Understanding Our Identity and Unity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated the incredible progress and blessings our church has experienced over the past year. We have been able to bless various organizations in our community with $120,000, and our new building project is well underway. This is a testament to God's faithfulness and the generosity of our congregation. As we continue our series on Ephesians, we focused on understanding our true identity in Christ.
Ephesians chapters 1-3 emphasize who we are in Christ. Paul tells us that we are blessed, chosen, predestined, adopted, accepted, redeemed, and sealed. This is crucial because our culture is experiencing an identity crisis, and the only way to truly understand who we are is through the Word of God. A key principle is that whatever God creates, He names. Therefore, as His creation, only God has the authority to define our identity.
In Ephesians 2, Paul contrasts our old identity with our new one. We were once dead in our trespasses and sins, but now we are alive in Christ. We were once under the power of the enemy, but now we have authority over him. Our salvation is not about individual acts of sin but about a change in our nature. When we are born again, we receive a new nature from God.
Paul also explains that both Jews and Gentiles are now one in Christ. The dividing wall has been broken down, and we are all part of the household of God. This unity is made possible through the blood of Jesus, which provides forgiveness, a new heart, and access to the Father. We are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints.
Finally, we are reminded that we are God's workmanship, created for good works. The church is meant to grow, and as it grows, we grow with it. Our identity in Christ is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should influence how we live every day.
### Key Takeaways
1. Identity in Christ: Understanding our identity in Christ is crucial. We are blessed, chosen, predestined, adopted, accepted, redeemed, and sealed. This identity is not based on our feelings or what the world says but on what God declares about us. [06:30]
2. New Nature: Salvation is about receiving a new nature. Our old nature was bound by sin and under the power of the enemy. In Christ, we have a new nature that is alive and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is fundamental to living a victorious Christian life. [19:54]
3. Unity in Christ: The dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down. In Christ, we are all one, part of the same household of faith. This unity is a powerful testimony of the reconciling work of Jesus and should be reflected in our relationships within the church. [36:10]
4. The Power of the Blood: The blood of Jesus provides us with forgiveness, a new heart, and access to the Father. It cleanses us continually and empowers us to live a life free from the bondage of sin. Understanding and claiming these benefits is essential for spiritual growth. [37:42]
5. Growth and Purpose: We are God's workmanship, created for good works. The church is meant to grow, and as it grows, we grow with it. Our purpose is to live out the good works God has prepared for us, reflecting His glory and advancing His kingdom. [43:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:12] - Celebrating Community Blessings
[02:27] - Building Project Update
[03:45] - Property Acquisitions
[05:01] - Introduction to Ephesians Series
[06:30] - Identity in Christ
[07:41] - Principle of Naming
[09:12] - Who You Were vs. Who You Are
[10:40] - Walking in Newness of Life
[12:14] - Bound by the Flesh and Mind
[15:11] - Nature of Sin
[19:54] - New Nature in Christ
[21:25] - Purpose and Transformation
[24:55] - God's Rich Mercy
[29:53] - Grace and Faith
[32:47] - Workmanship in Christ
[36:10] - Unity in Christ
[37:42] - Power of the Blood
[40:30] - Access to the Father
[42:19] - Growing Together in Christ
[43:57] - Living Out Our Identity
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:1-10 - "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
2. Ephesians 2:13-22 - "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the key aspects of our new identity in Christ as described in Ephesians 2:1-10?
2. According to Ephesians 2:13-22, what has Christ accomplished for both Jews and Gentiles?
3. How does Paul describe our previous state before being made alive in Christ? [10:40]
4. What does it mean to be "God's workmanship" as mentioned in Ephesians 2:10?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Paul emphasizes we were "dead in trespasses and sins" before being made alive in Christ? [10:40]
2. How does the breaking down of the "middle wall of separation" between Jews and Gentiles reflect the unity we should have in the church today? [36:10]
3. What does it mean to be seated with Christ in heavenly places, and how should this influence our daily lives? [26:52]
4. How does understanding that we are "God's workmanship" created for good works impact our sense of purpose and mission as believers? [32:47]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How does knowing your identity in Christ as blessed, chosen, and redeemed change the way you view yourself and your actions? [06:30]
2. In what ways can you actively live out your new nature in Christ, especially in situations where you are tempted to revert to old behaviors? [19:54]
3. How can you contribute to the unity of the church, breaking down any "walls of separation" that may exist within your community? [36:10]
4. The sermon mentioned the power of the blood of Jesus providing forgiveness and a new heart. How can you daily remind yourself and claim these benefits in your spiritual walk? [37:42]
5. Considering that we are created for good works, what specific actions can you take this week to live out the good works God has prepared for you? [32:47]
6. How can you help others in your church understand and embrace their identity in Christ, especially those who may be struggling with feelings of unworthiness or doubt? [09:12]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt like a "stranger" or "foreigner" in your faith journey. How did you overcome it, and how can you help others feel more like "fellow citizens with the saints"? [40:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Our True Identity in Christ
Understanding our identity in Christ is crucial. We are blessed, chosen, predestined, adopted, accepted, redeemed, and sealed. This identity is not based on our feelings or what the world says but on what God declares about us. [06:30]
In a world where identity is often defined by external factors such as achievements, social status, or even failures, it is essential to ground ourselves in what God says about us. According to Ephesians 1-3, our identity in Christ is multifaceted and deeply rooted in God's eternal plan. We are not defined by our past mistakes or current circumstances but by the truth that we are blessed, chosen, predestined, adopted, accepted, redeemed, and sealed by God. This divine identity is unchangeable and offers us a firm foundation upon which to build our lives.
When we embrace our identity in Christ, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace. Knowing that we are chosen and accepted by God frees us from the need to seek validation from others. Understanding that we are redeemed and sealed by the Holy Spirit empowers us to live in victory over sin and fear. Let this truth sink deep into your heart and transform the way you see yourself and others.
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are chosen and accepted by God change the way you view yourself and your worth? What steps can you take today to live out this identity in your daily interactions?
Day 2: Embracing Our New Nature
Salvation is about receiving a new nature. Our old nature was bound by sin and under the power of the enemy. In Christ, we have a new nature that is alive and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is fundamental to living a victorious Christian life. [19:54]
The concept of a new nature is central to the Christian faith. Before coming to Christ, we were spiritually dead, enslaved to sin, and under the dominion of the enemy. However, through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, we are given a new nature that is alive and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This new nature is not just a superficial change but a profound transformation that affects every aspect of our being.
Living out this new nature involves a daily surrender to the Holy Spirit's leading and a conscious effort to align our thoughts, actions, and desires with God's will. It means rejecting the old patterns of sin and embracing the new life that Christ offers. This transformation is not something we achieve through our own efforts but is a work of God's grace in us. As we grow in our understanding of our new nature, we will experience greater freedom, joy, and victory in our Christian walk.
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 old habits or thought patterns do you need to put off in order to fully embrace your new nature in Christ? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you make this transformation?
Day 3: Unity in the Body of Christ
The dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down. In Christ, we are all one, part of the same household of faith. This unity is a powerful testimony of the reconciling work of Jesus and should be reflected in our relationships within the church. [36:10]
One of the most profound aspects of the gospel is its power to unite people from diverse backgrounds into one family. In Ephesians 2, Paul emphasizes that the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down through the blood of Jesus. This unity is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should be evident in our relationships within the church. We are all part of the same household of faith, and this unity is a powerful testimony of the reconciling work of Jesus.
Living out this unity requires intentional effort to build relationships across cultural, racial, and social barriers. It means valuing and honoring each person as a fellow member of the body of Christ. This unity is not uniformity but a beautiful diversity that reflects the multifaceted wisdom of God. As we embrace this unity, we demonstrate to the world the transformative power of the gospel and the love of Christ.
Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."
Reflection: How can you actively promote unity within your church community? Are there any barriers or prejudices you need to address in order to build stronger relationships with fellow believers?
Day 4: The Cleansing Power of Jesus' Blood
The blood of Jesus provides us with forgiveness, a new heart, and access to the Father. It cleanses us continually and empowers us to live a life free from the bondage of sin. Understanding and claiming these benefits is essential for spiritual growth. [37:42]
The blood of Jesus is central to the Christian faith, offering us forgiveness, a new heart, and access to the Father. This cleansing power is not a one-time event but a continual process that empowers us to live a life free from the bondage of sin. Understanding and claiming the benefits of Jesus' blood is essential for our spiritual growth and daily walk with God.
Forgiveness through Jesus' blood means that our sins are completely washed away, and we are made righteous before God. This forgiveness is not based on our merit but on the sacrificial love of Christ. Additionally, the blood of Jesus gives us a new heart, transforming our desires and inclinations to align with God's will. It also grants us direct access to the Father, allowing us to approach Him with confidence and receive His grace and mercy.
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus' blood providing continual cleansing and empowerment impact your daily life? What steps can you take to more fully embrace and live out this truth?
Day 5: Living Out Our Purpose in Christ
We are God's workmanship, created for good works. The church is meant to grow, and as it grows, we grow with it. Our purpose is to live out the good works God has prepared for us, reflecting His glory and advancing His kingdom. [43:57]
As believers, we are God's workmanship, uniquely created for good works that He has prepared for us. This purpose is not just about individual achievements but about contributing to the growth and health of the church. As the church grows, we grow with it, reflecting God's glory and advancing His kingdom through our actions and service.
Living out our purpose involves recognizing and using the gifts and talents God has given us to serve others and build up the body of Christ. It means being intentional about seeking opportunities to do good works and being faithful in the small tasks as well as the big ones. Our purpose is not just about what we do but about who we are in Christ and how we reflect His character in our daily lives.
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What specific good works has God prepared for you to do in this season of your life? How can you actively seek to fulfill your purpose and contribute to the growth of the church?
Quotes
1. "Whatever you create, you get to name. So let's work this out. Whenever God created the heavens and the earth, he called the earth, earth. He called man, man. Everything he created, he named. Is that fair everybody? And it's a principle. Everything he created, he named. All right. Anything he delegated authority to, like to man, he named. All right. Anything he delegated authority to, like to man, they named. So let's just go. You and I, we have kids. You created those kids. I know you may not think they're your kids, but they're your kids. And guess what you did whenever they came out? You named them, right? Why? Because you created it. What you create, you get to name." [09:12] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you came into the kingdom of God and were born again, you were born by your father, God. And because, because you were born again, he named you. He says certain things about you because you belong to him. He's your father and he gets to name what you are. You don't have the right to say what you think you are. You don't have the right for someone else to tell you who you are. You definitely don't want to listen to who the devil tells you you are. Okay. You only claim who your father says, you are because you were born of him and you belong to him. So he calls you what you really are." [09:12] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You were dead. Now you're, uh, you're alive. All right. You're alive. You're not dead. You're alive. Okay. Now look at the next portion. Here's what I want you to understand. And do you see who you was and who you are? Everybody see that? All right. Partly cloudy. It's all right. Look at this next part in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince and power of the air and the spirit that now works in the works in the sons of disobedience. There are three things I want you to hear that you were bound by that you're not bound by now. Here they are. You ready? First, you once walked. That means you don't now. That was past tense. You once walked. You're not walking that now. You're walking the walk of faith, not of fear, not of doubt, not of unbelief. You're walking the walk of faith." [12:14] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Before you got saved, living on this side of the road, your spirit on the inside of you was dead. Now, when I say dead, that doesn't mean it didn't exist. It means that it wasn't connected to God. Everyone who is not connected to the father without Jesus is spiritually dead. So the only thing they have to lead them are a couple things. The first thing is they have their flesh, or they have their mind, or they have the devil. That's it. That's all they have. They don't have a Holy Spirit on the inside of them, so they don't know how to lead themselves. So they're led by their flesh, they're led by their mind, or they're led by the enemy. And the Bible says that everyone who is led by the flesh and by the mind is led by the enemy, because they can't be led by God." [15:11] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's not a matter of stopping sin. Salvation is about having a new nature. It's changing the nature. When you were under the adversary, you had one nature. When you're born again, you have a different nature. You have a different purpose. So, let me break it down. This is a terrible analogy, but just go with it, all right? Like most of my analogies, they're terrible, but this one will work. So, here in Kokomo, you guys all know this, we have the transmission plants, fair? Guess what they make? Oh, wow, all right? Okay, but let's say one day they change their whole modus operandi, and they decide they're no longer going to make transmissions. They're going to make Chevy small block motors. I just made all the Dodge people mad, whatever. You guys got the we got a small block. All right, anyway, so let's just say, hypothetically, just go with my stupid analogy. Here it is. Let's just say they change from doing, watch this. This is transmissions to motors now, okay? Let's just say they're going to do motors." [19:54] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You cannot identify in your life. You can't walk around identifying with the old nature all the time. Well, I'm just a sinner. I'm just a dirtbag. I'm a worm. I'm just a this. I'm just a that. I'm just a this. Stop. You're selling the grace of God short of what He says you are. You are what He says you are, not what the world says you are. Come on, amen? That's why I don't listen to what everybody says about me. It doesn't matter. The only thing that really matters is what my Father says I am. Amen. Fair, everybody?" [23:11] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "But God, and how many of you know that's a big but? I like big buts, and I cannot lie. You brothers can't deny. All right, but here. Sorry, sorry. I had to do it. I had to do it. I lost control. Those of you online in Peru, someone just yelled out, there goes the train. Transmission. Okay, fair. All right. All right, that's good. Listen to it, though. It says, I don't know how we recover. I really just don't know how we recover from that. But here's what it says. It says, but God, and I'm not even going to say what I said. All right. Who is rich in mercy? Watch this. Because of His love for which He loved us. Can I tell you, this is where Christianity separates itself from every other religion in the world. Every other religion in the world is about God judging you. Only Christianity says no. Your Father, not only came and died for you, He has great love for you. God loves you." [24:55] (106 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "For by grace, unmerited, undeserved favor, towards us, you have been saved through what? Faith. Faith and grace working together, and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God. Notice this. It's not of yourself. It's a gift from God. Which? What is a gift from God? Is faith a gift from God? Absolutely. Is grace a gift from God? Absolutely. Let me break it down to you this way. Grace is God's unmerited favor in your life. How many of you know the fact that it's, grace tells you you can't earn it? Right? Okay, now watch. Faith, believe it or not, is what we're talking about in this context, is a gift from God. The Bible says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word. So watch this. Faith comes alive on the inside of you when the word of God is preached to you. When the word comes to you, faith comes alive on the inside. Who put that there? You didn't. God did. So whether it's, faith or whether it's grace, they're both gifts from God on the inside of you. So if your faith produces something, you don't get the glory. Who gets the glory? God does, because the grace he gave you and the faith you're acting on is simply his gift into your life, and you're just being obedient to the faith and grace that you're walking in." [29:53] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The blood of Jesus has provided for you forgiveness of sins. Okay, everybody look at me. Did you know that? You are forgiven. All you have to do is receive the forgiveness of God. Forgiveness of sins, a new heart, mercy towards unrighteousness, justification by faith, eternal life. Redemption was bought by his blood. Intimate relationship with God by his blood. Deliverance from worthless living by his blood. Peace with God by the blood of Jesus. Listen to this. Putting away of sin by the blood of Jesus. Continual cleansing. That first John 1, 7 says, if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with him and his blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness. I'm living at the car wash daily. At the car wash. I live under the cleansing flow of Calvary stream, the old hymn used to say. I'm living and walking new every day. Why? Because his blood is cleansing me every day. I don't have sin, not because I didn't fail, but because his blood is washing me and cleansing me every day. Do you believe that you walk upright before God and you walk cleansed every day? Man, you should. You should claim that. That's what the blood did. It's deliverance from the law, praise God. Humiliation to God by the blood. Access to the Father by the blood. A perfect standing before God by the blood of Jesus. The spoiling authority over principalities and powers by the blood of Jesus. The Christian liberty to live free is, guess what, bought by the blood. Healing over the physical body was bought by the blood. And these are just a few of the things that the blood of Jesus was poured out so that you could have as a child of God." [39:02] (113 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Are you saved? Are you blessed? Are you healed? Are you a sinner? No, you're not a sinner. You were a sinner, right? And every once in a while, a remnant flies out of transmission, but you're saved, right? Do you love God? I believe it. Praise God. So hopefully you got something out of that. Let me pray for you. Father, I thank you for your people, and I ask that you bless them, and touch them, and minister to them, that you would have your way, God. Father, we want to declare who you say we are, not who we feel like we are, and not who the world says we are. We want to be who you've called us to be. So Father, we love you, we worship you, and we thank you. Now, Lord, I pray that each and every one of us this week would be reminded of who we are. And God, I pray that as we read chapter three, God, we're going to find out even more about who we really are. We thank you, and love you, and honor your word. Jesus' name, come on, everybody says." [43:57] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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