Identity: Looking at the crown.
Revelation 3:11-12 MSG “I’m on my way; I’ll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.
The boundless love of God our Father remains steadfast despite our personal insecurities.
KEY TEXTS – 1 Peter 2:9-10, Judges 6:11-16, John Chapter 21, Revelation 3:11-12
Our conversation began by exploring how God called Gideon, affirming him despite Gideon’s negative self-speak. Judges 6:14 -16 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” 15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” 16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”
Through divine intervention, Gideon’s self-perception is radically transformed. Despite his doubts and the use of a fleece test, God still chose to use him. This is a powerful illustration of the core of the Gospel – The boundless love of God our Father remains steadfast despite our personal insecurities. We also delved into the story of Jesus reinstating Peter, who had denied Jesus during His trial. Despite his betrayal, Peter’s place in the kingdom remained unchanged, and Jesus’ love for him never wavered.
John 21:15 -17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Identity – Who am I? My identity is a divine gift. God knows me, and I am His child. What distinguishes me? It’s God! The presence of Christ within me, the hope of glory, sets me apart. But identity in Christ is not about individuality; it’s about belonging; it is about connection God is our Father, and Jesus is our Brother, according to Hebrews 2. My identity, security, and significance are in God, my Father. My old sinful self has died, and my new life is hidden with Christ in God.
Last week, we delved into the profound symbolism of the crown and turban in the priest’s attire. We acknowledged that the crown represents our royal status as members of God’s kingdom, and we stressed that the crown and turban symbolize the unique mindset that distinguishes us as children of God, reflecting the mind of Christ. We often say that we look to the WORD to align our mentalities and attitudes.
Revelation 3:11-12 MSG “I’m on my way; I’ll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown. “I’ll make each conqueror a pillar in the sanctuary of my God, a permanent position of honor. Then I’ll write names on you, the pillars: the Name of my God, the Name of God’s City—the new Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven—and my new Name
We must actively maintain and reflect our identity in Christ by living according to His will
Our identity is not without responsibility. We must actively maintain and reflect our identity in Christ by living according to His will. In previous meetings, we have discussed that understanding something means being able to discern spiritual truth and apply it practically to our lives through our thoughts, disposition, and conduct. When Ephesians 4 verse 29 says do not steal
but work to share with others, that is a spiritual truth that I can apply in many areas of my life; I hear, be honest, be a woman of integrity, love others, look out for others and do not just think of yourself. This is how the Word becomes flesh – by taking on the attitude of the scriptures and trusting the Grace of God that has appeared in person, teaching us to say NO to ungodliness. Grace makes us stronger, not weaker; Grace empowers us to live as God has commanded; obedience marks a person whose identity is in Christ. We have a responsibility to “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.” We have a responsibility to create an environment that is not hostile to receive Christ’s thoughts and exercise them. Our crown is connected to our position, Ephesians 2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, Clearly, this position is one of close proximity with the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost without which the life of God cannot flow unhindered within us. John 15 says in verses 5-8 from the MSG, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
May we meditate on the extravagant love of God and allow His thoughts concerning us to become our very own
In Christ, we stand and act from this place of identification, oneness, intimacy, and relationship. IN HIM(intimacy, family connection, and relationship) !!! This is the only authorized profile that God supports. John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. I am still talking about the crown, the turban, and the priest’s garments! We have read in revelation that we have a crown, but this crown can be stolen, and I have been scanning with us scriptures that enhance our understanding of our position in Christ because once we lose that platform through distraction, the scheme of my and your crown being stolen has begun! 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 For it is not from man that we draw our life but from God as we are being joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. And NOW He is our God-given wisdom, our virtue, our holiness, and our redemption. 31 And this fulfills what is written: If anyone boasts, let him only boast in all that the Lord has done!
Interestingly, the verse we read in Revelation shines a light on HOPE – the hope that our LORD is coming back! It’s easy to start living aimlessly because it seems like the promise of the LORD’s return is far away. A different translation of Revelation 3 verse 11 says, ‘But I come swiftly, so cling tightly to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown of victory.
May we meditate on the extravagant love of God and allow His thoughts concerning us to become our very own. Psalm 103:1-5 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
May we also see others according to the will of God too! 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here
