Understanding True Belief and Identity in Christ

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound question of what it truly means to be a believer. This inquiry is not just about identifying as a Christian but understanding the depth and implications of such a declaration. We began by emphasizing the importance of knowing our identity in Christ, which is foundational to our purpose and actions on earth. This identity is not merely about attending church or reciting prayers; it is about a deep, personal belief in the truths of the Bible and the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

We delved into the necessity of accepting the Bible as the Word of God, which is the cornerstone of our faith. Without this belief, our understanding of God, sin, salvation, and our purpose becomes baseless. The Bible reveals God's character, His promises, and His plan for humanity. It is through Scripture that we understand our sinful nature and the redemption offered through Christ's sacrifice.

Furthermore, we discussed the concept of God as a Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and the roles each plays in our lives. This understanding shapes our belief system and influences our behavior. As believers, our faith should manifest in our actions, reflecting the teachings and love of Christ. This includes connecting with other believers, engaging in regular Bible reading, prioritizing prayer, and sharing our faith with others.

The sermon also highlighted the importance of community in the Christian faith. The New Testament is replete with examples of believers living out their faith in community, providing encouragement and accountability. This communal aspect is vital for spiritual growth and strength.

Finally, we were challenged to examine whether our beliefs are genuinely influencing our behavior. Are we merely going through religious motions, or are we allowing our faith to transform us into the image of Christ? This introspection is crucial for living a life that truly reflects our identity as believers.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Foundation of Belief: Accepting the Bible as the Word of God is essential for understanding who God is and His plan for humanity. Without this foundation, our faith lacks substance and direction. The Bible is the source of truth that shapes our beliefs and guides our actions. [21:45]

2. Understanding the Trinity: Believing in one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is crucial. This belief helps us comprehend God's nature and His work in our lives. Each person of the Trinity plays a distinct role, from creation to redemption, and understanding this enriches our faith. [29:37]

3. Community and Accountability: The Christian faith is meant to be lived in community. Engaging with other believers provides encouragement, accountability, and strength. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of gathering together, which is vital for spiritual growth and resilience. [50:27]

4. The Role of Prayer and Scripture: Regular Bible reading and prayer are fundamental practices for believers. These disciplines allow us to hear from God and communicate with Him, deepening our relationship and trust in His promises. They are essential for standing firm in our faith. [55:50]

5. Sharing the Faith: As believers, we are called to share our faith with others. This is not just a duty but a natural outflow of our conviction and love for Christ. Sharing the gospel is about offering hope and transformation to those who have yet to experience God's grace. [58:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:49] - Men's Prayer Breakfast Reflections
- [15:20] - Introduction to the Series on Identity
- [17:09] - The Importance of Genuine Belief
- [19:14] - The Transformation of Belief
- [20:02] - Defining a Believer
- [21:08] - Belief and Behavior
- [21:45] - The Bible as the Word of God
- [23:16] - The Necessity of Believing the Whole Bible
- [25:35] - The Power of God's Word
- [29:37] - Understanding the Trinity
- [32:41] - God's Omnipresence and Sovereignty
- [34:02] - The Role of Jesus Christ
- [36:50] - The Holy Spirit's Work
- [38:54] - Humanity's Fall and Redemption
- [41:41] - The Assurance of Salvation
- [45:17] - The Impact of Belief on Behavior
- [50:27] - The Importance of Community
- [53:45] - The Discipline of Bible Reading
- [55:50] - Prioritizing Prayer
- [58:00] - Sharing the Faith
- [01:02:33] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 3:15
2. Ephesians 2:8-10
3. Hebrews 10:25

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Peter 3:15, what are believers instructed to do when asked about their hope? How does this relate to the concept of being a believer? [20:02]

2. In Ephesians 2:8-10, what is the relationship between grace, faith, and works? How does this passage define the role of works in a believer's life? [40:13]

3. Hebrews 10:25 emphasizes the importance of gathering together. What reasons are given in the sermon for why community is vital for believers? [50:27]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Bible in shaping a believer's understanding of God and their faith? [21:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the significance of accepting the Bible as the Word of God for a believer's faith and actions? [21:45]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the impact of understanding the Trinity on a believer's life and faith? [29:37]

3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between belief and behavior for a Christian? What are the implications of this relationship? [45:17]

4. In what ways does the sermon highlight the importance of community and accountability among believers? How does this align with Hebrews 10:25? [50:27]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal belief in the Bible as the Word of God. How does this belief influence your daily decisions and actions? Are there areas where you struggle to align your actions with this belief? [21:45]

2. Consider your understanding of the Trinity. How does this understanding affect your relationship with God and others? Are there aspects of the Trinity that you find challenging to comprehend or apply? [29:37]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community. How actively are you engaging with your church community? What steps can you take to strengthen your involvement and accountability within this community? [50:27]

4. Prayer and Bible reading are highlighted as essential practices for believers. How consistent are you in these disciplines? What changes can you make to prioritize them in your daily routine? [55:50]

5. Sharing your faith is described as a natural outflow of belief. Identify one person in your life who you can share your faith with this week. What specific steps will you take to initiate this conversation? [58:00]

6. Reflect on the sermon’s challenge to examine whether your beliefs are genuinely influencing your behavior. Are there specific areas in your life where your actions do not align with your professed beliefs? What changes can you make to address this? [45:17]

7. The sermon discusses the transformative power of belief. Can you recall a time when your faith led to a significant change in your life? How can you use this experience to encourage others in their faith journey? [19:14]

Devotional

Day 1: The Bible as the Foundation of Faith
Understanding the Bible as the Word of God is crucial for a believer's faith. It serves as the foundation upon which all beliefs and actions are built. Without accepting the Bible as the ultimate source of truth, one's faith lacks direction and substance. The Bible reveals God's character, His promises, and His plan for humanity. It is through Scripture that believers understand their sinful nature and the redemption offered through Christ's sacrifice. This understanding is essential for a meaningful relationship with God and for living a life that aligns with His will. [21:45]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prioritize reading and understanding the Bible in your daily routine to strengthen your faith foundation?


Day 2: Embracing the Trinity
Believing in the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is essential for comprehending God's nature and His work in our lives. Each person of the Trinity plays a distinct role, from creation to redemption, enriching our faith and understanding of God's love and power. The Father is the creator and sustainer, the Son is the redeemer, and the Holy Spirit is the comforter and guide. This belief shapes our relationship with God and influences how we live out our faith, encouraging us to reflect the love and teachings of Christ in our actions. [29:37]

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of the Trinity and its impact on your daily life and relationships?


Day 3: The Power of Community
The Christian faith is meant to be lived in community, providing encouragement, accountability, and strength. Engaging with other believers is vital for spiritual growth and resilience. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of gathering together, as it fosters a sense of belonging and support. In community, believers can share their struggles, celebrate victories, and grow in their faith together. This communal aspect is crucial for living out one's faith authentically and for being a light to the world. [50:27]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your faith community to foster encouragement and accountability among fellow believers?


Day 4: The Discipline of Prayer and Scripture
Regular Bible reading and prayer are fundamental practices for believers. These disciplines allow believers to hear from God and communicate with Him, deepening their relationship and trust in His promises. Engaging in these practices helps believers stand firm in their faith, especially during challenging times. By prioritizing prayer and Scripture, believers can align their lives with God's will and experience His guidance and peace. [55:50]

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to incorporate more consistent prayer and Bible study into your daily life?


Day 5: Sharing the Faith
As believers, sharing the faith is not just a duty but a natural outflow of conviction and love for Christ. It involves offering hope and transformation to those who have yet to experience God's grace. Sharing the gospel is about being a witness to the transformative power of Christ in one's life and inviting others to experience the same. This act of sharing is an expression of love and obedience to Christ's command to make disciples of all nations. [58:00]

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you share your faith with this week, and how can you approach this conversation with love and respect?

Quotes

"Now, as we did look at that last week, we have some things in common when we say, I'm a Christian. Now, also, with that, to say I'm a Christian means more than you simply attend church. It means more than you read your Bible. It means more than simply I prayed a prayer. I have met too many people who could pray a prayer because someone said, repeat after me, and they did it, but they had no clue what they're doing." [00:15:49]

"Well, here the Bible says in verse 15, but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. That means there's another word we use for I'm a Christian. We say, I am a believer. Right? I am a believer. So this morning, we're going to look at what does it mean when we say, I am a believer." [00:19:44]

"If I'm a believer, there's something that I accept and believe. I accept that the Bible is the Word of God. This book that you, if you hold in your hands, whether it's printed and bound or whether it's electronic on a device, it is the Word of God. I must accept and believe that the Bible is the Word of God. God has revealed Himself to me through the Word of God. Well, how do I know who God is? Well, when did God start? In the beginning, God. Right?" [00:21:47]

"How do I know I'm a sinner? Well, the Bible tells me so. How do I know how to be saved? The Bible tells me. How do I know who Jesus is? Guess what tells me? The Bible. Well, where did we come from? Again, Genesis 1 -1. The Bible. How did we get to where we are? The Bible. If I don't believe this book, nothing else I say I believe matters. If I say, well, you know, this book contains the Word of God." [00:22:52]

"Because how do you know the part you're picking to be a Christian is actually true if you don't believe the whole thing. You say, but there's some weird stuff in there. I know. Have you read the book of Jonah? Have you ever known someone who gets swallowed alive by a fish and be spewed out three days later and come out preaching? Looking like a mess? But it's there. Oh, by the way, they've actually found people who have been actually swallowed by a whale who actually then got spit out and lived to tell the story." [00:23:54]

"This is the basis of everything. Without this, we don't know who God is. God revealed his message. Guess where? Through the word of God. How do I know that I'm a sinner? How do I know that God loves me? How do I know that sin has a penalty and a price? Death, separation from God forever. How do I know that even when I was a sinner and I was against God that God loved me so much, he sent his son and proved his love when he died on the cross?" [00:24:52]

"Hey, when we affirm that all of the Bible is true, we allow God to shape our beliefs. Do you understand your beliefs, you don't believe something and try to prove it from the word of God. We should get what we believe from the word of God. The word of God should shape our beliefs, change our beliefs. I've heard some weird things taught. I've had weird things taught to me. And I asked, my pastor always, when someone would teach you something or say something that you thought was weird, here's what he always told me to ask." [00:26:30]

"Second thing is, if it's a believer, then I accept and believe. I accept there is one God in three persons. I accept it. There is only one God who does. does not change. You say, how do I know that it doesn't change? Good. I'll give you. Book, chapter, verse, Malachi 3, verse 6. Let's go. Ready? Have your Bibles ready. Malachi is in the Old Testament. It's towards the back of your Bible. It's in that section that people usually skip over called the minor prophets, right?" [00:29:26]

"Do you get the idea that the psalmist believed that wherever he went, guess who was already there? God. Why? Because God is omnipresent. He is all places at all time. You say, how does he do that? I don't know, but I have book, chapter, verse I can give you on why God is there everywhere we go. And that one God reveals himself to us in three persons. God the Father. He reigns supreme over the universe." [00:33:40]

"God the Father is all -loving, all -wise, and completely just. He adopts all those who by faith accept his Son. We are all the children of God. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become the children of God. All. Not just few. Anyone. He reveals himself not as God the Father. He reveals himself as God the Son. The Son is eternal. He is the eternal Son of God. He is conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary." [00:34:11]

"Hey, then there's some things that we need to believe about humanity and the fall and being restored. Hey, men and women are created, you're created originally in the image of God. That's what Genesis 1 tells us. In the image of God created he them. That's what it says. We're created in the image of God. Adam and Eve's sin marred that image, creating an eternal separation between God and mankind. There's nothing we, it's just, it is that way." [00:39:05]

"For by the grace, for by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves is the gift of God, not of, lest any man should, boast. For we are his workmanship, creating Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has performed and ordained that we should walk in them. Hey, it sounds to me like God says when you're a believer, there are some things that God has ordained for you to do. Right? We'll get there." [00:40:07]

"He's alive jesus christ left by the way those three words are a powerful powerful affirmation of the foundation of our beliefs that christ is alive you say why because if he's not alive everything we believe is in vain you say that's a big statement to make well guess what i didn't make it let me give you book chapter verse on it take your bible turn to first corinthians chapter 15 first corinthians chapter 15 look at me verses 16 and 17" [00:41:43]

"for if the dead rise not then is not christ raised and if christ be not raised your faith is in vain ye are yet in your sins hey is it important that he is alive yes because if he is not risen anything you believe is pointless it's empty it's worthless and we're still sinners and we're still the enemies of god and we still have no hope but if he's risen that changes everything you see it's important the resurrection assures us that christ is alive and that we who are christians will live forever with him in eternity" [00:42:54]

"declare I'm a believer, you are certainly informing the truth that we've covered. To be a believer, you've got to believe these things. There is no getting around it. Without the word of God, none of the other things we talked about is even possible. But you're not merely believing in something, you're believing in someone. You have confessed and you've repented of your sinfulness, you've accepted the reality that God took your punishment on the cross, and by faith you've received his free gift of salvation." [00:45:01]

"The behavior changes not to earn or keep the salvation, the behavior changes because you are saved. Do you understand the difference? You don't change the behavior to keep your salvation, but if you're saved, it will change how you behave. Now, let me be honest, we're all human, we're all sinful, we still have a sinful nature. Does that mean, just because it changes our behavior, does that mean we'll never have a mistake and we'll never sin again? Wouldn't that be nice?" [00:45:40]

"wrong or not but as you see the day of christ approaching as you see christ's return approaching should we be going to assembling ourselves together less and less or more and more so why are we doing the opposite why do we attend church less and less why do we gather with believers less and less why do we cancel services and and do all these types of things hey no we should assemble more and more why because as a believer one of the things i should want to do i should do as a result of that is i should connect with others" [00:50:22]

"ever had a brother or sister in christ call you on something not fun is it but being a community brings accountability hey if you say i am a part of we'll talk about this more another time but if you say i'm a part of new beginnings back to church there are some things as as a church and our church constitution we believe this we do this we we handle it this way we we do things a certain way and there's some accountability in that i remember when i um when i when my home church they ordained me" [00:54:56]

"of God. And if you're not going to follow that body of doctrine, you're not going to be associated with us, is basically what they said. Rightly so. By the way, if I ever ordain someone, guess what the last question I'm going to ask them is? Same thing. It's okay. It's accountable. Community brings strength. Community brings hope. If we want to stand firm in the faith, if we want to grow in the faith, we must do it in the context with other believers in a local church." [00:59:44]

"Maybe you've seen the cartoon, and the first panel, a man is pleading with God to speak to him. And the next drawing shows an arm with a hand reached out from heaven to give the man a Bible. God's spoken to us. It's called the Word of God. But here's the problem. It's hard to hear God speak when you've already determined what you want to do. It really is. Hey, when you've already determined what you want Him to say, it's really hard to hear Him speak." [01:05:01]

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Transcript
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