Transforming Lives: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound transformation that occurs when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This transformation is akin to acquiring a priceless painting that becomes the focal point of our lives, around which everything else is rearranged. Our key scripture from Colossians 3:1-10 emphasizes that when we are raised with Christ, our focus should shift from earthly things to heavenly priorities. This shift is not merely about adopting new habits but about embracing a new reality, rhythm, and response in our lives.
Paul's letter to the Colossians challenges us to understand that our new life in Christ demands both an inward change and an outward response. The truth of Jesus should continually renew and transform us. This renewal is a lifelong journey, requiring us to apply our new identity in Christ to every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, actions, and relationships.
We delved into three key areas of this transformation: a new reality, a new rhythm, and a new response. Our new reality in Christ means that our identity is now rooted in Him, not in our past or our earthly circumstances. This reality is unchangeable and eternal. Our new rhythm involves seeking things above and setting our minds on God's perspective, allowing His priorities to guide our daily lives. Finally, our new response requires us to put to death our old sinful nature and put away ungodly conduct, continually turning to Jesus for forgiveness and renewal.
This journey is not without its challenges. There will be times of struggle and doubt, but we are encouraged to remain faithful, knowing that our breakthrough—our "day 41"—is coming. Just as a broken jar is mended with gold, God is continually working to restore and perfect us. By aligning our earthly practices with our heavenly position, we can live out the new life that Jesus has given us, bearing fruit in every season.
### Key Takeaways
1. New Reality in Christ: Our identity is now rooted in Jesus, not in our past or earthly circumstances. This new reality is unchangeable and eternal. We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, and this truth should be the foundation of our lives. Understanding this helps us to live confidently and purposefully, knowing that our value and worth are secure in Him. [32:11]
2. Seeking Things Above: As Christians, our priorities should align with God's priorities. This means seeking things above and setting our minds on heavenly perspectives. Our daily decisions, from finances to relationships, should reflect our commitment to God's kingdom. This shift in focus helps us to live lives that are not only pleasing to God but also impactful to those around us. [40:00]
3. Putting to Death the Old Self: We are called to put to death our old sinful nature and put away ungodly conduct. This requires a conscious effort to reject sinful desires and behaviors, replacing them with actions that honor God. Accountability and community play crucial roles in this process, helping us to stay on the path of righteousness. [45:48]
4. Continual Renewal: The process of being renewed in Christ is ongoing. It involves daily turning to Jesus for forgiveness and strength, allowing His truth to transform us. This continual renewal helps us to grow spiritually and become more like Christ, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. [47:24]
5. Faithfulness in the Desert: Just as the Israelites had to remain faithful during their 40 years in the desert, we too must remain faithful in our seasons of struggle. Our "day 41"—the breakthrough we are waiting for—will come. In the meantime, God is using these difficult times to mold and shape us, preparing us for the blessings ahead. [57:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:02] - Celebrating Our Hoodies
[20:25] - Follow Series Recap
[21:54] - The Importance of Following Jesus
[23:59] - The $450 Million Painting
[25:53] - Key Scripture: Colossians 3:1-10
[27:27] - Context of Colossians
[29:09] - New Life in Christ
[30:41] - Knowledge and Application
[32:11] - Greater Knowledge of a New Reality
[34:08] - Relocation in Christ
[36:06] - Raised with Christ
[38:07] - Hidden in Christ
[40:00] - New Rhythm in Christ
[42:00] - Seeking Things Above
[43:53] - Setting Your Mind on Things Above
[45:48] - Putting to Death the Old Self
[47:24] - Accountability and Renewal
[51:09] - Marriage as a Metaphor for Our Relationship with Christ
[53:05] - The Center Point of Our Lives
[55:01] - Challenges in Our Walk with Jesus
[57:05] - The Significance of "Day 41"
[59:22] - God’s Restoration Process
[01:00:03] - Faithfulness in the Desert
[01:06:45] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 3:1-10 (ESV)
> "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 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. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul instruct believers to seek and set their minds on in Colossians 3:1-2?
2. According to Colossians 3:5-9, what specific behaviors and attitudes are believers instructed to put to death and put away?
3. How does Paul describe the new self in Colossians 3:10, and what is its source of renewal?
4. In the sermon, what analogy is used to describe the transformation that occurs when we accept Jesus Christ? ([23:59])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for our lives to be "hidden with Christ in God" as stated in Colossians 3:3? How does this impact our daily living?
2. How can setting our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2) practically influence our decisions and priorities? ([40:00])
3. The sermon mentions the concept of a "new rhythm" in Christ. What are some practical ways to establish this new rhythm in our daily lives? ([40:00])
4. How does the idea of continual renewal in Colossians 3:10 relate to the lifelong journey of transformation mentioned in the sermon? ([27:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where you need to shift your focus from earthly things to heavenly priorities? How can you start making this shift today? ([40:00])
2. Identify one specific behavior or attitude from Colossians 3:5-9 that you struggle with. What steps can you take this week to put it to death and replace it with a godly behavior?
3. The sermon talks about the importance of community and accountability in our spiritual growth. Do you have someone in your life who holds you accountable? If not, how can you seek out such a relationship? ([47:24])
4. Think about a recent challenge or struggle you faced. How can the concept of being "hidden with Christ" provide you with comfort and strength in similar situations? ([36:06])
5. The sermon mentions the idea of a "day 41" breakthrough. Is there a specific area in your life where you are waiting for a breakthrough? How can you remain faithful and trust in God's timing during this season? ([57:53])
6. How can you incorporate the practice of seeking things above into your daily routine? Consider specific actions like prayer, Bible reading, or serving others.
7. Reflect on the analogy of the $450 million painting. How can you make Jesus the center point of your life, around which everything else is rearranged? ([23:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Rooted in Christ's Eternal Identity
Our identity is now rooted in Jesus, not in our past or earthly circumstances. This new reality is unchangeable and eternal. We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, and this truth should be the foundation of our lives. Understanding this helps us to live confidently and purposefully, knowing that our value and worth are secure in Him. This new identity in Christ is a profound shift from how we previously viewed ourselves. It means that our past mistakes, failures, and even our successes do not define us. Instead, our worth is anchored in the unchanging love and grace of Jesus.
This new reality calls us to live with a sense of purpose and confidence, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by God. It also challenges us to let go of any false identities we may have clung to and to embrace the truth of who we are in Christ. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a continual process of renewing our minds and hearts to align with our heavenly identity. [32:11]
Ephesians 2:6-7 (ESV): "And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What false identities or labels have you been holding onto that you need to let go of in order to fully embrace your identity in Christ?
Day 2: Aligning with Heavenly Priorities
As Christians, our priorities should align with God's priorities. This means seeking things above and setting our minds on heavenly perspectives. Our daily decisions, from finances to relationships, should reflect our commitment to God's kingdom. This shift in focus helps us to live lives that are not only pleasing to God but also impactful to those around us. When we seek things above, we are intentionally choosing to prioritize God's will and purposes over our own.
This involves a daily practice of setting our minds on things that are eternal rather than temporary. It means making choices that reflect our commitment to God's kingdom, whether it's how we spend our time, how we manage our resources, or how we interact with others. By aligning our priorities with God's, we become more attuned to His voice and more effective in our witness to the world. [40:00]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can shift your focus to align more closely with God's priorities today?
Day 3: Putting to Death the Old Self
We are called to put to death our old sinful nature and put away ungodly conduct. This requires a conscious effort to reject sinful desires and behaviors, replacing them with actions that honor God. Accountability and community play crucial roles in this process, helping us to stay on the path of righteousness. This transformation involves a daily decision to turn away from sin and to choose righteousness.
Putting to death the old self is not an easy task, but it is essential for our spiritual growth. It means being honest about our struggles and seeking help from others when needed. It also means being proactive in cultivating habits that lead to godliness, such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. By doing so, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, transforming us into the image of Christ. [45:48]
Romans 6:6 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What is one specific sinful habit or behavior that you need to put to death today? How can you seek accountability and support in this process?
Day 4: Embracing Continual Renewal
The process of being renewed in Christ is ongoing. It involves daily turning to Jesus for forgiveness and strength, allowing His truth to transform us. This continual renewal helps us to grow spiritually and become more like Christ, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Renewal is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus.
This process requires us to be intentional about seeking God's presence and allowing His Word to shape our thoughts and actions. It means being open to the Holy Spirit's conviction and guidance, and being willing to make changes as needed. Continual renewal also involves a posture of humility, recognizing our need for God's grace and being willing to repent and seek His forgiveness when we fall short. [47:24]
2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally seek renewal in your relationship with Christ today? What specific steps can you take to allow His truth to transform you?
Day 5: Faithfulness in the Desert
Just as the Israelites had to remain faithful during their 40 years in the desert, we too must remain faithful in our seasons of struggle. Our "day 41"—the breakthrough we are waiting for—will come. In the meantime, God is using these difficult times to mold and shape us, preparing us for the blessings ahead. Faithfulness in the desert means trusting God's timing and His purposes, even when we don't understand.
It involves a commitment to stay the course, to continue seeking God, and to remain obedient to His Word, even when the journey is hard. These seasons of struggle are not wasted; they are opportunities for growth and refinement. By remaining faithful, we allow God to do His work in us, preparing us for the future He has planned. [57:53]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What is one area of struggle or challenge in your life where you need to remain faithful and trust God's timing? How can you seek His strength and guidance in this season?
Quotes
1. "When we give our lives to Christ, we enter instantly into a new life. But now a lifelong journey begins of applying that new life to every area of our head, heart, and hands. We turn to a new life. We turn to a new life. We turn to a new life. We turn to a new life. Every single day." [29:09] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christianity is not about trying to be a better person, but understanding that Jesus's finished work on the cross is for us. And we are because of who He is. that again. We are because of who He is. As we read in Colossians, verse four says that Christ is your life. Your future is set. Being in Jesus through faith is now the truest thing about you." [32:11] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You are in Christ. No matter how many layers you need to take off your life and remove of the old self, the ultimate goal is you remain in Christ Jesus. Just as these nesting dolls refer to the symbol, it refers to our lives as well. We are wall to wall full of God, and when we walk in faith, when you sit, when you sin, when the enemy attacks you with lies, when you suffer in life, you have to turn every minute and hour to the truth of your new reality in Jesus." [38:07] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "A Christian who grows and matures in every season of life is one who turns to new life every day, turning to a new rhythm of God's priorities and God's perspective in every area of thought and action. This is now what you do." [43:53] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Don't manage sin in your life. Put it to death. And that's why the second part of our new response is to put away ungodly conduct. And I'll be ending in a moment. How do I put away the things in my life that do not align with Jesus? Two things. Confess and forgive." [47:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Following Jesus is a moment of faith and transformation, that leads to a lifetime of faith and transformation. A Christian who grows in every season is a Christian who turns to new life every day, who is working on God's grace and truth to align every area of their earthly practice to their heavenly position. This is now how you live." [51:09] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "As you take daily steps with Jesus, may you turn to the new life by continually aligning your earthly practices to the heavenly position you now have in Christ. I to go as bold as to say, be careful to refer to your old life, be careful to look at who you were, but rather look at what was to what you've been brought out of and into the position that you've been placed in." [53:05] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Sometimes this new life that we've accepted, it's gonna take time to work through the challenges. But day 41, month 41, year 41 is coming. All that God says is just be faithful because he is faithful. And just. And he's fighting on our behalf." [57:53] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You may feel now that you're broken. You've entered into this new life. You're following Jesus. You're doing everything that we're speaking about but you still feel broken inside. God is taking every piece of that jaw and he's putting it together piece by piece. With the best material ever. And he's aligning it and gluing it together with gold. It may not be complete now, but it will be. Just be faithful in your desert season." [01:00:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "When we accepted Jesus into our lives, we made a covenant with him. And this is what I need to happen every day in my relationship with Jesus. The success of your marriage is not about how beautiful or terrible your wedding day was. Marriage is a moment of love and commitment that leads to life, to a life of love and commitment." [51:09] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?