May 6, 2018
Father Heart of God
Identity
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Malachi 3:6
I the Lord do not change.
Doesn’t get much more straight forward than that.
Numbers 23:19
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
God doesn’t change, so His character is reliable. It’s set in stone! In the same way, when God is the one who gives you wour identity, it's also set in stone.
Identity is vastly different for Christians vs Non-Christians.
If you are a Non-Christian, the sad reality of this whole thing, is that you are in control. Who you are is based on what you do because you give yourself identity. The Bible refers to Non-Christians as Sinners.
Ephesians 2:1
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins
If you are a Christian, you have relinquished control to a Father that loves you. What you do is based on who you are becuase God gives you your identity. The Bible refers to Christians as Saints.
Ephesians 2:4-5
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Who are we in Christ?
John 1:12 - We are God's children.
John 15:15 - As disciples, we are friends of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 - We have been justified (declared righteous).
1 Corinthians 6:17 - We are united with the Lord, and we are one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - We have been bought with a price and we belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 - We are members of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 - We have been chosen by God and adopted.
Colossians 1:13-14 - We have been redeemed and forgiven of all our sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 - We are complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 - We have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:1-2 - We are free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 - We know that God works for our good.
Romans 8:31-39 - We are free from any condemnation brought against us and we cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - We have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 - We are hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 - We are confident that God will complete the good work He started in us.
Philippians 3:20 - We are citizens of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 - We have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind.
1 John 5:18 - We are born of God and the evil one cannot touch us.
John 15:5 - We are a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 - We have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 - We are God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - We are ministers of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 - We are seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 - We are God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 - We may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 - We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.
THAT is the truth of who we are in Jesus!
What changes when we really understand that our identity is based on God?
1. Insecurity goes away
2. Sin comes to the surface
3. We aren’t easily swayed by what people think
4. Our lives aren’t based on performance
5. Relationships with people don’t define you
Quote from Victory Over the Darkness:
“The major strategy of Satan is to distort the character of God and the truth of who we are. He can’t change God and he can’t do anything to change our identity and position in Christ. If, however, he can get us to believe a lie, we will live as though our identity in Christ isn't true.”
Communication Card
- I want to know more about knowing Jesus.
- I will strive this week to believe that my identity is based on God not me.
- I will take time to reflect on the Identity list this week.
