Introduction : I have traveled to many countries in Africa. I felt so sorry to see their poverty and undeveloped societies. It seemed like a remote possibility to make their individuals and nations rich. However, there is a way. We cannot make them rich just by sending them the temporary necessities of life. Their identity and status needs to be changed. This can be done through education. In a society like America that has many races, education can improve the lives of ethnic minorities and raise their identity. The Jews lost their country, and they were scattered all over the world for 2,000 years. Even though they were persecuted without their own country, they now live with high-class status, dominating the field of finance, education, and science, because they succeeded in the education of their children. In order to live victorious lives, we must be educated by the Word of God and comprehend our identity in Jesus. Unless we know our identity, we are like a house that is built on the sand and may easily stumble when we are put to the test. However, we can have strong, firm faith when we clearly understand our positive identity.
1. Jesus came in the identity of a human being 1) The first status of the first man Adam (1) The image and likeness of God (2) A ruler over every creature on the earth (3) A being created for immortality 2) The second status of the first man Adam (1) He died spiritually (2) He was judged ¨ç He lived under the curse of the earth ¨è He was sick and died ¨é He became a slave to sin and the devil (Ge 3:17-19) 3) Jesus came with the same identity as a human being (Jn 1:14, Heb 2:14-15) (1) He became a sinner even though He was sinless (Ro 8:3-4; 2Co 5:21) (2) He became one with sick humanity even though He was not sick (Mt 8:17) (3) He became one with the curse of humanity even though He was not cursed (Gal 3:13) (4) He was immortal but He died for humanity - He was crucified on the Cross, associated with us (Ro 6:6-7)
2. Our identity - we have been resurrected in Jesus (Ro 6:3-5) 1) We are righteous and glorious (Ro 8:2m 1Co 1:30) 2) We are godly and filled with the Holy Spirit (Tit 3:6-7, 1Co 6:11) 3) We are healed and free from sickness (1Pe 2:24) 4) We have received the blessing and prosperity of Abraham (1Co 8:9, Gal 3:9) 5) We have resurrection, eternal life, and heaven (Eph 2:4-6)
3. Our attitude of faith living with a changed identity (2Co 5:17) 1) Change your thinking (Pr 4:23, Ps 81:10, Mt 7:11) 2) Change your dream (Php 2:13, Ps 103:25, Eph 3:20) 3) Change your faith positively (Ro 10:17, 2Co 1:20, Mk 9:23) 4) Change your speaking (Mt 12:34, Pr 6:2, 18:21, 21:23) 5) Change your praying
Conclusion : After the terrorists´ attack in New York September 11, 2001, it is not possible to travel or to stay in any country in the world with an uncertain identity. Likewise, believers in Jesus cannot live victorious and successful Christian lives unless we are clearly assured of the new identity that we have in our Lord.
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