Who are you? Living free and being identified in Christ
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· 9 viewsIf someone asked you the question who are you, how would you answer? Paul's answer is that he is defined by the Gospel. In order to define something, you need a fixed point. In 3-dimensional space it takes 8 points to define the location of an object; define personhood takes many more points than defining a location. Jesus, God, is that fixed point by which all the world can be defined. Man's relationship with God is the measuring stick by which he is defined. If man rejects that measure of himself than pure chaos in sues and man is left with nothing but tyranny as a master. Paul's definition of himself in Romans 1 will be an outline for asking ourselves, who we are.
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Who are you? Living free and being identified in Christ
Who are you? Living free and being identified in Christ
Who are you? Living free and being identified in Christ
Who are you? Living free and being identified in Christ
Introduction
Introduction
Last week Pastor Rand said, why do we do what we do? That is a question worth exploring. He went on to point out that “it is getting hard for the world to tell what is right and wrong.” I think that we look into it today we will come to the conclusion that the question and the observation are inexorably linked; and that the only answer to the question is finding an identity in Jesus. In 3-dimensional space it takes 8 points to define the location of an object; define person hood takes many more points than defining a location.
Identified by the Gospel ()
Servant of Christ
Servant (ESV), bond-servant (NASB), what does it mean to be defined as Christ's servant? In Paul tells us that it is our worship, or as the KJV puts is reasonable service, to offer ourselves to God. Indeed, worship is reasonable service. Jesus tells us that, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” () What Jesus is saying is that if you want to come after him you have to to wholly stop serving yourself and start serving him.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2016), .
Called for a Purpose
Did you know you have a calling? The apostle tells us here that part of his identity is his calling.
Separate for a Reason
We often use the word holiness, which is being set apart.
What an identity (4)
A pedigree that lasts
We have to notice here that Paul was not content to just say the Gospel and move on. He said, this is what I mean by the Gospel. I am talking about something that has a history all the way back to the beginning when God promised the one that would crush the serpents head. ()
A leader that we can identify with
English Standard Version Chapter 4
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (, ESV)
Not only is Paul pointing out the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus’ human linage. He is also pointing out that Jesus is a master that knows your struggle.
Two natures
Notice Jesus’ human nature, and the Spirit nature here. Jesus said that “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” () Paul is highlighting here the new nature of a born again person as show in Christ life. If you identify as a Christian you are saying, I am born again. This mean you have a spirit nature.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2016), .
An event that changed everything
This happened, this is really. There are so many lies about your identity today. You can start the statement, my identity is, and in today’s America you can put anything in after that and get away with it. My identity is, my sexual orientation. My identity is, my car. My identity is, how much money I make. Or the statement is reversed. You take away my identity if. If I cannot express my sexuality the way I want. If I cannot murder the unborn. Look at how this goes. To live this way, it is live under tyranny. However, there is freedom. No matter where you have been or what you have done there is freedom. You can be defined by the resurrection of Jesus. If you are to call yourself a Christian you must be defined by this one unchanging event that will always be a sure measure of your value. Think about the value God placed on every single believing person. The resurrection from the dead, and a death to abolish the tyranny of sin and the bondage of self-identification.
Lordship
But you must make him your Lord. That is what Paul said here, Jesus Christ is our Lord.
What does it look to be identified by Christ? (Romans 1:5-7)
Obedience
Obedience, that word is not the friend of our sinful flesh. But it has to be said, Paul says here that faith is obedience. A lot of people can quote . But how many in here can quote ? “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” ()
There are two Greek words used there, pisteuō (Pee stee oo oh) which the translators translate believes. The Strong's Greek dictionary gives this mean for the word as, to “believe to the extent of complete trust” (4409)
There are two Greek words used there, pisteuō (Pee stee oo oh) which the translators translate believes, The Strong's Greek dictionary gives this mean for the word to “believe to the extent of complete trust” (4409)
The other word is apeitheō (apay thay oh) which the translators translate “whoever does not obey” Strong's again tells us that this word means to “be disobedient”(544)
The other word is apeitheō (apay thay oh) which the translators translate “whoever does not obey” Strong's again tells us that this word means to “be disobedient”(544)
Paul here also links obedience and faith
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2016), .
Paul here also links obedience and faith
He is worthy
For the sake of his name, how valuable is God?
We belong
The word “called” is used two times in this section, called to a vocation and called a potion in Christ. The position of belonging. These are not separable this but are actual one in the same. Our calling in the body, what we do in and for the church is the out-ward expression of this in word identity. The identity of belonging to Christ.
Because we belong there is grace and peace
The Paul climaxes this greeting, and introduction with the result grace and peace.
Conclusion: Who are you?
Conclusion: Who are you?
Charles Spurgeon wrote. “What is meant by our being citizens in heaven? It means that we are under heaven’s government. Christ the king of heaven reigns in our hearts; our daily prayer is, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” ... “If, then, we are thus citizens of heaven, let our walk and actions be consistent with our high dignity.”1 If you want true freedom than you must answer this question, who are you? Those of you who are defined by the answer I am about my father’s business, (, KJV) are the one that will have grace and peace and will not have tyranny as their master.
His yoke is easy and his burden is light () All others are tyranny
His yoke is easy and his burden is light () All others are tyranny
His ways are pleasant ways, and all his paths are peace () All other ways and paths are death
He is the only gate by which a man can be saved () all other broad roads lead to destruction.
His ways are pleasant ways, and all his paths are peace () All other way and paths are death
If you are....
He is the only gate by which a man can be saved () all other broad roads lead to destruction.
1. Spurgeon, C. H. Morning and Evening: Daily Readings. London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1896. Morning, July 10.