WHO ARE WE?
December 23, 2001 AM
Sermon Outline
1 Cor 12:27
INTRO: Identity is one of the great needs of humanity. If one is not secure in his identity, he is bound for insecurity and discontent. If one is not secure in his identity, he is without the foundation of history or a sense of profound purpose. To Christians I would say that not knowing who we are contributes to spiritual instability and doctrinal gyrations. Knowing who we are and appreciating who we are goes far to promoting faithfulness. I propose that one of the causes of ancient Israels repeated unfaithfulness was her failure to remember who she was! Who are we?
I. WE ARE SAVED PEOPLE
A. Mk 16:16 We have believed and have been baptized
1. here is something I can know
2. I can know it because scripture confirms it
3. I do not live my life wondering ... or waiting for some sign from God ... its in the book
B. Saved people need to live like it
1. Rom 6:1,2 makes the issue clear!
2. knowing we are saved people removes all other life options ... specifies our lifestyle
3. Titus 2:11,12 here is my course of life because of who I am!
II. WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD
A. Rom 8:16 What His Spirit instructed we have done
1. here, again, is something I can know
2. the Holy Spirit of God has given us the scriptures - words have meanings - by comparing what I have done to the God breathed scriptures I can know
3. I have no doubt, then, who my Father is ... God
B. That certainly brings responsibility as a child
1. I cannot justify misbehavior, folly on the basis of my being uncertain about my parents identity
2. I know, thus, I act, behave: Eph 5:8,10
3. my Father has not left me to guess His expectations
III. WE ARE THE BELOVED OF GOD
A. 1 Jno 4:8-11 I know it because of the cross!
1. words are so easy to say ... the real meaning is in the actions behind them
2. so, behind His words is the cross and Jesus death
3. He has proven beyond any doubt His love for me
B. His loving us has constraints on us
1. 1 Jno 4:19 here is how John put it - reasonable!
2. 1 Jno 5:3,4 now, he tells us that loving God in return is constraining
3. no identity crisis ... I know He loves me ... but am I living to the potential of a beloved child of God?
IV. WE ARE SERVANTS OF GOD
A. Rom 6:22 I know this because of scriptures affirmation
1. notice Rom 6:17,18 I obeyed; I was freed; I became
2. I have no reason to wonder to Whom I owe allegiance
3. so many people seem unclear about their purpose, their mission ... to whom they owe loyalty
B. My being Gods servant has attendant obligation
1. note the last part of Rom 6:22 - ye have your fruit ...
2. Gods servants are not known by uniform or flag ... but by the manner of their lives ... righteousness
3. we cannot be Gods servants and choose a life disloyal to His expectations
CLOSE: There is no reason to wonder who we are. And there is every reason for the knowledge of who we are to guide and direct our lives. If there is any confusion here, it is truly inexcusable. 2 Cor 5:14,15.
Cecil A. Hutson
23 December 2001