Identity
I am a Soldier
The identity of a soldier is prevalent in the writings of Paul. For example, Paul compared the Christian life to that of a soldier by informing us that “we are not waging war according to the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3), instructing us to “put on the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18), and encouraging us to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). So, what does it mean to be a part of the Lord’s Army and how…
I am a Bride
Throughout the Bible, the language of marriage is used to describe the relationship between God and His people. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was metaphorically identified as God’s bride or wife (Isaiah 54:6; Jeremiah 2:2; 3:20; Ezekiel 16:8). In the New Testament, the church is metaphorically referred to as Christ’s bride or wife (Romans 7:1-4; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:22-27; Revelation 19:7). What impact should our identity as Christ’s bride have on the way we live? Sermon…
I am a Friend
It may be difficult for us to wrap our minds around the concept that we can be called “Friends of God.” That description may sound a little too casual or irreverent. But that is exactly the title Jesus gave to us in John 15:14 when He said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” In fact, Jesus supplemented our identity as God’s “servants” with our identity as God’s “friends” (John 15:15). Based on our identity as…
I am a Witness
Just before His ascension Jesu told His disciples that “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). A witness is an individual who can testify on behalf of another. For the Apostles such an identity made since because they witnessed the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But how does such an identity apply to us? Can we serve as a witness for Christ if we…
I am a Servant
The identity of a servant was the most prevalent identity adopted by the New Testament authors (Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:1; James 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 1:1; Revelation 1:1). In fact, Paul and Peter prioritized the title of “servant” above the title of “apostle!” Since servanthood was so prominent among first century Christians it should be no surprise that throughout the New Testament Christians are routinely identified as “servants” (Romans 6:22; 1 Peter 2:16). Why should we embrace…
I am an Alien
In 1 Peter 2:11-12, Peter wrote, “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.” The author of Hebrews identified the heroes of faith as “strangers and exiles on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). Why was this identity attributed to God’s elect, what do we learn about God’s expectation for His people from this identity, and how does it impact how we relate to the world around us? Sermon Handout 1…
I am a Priest
Peter indicated that Christians “are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [God’s] own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). In similar fashion, John said that Jesus “made [the church] a kingdom, priests to his God and Father” (Revelation 1:6). Both utilized an identity God stated of His people in Exodus 19:5-6. How did we receive the identity of…
I am a Child
Throughout the New Testament, God is consistently referred to as “Father” (Matthew 5:48; 6:1-15; 7:11; John 4:23; 14:2-3; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Galatians 1:3-4; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 3:17), and we are consistently referred to as “children,” “sons,” and “heirs” (Matthew 18:3-4; John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:24-29; 4:1-7; Ephesians 1:3-5; 5:1; Philippians 2:14-15; Hebrews 12:5-11; 1 Peter 1:14-19; 1 John 3:1-3, 9-10). What bearing should these identities have on our relationship with God? Sermon Handout 1 JOHN 3:1-3 See what kind of…
Identity Crisis
Who am I? It’s an important question because it’s a question about identity. In fact, psychologists have theorized that we all experience an identity crisis during our adolescent years that determines our understanding of who we are for the rest of our lives. But the identity we adopt during our adolescent years is not nearly as important as the identity we adopt during our rebirth into Christ. God has a specific list of identities He intends for His people to…