Just Like Jesus
Two of the biggest questions people are asking today are: Who am I, and what am I supposed to do? In this message, Pastor DaVon answers these questions and shows you how discovering who you are in Christ gives you identity, purpose, and direction for your life.
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Notes
Acts 19:13-16
Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
Do you know who you are?
Does the spiritual world know who you are?
If you don’t know who you are, life will beat you up.
We live in a culture where people are trying to experiment with who they are.
The culture we live in says you are whatever you feel you are.
People are looking to feelings, experiences, relationships, careers, sexuality, politics, social media, and other people’s opinions to answer one of life’s most fundamental questions: Who am I?
Society says, “Find yourself.”
Scripture says, “Find yourself in Christ.”
Identity is how you see yourself
Identity provides purpose.
Who does God say you are?
New Creation:
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Born Again:
1 John 5:4 AMP - For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God].
Complete in Him:
Colossians 2:8-10 - Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
No lack, no deficiency, no inadequacy, no loss, nothing missing in Him.
If you are complete in Him, then you don’t have to look outside of Him to discover who you are.
Common question: Who am I and what am I called to do?
Romans 8:28-30
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
All things work together, not some things.
God works them together for good, not in isolation.
Called - invited; divinely selected and appointed
His Purpose - the reason you exist
God is the author of our salvation
Foreknew - Knew beforehand
Predestined - Prepared beforehand
Conformed - to be like
Image - picture, resemblance
Justified - declared righteous or right standing with God
Glorified - to bless, celebrate or cause to shine
"Just like Jesus" means showing the same qualities and behaviors that Jesus demonstrated
You are called to look like Jesus.
God is using every situation in your life to shape you to look more like Jesus in character, conduct, and compassion.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Your identity changed at the cross.
The person you used to be no longer exists.
The person you want to be no longer matters.
Paul no longer lived for himself.
Your source of identity must shift from yourself to Christ.
Paul’s personality, gifts, and experiences remained, but Christ became the source of his identity.
His ego and plans were crucified.
You don’t run your life anymore. You don’t call the shots any longer.
Panera story, maybe?
Your new identity is in Christ, through Christ, and for Christ.
Jesus isn’t just the One you believe in. Jesus is the One who tells you who you are.
God is shifting your mindset. No longer will you think about your purpose for life, but you will only consider His purpose for your life.
The more time you spend with Jesus, the more you discover who you were recreated to be.
Acts 17:28 TPT
It is through him that we live and function and have our identity…
Understanding your identity in Christ brings deeper meaning and fulfillment to your life.
Your identity in Christ helps you navigate life with a sense of purpose and confidence.
Who are you? You are someone in whom Christ lives.