Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: 1 John 4:17
As Christians, we find our identification in Jesus Christ. He became as we are that we might become as He is.
1 John 4:17 says, “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.”
Our identification with Christ is a powerful truth; we are spiritually united with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. As a result, we are also united with Jesus in His victory.
Adrian Rogers says, “I’m not merely with Jesus on the cross; I have walked out of that empty tomb with Him.”
The Bible also proclaims that our identification with Christ is very present and practical.
- His wisdom is our wisdom. “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God…” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
- His joy is our joy. In John 15:11, Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
- His sorrow is our sorrow. “...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death…” (Philippians 3:10).
- His friends are our friends. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “...as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
- His enemies are our enemies. “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18).
- His purpose is our purpose. In John 20:21, Jesus implores, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
- His authority is our authority. In Matthew 21:18-20, Jesus says, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…”
- Finally, His future is our future. “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).
When we took Jesus as a heavenly bridegroom, He became one with us, that we might become one with Him.
Apply it to your life
Do you find your identification in Christ? Dwell on these verses and ask the Holy Spirit to confirm this truth in your heart today.
