Christ In You: Your Identity in Him Colossians 1:1-2

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Author Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:1 – Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother Prison Letter Prison Letter – From Rome – House arrest

How do you identify yourself? A Christian should never struggle with an identity crisis. Notice Paul’s introduction.

Are you familiar with Paul’s conversion? It’s an incredible story!

Saul of Tarsus Saul is Paul’s pre-conversion name. Saul is Paul’s pre-conversion name. Jew Jew Tribe of Benjamin Tribe of Benjamin Educated at the feet of a rabbi Educated at the feet of a rabbi Thoroughly versed in the Law and Prophets Thoroughly versed in the Law and Prophets Pharisee Pharisee Persecutor of the Christian church Persecutor of the Christian church Roman citizen Roman citizen Tentmaker Tentmaker

Saul’s conversion came down to one issue: Was Jesus of Nazareth the Christ sent from God the Father?

Saul grew up with Saul grew up with – The knowledge of One Creator God – The reality of sin as a violation of God’s Law – Scripture – A passion to please God – The hope of the Messiah – Confidence in life after death

Adult Conversion Acts 7:58 Acts 7:58 – And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. Acts 8:1 Acts 8:1 – And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church….

Saul the Hater Acts 8:3 Acts 8:3 – As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Acts 9 Saul’s Conversion

Paul Did not have to be convinced Did not have to be convinced – There is a God. – He was a sinner. – He needed forgiveness. – Reality of Heaven or hell.

Conversion Was Jesus of Nazareth dead or the resurrected Lord?

What was the lie Saul believed? Matthew 28:11

Matthew 28:11-13 Matthew 28:11-13 – Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. – And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

Matthew 28:14-15 Matthew 28:14-15 – And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Saul’s Eyes Were Blinded to the Truth. The Prince of this world kept Saul’s eyes blinded to the truth.

Acts 9:3 – And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 2 Corinthians 4:4 – In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Conversion Now this powerful encounter with the risen Lord changes everything!

Chosen Vessel Acts 9:15 Acts 9:15 – But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel Acts 14:14 Acts 14:14 – He is referred to by Luke as an apostle.

Apostle Apostle – One sent on a mission – One of the 12 original disciples and Paul – The highest ecclesiastical official in some church organizations Biblically, a true apostle must have received his call from and have seen the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. Biblically, a true apostle must have received his call from and have seen the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Identity Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:1 – Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God Romans 1:1 Romans 1:1 – Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God

Where do you get your identity? mother, husband |officer, manager, Ranger politics, American | Baptist, Methodist body/appearance | automobile stockbroker | doctor, dentist secret organization | children

My Identity Colossians 1:1-2 Colossians 1:1-2 – Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, – To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: – Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“In Christ” 2 Corinthians 5:17 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: – old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Disciples of Christ Acts 11:26 Acts 11:26 – And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. At this point their identity is completely wrapped up in the person and work of CHRIST. At this point their identity is completely wrapped up in the person and work of CHRIST.

Matthew 28:19-20 Matthew 28:19-20 – Go ye therefore, and teach [make disciples] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost Make Disciples Make Disciples – Fully-functioning followers of Christ

My Premise Fully-functioning followers of Christ are men or women who have found their primary identities in life in the person and work of Christ. They are in Him and He is in them! They need nothing more to give them fulfillment.

Look at Col 1:1-2 What is the practical outworking of finding one’s identity “in Christ”?

Discipleship Fully-functioning Follower I am in Him and He is in me!

#1 Worship Followers of Christ Followers of Christ – Worship Jesus as the Christ Individually Individually Corporately Corporately – A stony heart has been replaced with a heart from God

#2 The Word of God In mature disciples of Christ In mature disciples of Christ – The Bible is authoritative. – Decisions are made according to God’s Word. – A Biblical worldview is developing in their minds.

#3 Work Fully-functioning followers of Christ Fully-functioning followers of Christ – Use their spiritual gifts in the body of Christ. – Give their time to the work of the Lord. – Contribute financially to the Kingdom. – Actively participate in ministry.

#4 Witness Followers of Christ Followers of Christ – Silently proclaim that Jesus is Lord with their lives. Fruit of the Spirit Fruit of the Spirit – Involve themselves in world missions. – Reach out to unchurched, lost friends, neighbors, and associates with the gospel.

At the Judgment Seat Do you suppose anyone will regret building his identity around his relationship with Christ?