Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, January 28, 2024

Embrace Your New Identity

Today, Pastor Michael is continuing the study of Ephesians, a letter of instruction given to believers by Paul.  Paul talks of the old person versus the new person in Christ.  The challenge before you is to embrace your new identity.

Paul is stating here that you will have times when the old you comes back, and it will take focus to live your life in a new way.  Seek the Lord in prayer to help you in understanding this.

King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes,  said the world is empty, coming from a man with everything he could ever want.  Indulging yourself doesn’t leave you happy, at least not in the long run.  Solomon said, fear God and keep His commandments.  That is where you will find joy!  Something has to change inside us, which is the new you!

Ephesians 4:21-24 (CSB Bible Notes) Paul pictures the truth totally in terms of the Messiah, who is the way, the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6). 4:22-24 The apostle often described who believers already are, while also pointing to what they should strive to become. The practical paradox is that while freedom from sin’s eternal penalty is already ours, freedom from the former way of life (a life of sin) comes only through our daily quest for obedience and purity. These are lifestyle commitments that every believer is called to make.

Verses can be found in Ephesians 4: 20-24 and Ecclesiastes 12: 13.

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.