Sermon Notes-"Advent Equip: Identity in Jesus"

Introduction: Who am I? is one of the most important and deepest questions we each must answer.  Write down 3-5 words that describe who you are. We are going to look at identity from the world’s perspective, prophecies about Jesus’ birth, and then what it means for us.

Where-Our identity is influenced by our birth

·         World-I was born in the United States in Iola, KS. I grew up in Yates Center, a small town in Southeast Kansas. It was a rural community. My family was in the grocery business. I was mostly well behaved because my parents said if I ever did anything wrong that they would find out about it.  And that was true.  These things influenced who I was.  Your birthplace is different than mine so you were shaped in different ways (big city, urban, suburban) But we are also similar in that many of us were born in the United States.  If we were born in a different country, our identity would be different.

·         Jesus-Micah 5:2; Luke 2:4

o   Micah 5:2-But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah (Eph-rah-tah), who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (small in size & significance to Jerusalem)

o   Luke 2:4-And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

·         Us

o   You are a masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)

o   You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)

o   You are an ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20)

What-Our identity is influenced by our passions

·         World-I love things organized.  I enjoy planning trips and activities. I like numbers and business and accounting.  I like to read and work out.  I enjoy teaching. I enjoy working with kids.  I love the beach and ocean.

o   Lie-You are what you do.

·         Jesus-Isaiah 9:6-7

o   Isaiah 9:6-7-For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, …  ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

·         Us

o   You are reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

o   You are redeemed (Galatians 3:13)

o   You are righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21)

o   You are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9)

o   You are sealed (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

Who-Our identity is influenced by our name

·         World-I am Justin Langley Martin but have always been called J.L. I was the first to write my name in school. I am a Martin. I am alumni of Sterling College and Denver Seminary.  Names I answer to: son, husband, dad, pastor.

·         Jesus-Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 1:21

o   Isaiah 7:14- Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (God With Us)

o   Isaiah 9:6-and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

o   Isaiah 11:1- There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

o   Jeremiah 23:5-6-  “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. ⁶ In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’ (Yahweh Tsidqenuw)

o   Matthew 1:21- She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

·         Us

o   You are His Child (1 John 3:1)

o   You are Loved (1 John 4:9-10)

o   You are Not Condemned (Romans 8:1)

o   You are Chosen (Ephesians 1:4)

o   You are a royal priesthood & holy nation (1 Peter 2:9)

• Closing- Who we are shapes what we think and what we do! 
• Geiger, Kelley, and Nation describe it well: “As believers understand their identity, they are empowered by God to flesh out their identity in everyday life. Leaders who view discipleship through the lens of identity encourage and train people to live in response to the great identity God has given. Instead of beginning with behavior, leaders remind people of who they are in Christ. They connect the commands of God to the identity he secures for his followers, presenting obedience as the overflow of understanding and living the new nature Christ has given.” (DiscipleShift by Jim Putman)