Victorious Identity

Luke 22:24–34 NIV84

24 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

1. When you know who you are, it eliminates competition

Jesus just had His last meal with His disciples

The disciples were interested in who would be taking over

The enemy wants us to be fighting within so that we are not fighting the real enemy

We must learn to complete each other not compete with each other

2. You are not like them

Kings of gentiles

Like unbelievers

Calling yourself a benefactor

Thinking more highly of yourself than you ought to

Lording it over others

You are heirs of the Kingdom of God

Act like the royalty that you are

3. Becoming the greatest starts and ends at the bottom

Start like the youngest

Start with service to others

God takes care of making your name great

Don’t puff yourself up

Pride comes before destruction

Be the best “You”

4. The enemy has permission to attack

The enemy can’t attack you unless God gives him permission

The enemy only attacks those who will be great

The enemy attacks those who are doing the work of God

The enemy may attack but he can’t kill you

The enemy may attack but he can’t steal what God has given you

The enemy may attack but he can’t destroy you

The enemy may attack but he can’t

His mission is a failed mission, “to kill, steal, and destroy” but God doesn’t allow him to fulfill that mission

You can do all that for the enemy, but Jesus is praying for you

5. You will win when you realize who you are

Identity helps you complete others

Identity helps you overcome the enemy

Identity helps you walk in confidence

Identity helps you realize that you belong

You win when we win

You win when your team wins

You win when your church wins

You win when your brother / sister wins