Do you view yourself as a struggling sinner saved by grace, or as a saint who is learning to walk in holiness? How you answer that question fundamentally changes how you handle the temptations of life.
The Context
In Part 5 of the Your REAL ID series, we confront one of the most common misconceptions in the church today: the definition of a saint. Moving past the cultural idea of canonized figures or statues, we dive into the New Testament to discover that every believer is called a "saint" by God. This message establishes the biblical foundation for holiness and being set apart.
The Core Message
The Bible uses the Greek word hagios to describe believers, which means holy, consecrated, and set apart. When we identify primarily as "sinners," we may subconsciously accept habitual sins as a normal part of life—much like someone wearing dirty clothes doesn't mind getting even more dirty. However, when we embrace our identity as saints, we recognize that we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Just as you would carefully avoid mud while wearing a brand-new white outfit, a saint avoids sin because it is contrary to their nature.
While our righteousness comes through faith in Jesus, our daily walk involves a process of sanctification. We learn that while we may still stumble, we don't have to wallow in the mess. Instead, we run to the washing of the water of the Word. By renewing our minds and letting the Scriptures cleanse our perspective, we stop struggling with besetting sins and start living out the freedom and purity that God has already purchased for us.
The Application
-
Shift Your Identity: Stop calling yourself a sinner; start confessing, "I am a saint," to align your mindset with God’s Word.
-
The White Shirt Mentality: Approach your day like you are wearing new, clean clothes—be protective of your purity and avoid situations that will "stain" your witness.
-
Wash with the Word: When you do mess up or have a wrong thought, don't run from God in shame; run to Him and the Bible to cleanse your mind.
-
Pursue Holiness: Embrace being "set apart" from the world, knowing that true joy comes from being like your Heavenly Father.
Conclusion
You were made for holiness, and understanding your true identity is the key to breaking free from the cycle of sin. Listen now to discover the power of being a saint.
Here are some of the concepts we'll be touching on in today's message:
Identity, Saint, Sinner, Holiness, Sanctification, Righteousness, Your REAL ID, Ephesians, Consecration, Purity, Washing of the Word, Grace, Spiritual Growth, Repentance, Elite Life
Scripture References:
Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 2:18-21, Ephesians 4:11-16, Romans 8:16, Romans 8:26-27, 1 Peter 1:13-2:3, Leviticus 11:44-45, John 17:15-19, Galatians 2:17-21, Psalm 97:10-12
