Identity / Part 5

Recap

In Parts 1-4, we discussed our human identity of the origin from the Creation of mankind. We saw how Adam and Eve were made in Gods image, but it was distorted from our self-image because of sin and disobedience.

We have learned that your true identity is grounded in your relationship with God the Father, not based on performance, roles, or worldly definitions.

We saw by living in a fallen world, we face daily noise, confusion, and a redefining of who the world believes we are in Christ. We have been conditioned by sin of redefining who we are. However, we learned that through Christ, our identity is unshakable, secure, and eternal.

We learned that through Christ, we are a new creation, crucified with Christ, and God's masterpiece. We follow our identity up with rejecting what the world says in identity. Having success, image, popularity, it does not define us, but Christ is who renews our minds and affirms that we can do all things through Him, we have. no condemnation, and we have nothing that will separate us from His love.

We learned that we go through a process of renewal everyday. Our growth in Him allows us to grow ongoing. He will continue to shape and mold us for His purpose every day. By us walking with Him, He will gradually transform us into His likeness through Grace and Obedience.

How To Keep Your Identity In Christ Through Faith Until The End

Our walk with Christ is a daily battle. It is a battle of the flesh and spirit. God's word doesn't just help us discover who we are in Christ, but how to REMAIN in our identity by Faith until the end. Hebrews 3:14 says, "For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end." In our final post on Identity, you are going to be able to walk practically and powerfully in these 7 areas of Faith.

One - Know Who You Are In Christ

Your identity is not based on behavior or background; it is based on God's grace. When you put your faith in Jesus, everything changed for you.

You became a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), you have been forgiven and redeemed (Ephesians 1:7), you were adopted into God's family (Romans 8:15-17), and you were seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

As you see who you are in Christ, be encouraged to read Ephesians 1 and write down all of the 'in Christ' declarations about who He says you are in Him.

Two - Anchor Yourself In God's Word Daily

God's Word for your life is NOT optional - it is ESSENTIAL! Your faith in Christ and identity found in Him, are strengthened by truth, not trends.

How do you stay anchored? You stay anchored by reading your word daily. Even a daily reading plan is helpful because it allows you to cultivate and study what God is trying to teach you. Take what you read for that day and try to memorize His word because it will grow in your spirit. After reading and memorizing, journal your thoughts of what you heard God speak to you in your prayers in study. Even if this takes you 10-30 minutes a day, it is well worth it to your soul because His Word is Living and Active and will replenish your soul.

Three - Cultivate A Life Of Prayer And Dependence

Why is prayer important? It is because it DEEPENS your relationship with the Father. When you are in constant communion with the Father, it allows you to stay in a place of hearing God's voice. It takes you from sharing the worlds ways completely out of the way.

Now if you do now know how to pray, simply ask God, 'Lord, remind me who you say that I am to you.' After you ask God of this, sit in silence and you will sense His presence come over you like a big warm hug. You'll get overwhelmed, but not in anxiety or fear, but of His love. As you sense His beautiful presence, thank Him for the identity He has given you and only you. Thank Him for giving you an identity unique of Himself in you. Take Scripture with you in this time of thanksgiving and use it to shape your prayers. An example would be Psalm 139:14, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Four - Surround Yourself With God-Fearing Believers Through Community

Do not walk alone in Christ. Godly alignment through Christian Community will help you remember who you are in Christ. Those who speak the truth when you're discouraged, call out what they see God doing in your life, walking with you through struggles, in growth, and praising God in good times of celebration. This is true Godly Community. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "As Iron sharpens Iron, so one person sharpens another."

Five - Reject Lies & Fight Spiritual Battles

Did you know Satan's favorite tactic is identity theft? His other tactic is accusation and distortion of truth. Did you realize that in Christ you have the tools and weapons to defeat these 'tricks'?

When Satan says, 'You are not enough!', you counter it with, 'I AM ENOUGH!' When Satan says, 'God is disappointed in you!', you counter saying, 'God LOVES ME!' When Satan says, 'You'll never change!', reply with, 'God FOREVER CHANGED me!'

These are fiery arrows Satan desires to hit you with and make you lose Faith in your identity. But Ephesians 6:16-17 says, "Take up the shield of Faith, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.' These tools will help you protect your mind and heart from Spiritual attack.

Six - Embrace The Process Of Sanctification

As a believer in Christ, do NOT think that Christ is done with you. Why? Because He is NOT done! Christ is right now, through this study, been sanctifying you in your journey so He can put you within position.

As you grow in Christ, be patient with your growth, any mistakes that might come, and any questions you may have. Why? God is forming Christ in you, and He will finish what He started in you from your conception. (Galatians 4:19; Philippians 1:6; Romans 12:2)

Seven - Keep An Eternal Perspective

Faith that endures until the end, is Faith that sees BEYOND what this world offers. You and I are destined for eternity with Christ one day very soon. Let that thought shape your choices in life, expose yourself externally/internally to your identity in Christ, and allow it to give you the endurance to finish your race with Christ.

Hebrews 12:2 says, "Fix your eyes on Jesus, who endured the Cross for the Joy set before Him."

Final Encouragement & Conclusion

You Brother/Sister in Christ, you are NOT what YOU HAVE done before! You are NOT what others have said that you are! You are CHOSEN BY, LOVED BY, REDEEMED BY, and KEPT BY CHRIST!

STAY in the WORD, STAY CLOSE to Jesus, and STAY ROOTED in Grace! Why? Because your IDENTITY in Christ is NOT just for you NOW, but it is for ETERNITY!

1 Thessalonians 5:24, "He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it."

Brother's and Sister's in Christ, I pray that Parts 1-5 of finding your Identity in Christ has not only encouraged you, but challenged your Faith. Remember, you are NOT of this world, you are just PASSING through. You are NOT in this world, but you are to SHARE your FAITH to others.

Christ has called you His Son/Daughter and you are His precious Prince/Princess who will one day have a place in Eternity with His Glorious Presence to soak in as Adam and Eve once did before the Fall.

Remember, next Monday, June 23, we will begin our new study on Israel. A new post will be given every Monday as time for you to digest each week through the Weekly Verse and Weekly Posting.

God Bless You Brother's and Sister's in Christ Jesus.

Until We Meet Again ~ Maranatha ~ Come Lord Jesus!