Identity

So much of identity is associated with the name and even pronoun by which we are called. Both the given and the family name will become a part of a person’s identity, with accompanying behaviors to verify it. Where there is a desire for an adjusted identity, simply taking on a new name will make way for a change of image and actions. Many times this takes place in performance roles such as sports and music, where another name is acquired to more adequately reflect the desired image. Oftentimes a simple name like John Smith is not enough for the ring fighter or rock star that wants to take on a much more interesting and provocative image that a new name with enable. Once that new name is heard and responded to, there is also an equipping of actions that will reflect the character of this adjusted identity. Until the name change, not much else could change to any satisfaction, but how powerful the effect on identity the simple adjustment of moniker.

So much about fulfilling the design and purpose of our Maker for this life we get to live here on earth has to do with the name we develop an identity with from the moment of birth. Much more than just a formed sound, our names not only allow us to be singled out from others around us, but they have much to do with confidence, boldness and ability to accomplish things of worth and significance. Our successes and failures become associated with our name in such a way that progress forward is either inspired and motivated or discouraged and disabled. Where there may have been some disabling experiences that attach themselves to who we are, there is a much-needed adjustment of self-perspective that will empower to escape from the confines of an ill-effected identity. To be in Christ is to take on His name and the very character and ability that is associated with Jesus. In the discovery and living-out of this reality will be great deliverance from whoever it was that couldn’t find passage from sin’s restraining claims. There is unlimited hope with each movement made toward the incredible you found in Him.

Notes

Identity - Name/Character

Name – Established through demonstrated ability, power

Character – Faithfulness, dependability, honesty, purity, righteousness

To modify an identity – modify the name/alter image of self and its nature.

God inserted Himself into Abram’s name to enable His promise/plan.

Genesis 17:5-6 (NKJV) 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.

Affected his wife as well.

Genesis 17:15 (NKJV) 15 Then God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.

God adjusts Jacob’s name to redirect his purpose.

Genesis 32:27-28 (NKJV) 27 So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, "Jacob." 28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Faith in the Name – adjusted trajectory of life…

Acts 3:16 (NKJV) 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Name given, but must be sought

Colossians 3:1-3 (NKJV) 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

For character/life in the Name – death of old.

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

God’s character found in His name:

1. Body – fruit of the Spirit

Romans 12:4-5 (NKJV) 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

2.Holiness

1 Peter 1:13-16 (NKJV) 13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.”

Righteousness

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (NKJV) 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “HE WHO GLORIES, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD.”

Lying Vanities

Jonah 2:8 AMPC [8] Those who pay regard to false, useless, and worthless idols forsake their own [Source of] mercy and loving-kindness.

Jonah 2:8 NLT [8] Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies.

Jonah 2:8 International standard version Those who cling to vain idols leave behind the greatest love that could have been theirs.

Jonah 2:8 God’s Word Those& who hold onto worthless idols abandon their loyalty to you.

Hebrews 4:16 AMPC [16] Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].

Jonah 2:9-10 9 But I will sacrifice to you with songs of thanksgiving. I will keep my vow. Victory belongs to the Lord!” 10 Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it spit Jonah out onto the shore.

WHAT YOU IDENTIFY WITH IS WHAT YOU GLORIFY and MAGNIFY!

2 Corinthians 3:18 AMPC [18] And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

Proverbs 23:7 AMPC [7] For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Your thoughts become a reflection of who you really are.

Ephesians 2:4-7 AMPC [4] But God-so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, [5] Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved ( delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation). [6] And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). [7] He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.

If you’re not impressed with you who are in Christ then you haven’t seen Him lately.

Paul prayed believers to have a revelation.

DEDICATION comes from a REVELATION of who you are.