MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”2 Corinthians 5:17.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 16:13-17.
INTRODUCTION
Every true child of God must be able to clearly answer the question ‘who are you?’ with confidence and full conviction. It is important that we are clear about our identity because knowing who you are makes a difference in your life. Every child of God must be able to declare with boldness that ‘1 am a child of God’ Romans 8:16. Of course, the character of the person speaking must align with the declaration made.
OUTLINE
- A NEW CREATION
- A CHANGED PERSON
- A NEW CREATION
A believer in Christ becomes a new creation by being born again John 3:1- 7. By ‘new’, we mean, our human spirit is regenerated and reconnected to God Titus 3:5. We then become different from our old nature because we have been recreated in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17. We were once dead in sin but now alive to God through the righteousness of Christ Ephesians 2:4-5; Romans 6:11b. We are new because our sins are forgiven, and the blood of Jesus has cleansed us 1 John 1:7; Romans 4:7-8.
A believer in Christ is not dominated or controlled by this world-system John 17:15-16. We are like a stranger and pilgrim 1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13. We live in the world as one passing through, but the world is not passing through us 1 Corinthians 7:31.
2. A CHANGED PERSON
Several things change when a person gives their life to Christ. Being a new creature in Christ confers on such a believer a new identity. You become changed from being a sinner to a saint Philippians 4:21-22 1 Corinthians 6:11. There will be a change of focus and channelling of all our energy from the earthly things to a new focus and goal and Which is to attain heaven at all costs Colossians 3:1- 2. The lifestyle of a believer; their words, conducts and actions also change Ephesians 4:22-32 .The believer is determined to please God in all things.
CONCLUSION
Be proud and confident in declaring your identity in Christ.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Proverbs 22:1.
MON: Psalm 119:9.
TUE: Ezekiel 36:26.
WED: Psalm 119:105.
THURS: Proverbs 4:25-27.
FRI: Ephesians 4:22-24.
SAT: 2 Peter 3:18.