God fashioned us with a new identity for the purpose of pointing people to Him (1 Peter 2:9). This truth alone should have us running out of our false identities and into our God-given identity.
Let’s run together...
Condemnation Vs. Godly Grief
I would be doing you a disservice to continue into the unveiling of our God-given identity without taking a minute to differentiate condemnation vs. godly grief.
This is important:
The moment you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior is the moment your old identity died and your new identity took its place. No longer were you condemned to punishment because of your past sin or your future sin. This is what Paul was describing when he wrote in Romans (8:1), “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Now that is worth taking a moment to celebrate!
But this is also important:
There is such a thing as godly grief and it is a gift.
“As I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.” 2 Corinthians 7:9
God uses godly grief to correct us on our journey in becoming more like Jesus. It is His way of helping us get back on the right path when we have taken a detour. Godly grief leads us to repentance which leads to a heart of change. That change of heart then leads us to a life more like the one Jesus lived.
Simply put, condemnation separates us from God. Godly grief brings us closer to God.
Before we enter into the next section, ask God to show you sin in your life that is in need of repentance.
Rooted in God ’s Truth
As we read earlier, God instructs us to be on alert so we may be quick to identify potential danger from the enemy. One of the most effective ways to accomplish such a task is this: know the truth and be rooted in it (Ephesians 6:14, Hebrews 4:12). The truth is what holds us secure when waves of doubt and lies from the enemy push against us.
Are you ready to get rooted?I hope your answer is “yes,” as this is the starting point to living purposefully.
Who You Say I Am
My friend, this is who you are in Christ:
You have been justified. (Romans 5:1)
You are a friend of Jesus. (John 15:15)
You were bought with a price and you belong to God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
You are complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:9-10)
You are a member of Christ’s body. (1 Corinthians 12:27)
You are redeemed and forgiven of all sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)
You have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
You are free from all condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)
You are assured that God works for your good in all circumstances. (Romans 8:28)
You are free from any condemnation brought against you and you cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:31-39)
You are hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3: 1-4)
God will complete the good work He started in you. (Philippians 1:6)
You are a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
You have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
You are born of God and the evil one cannot touch you. (1 John 5:18)
You have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)
You are seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 2:6)
You are a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
You are God’s workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)
You may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
You are God’s temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
You are a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life (John 15:5)
Read through the list one more time, replacing “you” with your name. There is power in this because God had your name in mind when these truths were written.These truths are forever secured, bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus. There is no mistake or failure that can rip away what Jesus has graciously given you.
Together, out of our gratitude for what Jesus has done, may we respond by walking in who God says we are, pointing people towards Him.
Go Deeper
1. How do the above truths conflict with the stories Satan has convinced you to be true?
2. What are some ways you can start claiming and walking in the truth of your God-given identity?
Small Group Discussion
1. How might your God-given identity give you freedom in stepping out into the unique purposes He has for you?
Cheering you on!
Casey Rolape
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