Identity in Christ

Ephesians 1:3–10 NIV84

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

1. We are Chosen and Adopted in Christ

Our first point is that we are chosen and adopted in Christ.

Ephesians 1:4-5 "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."

Sub point 1: God's Sovereignty in Our Adoption

Our adoption is not something we earned or deserved, but it is a gift from God

We were chosen by God before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight

Our adoption is a reflection of God's sovereignty and grace

Sub point 2: Our Identity as Sons and Daughters of God

Through faith in Christ, we are adopted into God's family and given the rights and privileges of a son or daughter

Our identity is no longer defined by our past, our achievements, or our failures, but by our relationship with God

We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ

Sub point 3: Our Assurance of Salvation

Our adoption gives us assurance of our salvation

We can trust in God's promise that He will never leave us or forsake us

We can have confidence that we are secure in His love and that nothing can separate us from His love

2. We are Redeemed and Forgiven in Christ

Eph 1:7 “7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace”

Sub point 1: Our Need for Redemption

We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God

Our sin separates us from God and makes us deserving of His wrath

We need redemption to be reconciled to God and to be made holy

Sub point 2: The Cost of Our Redemption

Our redemption was costly

It required the sacrifice of Christ, who shed His blood on the cross for our sins

It was through His death and resurrection that we have been redeemed and forgiven

Sub point 3: Our New Life in Christ

Through redemption and forgiveness, we have been given new life in Christ

We are no longer slaves to sin, but we are free to live for Christ

We have been called to a life of holiness and obedience to God

3. We are Sealed and Empowered in Christ

Eph 1:13-14 “13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

Sub point 1: The Seal of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is our seal, marking us as belonging to God

He is the deposit guaranteeing our inheritance in Christ

He empowers us to live for Christ and to bear fruit for His kingdom

Sub point 2: The Power of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life of faith and obedience

He convicts us of sin, guides us into all truth, and empowers us for service

He is our helper, our counselor, and our comforter

Sub point 3: Our Assurance of Victory

Through the Holy Spirit, we have assurance of victory over sin and death

We can have confidence that God is at work in us, conforming us to the image of Christ

We can have hope that one day we will be glorified and reign with Him forever

4. We are Called and Equipped in Christ

Eph 1:9-10 “9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.”

Sub point 1: Called to God's Purpose

We have been called to participate in God's purpose and plan for the world

He has given us gifts and talents to use for His glory

We have a mission to make disciples of all nations and to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth

Sub point 2: Equipped for God's Service

God has equipped us with everything we need to fulfill His calling

He has given us His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of believers

He has given us spiritual gifts and opportunities to serve Him

Sub point 3: Our Hope for the Future

We have hope for the future because we know that God is bringing all things under the lordship of Christ

We can look forward to the day when Christ will return and make all things new

We can have confidence that our labor in the Lord is not in vain