Awakening to Our True Identity in Christ: A Call to Spiritual Warfare
As we step into a new year, it's time for believers to wake up and recognize our true identity in Christ. This isn't about political propaganda or worldly "wokeness," but rather the kind of awakening Paul speaks of in Ephesians 5: "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
In today's world, the lines between righteousness and unrighteousness have become blurred. For non-believers looking at the world, it's increasingly difficult to distinguish between those who follow Christ and those who don't. This confusion stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of our identity as believers.
Many Christians still see themselves as "sinners saved by grace," but this perspective doesn't align with what Scripture teaches. If you've been saved by grace, you're no longer a sinner – your identity is now in Christ. As the Bible declares, we are "the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ has never been a sinner, so our identity in Him can't be that of a sinner. This shift in understanding is crucial, especially as we enter a season of intensified spiritual warfare.
As believers, we already have victory in Christ. However, to walk in that victory, we must know who we are. This knowledge empowers us to fulfill the Great Commission – making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey Christ's commands. We can't effectively share the love of Christ or intentionally make disciples if we don't grasp our true identity.
Our calling is to be different – to be the light of the world. This doesn't mean merely pointing out others' faults or engaging in theological debates. Instead, it means walking in the light ourselves, demonstrating what righteousness looks like, and allowing others to experience the love of Christ through us. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, keeping the main thing the main thing – lifting up Christ so that all may be drawn to Him.
This awakening to our true identity isn't about achieving a higher plane of self-righteousness or becoming great orators. It's about walking in faith, believing God's Word, and ensuring that people see Christ in our teaching and in our lives. It's about serving others and building relationships that reflect Christ's love.
The story of John the Baptist's beheading in Matthew 14 provides a powerful illustration of how we should respond to adversity. When Jesus heard about John's death, He withdrew to a solitary place. This reminds us of the importance of spending time alone with God, developing our relationship with Him through prayer and meditation. It's in these moments that we receive peace, wisdom, guidance, and discernment – the gifts a good father gives to his children.
Despite His grief, when Jesus saw the crowds following Him, He had compassion on them and healed their sick. This exemplifies the compassion we should have for all people, regardless of their background or actions. Our role isn't to judge the world but to love it as Christ loved it, leading people to the One who can heal, provide, and transform lives.
The miracle of feeding the 5,000 that follows is rich with symbolism. Jesus, the Bread of Life, takes five loaves and two fish – perhaps representing the discipleship He calls us to – and multiplies them to feed a multitude. This demonstrates how God can take what seems insufficient in our eyes and use it to impact thousands.
This miracle also serves as a powerful example of spiritual retaliation. While the enemy sought to discourage Jesus and His followers by taking John's life, Jesus responded by feeding thousands and healing multitudes. It's a reminder that "greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). When God is for us, no one can stand against us.
As we face the challenges of our time – whether it's cancel culture, persecution, or spiritual attacks – we must remember that we're called to walk in power, love, and a sound mind. We're equipped with the full armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Every day, we must put on this armor through prayer and time in God's Word. Without it, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. We need to understand what God's Word says about us and use it to guide our lives and minister to others.
Our testimony – the story of what God has done in our lives – combined with the Word of God, becomes a powerful tool for transforming other lives. We're called to pay it forward, applying God's Word in our homes, communities, and relationships.
As we focus on keeping Christ lifted up, we maintain unity within the body of believers. This unity, coupled with our love for one another, becomes a powerful witness to the world. Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).
In conclusion, let's embrace our true identity in Christ. We are created in God's image, protected by His power, and equipped for every good work. When we truly understand who we are in Christ, we can't lose. We have the victory because that's how we're built – in the image of God Himself.
As we move forward, let's commit to waking up spiritually, recognizing our true identity, and engaging in the spiritual warfare around us with confidence and love. Let's be the light that shines in the darkness, drawing others to the transformative power of Christ's love. Remember, when God is for us, who can be against us?
In today's world, the lines between righteousness and unrighteousness have become blurred. For non-believers looking at the world, it's increasingly difficult to distinguish between those who follow Christ and those who don't. This confusion stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of our identity as believers.
Many Christians still see themselves as "sinners saved by grace," but this perspective doesn't align with what Scripture teaches. If you've been saved by grace, you're no longer a sinner – your identity is now in Christ. As the Bible declares, we are "the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ has never been a sinner, so our identity in Him can't be that of a sinner. This shift in understanding is crucial, especially as we enter a season of intensified spiritual warfare.
As believers, we already have victory in Christ. However, to walk in that victory, we must know who we are. This knowledge empowers us to fulfill the Great Commission – making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey Christ's commands. We can't effectively share the love of Christ or intentionally make disciples if we don't grasp our true identity.
Our calling is to be different – to be the light of the world. This doesn't mean merely pointing out others' faults or engaging in theological debates. Instead, it means walking in the light ourselves, demonstrating what righteousness looks like, and allowing others to experience the love of Christ through us. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, keeping the main thing the main thing – lifting up Christ so that all may be drawn to Him.
This awakening to our true identity isn't about achieving a higher plane of self-righteousness or becoming great orators. It's about walking in faith, believing God's Word, and ensuring that people see Christ in our teaching and in our lives. It's about serving others and building relationships that reflect Christ's love.
The story of John the Baptist's beheading in Matthew 14 provides a powerful illustration of how we should respond to adversity. When Jesus heard about John's death, He withdrew to a solitary place. This reminds us of the importance of spending time alone with God, developing our relationship with Him through prayer and meditation. It's in these moments that we receive peace, wisdom, guidance, and discernment – the gifts a good father gives to his children.
Despite His grief, when Jesus saw the crowds following Him, He had compassion on them and healed their sick. This exemplifies the compassion we should have for all people, regardless of their background or actions. Our role isn't to judge the world but to love it as Christ loved it, leading people to the One who can heal, provide, and transform lives.
The miracle of feeding the 5,000 that follows is rich with symbolism. Jesus, the Bread of Life, takes five loaves and two fish – perhaps representing the discipleship He calls us to – and multiplies them to feed a multitude. This demonstrates how God can take what seems insufficient in our eyes and use it to impact thousands.
This miracle also serves as a powerful example of spiritual retaliation. While the enemy sought to discourage Jesus and His followers by taking John's life, Jesus responded by feeding thousands and healing multitudes. It's a reminder that "greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). When God is for us, no one can stand against us.
As we face the challenges of our time – whether it's cancel culture, persecution, or spiritual attacks – we must remember that we're called to walk in power, love, and a sound mind. We're equipped with the full armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Every day, we must put on this armor through prayer and time in God's Word. Without it, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. We need to understand what God's Word says about us and use it to guide our lives and minister to others.
Our testimony – the story of what God has done in our lives – combined with the Word of God, becomes a powerful tool for transforming other lives. We're called to pay it forward, applying God's Word in our homes, communities, and relationships.
As we focus on keeping Christ lifted up, we maintain unity within the body of believers. This unity, coupled with our love for one another, becomes a powerful witness to the world. Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).
In conclusion, let's embrace our true identity in Christ. We are created in God's image, protected by His power, and equipped for every good work. When we truly understand who we are in Christ, we can't lose. We have the victory because that's how we're built – in the image of God Himself.
As we move forward, let's commit to waking up spiritually, recognizing our true identity, and engaging in the spiritual warfare around us with confidence and love. Let's be the light that shines in the darkness, drawing others to the transformative power of Christ's love. Remember, when God is for us, who can be against us?
Posted in Spiritual Growth
Posted in Jesus Christ, Spiritual Warfare, Identity, Righteousness, Discipleship
Posted in Jesus Christ, Spiritual Warfare, Identity, Righteousness, Discipleship
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