1. Valuing Our Place of Honor PT3: E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY G ALATIANS 4:1-7 M ATTHEW 4:1-11

2. Heb 12:23- We are called the… “Church of the firstborn who names are written in heaven.” E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY

3. The major thing you inherit as the Firstborn Child is: A Birthright E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY

4. The Birthright In short, a birthright is the “spiritual blessing” imparted to the firstborn so that he could succeed in the mandate that was placed upon him The “Birthright” was the credential required in order to claim your rights and privileges as a Firstborn child. These credentials were not tangible ….but spiritual and could only be acquired through the laying on of hands by your father. E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY

5. What is an Heir? One who inherits

6. E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY OUR INHERITANCE The same rights, privileges and power as Jesus – John 14:12- Rev 2:26 – Matt 21:21- Rev 20:4 – Mark 16:17- 2Tim 2:12 – Luke 10:17 The Kingdom of God with all its benefits in Heaven & Earth – Matt 18:18- James 2:5 – Matt 16:19- Matt 5:3-12

7. E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY As an Heir into the Kingdom of God: Our conduct should reflect OUR IDENTITY as Heirs, because… We are Royalty

8. E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY The Holy Spirit as a Royal Advisor Guides UsJohn 16:13 Teaches UsPs 143:10 Reproves usJohn 16:8 Directs the way of GodlinessIsa 30:21/Ps139:7- 10 Constantly verifies our IdentityRom 8:16

9. E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY What is “IDENTITY THEFT” This is when someone Hi-jacks your identity for personal gain

10. E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY “Stolen Identity” For the last ten years Princess Elisa Carolina Casaretto Borghese has been a virtual prisoner in her own palatial residence in Genoa, Italy. Heiress to a million dollars, the 77-year-old Princess was mesmerized by a certain Baron Waldemar Von Hoyningenp-Huene, who along with an Italian woman, moved into the Princess’ apartment. The Princess was forced to live miserably in a servant room adjoining the apartment, a small, dirty place without even an electric light. When neighbors began to notice the Princess’s threadbare clothes and torn stockings and to hear her beg for a little money, they reported the matter to the police, who then uncovered the whole strange story.

11. E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY Said the Princess: “At first they moved into my home as friends, and then became strangers, and I didn’t know how to get free.” She gradually came to believe that she was poor and that she had to do whatever the baron said, but she couldn’t explain why she felt so intimidated. “They gave me a drip-drip-drip feeling that nothing would last, that nothing would endure,” the old woman sighed. Now back in her apartment, the old Princess is trying to begin life anew. “Now that I know they were evil, I can’t stop wondering how they got control of me. It’s been a nightmare, and now I am free.” —Prairie Overcomer

12. E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY 1 st Temptation PURPOSE: (Since)If you are the Son of God…… You don’t deserve to suffer…EAT!! SOLUTION: …Man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the L ORD

13. E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY 2 nd Tempation PURPOSE: (Since)If you are the Son of God…… Have God Prove His Love to you…JUMP!!! SOLUTION: You must not test the L ORD your God

14. E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY 3 rd Temptation PURPOSE: Here’s the real deal…..(Son of GOD?!?!) There’s no need to continue suffering for that spiritual Kingdom. If you “honor” me with a simple BOW you can have your Kingdom NOW!!

15. Sonship Through the Spirit The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs— heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Rom 8:16-17) The New King James Version. 1982 (1 Pe 4:12-17). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. The New King James Version. 1982 (Ro 8:16-17). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY

16. Suffering for God’s Glory 12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? (I Pet 4:12-17) E MBRACING O UR I DENTITY