New Identify: What God Says You Are
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Bible Passage: 2 Cor 5:16-21
Bible Passage: 2 Cor 5:16-21
Introduction: From Old to New
Introduction: From Old to New
God’s Purpose in Transforming us
Powerful summary of God’s plan for His redemptive love in us
Who we really are in Christ?
1. We are Made New In Christ (vv 16-17)
1. We are Made New In Christ (vv 16-17)
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Paul teaches that we do not look upon people the way the world judges
Status, success, failures, past, race, net worth, and reputation
Why? because in Christ we are made “New”.
It is not just an improved version of yourself - but a NEW Creation
What is passed away - the shame, guilt, sin and broken identity
What then constitutes our New Life? - righteousness, purpose, calling, family in Christ
Our Struggle: Old Self in New Life
Can’t live in Freedom when we think we are a slave
Can’t live Redeemed if we still identify as defeated
Correlative Illustrations:
In Romans 7, Paul shares his inner turmoil: he wants to do good, yet he often finds himself doing the very thing he hates. This struggle is relatable to all of us. We may have received grace and know the truth but still battle against old patterns of sin. Like Paul, we must remember that our identity is rooted in Christ, and it's through His strength that we can continue to confront and overcome our past.
Application:
Do not let the world define you based on your past
Stop Letting the enemy remind you of what God has already forgiven
Stop seeing others based on what they have done - start seeing them based on what God can do!
2. Commissioned for Reconciliation
2. Commissioned for Reconciliation
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
Out of God’s grace and mercy - He reconciled us to Him
God came down to meet us
Reconciled means to take away our sins - restored us to Christ
God’s love and mercy - forgives us and redeems us
God entrusted us with the message of Reconciliation
The gospel is not just a message we receive - we carry it with us. To share!
The gospel is not a message of condemnation but a message of GRACE!
We don’t preach “How to fix ourselves”, but rather we preach that God has a way to forgive us and restores us.
Illustrations:
Imagine a community divided by conflict and mistrust. One day, a group of youth decide to hold a reconciliation event, sharing stories and testimonies of mutual pain and healing. As they listen to each other, barriers fall, and friendships blossom. This can be likened to God's message of reconciliation that He calls us to share—a message that stands firm in love, urging us to overcome division and embrace unity in Christ.
Application:
You don’t need a seminary degree to be in Ministry - according to this passage, we all are given a ministry - ministry of reconciliation.
Save people are Sent people - When God reconciled YOU - He has assigned YOU!
3. Ambassadors of Divine Grace
3. Ambassadors of Divine Grace
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Who does Christ say we are?
Ambassadors for Christ
Ambassadors are not tourist, spectators or even volunteers - BUT a representative of a Kingdom.
God will speak through you when you open your mouth
What is the directive message?
Be Reconciled to God!
The Good News! - heart of the Gospel in verse 21
Jesus became what we were - Sin
so that we could become what He is - Righteous.
Supportive Scripture:
John 3:16 ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Illustrations:
A powerful moment of exchange can be seen in the story of the prodigal son. After squandering his inheritance, the son returns home ashamed and desperate. Instead of condemnation, he finds his father waiting with open arms. The father restores the son’s dignity and status, exchanging his shame for celebration. This parable beautifully illustrates the Great Exchange—our failures and regrets can be replaced with unconditional love and acceptance from God.
Applications:
We are not simply just a Christian - we are an Ambassador
We don’t just attend Church - we represent Christ
We are not just forgiven - we are Commissioned
Conclusion & Response
Conclusion & Response
Summary of this passage:
New identity
Reconciled to God
Sent into the world
Your RESPONSE is:
Have you Receive the New life in Christ? - today is the day
Live from your NEW Identity - stop living in the oldself
Accept your Kingdom Assignment - GO and be an Ambassador
“God did not just save you from something - He saved you for Something”
