Identity / Part 4

Recap

Last week in Identity / Part 2 & 3, we learned about the origin of God's design, which was Adam and Eve.

We saw how their disobedience distorted what their identity was which tainted our view of who we are in Christ.

We learned that our primary identity comes from our relationship from our Creator, not from what we do through our roles, performance, or circumstances.

We saw how God is our foundation, that sin broke our image of God and sin has caused replacements in our world outside of God. Jobs, success, approval, we learned they all fail.

We understand now that our identity means returning to Christ because He values and loves us. We learned about our position, authority, commissioning, and transformation we have in Christ as new believers.

Embracing Your New Identity In Christ In A Fallen World

In our world today, there is constant noise, confusion, and brokenness. It is the conditioning of sin in our world that our world operates today. Knowing who you are Brother/Sister in Christ, is not only comforting, but it is essential. You and I live in a fallen world that constantly wants to redefine who you are, what you are to do, what you've done, and what others think of you and about you. Scripture however, reminds us that if we are in Christ, we have a new identity. Through this identity, we are unshakable, unchanging, and eternally secured in Him.

Amidst all of this, how do we live out this identity when everything around us seems to desire pulling us in opposite directions? Let's look deeper into what it means to embrace your identity in Christ and how you are to walk out boldly in a broken world.

Understand What Your Identity In Christ Means

Before you can live out your new identity, you need to know what it is. God does not just take your past and put a repair patch on it and send you on your way, He gives you a completely new nature outside of your old nature.

Scriptural Identity Anchor's Of Truth

2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!"

Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."

Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."

When you and I place our faith in Jesus, you and I were not just forgiven, but we were reborn! God gave you a new heart, a new purpose, and a new family. You are not your past. You are not your mistakes. You are a child of God (John 1:12).

Stop Looking To The World For Identity

The worlds definition of identity is by having people desire superficial standards. Success, looks, popularity, productivity, and even pain. Social media, pop culture, and worldly pressures constantly tell you that you "should" be like this or that. However, the Kingdom of God operates in a complete opposite direction because it is different and not of this world.

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Instead of letting the world define you, you and I need to renew our minds daily in the truth of God's word, not the worlds version of idols. This means you are to replace phrases like, "I'm not good enough; I'm a failure; and I'll never change". Do these sound like phrases you say or have heard people say around you? How do you replace such demeaning phrases? With God's Truth! You replace them with Philippians 4:13, "I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me", Romans 8:1, "There is now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus", and Romans 8:39, "Nothing can SEPARATE me from the love of God". You see, you replace what the enemy, Satan, says over your life and replace it with God's Word of Truth over your life.

Live From Identity, Not For It

Many people, even Christians, spend their lives striving for approval, purpose, and acceptance. In Christ, you already have ALL of these given to you! You do not need to perform for God's love, you already have it! You do not need to earn your worth, you were bought at the highest price, which was Christ's Blood over your life at the Cross of Calvary! (1 Corinthians 6:20)

Imagine a child being adopted into a loving family. They don't have to earn the last name, they are given it. Their identity is based on relationship, not performance with the family. In Christ, your identity is a gift from God, not a goal given or set out to achieve. When you live FROM identity in Christ, you serve others from love, not for ATTENTION. You walk in obedience not to earn God's favor, but because you already HAVE it!

Embrace The Process Of Becoming A New Creation

Yes, you ARE a new creation! But do you realize that God is still SHAPING you? Philippians 1:6 encourages us in saying, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

God is not asking you to be perfect today. He's asking you to WALK with Him. Embracing who He says you are in your identity means allowing Him to renew/transform your daily life, even when you fall short every single time.

Real Life Example - Matthew 16:18

Peter, one of Jesus' closest Disciples, said one more than one occasion that he would never deny his Savior and would be willing to go to the Cross with Him because he could carry the cross and weight of the cup Christ would bear. Jesus knowing that Peter would deny Him three times, abandon his identity in Christ, God saw Peter not just for who he was in the moment, but for who he would become despite his short comings. He sees you the exact same way!

Shine Light In A Dark World

A fallen world needs people who walk in their true identity. When you know who you are in Christ, you become a light in the darkness. (Matthew 5:14-16) This doesn't mean your light is to be perfect, it means being a real, rooted, authentic, and resilient believer in Christ.

People are not looking for flawless Christians. They're looking for those who live with hope, peace, and purpose that the world can't explain or take away from them. When you live your Christ-given identity, your life becomes a testimony.

Surround Yourself With Truth And Community

To stand firm in a fallen world, you need people who remind you who you are. Surround yourself with faith-filled friends, mentors, and spiritual family who speak truth and encourage your growth in Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds . . . encouraging one another . . . and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Also, spend consistent time in God's Word, everyday. The Bible is the mirror that reflects your true identity in Him. The more you spend time in Him, the clearer your sense of self-worth becomes reality in Christ.

When You Forget Who You Are, Remember The Cross

There are going to be days Brother/Sister, when you feel weak, unworthy, beaten down, or lost. When these days come, and they will, look in remembrance to the Cross of Christ where Jesus died to give you a new name: Beloved, Forgiven, Redeemed, and Righteous in His sight. When you feel that you have failed Him, don't believe that, RUN TO Him, NOT FROM Him.

Isaiah 43:1, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." You may be in the world today, but you are NOT of it (John 17:16). You are PART of a KINGDOM that CANNOT be shaken!

Conclusion

The world is loud, but God's TRUTH is LOUDER, only IF you'll LISTEN. Your new identity in Christ is not a THEORY; it is a LIVING reality. When you embrace your God-given identity in your spirit man/woman, you will Walk with Purpose, Love from Wholeness, Serve with Joy, and Endure with Hope.

You were made to SHINE in this generation, not because you are strong, but because Christ in you is! So today, dust yourself off, stand firm in the Faith of Christ, life your head, and declare:

"I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM!"

Reflect

1.) What lies have you believed about your identity that you need to replace with God's truth?

2.) How can you remind yourself daily of your identity in Christ?

3.) Who are the people in your life that can help you walk in the truth of your identity in Christ?