Knowing the Depths of Me :: Week 5 & 6

March 18, 2007

Verses: 1 John 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Romans 8:17; 1 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 5:17; Romans 6:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Phil 3:7-9; 1 Cor 1:30; 2 Cor 5:17; Colossians 3:4; Gal 2:20; Romans 6:23; Romans 12:2; Phil 4:8; Col 3:2-3; 2 Cor 10:5; Eph 4:22-24; Psalm 13; John 11:32 - 43; Luke 22:39 - 46

This week, we learned about embracing the TRUTH of who we are in Christ, and about the dangers of falling back into bondage (and how to avoid it!)

Part 1: Embracing the TRUTH of who you are in CHRIST

There are many things that try to determine our identity. The world's expectations attempting to drown you will never stop trying to bring you to death. But, understanding who you are in Christ can determine if you live your life in victory or defeat!

What determines your identity?

Birth:
In your spiritual birth, you received life from Christ. You can't change that life by what you do! It is who you are!

A Gift:
You receive HIS life as your life and HIS identity as your identity.
His righteousness, His perfection, His holiness.
Receive the gift and walk in the reality of the truth!

The bottom line is - your righteousness is not in what you do - it's who you are!
*1 John 1:3
(remember the Lion King clip? With Simba, and Mufasa appearing in the heavens? Who you are is based on WHOSE you are... and YOU are a child of The King!)

How do we find our value?
We ask our appraiser- GOD!
Ask him "How much am I worth?"
He will reply- "I love you, I cherish you, I value you. To me, you are worth the life of my precious perfect son- Jesus Christ. That is your value. That is what you means to me!"

What is the reality of your new identity in Christ?
You have been declared righteous - that is who you are!
You can now rest in the fact of who you are and stop trying to be somebody that you already are!
You can risk railure and rejection, because they no longer determine who you are.
What others see as a jumbled mess of flaws and inadequacies, God sees as an opportunity to show His strength and perfection!
You never have to doubt whether or not you stand acceptable before God.
Because the Almighty God has accepted you, you now can start to accept yourself and those around you.

You have been declared a righteous child of God!
Now BE to DO - (not do to be!)

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Part 2 - Dangers of falling back into bondage

How do we live in victory, when we don't always feel it? There's a quote that says "Truth is what God says regardless of how you feel." Feelings will come and go, but the truth is what stands. We must walk in the truth regardless of our feelings!

Facts about feelings:
- Feelings are neither true nor false, right or wrong. They are just feelings.
- Feelings cannot determine fact or fiction.
- Feelings follow belief systems or what you believe to be true.
- You can't change your feelings, just your thoughts.

How do I deal with my feelings?
- Accept your feelings. Don't be ashamed of them. Even Jesus had feelings! Even He got emotional! (see some of those last few verses for proof!)
- Face your feelings. Talk about them.
- Set your mind on truth.

Key Point: TRUTH is what God says, regardless of how I feel.

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In closing -
Remember that God has designed you with characteristics and personality to touch His heart in a way that no other human being has ever been able to do. He isn't tolerating you, He isn't "putting up with you", He is pursuing a relationship with you! Forever you will make Him ECSTATIC!

bottom line-
God is ultimate.
He wants what is ultimately best for you.
The very best he can offer is Himself. His life.
Therefore - as God's chosen and holy people with an inheritance that will never spoil, perish, or fade live as who He created you to be.
Proclaim His Greatness!


(if you missed Week 5&6 and would like the workbook, contact me [Ericka] and I’ll get you a copy!)