9/09/08 "Identity Issues Explained" - power through the resurrection

[D.Lang]

S Ephesians 1:19-23 19 and his incomparably great power for us
who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20
which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated
him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule
and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given,
not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God
placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over
everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him
who fills everything in every way.

O Our power in all we do is His power, given us through the headship
of Christ. All of this was and is built through and upon His
resurrection. Paul is explaining that all we have as believers is
given to us and solely to identify this life trait in us as God’s
creation, sealed for eternity by the Holy Spirit. This relationship
sets all boundaries now and for life to come as His, and established
in us the foundation that we are set on in our identity to the Lord.

A Basically said, we have to find our identity first in why things
work the way they do in our lives! Paul spells it out clearly for
us….We can do nothing as believers unless we identify that we need the
resurrected power of Christ in and through us, or we have (and are)
nothing! We can’t reason with Christ’s headship described as, “far
above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that
can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to
come.”… I can’t even wrap my mind around a dominion like that, because
we only see and understand life on earth, the rest is to inform us of
the power of what He did for us through being raised from the dead!
Those who find their salvation through this truth though begin this
life changing identity process of who we are in Him. When we embrace
it and figure this out along our journey, it sets in motion change in
our lives that is irreversible. Everything we are given is to empower
us in and through the spirit, for His glory. I am of no value unless I
am plugged into this source of truth in my life. If I base all I do on
this identity I am blessing God by my obedience and surely find myself
in the center of His will.

P Lord, I pray this truth over not just myself, but that everyone in
our church act upon this now! Thank You for the reminder of Who we
are, and where our power comes from. Over the past 9 months of reading
and journaling as a church, I see Your people responding and being
stirred by this very identity issue; our worship motives, the truth in
the words we speak to You, etc.. Please now allow the eyes of our
heart and spirit be opened to understanding all that our lives are
based on…the very resurrection of Christ, given us to seal eternity
with You. May I act according to all that You have purposed in me for
Your glory! Amen