Scripture References: Ephesians 1:3-10; Galatians 4:8-11; Titus 2:13-15; 2 Timothy 1:7; Exodus (narrative)
Intro: Welcome to this sermon exploring the crucial question, "Who am I?" We often adopt worldly labels (the smart one, the provider, the good parent), leading to a rollercoaster of pride and despair, and constant exhaustion. The Gospel offers glorious, secure, life-changing identities rooted not in our efforts, but in who God is and what He has done through Christ. Today, building on being "holy" and "adopted," we examine the identity of being "Redeemed."
Key Points:
- The Problem with Worldly Labels: They create instability, foster pride when we succeed, and despair/condemnation when we fail. They are exhausting to maintain.
- The Gospel Solution - New Identity: The good news provides lasting identities based on God's actions. We focus first on God, His work, and who He declares us to be, which then empowers how we live.
- Redemption Defined (Eph 1:7): To be set free from slavery at a price – through the blood of Jesus Christ.
- Recognizing Our Slavery (Gal 4:8): Before Christ, we were enslaved. Even as Christians, we can unknowingly slip back into subtle forms of bondage:
- Control: Leads to worry, anxiety, anger when things are out of control.
- Comfort: Seeking pleasure/avoiding pain keeps us from embracing the cross and growth.
- Approval: Being controlled by fear of man and people-pleasing.
- Power: Driven by comparison, envy, or status divorced from God.
- Jesus: The Radically Free Man: He wasn't enslaved by these needs. His life demonstrates the freedom redemption offers. Grace empowers us to live differently, not excuses us from it.
- Redemption Illustrated (Exodus): Israel's liberation from Egyptian slavery through Moses pictures our greater redemption from sin's bondage through Christ's obedience and sacrifice.
- What Redemption Practically Means (Titus 2:14-15):
- You Belong to God: You are "His very own." This deep security frees you from needing human approval. Your value is established vertically in Him, not horizontally by others.
- You Are Made Bold: Security in belonging to God breeds confidence. It replaces timidity and fear (of man, failure) with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7). This boldness empowers us to challenge, encourage, forgive, stay calm, and be authentic.
Conclusion: Stop striving under the weight of worldly labels. Embrace your true identity in Christ: you are Redeemed. You belong entirely to a loving Father who paid the ultimate price for you. This profound security sets you free from the need for worldly approval and empowers you with divine boldness to live freely and powerfully, reflecting Jesus. Remember: We are saved by the Lamb, but we walk with the Lion.
Call to Action: Identify one area (control, comfort, approval, power) where you feel enslaved. Meditate on the truth that you belong to God. Ask Him to replace fear with boldness rooted in that security. Take one small, bold step this week that reflects your freedom in Christ.
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