Know Your Identity

If you ask a Christian, "Who are you?" That Christian could answer this question in two very different ways. She could say, "I'm a Hell-deserving sinner saved by grace!" Or, she could exclaim, "I'm a child of God, chosen to be a saint!" Both are correct and Biblical answers. It's important for every Christian to walk in true understanding of his identity, realizing where he came from and where he is headed. To be effective against Satan and our flesh, both defensively and offensively, we must have a full-spectrum Scriptural understanding of our identity in Christ. To be truthful in our relationship with God as our Father, we must be know the full truth about our identity in Christ.

It's important to have a realistic and balanced view of yourself, which means that you believe what God says about you in the Bible. Here are three truths that rest in perfect balance together.

Truth #1: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9.

Explanation: You are special to God. When God thinks about you, He thinks about you as your Dad. He chose you, called you out of darkness into His marvelous light and has made you holy and royalty. Your response is worship!

Application: Live out your identity. Be holy and pure. As a king, use wisdom and be brave. As chosen child of God, bear the family resemblance. You're not a victim, but a victor. Be true to your identity in all areas of your life. "If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:21.

Truth #2: "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:1-5

Explanation: You were born a rebel and spiritually dead. You hated God and spent your God-given time, body, and energy on serving yourself, Satan, and the flesh. You were helpless and hated God's authority until the Holy Spirit came to you with the gospel, opened your eyes to your situation and Jesus, gave you a new nature, faith, and repentance. You were 100% undeserving of the gifts you were given: justification, adoption, eternal life, and a life-time of sanctification.

Application: Humility, holiness, and forgiveness. Humility because of God's grace. Holiness because of you must kill off the remaining sin in your body. "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." Colossians 3:5 Forgiveness because you've been forgiven an innumerable amount of sins against God, who infinitely deserves your obedience. This truth empowers you to forgive others of horrible offenses towards you. This truth gives you perspective for healing from hurts inflicted on you by other sinners.
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Truth #3: Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Explanation: You belong to Jesus Christ because He bought you. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. You no longer belong to Satan and you are no longer under the curse of sin, which is death. This changes everything! You belong to God, so serve God in your actions.

Application: Satan has no power over you, unless you give him power. Only obey the true King! Live in freedom from addictions, sinful habits, and spiritual bondage. Replace all sin with godly thoughts, emotions and actions.​

Your Past: Process your past by looking at it through the lens of these truths. Were you hurt by others? Were you bullied and belittled? Were you undervalued or treated with contempt? Because of these truths, you can forgive. Because you are royalty and an ambassador for Almighty God, the words and actions of other can be dismissed as foolishness. Yes, it was hurtful. View it as a king would view the attacks of a peasant. Your purpose is to serve the King of the Universe. Don't pay much attention to the small-minded attacks from the world. Forget what is behind and focus on the prize... You get Christ!

The Present: Be authentic to your identity. Since you are a temple of the infinitely pure and powerful Holy Spirit, you can deny your lusts and live in holiness. Your future awaits! "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Col. 3:1-3.