Who we are by Phil Kinney
Anzac Day – a day we remember the sacrifice made – starting back in 1915 when Australians and New Zealand’s fought for the first time under their own flags – their own banners. An identity was formed on that day as they stormed the beaches under the flag of their native country, whether it was as Australians or New Zealanders.
We remember the sacrifice they made, the giving their all, going the extra mile. The mateship formed as they fought as one identity. They knew who they were and who they were fighting against. They knew they weren’t British, or Canadian – even though they fought alongside them. They knew they were Aussies and Kiwis. They gained a reputation for larrikinism. They didn’t have the so called discipline of the British, but they quickly became the “go to” people when a difficult situation arose.
It was the ANZAC’s the Allies turned to throughout the two World wars to overcome difficult situations. They became known as tenacious larrikins who would not back down. The bond of mateship was unique – but they knew who they were – they were ANZAC’s.
As I thought on the Anzac’s legend, of their reputation, it struck me how much they knew their identity and the bond of mateship that was born out of these times. They were prepared to cross the desert to attack Beersheba where no other army could take this impenetrable town. In doing this the middle east was opened up for an Allied victory. Out of this occasion the Light Horseman became famous (tell story). They knew who they were and what they could do.
My question today is “do we know who we are and what we can do”? Do we understand the significance of Jesus death and resurrection and what that means in our lives today?
Who I Am In Christ
I am …
A child of God Romans 8: 16
Redeemed from the hand of the enemy Psalm 107: 2
Forgiven Colossians 1: 13-14
Saved by Grace through Faith Ephesians 2: 8
Justified Romans 5: 1
Sanctified 1 Corinthians 6: 11
A New Creature 2 Corinthians 5: 17
Partaker of His Divine Nature 2 Peter 1: 4
Redeemed from the Curse of the Law Galatians 3: 13
Delivered from the powers of darkness Colossians 1: 13
Led by the Spirit of God Romans 8: 14
A Son of God Romans 8: 14
Kept in safety wherever I go Psalm 91: 11
Getting all my needs met by Jesus Philippians 4: 19
Casting all my cares on Jesus 1 Peter 5: 7
Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might Ephesians 6: 10
Doing all things through Christ who strengthens me Philippians 4: 13
An heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus Romans 8: 17
Heir to the blessings of Abraham Galatians 3: 13-14
Observing and doing the Lord’s commandments Deuteronomy 28: 12
Blessed coming in and going out Deuteronomy 28: 6
An inheritor of eternal life 1 John 5: 11-12
Blessed with all spiritual blessings Ephesians 1: 3
Healed by His stripes 1 Peter 2: 24
Exercising my authority over the enemy Luke 10: 19
Above only and not beneath Deuteronomy 28: 13
More than a conqueror Romans 8: 37
Establishing God’s Word here on earth Matthew 16: 19
Daily overcoming the devil 1 John 4: 4
Not moved by what I see 2 Corinthians 4: 18
Walking by faith and not by sight 2 Corinthians 5: 7
Casting down vain imaginations 2 Corinthians 10: 4-5
Bringing every thought into captivity 2 Corinthians 10: 5
Being transformed by a renewed mind Romans 12: 1-2
A labourer together with God 1 Corinthians 3: 9
The righteousness of God in Christ 2 Corinthians 5: 21
An imitator of Jesus Ephesians 5: 1
The Light of the World Matthew 5: 14
When we know who we are we can then step out in confidence knowing that it is not us, but Christ who lives through us. Whatever life throws at you, you have the overcoming power to beat it. You have the power to speak your friends and relatives into the Kingdom of God. We are in a spiritual battle – but we know the end – we win. I’ve read the end of the book and we win. In fact we have already won!! We just need to carry out that victory.
Discussion questions
- How do you see yourself in God? (Warrior. child, overcomer, barely saved?)
- Do you think reading, meditating on and confessing the Word of God daily could change how you see your self?
- If you did this, do you think thiw would make a difference to your finances, health, relationships, work, school etc? Why or why not?
- Take up the challenge and speak out the above list for 60 days EVERY DAY and see if your life and relationship with God changes.