Our Identity In Christ
“Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ” Ephesians 3:8
Series: Ephesians: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Formation
Devotional: 2 of 7
Last week, we launched a new series where, together, we will marinate on the Apostle Paul's words to the Church at Ephesus, considering carefully how God might want to transform our identity, our relationships, and our way of life.
We are living in a cultural moment where so many are navigating their earthly existence under a cloud of confusion when it comes to their identity. Daily, they stumble from moment to moment in a daze, lacking a clear understanding of who God created them to be, the intimate relationship He desires to have with them, and His purposes for them both in this life and the life to come.
Who am I, they wonder? How did I become the person I am today? What is my purpose here on this earth, and was I made for something more? So many questions disconnected from any real sense of Truth.
For those who are far from God, Paul's words are an invitation overflowing with hope. Hope for a life connected to the One who can transform their fractured identity from the inside out.
And for those who are in Christ Jesus, there is much that we can learn about our identity in Him, if we are willing to immerse ourselves in God's Word, reading and rereading the Apostle's letter to the Ephesians.
To his original audience, Paul speaks these words of life over their new identity in Christ:
You are "saints who are faithful to Christ Jesus." (See Ephesians 1:1)
You are "citizens with the saints" and "members of the household of God." (See Ephesians 2:19)
You are "members of the same body" and "sharers in the promise." (See Ephesians 3:6)
You are "beloved children" and "children of light." (See Ephesians 5:1, 8)
Additionally, there is much that we can learn about our identity in Christ from how Paul portrays himself throughout his letter. An apostle, a prisoner, and a servant for Christ Jesus are just a few of the ways he describes himself. From these words, we see a willingness to lay down his life for the sake of others and the advancement of the Gospel.
In Ephesians 3:8, Paul models a posture of humility, declaring that he is "the very least of all the saints." As apprentices of Christ Jesus, our identity should be that of a humble servant. One who seeks to live out Jesus' example when he said "the last will be first, and the first will be last." (See Matthew 20:16)
As you go, take time in the quiet place this week to wrestle with the following questions. If you were to let God peel back the layers of your soul, what would you find? What would you uncover about your identity? And what would you discover about how you see yourself, how you see God, and how you see others?
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
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