
Setting aside time to listen to the Holy Spirit is a transformative practice that secures our identity and guides our daily actions. This practice involves creating a quiet space to ask, "Who am I?" allowing God's voice to affirm our identity directly. This daily affirmation helps us start each day secure in who we are in Him, influencing our decisions, relationships, and self-perception. By regularly engaging in this practice, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God and a stronger sense of our divine purpose. [09:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0mT6AN5lmM&t=552s)
1 Kings 19:11-12 ESV: "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake."
Reflection: What specific time can you set aside each day to listen to the Holy Spirit and affirm your identity in Christ?
Day 4: Understanding Jesus' Identity Shapes Ours
The varied responses to Jesus' identity in the scriptures challenge us to consider our own response to the question, "Who is Jesus?" Our understanding of His identity is crucial as it directly influences our own identity and our place in the kingdom of God. Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, our Savior, and King shapes our beliefs and actions, aligning us more closely with His purpose for our lives and our role in His greater mission. [02:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0mT6AN5lmM&t=152s)
Colossians 1:15-17 ESV: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."
Reflection: How does your understanding of Jesus' identity influence your daily life and decisions?
Day 5: The Power of Being Named by Jesus
Being named by Jesus, just as He named the disciples, signifies a deep personal knowledge and relationship. This divine acknowledgment secures our identity firmly in Him, providing a foundation for living out our faith with confidence and purpose. When Jesus acknowledges us, it is a transformative recognition that affirms our worth and role in His kingdom, empowering us to act with authority and live out our calling with boldness. [06:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0mT6AN5lmM&t=364s)
Isaiah 43:1 ESV: "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"
Reflection: How does being named by Jesus change the way you view yourself and your purpose in life?
Quotes
1. "once Jesus says their name and calls them this is interesting they no one ever questions their identity ever again their identity is never questioned throughout the story of the gospels or even in the rest of the New Testament their identity is never questioned and they never question their own identity" [05:39]
2. "once Jesus says your name once he calls you appoints you designates you as his own you never need question your identity ever again you never have to wrestle back and forth with who you are once Jesus says your name your identity is secure" [06:19]
3. "when you're water baptized that's identity formation that we have within the church the church has these sacred elements where our identities can be formed and shaped so that we can stand strong and secure in who we are as people" [07:07]
4. "for God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God I just want to read this to you righteousness is an aspect of God's nature expressed in his unique moral perfection and Readiness to save Sinners" [07:49]
5. "Holy Spirit who am I and then for 10 minutes don't say a word don't look at any social media don't do anything but let the Holy Spirit reveal your identity and the Holy Spirit will speak to you and he will always tell you who you are who you are in Christ who you are in the Lord" [09:27]
6. "who is Jesus if we can answer this question right the other questions will begin to align who is Jesus verse 10 for he had healed many so that as those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him whenever an impure Spirit saw him they fell down and they cried out you are the son of of God" [00:41]
7. "the demons identified Jesus correctly they said you are the Son of God we know who you are we live in the spiritual realm we know that you have come to Earth we know who you are" [01:26]
8. "we all have to answer the question who is Jesus and this chapter only gives us three options when we look not only in this place in the scriptures but throughout the scriptures there's only three options that were given when we try to answer the question of who is Jesus" [02:06]
9. "he is the Son of God he is who he says he is he's also who the demons say that he is he's exactly what the scriptures say that he is and that's a question that you have to answer for yourself who is Jesus" [02:47]
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