Shalom, Rhema South Coast Family Church! Are you ready to find your true identity?
I hope this Monday finds you well, with hearts still full from Ps Larry Elliott’s powerful service last Sunday. It’s so important to take time to reflect on the message. Go back to your notes, and allow the message to truly sink in.
This message was the fourth in our new series, “Legacy 2025.” Our foundational scripture for this series is Joel 1:2-3.
Before we get to the heart of the sermon, let’s remember the incredible worship. Our praise and worship team created an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit moved freely, preparing us for Ps Larry’s impactful message. Ps Larry, drawing from that energy, delivered a powerful sermon!
And a quick reminder about the upcoming Encounter Weekend on April 11th and 12th! With that, we will have a water baptism on Sunday 13th in our new pool! What a wonderful opportunity to take that next step in your faith.
Now, let’s get into the Word and the message of True Identity.
True Identity | A Master Key to Legacy
Ps Larry’s sermon focused on Identity, a master key for walking in our God-given legacy. He emphasized that Ruth could not have made her powerful decisions without knowing who she was and who God was. You have to know who you are in God.
Let’s look at Ruth 1:16-17:
“But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”
Ruth is a beautiful picture of someone walking in legacy. We see in her life the spiritual keys of good choices, godly vision, family & community, and honour. Despite personal loss and pain, she honored her mother-in-law Naomi, staying with her and adopting Naomi’s people and God as her own.
Ruth had been married to Naomi’s son, Mahlon. Ruth’s choice to follow Naomi led her into her destiny and a 10-in-one season. Remember that Ruth was a Moabite convert (Ruth 4:10).
Orpah: A Cautionary Tale of True Identity
It’s important to contrast Ruth with Orpah, her sister-in-law. Orpah’s name means “go backward.” She missed her destiny by returning to her old life, lacking trust in God and the future.
Ruth’s 10-in-One Season
Within three months of arriving in Judah, Ruth married her kinsman redeemer, Boaz! Her legacy includes being the great-grandmother of King David and part of the lineage of Jesus Christ!
Click here to see some photos from Sunday 23/03!
Transformation Through Christ
This teaches us that salvation and following Christ, making Him Lord, transforms our true identity and shifts the narrative of our destiny.
Peter’s Example: Identity and Imperfection
We see this transformation in Peter, one of Christ’s first disciples.
Matthew 16:15-17 says:
“But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responds, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”
From this, we learn key principles for understanding our identity:
1. Revelation Knowledge
Spending time in God’s presence through worship and the Word allows the Holy Spirit to give us revelation. Peter’s identification of Jesus wasn’t human knowledge, but divine revelation. One revelation from God can change your life! Knowing our identity starts with recognizing who Jesus is and who we are in Him. Don’t make choices with your natural mind.
When Peter, by the Spirit, identified Jesus, Jesus said, “You have correctly identified me, now let me accurately identify you!”
Matthew 16:18-19 says:
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Living a Legacy | Becoming a Disciple
How can we, as individuals, leave a legacy in our lives and the body of Christ? (There are ways to leave a legacy just for yourself or the church). There’s only one way for both: Become a disciple, a follower of Christ.
Let Christ identify you. When you begin to see who He is, you’re ready for Him to show you who you are! If God did it for Ruth, He will do it for you! Peter’s declaration was pivotal in his faith journey and the foundation of the Church.
Remember, none of us are perfect. With God, anything is possible, but without Him, we are doomed for disaster.
2. Imperfect Journey | Learning to Fail Forward
Peter’s journey teaches us about true identity:
Even after identifying Jesus, Peter stumbled. Matthew 16:21-23 says:
“From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
We must learn to fail forward. We all have ups and downs, but we have salvation! Stay consistent by recognizing your imperfection, but remember the perfection of the One you serve. Keep trusting the Lord and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (AMPC) says: “But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!”
Peter later denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62). This reminds us that grappling with identity includes struggle and failure, but redemption and growth are always possible.
3. Foundation of Faith
Peter recognized Jesus as the Son of God, displaying his belief and acting in faith. This is foundational to understanding our own identity. Luke 22:32-34 says: “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”
Peter denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62). Again, this reminds us that grappling with identity includes struggle and failure, but redemption and growth are always possible. In his darkest hour, he discovered God’s mercy and grace, rooting him in faith and devotion.
Brokenness is key to transformation.
4. Transformation| Letting God Change You
We must let God transform us. Be honest about your life. Luke 22:61-62 says: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly.”
Jesus later affirms Peter’s role in spreading the Gospel, symbolizing transformation and purpose. Our identity is dynamic, shaped by our relationship with Jesus and empowered by His calling.
John 21:15-19 says:
“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” Again He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
In Christ, we have hope!
Peter’s experience teaches us to seek our identity through Jesus, be open to revelation, and understand that our journey involves growth, setbacks, and redemption through Christ. Our identity is not fixed but evolves through our walk with Him.
How Christ Transforms Our Identity
The Bible gives us insights into how a relationship with Christ transforms and redefines us:
1. New Creation
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Accepting Jesus initiates a transformation, renewing our identity to align with God’s purposes.
2. Sanctification Process
Our identity evolves through sanctification, becoming more like Christ. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This ongoing transformation aligns our thoughts, actions, and values with Jesus.
3. Purpose and Calling | True Identity
You have purpose and calling, and God is on your side! Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Our relationship with Jesus gives our identity divine purpose, calling us to live out God’s plan. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” This shows that our true identity is found in living through Jesus, allowing His love and truth to shape us.
A dynamic identity through Jesus is an ongoing journey of becoming, with growth, renewal, and a deepening sense of who we are in Christ. It’s an invitation to let His love, grace, and truth continually reshape our lives.
Let Jesus identify you!
Connect and Grow in Community
As we grow in our identity, connecting with others in the body of Christ is important. Rhema Men’s Ministry offers a great opportunity for fellowship and growth.
Our Men’s Brotherhood meets monthly as a Men’s Coffee Club, and we have two annual events for the men of our church and community. Our mantra is Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” We support each other, challenging each other to be the best for His glory, growing in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus together!
To support our church’s work, please consider our building fund!
And don’t forget our Rhema South Coast Kids Ministry YouTube channel! Subscribe for fun, engaging content to encourage your children’s faith journey.
You can find the previous sermon here and to watch the service from Sunday 23/03 just click the date.
A Final Prayer for True Identity
Father, thank you for revealing our true identity in Christ. Help us walk in that identity with confidence and boldness. May we be transformed daily by your love and grace, and may our lives leave a lasting legacy for your glory.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
