Identity in Christ

Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV) – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Matthew 16:13-18 (ESV) – 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

What is Identity?

It defines the who or what a person or thing is.  It denotes the oneness.

As Christians, our identity should be totally aligned with Jesus.  We strive each day to live a sinless life, yet sometimes we miss the mark.  When we embrace our identity in Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist the devil.

Our identity in Christ requires the “Spiritual Triple-A’s”:

Our Acknowledgement

Acknowledgment means to recognize the existence or truth of something or someone, and understanding the purpose of its existence.

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) – And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

What must first acknowledge the Christ is the Son of God, and understanding the importance of accepting Him as our Lord and savior.

“Identity in Christ is not based on what you see or what you feel.” – Minister David Everson

Our Acceptance

John 3:16 (ESV) – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8 (ESV) – but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

We must first accept Christ as our Lord and savior.  Our understanding of the magnitude of God’s love for us, empowers us to become more accepting of others.  We are to be examples of God’s love to others.

Colossians 3:12-14 – 12 (NIV) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Our Actions

We should consistently share the Gospel of Christ.  Our actions as believers defines our true identity in Christ Jesus.

John 15:5 (NIV) I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

When you operate outside the will of God, your identity looks fleshly.  You often want to do things your way instead of God’s way.

“Our fruitfulness strengthens our faithfulness.” – Minister David Everson