New Creation — New Identity

New Creation. New Identity

When we come to know the Lord in our hearts, change begins to take place. For some, that change seems to happen quickly; for others, it is a slower process. However, the important thing is that we are all moving forward and being transformed from the inside out. The Word of God describes believers as a new creation.

We are no longer defined by who we once were, but by who we now are in Christ. As we walk with Him, we learn to live out our new identity and grow into the person God has called us to be. Therefore, the Christian life is not about trying harder to become someone new; it is about learning to walk in the reality of what God has already made us in Christ.

Foundation

2 Cor 5.17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has

reconciled us to

Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

What Happens Next

Col 3.1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Old Man –

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

New Man –

10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Character of the New Man

12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.] The old man was characterised by pride, anger, selfishness, bitterness, unforgiveness, and rebellion.

The new man is characterised by mercy, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, love, and peace. These are the clothes of the new creation that believers are commanded to put on daily. The phrase “put on” is important and uses the simple language of clothing. Just as we choose what clothes to wear each morning, believers are to consciously put on the attitudes, character and mindset of Christ every day.

Simple Picture

Being born again and putting on a new identity is like changing vehicles for the journey ahead. It is an internal change. The old vehicle, rusty, slow, broken down, and no longer fit for the road, has been taken to the scrapyard. You have stepped out of it, and now it is being crushed, destroyed, and completely dismantled.

You cannot go back to it. Yes, you still have memories from that old vehicle. Some are good, and some are bad. But now you have been given a brand-new vehicle. Whether you picture a Mercedes, Ferrari, Porsche, or a 4×4 Jeep, the point is that it has new capabilities, a new purpose, and a new future.

In the same way a new creation has a new identity and a new nature that you are learning how to live in this new life. Baptism is a picture of old life being buried. The old man has gone down into the water and has died. God is saying, “Do not go back to what has already been put to death.

There is nothing there for you. You may look the same on the outside, but inside changes are taking place

Who Is The New Identity?

The new identity is modelled on Jesus Christ. We are to grow to be like Him. John tells us “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.] This requires action and movement, remember the Holy Spirit comes to live in us to help us each day grow in our new identity.

We start to do new things, have new thoughts, make new plans, we get bolder, more confident, we start to transform because we are changing on the inside first. Like we mentioned last week briefly, you were saved for a reason not by accident but to give Glory to God.

What We Do. Is Not What We Are

So the baker bakes bread, the mechanic fixes the car, and the cook prepares the food. The prisoner languishes in prison, their actions define and label them. This is what they do or did, but this is not who they are. Your actions define you when you have no identity. [ Prison testimony] [Jesus asked a similar question to the disciples

Matthew 16:13 Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” ¹⁴So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” ¹⁵He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” ¹⁶Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Who Am I

The new identity we have received is modelled on Jesus Christ. So we were made the sons and daughters of God. We are to grow-up to be like Him, not merely in what we say, but in how we live. Our lives should reflect His character and His ways. [ Stadium Vision, something exciting is happening.

God was calling me to a life in the Spirit ]

Grow in New Identity and Purpose

1 Ask the Lord first. Prayer and Fast 2 Get closer to the Holy Spirit. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit [Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 3. Move under the unction (or anointing) of the Spirit. [1 Cor 2.9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. 4.

Be brave, be bold, take chances in God, start to follow Him. Just like the early disciples. 6. Trust His leading Don’t try to figure it out with the natural mind. It won’t make sense. Renewal your mind, just means just to believe God not matter what 7.Be Obedient – do as He asks or leads you.

Your Identity will produce it purpose. The reason you were saved and the good works He has prepared for you to walk in