Who We Are In Christ
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.” (James 1:1, ESV)
Pastor Abel’s sermon on this passage is titled, “No Longer My Own”.
James calls himself the “servant” of God in the above passage, but a more literal translation of the Greek word is “slave.” The New Testament uses many words to define and describe the multifaceted reality of our new identity in Christ. Here are some of them:
- Slave (Romans 6:22, 1 Corinthians 7:22, Ephesians 6:6, 1 Peter 2:16). This word is used to compare our old life of slavery to sin, to our new life in Christ. Because we have new hearts as Christians, continuing to live in sin no longer appeals to us the way it used to. We have become obedient to God from our hearts. Slavery to God is true freedom, when understood in that light.
- Children (John 1:12, Romans 8:16–17, Galatians 3:26, 1 John 3:1). This word clearly shows how our new spiritual life comes from our Father. He saves us and adopts us into his family as children, showing the depth of his tender love for us.
- Saints (Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:2). This word highlights how we are seen in God’s eyes as holy and pure, spotless because of the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood. The stains of sin are gone forever.
- Disciples (Matthew 28:19–20, John 8:31, Acts 11:26, Luke 14:27). This is a more general word meaning follower. We are disciples, or followers of Christ. This communicates how our lives are defined, not by our own autonomous desires, but by living the way Jesus taught us to live.
As you read the New Testament you will find many more words used to describe who we are: sheep lovingly cared for by Jesus our shepherd, heirs with Christ, witnesses for Christ, branches connected to the vine who is Christ, warriors who put on the armor of God to stand against Satan, or athletes competing in a marathon of faith. All of these images are used to communicate the incredibly deep and rich reality of who we are in Christ. As you go about your week, let some of these words come to mind and encourage you to walk in newness of life.
Further Study
- Meditate on some of the references above. Which word stands out to you most?
- Book: The Christian Life by Sinclair B. Ferguson
Small Group Questions
- What is your initial reaction to being called a slave of Christ?
- How were you a slave of sin before salvation?
- How is slavery to God true freedom?
- Are there areas of your life that you have not surrendered over to God?
- How can we all embrace this identity and live it out this week?