Our Identity in Christ

Identity – the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. – 1 Cor 15:3-10
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: – Gal 1:15-16
One thing we know for sure that the Apostle Paul did not struggle with or had no questions about was his Identity in Christ. He was also not foreign to or ignorant of God’s call upon his life. This is significant because he was one apostle who did not actually physically meet Christ. He easily considered himself the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called one and the last person that Christ appeared to. “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” he says in his writings to the Corinthians. And that grace was not in vain in his life as he took it as an opportunity to do more for Christ and be more like Christ.
Likewise, he projected that same confidence on his audience by constantly reminding them who they were called to be by His grace, which is in vast contrast from who they used to be.
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. – Rom 1:1-7
Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their’s and our’s: – 1 Cor 1:1-2
As Christians and followers of Christ, we confuse the world and suffer an identity crisis ourselves when we don’t realize who we are in Christ, who He has called us to be and then by extension, what He has called us to do.
(An identity crisis is one a period of uncertainty and confusion in which a person’s sense of identity becomes insecure,)

I’m hoping we can make a series out of this but today I would just like us to look at a few things about our calling as Christians.

Called to be Saints – 1 Cor 1:1-2 – This is easily the most important and most basic aspect of our call. We need to realize that though “…all have sinned” – Rom 3:23, we are not called to be sinners.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; – 1 Peter 2:9
Ephesians 2:1-5 contrasts our past life of sin with present life in Christ – but clearly spells out it is by grace we have been saved. Eph 2:8-9

Called to be Sanctified – 1 Cor 1:2, This is a call to be set apart and consecrated in holiness for God’s use and service.
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. – 1 Peter 1:15-16

Called to be Separate – We are called to live a separated life, to be in the world but not off the world – John 17:15-16, Rom 12:2
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. – 2 Cor 6:14-17
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; – Heb 7:26

Called to be Servants – This is vastly in contrast to what the world and what our culture teaches us – to exert ourselves, to get ahead no matter the cost, to show superiority and boss others around.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: – Matt 20:26-27

Called to be Samaritans – Luke 10:30-37 – You know the story of the man who fell among thieves and left for dead. You remember there was a Priest who passed by and then the Levite who looked, only the Samarithan showed sympathy and compassion.
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. – Luke 10:36-37

Called to be Students – We need to learn of Christ.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. – Matt 11:28-30
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; – Eph 4:17-23
Called to be a Soul winner – This is the heartbeat of God, the reason why Jesus died.
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. – Matt 4:18-19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. – Matt 28:19-20
When we think of our Calling as Christians, this is often what we focus on the call to evangelize and make disciples of all nations. But we need to realize that this call can only be fully realized after we have responded to the other calls.
It seems the church at Antioch got it right, but it was a process. They first had to overcome their biases:
And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. – Act 11:2-3
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. – v18

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. – v23

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: – v29

Little wonder, this is where the disciples were first called Christians
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. – Act 11:26

So as you think of yourself as a Christian, remember these 7 callings:
• Saint
• Sanctified
• Separate
• Servant
• Samarithan
• Student
• Soul-winner

But even if this is not your reality, He is calling you, and today, if you will hear His voice, please do not harden your heart – Heb 3:15, for He is still calling.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. – Rev 3:20