Security Through Identity

Identity Means Everything

Theme: you are saved by faith, not works!

· You are LOVED by God because of WHO you are – NOT what you do.

Background: revelation during prayer

“WHAT YOU DO DOES NOT CHANGE WHO GOD IS”

Identity is important everywhere in the WORLD we live in

· Who you are: - determines what you will become,

· Examples – Military dog tags, hospital bar code

· Biometrics - fingerprint, facial recognition, COVID database, vaccine RFID chip, PASSWORDS for everything!! Keep them updated, don’t reuse them!

· Background checks – hair, height, weight, race, gender, SSN, phone, address

· Identity provides access – buildings, club membership, airplane seat (1st class)

· Travel – border crossing, even to Canada and Mexico – driver’s license now upgraded for federal identification

· Fast Lane – in airports – pre-screened

· Where you are – find my iPhone, my teenager, my grandchild!

Challenge

· With all this, many people act and sound as if they don’t know who they are – such confusion can lead to an identity crisis

Man’s security vs God’s

· Security – everyone wants it – needs it –

· marriage security (wives)

· financial security (social security),

· people want health security - spend massive $$ on health insurance

Identity Determines where you will GO in the NEXT Life!

· God’s identity provides the greatest security of all!

Galatians 2:20 ESV

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

· You are crucified with Christ!

· your old nature no longer lives

· Christ now lives inside you!

Identity Erases PAST

I HAVE WASHED YOU

· From zero to hero!

· New creature – old passed away

· New fire, new desire

Romans 8:1–2 ESV

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

· I Once WAS lost – but NOW I’m found

· I Once WAS blind – but NOW I see

· I ONCE was dead – but now I’m alive forever!

· I ONCE was a heathen, but now I am the righteousness of God in Christ!

· I ONCE was empty, but now I am filled with the Spirit of God!

· Goat – sheep

· Tare – wheat

· Run from God – seated with Christ

· God has taken me from zero to hero

God’s Identity

· I CALL you Peter – name change

Identity Protects PRESENT

· The Lord is MY shepherd – I am His sheep, I belong to Him, I KNOW His voice!

I AM WITH YOU

· Name written book of Life

· God’s got you

· Rock – not shaken

· always – end world

· Identity brings PEACE – affects health, allows for rational decision making (vs panic)

· Don’t worry about eat drink – Father (identity) provides

Luke 12:28–30 ESV

28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

· Don’t worry about what to SAY – Spirit will give you the Words.

Identity Ensures TOMORROW

I WILL KEEP YOU

· They are mine

Malachi 3:16–18 ESV

16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. 17 “They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. 18 Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.

Identity Ensures Tomorrow’s Safety

John 10:27–29 ESV

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

· Our names are engraved in the palm of His hand – Isaiah 49:16

· Keeps Israel – neither slumbers nor sleep - Psalm 121:4

· Name Lord – Strong tower

Rest in Your Identity