¿Quién eres? 2 | IGLECO 170 | Pr. Pablo Ramírez #YoSoyIGLECO

Who Are You? Exploring Identity in Christ

Introduction to the Topic

• The speaker, Pablo, introduces the theme of identity based on a passage from Ephesians.

• He invites the audience to reflect on their identity and relationship with God.

Reading from Ephesians

• The reading covers Ephesians 1:3-14, emphasizing spiritual blessings and being chosen by God before creation.

• Highlights include predestination for adoption as children of God through Jesus Christ, showcasing God's grace and love.

Prayer for Understanding

• A prayer is offered asking for spiritual insight and understanding of God's word.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving God's truth personally and allowing it to transform lives.

The Attack on Identity

• Discussion about how the enemy attacks our sense of identity, contrasting God's affirming words with negative self-perceptions.

• Emphasizes that societal or familial backgrounds do not define one's worth in God's eyes; faith leads to victory over these challenges.

Spiritual vs. Natural Perspectives

• The speaker contrasts natural circumstances with spiritual truths, asserting that God provides abundantly even in difficult times.

• Importance of understanding both the actions of Jesus (in the Gospels) and their implications (in the Epistles), likening Gospels to photos and Epistles to X-rays revealing deeper truths.

Benefits of Understanding Redemption

• Discusses how Jesus' sacrifice brings redemption and forgiveness, which may not be immediately apparent but has profound effects on life.

• Encourages frequent reading of Epistles for deeper revelation and understanding of spiritual truths that lead to fruitful living.

Understanding Our Spiritual Position in Christ

The Dichotomy of Natural and Spiritual Realities

• The speaker emphasizes the contrast between our natural state (physically present on Earth) and our spiritual position (seated in Christ in heavenly places), which can be difficult for the mind to grasp.

The Permanence of Spiritual Truth

• The speaker questions which reality is more enduring, asserting that our spiritual position in heaven remains constant despite changing earthly circumstances.

Recognizing Our Blessings in Christ

• It is highlighted that even when facing financial difficulties, believers are spiritually enriched through their identity as children of God, who owns all resources.

Affirmation of Being Blessed

• The speaker encourages the congregation to affirm their blessings by stating they are already blessed in Christ, emphasizing this as a past fact affecting their present reality.

Understanding God's Goodness

• A distinction is made regarding perceptions of God; He is portrayed as a benevolent Father who desires prosperity and health for His children, countering beliefs that attribute misfortune to Him.

The Power of Being in Christ

Our Strength in Christ

• Our ability comes not from ourselves but through Christ, emphasizing reliance on divine strength rather than personal power.

• The speaker encourages the audience to affirm their identity in Christ, stating that true capability is found within Him.

Chosen and Accepted by God

• The concept of being chosen is illustrated with a relatable analogy about being picked last for teams, highlighting that Jesus chooses us despite worldly rejection.

• Emphasizes the idea of predestination, where God has a specific plan for each individual’s life before creation, reinforcing feelings of worthiness and acceptance.

Understanding Predestination

• Predestination signifies a divinely designed destiny for our lives; we are given freedom to choose between life and death as per biblical teachings.

• When we choose Christ, we unlock blessings and purposes prepared for us by God, indicating an active role in our spiritual journey.

Divine Guidance Through the Holy Spirit

• Upon accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit reveals God's plans and purposes for our lives, guiding us toward our intended destiny.

• We are created for good works that God has preordained for us to fulfill, emphasizing action in faith as part of our Christian walk.

Being a Blessing to Others

• The speaker stresses that blessings received should be shared with others; we are blessed not just for ourselves but to bless those around us.

• Encourages the audience to recognize their role as channels of God's grace and favor in the world, promoting community support and generosity.

Acceptance by God

• Discusses the importance of feeling accepted by God despite potential rejections from others; this acceptance is rooted in what Christ accomplished on our behalf.

• Highlights that Jesus is referred to as "the Beloved," underscoring His significance and love from both God and believers alike; knowing Him deepens our love for Him.

Love Towards Jesus

• Reflecting on how familiarity breeds affection—knowing Jesus leads to loving Him more deeply; emphasizes personal relationship over mere acknowledgment.

Understanding the Tenderness and Acceptance of Christ

The Nature of Jesus

• The speaker references a verse from Corinthians where Paul speaks about the meekness and gentleness of Christ, emphasizing that Jesus embodies tenderness and care.

• Encouragement is given to know God deeply, highlighting His mercy, love, and justice. God opens doors for repentance through love before judgment.

Our Identity in Christ

• Upon accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, believers are spiritually placed within Him; this signifies a constant state of being "in Christ."

• Believers should not feel unworthy or hesitant to approach God after making mistakes; the Holy Spirit encourages them to enter God's presence despite feelings of shame.

Overcoming Condemnation

• The speaker discusses how the devil uses condemnation to keep believers from approaching God after sinning.

• It is noted that when God is with us, we possess strength and power; thus, the enemy aims to make us feel rejected.

The Importance of Unity Among Believers

• In John 17:23, Jesus prays for unity among believers so that the world may recognize Him as sent by God. Division among Christians can lead to disbelief in Christ.

• Criticism among Christians can damage their testimony; instead of drawing people closer to Christ, it pushes them away due to negative perceptions.

Walking in Love vs. Being Right

• Emphasizes that walking in love is often more important than being right; winning arguments can lead to relational harm.

• The call for unity serves as a testament to God's love for humanity; our actions reflect on our faith and influence others' beliefs about Jesus.

Understanding God's Love and Redemption

The Nature of Jesus' Love

• The speaker emphasizes that Jesus is not only the beloved of heaven but also intercedes for individuals to understand their own worthiness of love.

• There is a common misconception that while Jesus is loved, one's past actions may lead them to believe they are unworthy of God's love. The speaker encourages affirming that "the Father loves me as He loves Jesus."

Acceptance Through Christ

• The acceptance from God is based on Christ's sacrifice rather than personal merit or religious works; believers are accepted in Christ.

• Despite potential rejection from others, the speaker stresses that divine approval from God outweighs human judgment.

Understanding Redemption

• Ephesians 1:7 highlights redemption through Jesus' blood, emphasizing forgiveness and grace as central themes in Christian belief.

• Newcomers to church may struggle with understanding terms like "redemption," which means being rescued or liberated.

The Cost of Redemption

• Redemption implies a price was paid; specifically, it refers to being bought back from bondage through Jesus’ sacrifice.

• This price was not monetary but involved the life and blood of Jesus, indicating each person's immense value in God's eyes.

Freedom from Past Ownership

• Believers are reminded that they have been freed from the authority of sin and darkness; they now belong solely to Christ.

• The concept of redemption includes liberation from slavery, where previous owners (sin and darkness) no longer hold power over an individual’s life.

Assurance of Value and Defense

• The speaker reassures listeners that they are valuable to God despite worldly opinions; God paid a high price for their salvation.

• In spiritual warfare, accusations against believers can arise due to past sins. However, God desires repentance and offers protection through faith in Christ as the ultimate defense against such accusations.

Understanding Redemption and Blessings in Christ

The Role of Sin and the Devil

• The absence of Jesus leaves individuals vulnerable to accusations from the devil, who uses sin as a weapon to inflict harm, disease, and division in lives.

• Jesus removes the devil's arguments against us; His blood nullifies all evidence of wrongdoing, providing redemption and cleansing from sin.

The Power of Christ's Blood

• Ephesians 1:7 emphasizes that through His blood, we receive redemption and forgiveness according to God's grace, highlighting the significance of being cleansed from sin.

• Galatians 3:13-14 states that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, allowing blessings to reach even those outside God’s covenant.

Being in Christ

• The phrase "in Christ" is crucial throughout scripture; it signifies where our victory lies and how blessings are accessed.

• Believers do not chase blessings; instead, they pursue a relationship with Christ, which leads to blessings pursuing them as promised in Scripture.

Understanding Obedience and Blessings

• Galatians continues by stating that faith allows believers to receive the promise of the Spirit. Understanding this requires knowledge of Deuteronomy 28.

• Deuteronomy 28 outlines blessings tied to obedience; walking in alignment with God's word positions one for divine favor.

Consequences of Disobedience

• Disobedience opens doors for negative influences; while obedience brings protection under God’s covering.

• Deuteronomy 28 warns that disobedience can lead to curses rather than blessings. Verses 1–14 detail rewards for obedience while verses 15 onward caution against potential pitfalls.

Key Insights on Blessings

• Deuteronomy 28:1 highlights that listening attentively to God results in exaltation above nations and an abundance of blessings.

• The passage assures that one can be blessed regardless of location or circumstances—God's provision transcends geographical limitations.

Consequences of Disobedience and Redemption

The Importance of Obedience

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of obeying God's commandments, warning that disobedience leads to curses rather than blessings.

• Consequences arise from not walking in accordance with God's word; actions can either open doors for good or bad outcomes.

Understanding Curses

• Disobedience results in unavoidable curses, affecting all aspects of life—whether in the city or the field.

• The best place to be is where God has called you; moving away without divine direction may lead to struggles regardless of location.

Health and Prosperity Issues

• The speaker references specific verses discussing various diseases and mental health issues as consequences of disobedience.

• Not only physical ailments but also business failures are highlighted; projects may not prosper if one is outside God's protection.

Divine Protection and Planning

• Plans made without God’s guidance are futile, echoing Psalm 127:1 about the Lord's role in building a house.

• A personal prayer is shared, asking for deliverance from making plans without divine input.

Redemption Through Christ

• The discussion shifts to how Christ redeems believers from the curse of the law, which includes both spiritual and physical death.

• Emphasizing that Jesus paid a price for eternal life and healing, believers are encouraged to reject illness as part of their inheritance through faith.

Healing and Faith

• The speaker asserts that sickness is part of the curse but emphasizes that through Christ's sacrifice, believers can claim health.

• Encouragement is given to glorify God through health rather than suffering, reinforcing that obedience leads to blessings instead of curses.

Conclusion on Spiritual Warfare

• Believers are reminded that they have access to divine power against sickness and adversity by embracing their identity in Christ.

Redemption and Abundance in Christ

Understanding Redemption from the Curse of the Law

• The speaker emphasizes that through Christ Jesus, believers are redeemed from spiritual death, sickness, and poverty, which are seen as consequences of the curse of the law.

• It is highlighted that reading scripture about curses can empower believers to claim healing and abundance, asserting their redemption allows them to reap rewards from their efforts.

• The importance of spiritual life is stressed alongside financial blessings; God desires for His followers to have abundant lives, including financial prosperity.

Standing Firm Against Adversity

• Believers are encouraged to resist challenges such as illness and scarcity by declaring their faith in God's provision and guidance.

• The speaker reminds listeners that despite lacking resources or connections, God provides the power to create wealth according to His riches.

Resources for Deeper Understanding

• A recommendation is made for a book on blood covenant principles that can enhance understanding of redemption; it’s suggested as an affordable resource available through church information points.

• Additional classes on redemption realities are mentioned as beneficial for those seeking deeper insights into this significant topic.

Faith Over Circumstances

• The speaker asserts that neither financial status nor health should dictate one's ability to fulfill God's plan; reliance on God’s faithfulness is crucial.

• Emphasis is placed on approaching God during difficulties for guidance and restoration in all areas of life.

Affirmations of Identity in Christ

• A collective confession is encouraged among attendees affirming their identity in Christ: being blessed, chosen, predestined, accepted, and redeemed.

• The importance of remembering one’s worth against negative thoughts from adversaries is underscored with a reminder of scriptural promises leading to success when adhered to.