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Understanding Who We Are 1
Understanding Who We Are Part 1
As we begin walking with the Lord, it is vitally important we leave behind what we were, but more importantly, discover what and who we are in Christ, as children of God.
If a believer in Christ remains ignorant of what God has done for them in Christ, and what He has made them in Christ, they may spend their entire life striving to become something, instead of just being what He has made them to be in Him.
In other words, no one in their right mind struggles to be a human being. They are born human. There’s no need for them to struggle throughout their entire life trying to be human. The thing they need to do is grow in knowledge, understanding, and values, and purpose to be a fruitful, responsible, law-abiding citizen of society.
As believers in Christ, we are already citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven (Ephesians 2:19). We are already the children of God (Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:1). We are already new creatures in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are already priests unto God (1 Peter 2:5,9). We are already made righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). We have already been blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). We already have redemption through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7). We already have eternal life (John 3:15-16; 10:26; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:1).
When we lack understanding of what we are and who we are in Christ, it gives the enemy an advantage over us. Satan does not have power over us, but our lack of understanding can work against us in the battles of life we face. If we do not realize we are more than conquers in Christ already, we will spend our entire life, thinking we have to win a battle that has already been won by Christ. Instead of upholding that victory, we will try to gain it in our own strength. Knowing the truth and walking in that truth has power to set us free from all the lies of the enemy (John 8:32).
When we are confronted by the enemy, and we will be, we must know who we are, and Who is standing with us. We must know what the scripture has to say about trials, temptations, tests and adversities so we do not blame God or think we are left alone without help.
God has said He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus has told us He will be with us unto the end of the age and with us forever (Matthew 28:20; John 14:2-3; 17:24).
According to God’s Word, Christ dwells in us when we confess and receive Him as Lord (Romans 10:8-10; Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 3:17). We do not work to get Him inside of us. He comes in when we invite Him (Revelations 3:20; John 1:12).
Our posture, then, should be recognizing and cooperating with Christ Who dwells within us and learning His ways. It is a lifetime process, but so worth it. We can rejoice, knowing we are being transformed day by day into the image and stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15).
Of course, all of this must be received by faith, and faith comes from hearing (not having heard) the word of God, His ‘rhema’, which is the Greek word used in Romans 10:17.
As we meditate upon the scriptures God highlights to us, the truth will begin to transform our thinking and character. We will begin to look and act differently. We will begin to mature and manifest the life of Christ to those around us. Again this is a process, but it begins by understanding who we are in Christ and what God has already done for us through Christ.
There are several passages in the New Testament that reveal these wonderful truths. Most of them are found in Paul’s epistles, as he was given a revelation of the new creation realities we have in Christ Jesus by Christ Himself.
Here are just a few passages to highlight these truths.
“…in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14
“in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21-22
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21
“…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love….” Ephesians 1:4
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace….” Ephesians 1:7
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will…. Ephesians 1:11
Just by meditating on these and other “In Him” “By Whom” “Through Him” “With Him”, By Christ, In Christ, etc., you can grow greatly in your faith. It is when we understand what God has already done for us, we can enter His rest and boldly stand against the wiles and lies of the enemy.
It is vital for us to go over these truths continually to keep them fresh in our hearts and minds. We must allow these and other truths from God’s Word to transform our thinking according to Romans 12:1-2. A renewed mind gives us experiential access to walking in all God has done for us in Christ. Only through revelation and practice of God’s Word will our minds be renewed and our lives conformed to His image and likeness.
Our bodies are not born again when we accept Christ as Lord. Only our spirit is regenerated and becomes brand new. Our soul and body must be brought into submission to the new nature we have in Christ. That is where the process and battle begin and continues daily. We grow spiritually as we bring our minds and bodies in line with God’s Word.
We will continue with this series next time. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father richly bless and keep you!
James Brown
CST 01/28/2023
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