How many times have you questioned the validity of the DNA strands that make up who you are as an individual? How often do you question if you were actually born because you think there may be a possibility that you just appeared from a vapor? How much time do you spend asking yourself if it really took a sperm and an egg coming together to create your being? I know these seem like ridiculous questions but there is a reason I am asking them. You probably never spend one ounce of mental energy contemplating any of these questions because you know the answers without even thinking about them.
But do you realize how much mental energy people spend on questioning their identity in Christ or they question whether they are actually saved, forgiven, and going to heaven? Others question whether God really speaks to His people today. Some question the validity of things like healing, speaking in tongues, the power to live life with the fruit of the Holy Spirit manifesting on a daily basis. These are just some of the things people question in regards to their identity in Christ! If we added up all the minutes Christians spend questioning their identity in Christ I believe the number would be an infinite amount because so many people struggle with thoughts about who they are in Christ.
I know these thoughts too well; for there was a time when I was one of those people. But not anymore! I spent a lot of time discovering and accepting my identity in Christ and I no longer ask these questions or similar questions, because I already know the answers. Do you realize that these questioning thoughts about our identity in Christ are the very thoughts that create uncertainty and cause us to waver in our faith? This affects our ability to spread the Gospel because we can’t offer a sure and certain faith; since we ourselves don’t believe it’s completely true. But God will grant wisdom to all who ask for it, so there is hope if you want to change. James 1:5 says, ““If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” So when a thought comes about your identity in Christ, all you have to do is seek God and He will give you the wisdom to understand it.
When He answers you it is important to believe it by faith! If you doubt because you are being moved by feelings and not by faith, James 1:6-8 tells us what will happen. It says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” It is my desire to see the manifestation of Christ operating at full capacity in the body of Christ. So the purpose of this devotional series, and the days following, is to build you up in your faith so you no longer question your identity in Christ. If this is not a new revelation for you, take it and begin to mentor others so they can begin to accept who they are in Christ. If it is new revelation, meditate on the Word until it becomes a deep seeded belief that you never question again.
Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Since this is true I am not going to write out all of the Scriptures for you. God desires to speak to you personally through His Word so I am going to give you Scriptures to look up. I want to encourage you to read each one out loud. Please take the time to meditate on them so you are filled with the fullness of the word God wants to speak to you. Over two days we will look at the foundational truths of what it means to be in Christ. Then in the following days I will teach you how to operate in the mindset of one whose identity is in Christ.
The following Scriptures are foundational truths that need to be accepted before you can begin to operate in the mindset of Jesus Christ:
1. I said yes to Jesus Christ. Does that mean I am God’s child? John 1:12-13
2. Does being God’s child mean I am saved and going to heaven? Romans 10:1-13, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 John 5:6-13, Colossians 3:3-4
3. Do I have to work to keep my salvation and place in heaven? Ephesians 2
4. Do I have peace with God now because I believe in Jesus? Romans 5:1-2
5. Does having peace with God mean I can speak openly and boldly with Him? Hebrews 4:14-16
6. Can I lose my salvation once I say yes to Jesus or do I have a guarantee? Ephesians 1:13-14
7. Sometimes I don’t feel complete. Are you sure I am complete in Jesus? Colossians 2:6-9
How do you feel now after hearing God speak His truth to you through His Word? For some these truths will be liberating and for others you may feel uncomfortable because they go against the beliefs you were raised with. If this is you it may take time for these truths take root; so please continue meditating on them until they do. Satan would like to steal the seed of God’s word from your heart, so be careful that you do not give him an inroad through doubt. If doubt begins to creep in ask God to grant you wisdom as we learned from James 1:5.
These foundational truths are where we begin to build on the solid foundation for operating as one whose identity is in Christ; so this is the most important step in becoming Christ like in our thoughts, words, and actions. If these questions are not resolved in our heart, it is impossible to move into taking action as one who operates in the mindset of Jesus Christ. As you meditate on these Scriptures denounce any lies you have believed in the past, in regards to your right standing with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind to the truth as you release any false beliefs you have held in regards to your salvation and right standing with God.
To be continued………
No comments:
Post a Comment