{"id":395,"date":"2023-04-06T16:10:10","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T16:10:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=395"},"modified":"2023-04-06T16:10:10","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T16:10:10","slug":"redefined","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/redefined\/","title":{"rendered":"REDEFINED"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

REDEFINED<\/strong> –Discovering our identity in Christ!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Corinthians 5:17<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of you probably know the story well \u2014 but during her Adventures in Wonderland<\/strong>, the main character, Alice<\/strong> \u2014 came across a Caterpillar. And he asked her<\/strong>, \u201cWho are you?\u201d But, h<\/strong>er response was quite interesting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alice<\/em><\/strong> replied, rather shyly, <\/em>\u201cI\u2014I hardly know, sir, just at present\u2014at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong> <\/strong>\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d <\/em><\/strong>said the Caterpillar sternly. <\/em>\u201cExplain yourself!\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t explain myself, I\u2019m afraid, sir,\u201d <\/em><\/strong>said Alice, <\/em>\u201cbecause I\u2019m not myself, you see.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong> <\/strong>\u201cI don\u2019t see,\u201d <\/em><\/strong>said the Caterpillar.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid I can\u2019t put it more clearly,\u201d <\/em><\/strong>Alice replied very politely, <\/em>\u201cfor I can\u2019t understand it myself to begin with; and being so many different sizes in a day is very confusing.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simply put, Alice was having an identity crisis. Can any of you relate? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>If we\u2019re honest, I think there are many of us who find ourselves struggling like Alice<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think there are many of us who struggle to understand who we are \u2014 maybe for you it has been caused by a change in life. Maybe a mid-life identity crisis<\/strong>, or an empty-nest identity crisis<\/strong>, or an occupational identity crisis \u2014 but whatever the cause <\/strong>the problem reveals itself by a challenge to understanding who we are.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s for this reason that many people today create multiple identities of themselves<\/strong>. And, it\u2019s easy to do on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 So, maybe on FB<\/strong> we portray ourselves as being fun<\/strong>, and light-hearted<\/strong>, silly<\/strong>, family oriented<\/strong>, and passionate<\/strong>, or energetic<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 But then, on LinkedIn<\/strong>, we seem altogether different. On LinkedIn, we portray ourselves as  studious, or experienced, or business<\/strong> minded<\/strong>, or extremely<\/strong> driven<\/strong> and serious<\/strong>, sort of no-frills<\/strong>, more commanding<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever the case, it seems we struggle to really know who we are. So, we seek to fit in\u2014and be whomever it is we think will be best received and most liked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Somewhere along the line, we were taught that our true identity must be tied to our occupation or accomplishments, and so \u2014 our view of ourselves becomes deeply connected with our work, our careers<\/strong>, or our<\/strong> skills<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Still others have linked their identity in life to the hurt. Maybe you\u2019ve spent your lifetime being defined by your loss, or your<\/strong> pain<\/strong>, or some trauma<\/strong>, or failure<\/strong>. But you\u2019ve allowed those things to define you. And you\u2019ve become comfortable living out that identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, the truth is \u2014 none of those things really DEFINE<\/strong> us! That\u2019s not WHO WE ARE!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if I may \u2014 it seems like today (more than ever before) things like gender, and personality, and interests are the hot buttons of identity. So, what I want to talk with you about today \u2014 may be more relevant now than it\u2019s ever been. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know in the 1960<\/strong>\u2019s there was a generation of people who sought to \u201cdiscover themselves.\u201d<\/strong> But, today in the 2020<\/strong>\u2019s \u2014 that seems to be the<\/strong> quest of this generation as well. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And let me add, while most people are asking the right question<\/strong> \u2014 they are simply asking the wrong people.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Especially, for those who know Jesus. <\/strong>Because, our salvation changes everything!<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last Sunday<\/strong>, four people experienced salvation in our service. They surrendered their lives to Christ, and began a new journey in faith\u2026trusting in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul<\/strong> says, when someone comes to Christ<\/strong> \u2014 ALL THINGS CHANGE<\/strong>\u2026their life changes, their heart shifts, their relationship with God and others changes. Everything is new!  <\/strong>If you have your Bible, turn with me to 2 Corinthians 5<\/strong>. Beginning in verse 14 <\/strong>\u2014 it says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14 <\/em><\/strong>For Christ\u2019s love compels us, because we are convinced that <\/em>one died for all<\/em><\/strong>, and therefore all died. <\/em>15 And he died for all,<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>that<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>those who live<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>should<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>no longer <\/em>live<\/em><\/strong> for themselves but <\/em>for<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>him<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>who died for them<\/em><\/strong> and was raised again.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

16 <\/em><\/strong>So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. <\/em>17 <\/em><\/strong>Therefore,<\/em> if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:<\/em><\/strong> The old has gone, <\/em>the new is here! <\/em><\/strong>18 <\/em><\/strong>All this is from God, <\/em>who reconciled us to himself through Christ <\/em><\/strong>and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: <\/em>19 <\/em><\/strong>that <\/em>God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>not counting people\u2019s sins against them.<\/em><\/strong> And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. <\/em>20 <\/em><\/strong>We are therefore Christ\u2019s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ\u2019s behalf: Be reconciled to God. <\/em>21 God made him who had no sin <\/em><\/strong>to be sin<\/em> <\/em>for us, <\/em>so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Corinthians 5:14-21 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen again to the words of verse 17<\/strong>. Paul<\/strong> says, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

17 <\/em><\/strong>Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, <\/em>the new creation has come<\/em><\/strong>: <\/em>The old has gone<\/em><\/strong>\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul<\/strong> says unequivocally, that for those who have trusted in <\/em>Jesus<\/em><\/strong>,<\/em> we have a NEW IDENTITY.  <\/strong>We have been remade<\/strong>, reshaped<\/strong>, renamed<\/strong>, reclaimed<\/strong> \u2014 and our identity <\/strong>has been <\/strong>REDEFINED<\/strong>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, no longer are we defined by things, people, habits, <\/strong>our past, <\/strong>our present, <\/strong>our mistakes <\/strong>\u2014 nor our successes. <\/strong>Because of Jesus<\/strong> \u2014 and His work in us, who we are has been<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MESSAGE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SO, WHO DOES GOD SAY THAT WE ARE?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s sort of a reversal of the question we\u2019re familiar with. In Mark chapter 8<\/strong>, Jesus<\/strong> asked His disciples was \u201cWho do you say I am?\u201d<\/strong> But today,<\/strong> I want us to consider how God<\/strong> defines us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because, as Paul<\/strong> tells us in Ephesians 1:11<\/strong>,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/em>It\u2019s in Christ <\/em><\/strong>t<\/em>hat we find out<\/em> <\/em>who we are<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>and what we are living for.<\/em> Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, <\/em>he had his eye on us<\/em><\/strong>,\u2026(and)\u2026<\/em>designs on us<\/em><\/strong> for glorious living\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ephesians 1:11-12 (The<\/strong> Message)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, in Christ<\/strong>, we discover who we are and who we are destined to become! And if we look anywhere else to discover these things \u2014 we will miss the mark, <\/strong>be deeply mislead<\/strong> and be left with both confusion<\/strong> and disappointment<\/strong>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, who does God say that we are? Well, there\u2019s a wealth of descriptions throughout the Bible. But I believe there are three that stand out more than any other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the first is this \u2014 when it comes to WHO WE ARE<\/strong>, the BIBLE repeated tells us:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. WE ARE DEEPLY LOVED!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So many in our culture have a completely misunderstanding of who God is \u2014 and therefore are incapable of understanding who they are. One of the most important things in this life is to know God \u2014 and by that, to know His love for us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several years ago, a student in seminary class<\/strong> at one of our Christian Universities was struggling in his faith \u2014 and after hearing his professor proclaim the power of knowing God, the student stood to his feet and brashly announced, “I don’t believe in God!”<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After pausing for a moment to gain his thoughts, the wise professor, replied, \u201cTell me more. Describe for me, this God you don’t believe in?” <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And with that, the young man began to describe an incredibly angry and vengeful God, a God who acted unjustly and careless. He described the pain he had felt in life \u2014 and how he uncaring God must be if he were real, because from his perspective, God must be behind all things (including wickedness, wrath, pain, suffering, etc.). To his surprise, when he concluded \u2014 his wise professor confessed, “I don’t believe in that God either. My<\/em> God is a God of love.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hear me today, if you misrepresent the identity of God, you will also misrepresent the identity of man. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By nature, God is love. He doesn\u2019t just express or feel love \u2014 HE IS LOVE! And because of who He is, we (crafted for Him, and by Him \u2014 in His image), are also loved deeply by Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Jeremiah 31:3<\/strong> \u2014 God<\/strong> tells us,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.<\/em> <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing God loves us should change everything in our lives. It should turn our fear into peace, our doubt into faith, and our sorrow into joy. Not because of anything we have done, but because of our relationship to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many ways, we are like a little boy who loses his way and finds himself separated from his mother at the mall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

His immediate response is to look around, but all he sees is the business and stress and the mass of unfamiliar faces and spaces. With great panic he begins cry. Out of fear he calls out, \u201cMomma, momma, where are you.\u201d <\/em>When all of a sudden, he is found. His mother locates him, embraces him, and holds him in her arms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And almost instantly, the boys tears cease and his pounding heart calms down. But not because his surroundings are different \u2014 but simply because of the loving arms that hold him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you have someone who loves holding you, it doesn’t matter anymore what everyone else does or what the circumstances are or what the future holds. When you are held in the arms of God, you find solace and identity in His love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our true identity is only found in Christ! And that\u2019s because, in Christ \u2014 WE ARE DEEPLY LOVED! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, more than that\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. WE ARE COMPLETELY FORGIVEN!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forgiveness has always been God\u2019s plan. And that\u2019s because, sin has always been a part of humanity\u2019s propensity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And simply put \u2014 SIN MUST BE FORGIVEN<\/strong>\u2026as much as we may try, our SIN CANNOT BE MANAGED<\/strong>, HIDDEN<\/strong>, FIXED<\/strong>, or COVERED<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we may not be able to effectively deal with our sin, God<\/strong> certainly can. And did! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As verse 19<\/strong> states, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

19 <\/em><\/strong>\u2026<\/em>God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>not counting people\u2019s sins against them.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Corinthians 5:19 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understand, He didn\u2019t have to do it. But He did so \u2014 out of love. Therefore, His forgiveness is a product of His grace. <\/strong>And, through Christ<\/strong>, God completed His ultimate plan for our forgiveness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And it happened on the cross. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Paul<\/strong> says in Ephesians 1:7<\/strong>,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“In Christ we are set free by the blood of his death, and so we have forgiveness of sins. How rich is God\u2019s grace.\u201d  <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t you love that? WE ARE FORGIVEN! <\/strong>And it was ALL GOD\u2019S DOING! <\/strong>Not ours. As He says in Isaiah 43,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI, even I, am he who <\/em>blots out your transgressions<\/em><\/strong>, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaiah 43:25 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another version puts it this way, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am the One who erases all your sins\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaiah 43:25 (NCV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, through the sacrifice<\/strong> of Christ (on the cross) we\u2019ve been offered COMPLETE<\/strong> FORGIVENESS<\/strong>. The only question is, have you accepted that gift?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know who you are (IN CHRST<\/strong>), then know this \u2014 you are FORGIVEN! COMPLETELY FORGIVEN!<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why Paul<\/strong> says in Romans 8:1<\/strong>, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Romans 8:1 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know it\u2019s tempting to believe the lies of the DEVIL<\/strong>, and suppose<\/strong> (even after our salvation), that maybe God could change His mind about us. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe\u2026just maybe, He could rethink this whole COMPLETE FORGIVENESS <\/strong>thing. Maybe after all we\u2019ve done<\/strong>, and all we\u2019ve said,<\/strong> what all we\u2019ve thought<\/strong>\u2026maybe after the<\/strong> way<\/strong> we\u2019ve<\/strong> lived<\/strong>, or where we\u2019ve gone<\/strong>\u2026maybe, just maybe it is too much for Him to FORGIVE! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DEVIL<\/strong> would love for us to think like that \u2014 for us to feel shame<\/strong> and disgrace<\/strong>. And so, he often tries to bring up your past. He wants to remind us of our greatest sin and failure<\/strong>\u2026because he thinks if he can wound us emotionally,<\/strong> then he may be able to cause us to stumble spiritually. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don\u2019t let he do that! Don\u2019t let him cause you to feel shame over that which God has removed from your record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve given your heart to Christ, then don\u2019t be afraid of your past anymore.<\/strong> Move on! Because <\/strong>your past is gone! It no longer exists.<\/strong> It no longer stands against you. <\/strong>It\u2019s been FORGIVEN<\/strong>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And\u2026it\u2019s a lot like a story I recently came across about <\/strong>a couple of duck hunters, in Southern- Georgia<\/strong>. The two men were sitting low, in a blind \u2014 located in the middle of a dry field, in late January. They were just waiting for the light of day to break so they could begin hunting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But something was off that morning. And as they sat quietly, they began to smell smoke. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, it wasn\u2019t long before they could see the glow of fire <\/strong>and a cloud of smoke moving their way. <\/strong>With the growing sound of crackling timbers\u2026they realized <\/strong>the seriousness of the moment, and knew they couldn\u2019t out-run it. So with that, one of the men rifled through his pockets<\/strong> until he found a book of matches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He quickly began to build a small fire \u2014 and then fanned it along into the dry grass around them.  After a few moments, the fire had consumed a large portion of the field <\/strong>where they were sitting. Without hesitation, the two of them moved into the center of that charred ground. <\/strong>And hustled together awaiting the arrival of the larger fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After just a few minutes, the fire was upon them<\/strong>. They quickly covered their mouths<\/strong> with their shirts, and braced themselves for the worst.<\/strong> But, as the fire came near\u2014it skirted around them. Leaving them completely untouched by the flames. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s because, fire won\u2019t pass where it\u2019s already been.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way,<\/strong> we can\u2019t be held accountable <\/strong>for a debt that has already been paid. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Christ has FORGIVEN \u2014 He won\u2019t hold against you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you have confessed your sin and experienced SALVATION in Jesus\u2026then you are FORGIVEN\u2026COMPLETELY FORGIVEN!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if someone seeks to IDENTIFY YOU<\/strong>, tell them, YOU ARE ORGIVEN! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s Word teaches us that: <\/strong>WE ARE DEEPLY LOVED<\/strong>, <\/strong>WE ARE COMPLETELY FORGIVEN! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. WE ARE FULLY ACCEPTED!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people spend their entire lives trying to be accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We pick out clothes that we think will make us look good (so we are accepted). We drive cars that we think will impress others (so we are accepted). It seems like we live our lives trying to be accepted by the masses.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the Bible tells us \u2014 that\u2019s an act of futility.<\/strong> More than that, it\u2019s a reckless<\/strong> and hazardous<\/strong> hobby<\/strong>. Proverbs 29:25<\/strong> says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, <\/em>but if you trust the LORD, you are safe<\/em>.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proverbs 29:25 (GNT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s good news. It\u2019s what Paul<\/strong> was saying in 2 Corinthians 5:17<\/strong>, when he writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17 <\/em><\/strong>\u2026if anyone is <\/em>in Christ\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That phrase \u201cIn Christ\u201d <\/em>(or a version of it)), is used some 160 times <\/strong>in the New Testament.<\/strong> And it implies a complete embrace and acceptance<\/strong> of us<\/strong>, by God<\/strong> through Jesus<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pastor<\/strong> Steven<\/strong> Lawson<\/strong> writes, \u201cWhen you read\u2026<\/strong>that phrase \u201cin Him\u201d<\/strong> or \u201cin Christ\u201d<\/strong> (which is repeated over and over again). (It means)<\/em>, \u201cWe were chosen<\/strong> in Christ,\u201d and, \u201cWe were predestined<\/strong> in Christ.\u201d It goes all the way down to the Holy Spirit<\/strong>\u2014we are sealed by the Spirit <\/strong>in Christ\u2026His grace, His sufficiency, and the riches of His mercy are now available to me.\u201d BECAUSE WE ARE ACCEPTED! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have been accepted by God,<\/strong> <\/strong>solely on the basis on His <\/strong>goodness<\/strong>\u2014not our <\/strong>performance<\/strong>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus<\/strong> made us acceptable \u2014 and He did it, by His death. As Paul<\/strong> says in verse 21<\/strong>, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

21 God made him who had no sin <\/em><\/strong>to be sin<\/em> <\/em>for us, <\/em>s<\/em><\/strong>o that in him we might become<\/em><\/strong> the righteousness of God.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, that\u2019s acceptance. He took us, embraced us, welcomed us\u2026as we were! In our sin, but then changed by His power! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, Jesus<\/strong> bridged the gap between us and<\/strong> God<\/strong>. And doing so, He made us acceptable<\/strong>! FULLY ACCEPTABLE! <\/strong>This means, WE<\/strong> BELONG<\/strong>! And what a great feeling it is\u2014 to belong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love the way Paul<\/strong> described this to Titus <\/strong>(one of his young proteges). He said in Titus 3:7,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. <\/em>He made us acceptable to God<\/em> and gave us the hope of eternal life.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Titus 3:7 (CEV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What a liberating<\/strong> thought<\/strong> \u2014 I don\u2019t need the approval of others to be happy and content \u2014 because I\u2019ve got God\u2019s approval! He knows me, and sees me, and loves me\u2026just as I am. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The real question today is not \u2014 HAS GOD ACCEPTED YOU? <\/strong>But rather, HAVE YOU ACCEPTED GOD?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n