How Are You Known?
Read the Text: Ephesians 1
Memorize the Text:
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. Bit if you are led by the Spirit, you are no under the law.
(Galatians 5:16-18, CSB)
Consider the Text: Ephesians 1:1-2
We identify with many things. For example, people find identity in the sports teams they cheer for or the activities they love to participate in. However, sometimes we miss identifying ourselves because we seek to lessen our mistakes or diminish our responsibilities. For the believer, a statement demonstrating such a mindset is, “I am a sinner saved by grace,” or “I am not perfect; I am not Jesus.” The apostle Paul opened his letter to the church in Ephesus by declaring how they are known by their identity in Christ. This challenges believers today to strive to be known in this manner.
THE IDENTITY OF SAINT
The modern idea of a saint refers to an individual who shows excellent holiness through holy work. Such a concept encourages believers to compare their works to that of others and often leaves them with a feeling of defeat. This ideology leads to some believers using phrases like “I am just a sinner saved by grace” to justify their actions in life. Unfortunately, this does not align with the biblical concept of a saint. All true believers are saints, not just those perceived as extra holy.
The term for a saint in the New Testament refers to believers who have been “set apart.” This term means one has been set apart and belongs to the Lord. In the moment of salvation, the believer pledges themselves to the Lord as their Master. Thus, the saint does not serve the Lord in perfection but in obedience. Believers identify as saints not because of perfection or a righteous life but because of a heart change resulting from a relationship with Jesus Christ. Today as believers, we need to identify with our sainthood and not the former sinful self.
THE IDENTITY OF FAITHFUL IN CHRIST
Paul used the descriptor faithful to identify those in a relationship with Christ. The concept of faithfulness points to a state of living faithfully to the Lord despite the struggles, pains, or mountaintops faced in life. The life of faithfulness builds a life on Christ, and every component of life rests on the person of Christ and their relationship with Christ. They serve in faithfulness because of the amazing grace experienced and the eternal gift gained in salvation. Thus, a mark of a transformed life is faithfulness.
Faithfulness remains an identifier of one in a relationship with Christ today. An authentic relationship with Jesus becomes noticed as one lives according to the will and ways of the Lord. When we consider our life, does the faithfulness present illuminate Jesus? Do people know us as followers of Christ because of our faithfulness to Him? As a follower of Jesus, we need to construct the entirety of life upon the foundation of Christ and demonstrate a life of faithfulness.
THE IDENTITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF GRACE AND PEACE
Believers do not deserve to be called saints but obtain that identity because of the grace of the Lord and experience the fullness of promise in sainthood because of Jesus. In Christ, grace declares that we receive what we do not deserve because it is unconditional. God’s grace does not depend on our worth but the work of Christ. As a result, we receive without merit. At the same time, we cannot force the hand of God to receive peace and grace because he chooses to offer and give freely. Thus, our identity in Christ occurs when we enter a relationship with Jesus but depends on the Lord completely.
How are you identifying in life? Are you trusting in the work and goodness of the Lord? Are you claiming the status of being set apart, or are you still identifying with the old sinful nature? God’s grace extends the gift of life that brings peace to you. He desires you to receive the offered gift and become set apart to serve Him in faithfulness. Will you identify and be known as a saint?
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
