Wisdom Grace
JESUS SAVES | FIND MEANING FOR YOUR
My mission is to help people develop a relationship with Jesus, leading to a transformed life.
Wisdom Grace
YOUR IDENTITY IS BASED ON?
YOUR IDENTITY IS BASED ON?
"Identity signifies relationship." Your origin determines your identity. We're not products of evolution but creations of a divine, intelligent God. When you know WHO made you, you'll understand WHO you are. Have you discovered your true identity in Christ?
Chapter Markers
- 0:00 Identity as a Personal Choice
- 5:14 How We Identify Ourselves Socially
- 10:19 Identity in Christ: Biblical Foundation
- 15:52 Identity Signifies Relationship with God
- 19:50 Christ-likeness: Characteristics of True Identity
- 23:34 Purpose: The Third Dimension of Identity
•⁃25:27 Cultivating Authentic Identity in Christ
You. Knowing your identity is a personal choice. It's a personal matter. I cannot identify who you are, I cannot tell you what you should be or what you should do. That is something that you have to take it to God. Sometimes come across somebody, a stranger. They ask you who are you Like? If you're in a business networking event where you're trying to introduce yourself, at times we introduce ourselves based on our professional background. When you're in a church setting, we introduce ourselves based on our ministry. Or I'm a pastor. When you are with your friends, you identify yourself based on what you love to do. Or I love to play soccer, right? So we identify ourselves based on what we associate with. Sometimes it could be our education, our success, our status, our race.
Speaker 1:And the new identification in our world today, in our culture, is our preferences. And these preferences are not authentic, they are not factual, they are not based on nature, they are not facts, like, for example, when you identify yourself based on your background, your profession. They are factual. You can say, oh, somebody asks you who are you, pastor Edith, you can tell them that, oh, I am from, I'm originally from Uganda, but I am a Canadian citizen, right? So that is a fact that you identify yourself based on a location. But now we live in a world where people identify themselves based on preferences and these preferences sometimes they are delusions, they're not factual, like, for example, we live in a world now people, when you ask somebody who you are, oh, I am lgbt, I am, I am heterosexual or I am this and that these are all ways that we identify ourselves based on our sexual preferences, based on our gender preferences, that are not based on truth.
Speaker 1:But when we look into the Bible, our identity number one is in Christ, meaning that we don't obtain or create or cultivate or conform our identity outside of the scripture or outside of Christ. We build and establish a firm identity based from the scripture or outside of Christ. We build and establish a firm identity based from the scripture in Christ Jesus. So, when you are outside of Christ, there's no way you can identify yourself based on what the Bible states. So, like I was saying, that identity is personal, human identity can come to an end. All of these ways that you and I we identify ourselves based on race, based on status I am from Uganda, I am rich, I am da-da-da At the end of the day, all of these things are going to come to an end. When you die, no one is going to remember who you are, but God's identity endures. God's identity is everlasting.
Speaker 1:I like to study a particular word so that you and I can have a clear description of what we're talking about. I know, yes, I mentioned the word identity a lot, but do we know what it actually means? Do we know the actual definition? Because when you know what something is, you're able to build upon it. You're able now to describe yourself based on what you know.
Speaker 1:If I look up the root word for identity, it a word from latin, because most of our english words originate from french and latin, and it's so powerful that the word identity is from a latin word meaning I, then I, then it's. It means same same quality of being identical. I'm like wow. So when we use the word identity, we are pretty much saying that what makes you the same, what makes you identical to something? That is why, at times, we, as human being, we can place our identity in categories. All of you guys are from Uganda. That is your geographical location, that's how you can identify yourself, right? So pretty much all of you guys are from the same place.
Speaker 1:So I realized that most times our identity can be common and our identity can also be personal. We, as believers, we all share certain common identities, meaning that we are actually the same. So the way I view myself should be the way I should view my pastor. The way my pastor view me is the way my pastor should view another minister, another member, because our identity is the same, especially in the body of Christ. Identity again in English definition, it also means the fact of being who you are, who you are, and there are various ways you and I, we can identify ourselves, and it also entails certain characteristics that we place on ourselves.
Speaker 1:If you and I study the scripture, for us the word identity is not actually in the Bible, but we're able now to derive our identity from the scripture when we look at these two phrases. When you have time, you're able to identify certain things that God says about you based on these two phrases, to make life easier for you. Number one whenever you see that phrase, you are, you are. That's one. Number two we are. So sometimes, when you read this identical statement in the Bible, you are. It's personalized because you. It's addressing you as an individual, we is addressing us, that we all share. We all share that sameness. From the latin word identity means sameness, that we all have a common identity. So, child of god, look into the scripture of these two phrase you are and we are.
Speaker 1:What really baffles my mind is that you are, we are. It's not in the past. I like, what like? When I look it up. It didn't say you were or we were. It says you are, meaning that it is present and it is also future, so that your identity in christ is not based on your past. Your identity is now and it continues. That's why I said that god's identity endures and it's everlasting. Man's identity will end for, for example, now you and I, we're all in Canada. Now, if somebody asks you who you are based on, how you define yourself based on your geographical location, you'd be like you know what? I'm a born-blood Canadian, because now you're in a new place. You see that identity of from you're from Uganda, have us passed, but when it comes to the identity of God, it endures and is everlasting. It is present and is also future.
Speaker 1:Let's do a case study about Jesus Christ. There are two powerful words of who Jesus identified himself. Number one son of God, son of man. Do you know why Jesus Christ identified himself as the son of God, son of man? Do you know why Jesus Christ identified himself as the son of God and son of man? What we see here is divine and human identity, because Jesus was both divine and human. All of the things that I've said previously how we identify ourselves based on our profession, our background, our occupation, these are all social constructs. These are all human ways we identify ourselves. But the focus should actually be how do we identify ourselves divinely? Because Jesus was both man and God. That is why he is called the Son of God. That's how he identifies himself, and he's also called the Son of man because he lives in both worlds.
Speaker 1:Now, identity signifies relationship. For you to know who you are, you need to know your origin. For you to know who you are, you need to know your origin. And our divine origin starts in the book of Genesis, because identity signifies a relationship. For you to know who you are, you need to know the source of who you are. You need to know who made you, because you didn't make yourself. The Bible says in Genesis 1, verse 26,. Then God said Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. So identity in this case signifies our relationship with our maker. I am not a monkey, I am not a hip Like the way evolution defines who we are as human beings, our existence, how we emerge. That is not true. We are from a divine, intelligent, powerful being called god. And that's what the book of genesis states that you and I, we are from god. Because it says god said let us make man. The old trinity, god the father, god the son, god, the holy spirit, all of them participated in the creation of you and I, which shows that we have a significant relationship with God. So our identity signifies our relationship.
Speaker 1:There's another scripture that says in 2 Corinthians 5, verse 17,. Just to highlight that our identity signifies our relationship. It says, therefore, if anyone is in Christ, that's powerful. So if anyone is in Christ, meaning that for you to identify yourself, you have to be in Christ, you have to have a relationship with you. Now I'm taking you guys to how do we see ourselves divinely? We have to be in Christ. If you're out of Christ, you cannot have this mindset of who you are. But when you are in Christ, you're able to have this new identity. But you have to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That is why salvation is very, very key. When you're saved, you are a new person. When you're saved, you are new person when you receive, you are born again, a spiritual birth and you become part of the divine family of god. So identity signifies relationship. You and I, we have to be in christ. And also ephesians, chapter 1, verse 4 to 6, I'll focus on verse 5. It says having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ himself. Again, our identity signifies our relationship. Here we see that we are adopted sons and daughters of God.
Speaker 1:So if you want to identify yourself, identify yourself based on your relationship with God. Tell yourself you know what I am a daughter of God, I am a proud daughter of God. I am on your relationship with God. Tell yourself you know what I am a daughter of God, I am a proud daughter of God. I am a proud son of God. If we have the LGBT community, they use the word pride. That is the same language that the enemy use Pride. Why can we be proud that we know God? God said if you're going to boast, don't boast in your wisdom, don't boast in your strength. Don't boast in your wisdom, don't boast in your strength, don't boast in your resources. Boast that you know me. So, child of God, you should boast that you know what. Brahim, madam Carol, pastor Edith, I am. I am a born-blood child of God. I am a daughter of God, I am a son of God. We should be proud of that identity in Christ, based on our relationship. And look what it says in 1 Peter 2, verse 9. But you are a chosen generation, you are a people. You are a people Relationship with each other, relationship to our world, and you are a holy nation. You are a special people.
Speaker 1:The next point is identity signifies specific characteristics of resemblance, that is, christ-likeness. Like I said, identity signifies specific characteristics. Sometimes you identify yourself oh, I am a man of integrity, I am a man of honesty, I am a man of courage. You're actually telling people who you are based on your character, with or without it. So our characteristics is is is ensuring that we conform to the image and likeness of god, christ's likeness. According to genesis, chapter 1, verse 26, when god said let us make man, we already defined that our identity is based on relationship because we are made from god. Now our identity signifies certain characteristics, meaning that we are the image and likeness of god. That's another way we can identify ourselves, based on specific characteristics, and that is what we are the image and likeness of god, christ likeness.
Speaker 1:The word holiness does not just mean oh, you don't, you don't, you don't, you don't dress in a oh, you don't dress in a certain way, you don't talk in a certain way. No, the word holiness actually means to be set apart, to be set apart in righteousness, to be set apart in love, to be set apart in kindness To you and I. God is saying that we have to be holy, meaning that we have to be special people Special people in our conversation, special people in our conduct, special people in our conversation, special people in our conduct, special people in our way of thinking. And look what it says now, when we identify ourself based on certain characteristics.
Speaker 1:In second corinthians, chapter 5, verse 17, the bible says therefore, if anyone is in christ, it is a new creation. It is a new creation. All things have passed away, all things have become new. When you are born again, you are a new person. You are a new person with a new attitude, with new intentions, with new mindsets, with new desires that are godly, with new ambitions. Everything is new about you, everything that is new about you. They have to be in Christ, they have to be aligned with the word of God, because God is saying I want you to be holy because I am holy, so you are a new creation With a new way of thinking, way of speaking, way of feeling, way of acting, way of making decisions. That old man is gone.
Speaker 1:And then in 1 Corinthians 6, verse 19, it says Do you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit? Who is in you? Wow, that is identity based on characteristics, because you are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The temple here signifies your body, your lifestyle, because you have God again, the Holy Spirit relating with you. Identity based on relationship, the Holy Spirit inside of you, the Holy Spirit communing with you, the Holy Spirit conversing with you. But for him to be able to do all these things, to connect with you, you have to be a holy temple, a holy dwelling, a holy settlement, a holy house, a holy residence for this special Holy Spirit to live in you and to perform the work of God. And look what it says again you are the temple of the Holy Spirit whom you have from God, meaning that you are not your own. Like I said, we are from God, identity based on our relationship. We are not our own. So you cannot wake up one morning, oh, identify myself as a dog. Are you mad? God didn't say that you're a dog. You are his image and likeness. And then the government will sponsor all this demonic preferences, transitions. No, that is not so. That is not so with us as believers, amen.
Speaker 1:So now, in Ephesians 4-6, I'm almost done it says, just as he chose us and him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy again, identity-based on characteristics and without blame before him in love. Jesus summarizes the commandment into two Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. So we should identify ourselves based on love. We should be loving on people. Paul said that we should owe no one anything except love. When you live this world, the only thing that you should owe people is love, not money, but love. So we should identify ourselves based on how loving we are, how loving we are. And then we should also identify ourselves based on characteristics that we should walk in the light. According to 1 Peter 2, verse 9, it says that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. We should walk in the light. When people see us, they see us as the lamp of the world. We are the lamp of the world.
Speaker 1:And the third point about identity identity signifies purpose. Identity signifies purpose. Look what it says in Genesis, chapter 1, verse 26. After God has created you and I in our image and likeness, god said let them have dominion. That is purpose. That, that is purpose. That is why we are in ministry, that is why we are serving, because we are God's workmanship, according to Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 10. For we are his workmanship, we are his work. Again, that word that has been coming up, that in Christ, from God, his mean that we are not our own, we are God. That is why, if we want to derive our identity, we have to start from our maker, and he has revealed who we are According to his word. So we are God's workmanship. Created again, look. Created in Christ Jesus For good works. Like I said, if you want to have a new identity, you have to 100%, absolutely, be in Christ, absolutely be in Christ, because there's no other way. You have to be in Christ. So we identify ourselves based on our divine purpose, of having dominion, of multiplying, of being fruitful, of subduing. We identify our self-based and our purpose because we are God's workmanship, created in Jesus Christ for good works.
Speaker 1:When we go to work, we don't work as if we're working for our boss, we work as if we're doing it for the Lord. I mean, sometimes I don't like going to work, but I have to go to work. I'm like God, you complain too much. Why don't you just change your attitude? Go to work. Go to work as if you're working for me. Maybe that would help. I'm like wow, that's powerful. So I changed my mindset. I'm not going to work trying to make money for somebody else, and then they're making all the big money and then I'm not. I'm like God.
Speaker 1:Help can also identify ourselves based on our purpose, according to 1 Peter 2, verse 9. Look what it says. It says for you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, his own special people. That that that you may proclaim the praises. That you may proclaim the praises. That you may proclaim the praises, child of God. It is our duty, it is our responsibility, it is our mandate that, wherever we go, we should declare, we should speak, we should proclaim the praises of him. That is our identity, based on purpose, proclaiming the praises of God. To conclude, let's create our identity in Christ based on what the scripture says about us.
Speaker 1:When we create that, the next step is to cultivate Because, yes, we can believe that I am a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a chosen generation. You can speak scripture, but do you truly believe it? Because our belief affects our behavior. There's no way you can act out something you don't truly believe in. For you to believe something, you have to have information about it. So, now that we know that we are special, that we identify ourselves based on our relationship with God, we identify ourselves based on certain characteristics for us to be holy, to be loving. We identify ourselves based on our purpose, that we are God's workmanship.
Speaker 1:The next step is do you believe that? If you believe that you have to cultivate, that you have to start living, conforming into your new reality of being a new creation, with a different view of yourself and your fellow believers? Acquire and anchor your identity Based on what God says about you. Get it from God and let it be rooted in the scripture, because your circumstances will tell you otherwise. Oh, you are a royal priesthood. Oh, man of God, you don't look nothing like royal man of God. You don't look nothing like you are special. Look at where you live. Look at what you do. Look at what you do. Look at the type of job that you do. There's nothing special about you. We have to dispel those lies and anchor our belief on what God says about who we are, as it is written in the scripture. And our identity gives us our dignity. We are dignified when we know who we are.
Speaker 1:Finally, how do you become authentic? How do you become authentic? Because, truly, sometimes we live in a world where people are all faking it. We are all faking it On social media, in church. We're not authentic to ourselves, but how do we become authentic to who we are? Number one is identity. You have to know who you are. And then number two is integrity. Integrity is actually living out who you are. It's you now integrating what you believe about yourself, your mindset, your attitude, your values, your vision, your belief system, integrating all these components of what makes you you, and start living it out If we claim that this is who we are in Jesus Christ, not just based on words, but let it be based on practice, that I am a child of God. I am adopted. I am God's workmanship. Start living that out. That's when you will know that you are authentic in Christ Jesus. You don't have to please anybody Because, number one, you know who you are and you are living out who you are. That makes you authentic.
Speaker 1:Father God, I thank you, lord, for your word. Lord, at times we quote scriptures that I am a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a special people. I am a special people. I am a new creation. These are all powerful descriptions but, lord, help us to truly believe what we say about ourselves based on your word. No matter our current situation or our past should not define who we are. God, any thoughts or words that we have spoken on ourselves.
Speaker 1:God, that has made us to believe to who we are, that has made us to disregard who we are, because Jesus constantly asks his disciple who do people say that I am? Not because he had identity crisis. He was just trying to ensure his disciple have a positive view of who he is, and then you were able to reveal to Peter you are the son of God. Lord, at times we struggle to know who we are, but you have not left us empty. You have given us your scripture that has the revelation of who we are, and we have just read about them, lord, that we are made in your image and likeness. Sin, our sins, will not define who we are. Yes, we do sin, but your grace has forgiven us. We are not sinners, but we are the righteousness of Christ Jesus. Lord, I just pray that, moving forward, every member of our primary ministry ministers, oh God, that God will just start seeing ourselves as what you think of us and believe it and act it out.
Speaker 1:Oh God, with or without favorable circumstances, with or without money, with or without the human ways that we identify ourselves. But, god, we just ask for that divine identity right now, especially for the young people at that stage in life. Oh God, identity crisis in high school Peer pressure. Heavenly Father, I just pray specifically, oh God, that God, they will conform to what the scripture says about them, that God, nothing evil will make them, oh God, to consent.
Speaker 1:Oh God, they will not consent, oh God, to these sexual preferences that they see in school. They will not consent to gangster life. They will not consent to holy fans life. Oh God, those lifestyle, oh God, they look so pleasant, they look so it brings money. But God. That is not who they are. They are righteous, they are holy. They are the virtuous men and women in Christ Jesus. I just pray that, god, you give them that strong spirit, oh God, to resist any other false human way of identity. Oh God, and let them be anchor their identity in Christ Jesus. Oh God, we thank you, lord, and we believe that you have done this In Jesus' precious powerful name. We have prayed Amen.
