A Reflection on Jim’s Sermon: About our Ture Identity
Identity is something most people spend a lot of time trying to figure out trying to answer the question who am I? In a powerful sermon, Jim delves into the profound significance of names bestowed by God and our identity as His children. At the core of his message is the exploration of the name “Jesus” itself, which means “God Saves.” In a world in desperate need of salvation, Jim emphasizes that Jesus embodies God’s promise to deliver us—a messiah, the anointed one, the one true king who calls us His children.
The Weight of Names: Jim draws attention to the transformative power behind the names God assigns to individuals. From Abram to Abraham, Saria to Sarah, and Jacob to Israel, these changes weren’t arbitrary but rather signified a divine purpose. Each alteration marked a turning point, a moment of trust or realization that led to a new identity and a deeper connection with God. However, there is one name that stands above all others—a name not spoken by any man, but by angels and prophets—the name Jesus.
The Unspoken Name: Jim underlines the uniqueness of the name Jesus, a name that was never uttered until one pivotal night when an angel appeared to a young lady. This divine messenger proclaimed a message of hope, declaring that she would conceive and give birth to a son, and His name would be Jesus. This momentous event signifies the entrance of God’s salvation into the world, an event so significant that the name was never spoken by any mortal until that divine revelation.
A Name Above Every Other Name: As Jim passionately asserts, the name Jesus surpasses all others. Unlike names changed by human experiences or realizations, Jesus’ name was divinely ordained, spoken by heavenly messengers. This name uttered with purpose, signifies more than a label—it encapsulates the very essence of God’s promise to deliver humanity. In a world grappling with challenges and seeking salvation, the name Jesus becomes a beacon of hope, a reminder of God’s enduring love and commitment to His creation.
Our Identity as His Children: Jim encourages us to reflect on the profound truth that, as believers, we are called God’s children. Just as God changed the names of individuals in the Bible for a divine purpose, our identity as His children is not arbitrary. It is a testament to our relationship with the Creator, a relationship built on trust, faith, and the understanding that we are part of a greater plan.
In Jim’s sermon, we are invited to contemplate the significance of names in the context of our identity as children of God. The name Jesus, meaning “God Saves,” serves as a powerful reminder of God’s promise to deliver us. As we navigate the challenges of the world, let us embrace our divine identity and take solace in the name that stands above every other—the name of Jesus, our savior and the embodiment of God’s unwavering love.
Understanding our identity in God as His creation and children is a foundational truth that can profoundly impact our lives. Here’s how this concept is beautifully woven through the Scriptures:
Created in God’s Image
From the very beginning, the Bible tells us that we are created in the image of God. In Genesis 1:27, it is written, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This means that each person carries a unique reflection of God’s character and attributes. Our identity is rooted in this divine image, giving every individual inherent worth and purpose.
Children of God
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, our identity takes on an even deeper dimension. John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” This adoption into God’s family is not based on our merit but on His grace and love. As His children, we are co-heirs with Christ, sharing in both His sufferings and His glory (Romans 8:17).
A New Creation
Being in Christ transforms us fundamentally. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Our past sins and failures do not define us; instead, we are given a new identity as redeemed and renewed individuals. This new creation status empowers us to live in a way that reflects our true identity in Him.
Chosen and Beloved
God’s love for us is profound and personal. Ephesians 1:4-5 states, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” Knowing that we are chosen and loved by God can give us immense confidence and security in our identity.
Purpose and Calling
Our identity in God also comes with a purpose. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” As His children, we are called to live out our identity through the unique talents and gifts He has given us, contributing to His kingdom and reflecting His glory in our daily lives.
Living Out Our Identity
Understanding our identity as God’s creation and His children shapes how we live. It calls us to a higher standard of love, compassion, and service. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Our lives become a testament to the transformative power of God’s love and grace.
Conclusion
Our identity in God as His creation and His children is a profound gift. It gives us worth, purpose, and a sense of belonging that the world cannot offer. As we embrace this identity, we are called to live in a way that reflects our Creator, demonstrating His love, grace, and truth in all that we do. Remembering who we are in Christ helps us navigate the challenges of life with confidence and hope, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by our Heavenly Father.
