Flourishing in Your Identity
Scroll to read a recap of Pastor Lee Cummings’ sermon from May 25, 2025
LET’S BREAK IT DOWN…
In a world that’s constantly redefining identity, it’s easy to lose sight of who we really are. Culture tells us…
who we should be,
what we should look like,
and what our value is based on.
But what if our truest identity isn’t found in any of those things? What if we could peel off all the labels and limitations and step into a new identity—one rooted in purpose, freedom, and eternal promise?
For those who follow Christ, that’s not just wishful thinking: it’s reality.
Picture your life like a passport. At birth, we’re issued a spiritual passport that tells a bleak story—whether we’re aware of it or not. According to Scripture, that original passport reads something like this:
Dead in sin
Under the influence of the enemy
Swept along by the current of this world
Ruled by fleshly desires
Under God’s judgment
Separated from Christ
Outside God’s promises
Without hope and without God
It’s not a flattering identity, is it? But here’s the good news: when we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we’re given a new passport. A complete exchange takes place. And our new identity declares that we are:
Made alive with Christ
Seated in heavenly places
Recipients of God’s mercy and grace
God’s workmanship—His handcrafted masterpiece
Created for good works
Deeply loved by God
At peace with God
Citizens of heaven
Members of His royal family
That’s the heart of being “born again.” As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
And yet—even after receiving this new identity—many believers still live as if they’re holding onto their old passport. We carry shame. We measure our worth by performance. We view ourselves as small, insignificant, or unworthy. We forget that we've been given an entirely new way of being.
So, how do we begin to live according to our new identity in Christ?
It starts with renewing our minds through God’s Word and finding our place in His family—the Church. Just like our earthly families shape who we are, our spiritual family does too.
In the Church, we discover our story. We hear the family history, not as outsiders, but as sons and daughters. When we read about Abraham, we’re reading about our spiritual ancestor. When we hear God's promises, we realize they’re made to us, too.
The Church becomes the space where our new identity is affirmed and strengthened. It's where God places spiritual fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, mentors and friends. It’s the gym where we exercise our spiritual muscles and learn to walk out our new identity in Christ.
But we need to be aware of two common dangers along this journey:
1. Individualism
Sometimes we think, I can do this on my own. I’ve got Jesus, my Bible, and a few podcasts—I’m good. But the Christian life was never meant to be lived solo. Romans 12 warns us not to think too highly of ourselves, and Scripture repeatedly emphasizes our need for the body of Christ. We’re designed to grow in community.
2. Undervaluing Ourselves
On the flip side, we may think, I’m not special. I don’t have anything unique to offer. But that’s a lie. If Christ is in you, the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. You carry divine treasure in an earthly vessel (see 2 Corinthians 4:7). That’s not insignificant.
The truth is, we need both: a clear understanding of our personal identity in Christ and a recognition of our place in His body. 1 Corinthians 12 paints a powerful image of the church as a body, where every member is vital and interconnected.
Think about your hand. It’s capable of amazing things—but only when connected to the wrist, the arm, and the body. Isolated, it loses its function. The same is true for us. We thrive when we’re connected to the Church.
So, where are you today?
Are you still living by your old identity, unaware of the new passport Christ offers? Or perhaps you’ve never taken that first step—surrendering your life to Jesus and receiving this new identity?
Wherever you are, know this: today can be a new beginning. You can lay down your old passport and pick up the new one Jesus has already prepared for you. You can live a life not defined by past failures or present challenges, but by the unshakable truth of who God says you are.
In Christ, you are deeply loved, fully forgiven, eternally accepted, and created for a purpose that lasts forever.
Will you believe that?
Tap to watch Pastor Lee Cummings’ full sermon on Youtube.
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:
Day 1: Embracing Your New Identity in Christ
Reading: Ephesians 2:1–10
Devotional: Just as Paul describes in Ephesians, we were once dead in our sins, but God, in His rich mercy, has made us alive with Christ. Today, reflect on the profound transformation that occurs when we accept Jesus as our Savior. You are no longer defined by your past or your mistakes. In Christ, you are a new creation with a new identity. Consider how this truth changes the way you view yourself and your purpose. How can you live today in light of your new identity as God's beloved child? Take a moment to thank God for His incredible grace and the new life He has given you.
Day 2: Living as Sons and Daughters, Not Slaves
Reading: Galatians 4:4–7
'Devotional: The sermon emphasized the difference between living as a slave and living as a son or daughter in God's house. As you read today's passage, meditate on what it means to be adopted into God's family. You are no longer a slave to sin or fear, but an heir with full rights as God's child. How does this change your approach to prayer, worship, and daily life? Reflect on areas where you might still be operating with a "slave mentality" rather than embracing your position as a beloved child of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you fully embrace your place in God's family today.
Day 3: The Power of God's Word in Shaping Our Identity
Reading: John 8:31–36
Devotional: Jesus teaches that abiding in His word leads to knowing the truth, which sets us free. Today's sermon highlighted how the Word of God is crucial in renewing our minds and reshaping our identity. As you read this passage, consider how regularly engaging with Scripture has impacted your life and self-perception. Are there areas where you need to let God's truth replace worldly lies or misconceptions about yourself? Commit to spending time daily in God's Word, allowing it to transform your thinking and reinforce your identity in Christ.
Day 4: Finding Our Place in God's Family
Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27
Devotional: The church is described as a body with many parts, each essential and interconnected. Reflect on how being part of a church family has helped shape and affirm your identity in Christ. Consider your unique gifts and role within the body of Christ. How can you contribute to building up others in the faith community? Take time to thank God for the spiritual family He has given you and pray for opportunities to deepen your connections within the church.
Day 5: Living Out Our New Identity in the World
Reading: Matthew 5:13–16
Devotional: As believers with a new identity in Christ, we are called to be salt and light in the world. This passage challenges us to let our transformed lives shine before others. Reflect on how your new identity in Christ should impact your interactions with those around you. How can you demonstrate God's love and grace to others today? Consider practical ways you can be "salt and light" in your workplace, neighborhood, or among friends. Pray for courage and wisdom to live out your identity in Christ boldly, drawing others to Him through your words and actions.