Our Identity Conference 2024 | Part 1

Duane Sheriff Ministries - Messages

In this message, Duane teaches that we are all born with a fallen identity because of sin entering the world. Many people struggle with their fallen identity and try to pretend to be something they are not. Others have had false identities imposed on them by family or society. The world also tries to confuse people's identities for its hidden agendas and purposes.

However, when we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we receive a brand new identity as God's children. This identity is not based on our physical body or external circumstances but on our reborn spirit. The Bible teaches that when we accept Christ, we are crucified, buried, and raised with Him to new life (Galatians 2:20, Romans 6). Our old sinful self died with Christ, and we are made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Understanding this new identity in Christ is extremely important because it connects us to our true purpose in life. When we know who we really are in Christ, it gives us a passion to live for Him. Our identity sets the course for how we think, feel, and act. Just as Jesus was attacked about His identity as the Son of God, Satan also tries to confuse believers about who they are in Christ. The devil wants to derail us from living out our God-given identity and purpose.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that believers must regard themselves and others based on this new spiritual reality, not on external appearances (2 Corinthians 5:16). Though we live in physical bodies, our true life is hidden in Christ. Colossians 1:27 calls this the "mystery" that Christ actually lives inside those who follow Him!

Just as we use mirrors to see our physical appearance, we must use the Bible as a mirror to see our true spiritual identity. As we renew our minds according to the truth of God's Word, we experience the power of becoming who we already are in Christ. Though it is ultimately a spiritual mystery, knowing our new creation identity is the key to living with passion and purpose for God's glory.