How Identity in Christ Fuels Spiritual Growth
- kingdomcitizensinc
- May 12
- 7 min read
Welcome to the kingdom citizens blog!
A strong identity that is rooted in Christ gives us confidence to stand firm in our biblical values, even in the face of adverse challenges.
Spiritual growth is deeply connected to identity in Christ. How you see yourself shapes how you live. If your identity is based on worldly achievements, status, or approval, your spiritual life will be unstable. But if your identity is rooted in God, your growth will be strong and lasting. Let’s observe five ways our identity in Christ fuels our spiritual growth...
Knowing Who You Are in Christ
You are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) – You are no longer defined by past mistakes.
“ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace”
Jesus Christ laid down His own life so that we could all live in Him. Though this may sound counter-intuitive, this was the only way we could shun the fear of death and gain a right relationship with the Lord. To know that we are forgiven in Christ, not only lifts the burden of sin off our souls but our sin-debt is fully paid in Jesus. When we learn that we are divinely forgiven, we can learn to forgive ourselves and others.
We can mature, moving freely throughout this life without acknowledging the accusations of our accusers. A life-change comes with forgiveness. We are transformed into a new creature, entirely different in thought and action as a result of the Lord's conversion of our hearts. Though we learn to hold ourselves accountable to the Lord, as stewards over this new life He gave us - we must allow forgiveness to deliver us from captivity to our sin natures, after genuine repentance.
You are chosen (1 Peter 2:9) – You are set apart for God’s purpose.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
It feels good to be chosen, doesn't it? To be selected by choice and not by process of elimination is a wonderful feeling. There are times in this life where we will be rejected or set aside but never in God's presence! Once you become a child of the Most High God, our heavenly Father will always welcome you home. He has chosen you, not out of lack but out of intention and purpose.
A child of God, is a citizen of an eternal Kingdom of light and prosperity. We are chosen, royal, and holy in the Lord's sight. Christ has redeemed us and filled us with His Holy Spirit, sealed with the promise of His power, authority, and immortality. Let us bask in the glory of our Sovereign King! Let us thrive in the virtues of His wisdom and marvelous light.
You are loved (Romans 8:38-39) – Nothing can separate you from God’s love.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Are you convinced of the love of God? Because He is love in essence and totality, He is so much greater than any "love" we could possibly experience within humanity. His love stepped into time, away from His glorious throne and became a man so that He should suffer and triumph on our behalf. Jesus Christ is the perfection of divinity and humanity.
His love washes over our sins and lifts us up out of darkness. His love chastises us in the grace of His perfect wisdom and boundless mercies. The warmth of His embrace melts away our shame, guilt, and grief. The light of His love shines on us, cleansing our souls in the purifying rays of His gentle Spirit. Invite God's love to lavish you in His protection and provision.
You are empowered (2 Timothy 1:7) – You are given a spirit of power, love, and self-control.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
What should we fear if God, Himself, has given us His Spirit of power, love, and self-control.? We should rule over our lives in the authority the Lord has given us, not in timidity and scarcity. God is in full control, all the time. He permits us to live within our realm of free will but His Spirit guides us if we make ourselves available to listen in obedience.
To be given power by the Lord of all creation should be fuel enough to overcome every adversity. Think of a source of unlimited power and endurance. Now imagine that source dwelling where your heart is, always fueling your entire being with that power and endurance. Such energy exists and it's called the Holy Spirit, which is indwelling within you as a believer in Jesus Christ. Now believe you can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).
Renewing Your Mind
Your identity shapes your thoughts. Romans 12:2 calls believers to renew their minds so they conform to Christ, not the world.
Practical step: Meditate on Scripture that affirms your identity in Christ.
The renewal of your mind in Christ is a process, a life-long process. Don't lose sight of the light God has established within you. Growth and maturity is a journey that improves our character and quality of life for as long as we permit it to. There will be times when you are frustrated and others when you're elated but learn to take the bad with the good, the rain with the sunshine.
As our minds are renewed, our thoughts and behaviors are reoriented away from fleshly desires and towards the will of God. We won't be without our carnal ways completely while still in this body but fighting the "good fight" is all about resisting evil and choosing to consistently remain obedient to the Word of God.
With the renewal of our minds, the company we keep as well as the very atmosphere we accommodate will change in constructive ways. Don't be afraid of losing some friends, family, and even some opportunities along your walk with Christ. Consider this a natural detox God is permitting to work in your favor. Not everyone or everything has the grace to grow with you along your walk of faith.
Walking In The Spirit
Growth happens when you live according to the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25) rather than fleshly desires.
Identity-driven action: Recognize that your old self is crucified (Galatians 2:20) and live in newness.
It's time to move on, letting go of the old you. Someone who is truly transformed in Christ has the wisdom and courage to shut the door on their sin nature. Though we still make mistakes, it's our hearts posture to live as men and women of integrity. To the best of our ability in the strength of Christ, we work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). That kind of fear and trembling isn't the result of distressing over punishment but a reverence for the Lord that causes us to not want to disappoint the Lord as a result of our deep love and respect for Him.
Living With Purpose
Your identity gives direction—God calls you to bear fruit (John 15:5).
Identity-driven action: Spiritual growth involves serving others, using your God-given gifts for His glory.
Fruitfulness is the result of healthy roots. As long as we are rooted in Jesus, our Vine, we have a true and lively connection to God the Father. Fruit is the evidence that life exists within the tree. A tree, bush, or shrub that has rotted out cannot produce fruit or flowers after so long. The nutrients simply don't exist to continue producing sound evidence that the source of its root system has any life-yielding abilities.
As believers, we are to produce fruit in the way we serve others that aligns with biblical principles. By our fruit, others will recognize the presence of God's life-giving Word in our lives. Appetizing delicacies attract the hungry and thirsty but most people are repelled by rotten food, even if they are starving. Let us serve one another, nourishing our communities by way of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Enduring Trials with Confidence
When you know who you are in Christ, challenges don’t shake you (James 1:2-4).
Identity-driven meditation: Trials become opportunities to grow deeper in faith rather than sources of fear or doubt.
Challenges, trials, and offenses are nothing more than trust-exercises. Do you trust the Lord to see you through each one or not? It's as simple as that. It may not feel that simple but the reality of our circumstances are never a surprise to God. He allows them to shape us and mold us into the body builders of faith He desires us to be. Without resistance, how could we expect to get any stronger?
When you feel like you're falling, allow God to catch you. When you feel like you're losing your mind, permit Christ to be your peace. When your world is tumbling off kilter, grant the Lord the permission to become your realm of stability. The finish line is only but so far away. When you're too exhausted to continue or too perplexed to overcome, Yahweh will become your Champion, empowering you with the ability to endure. Remember that in our weakness, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Make sure to stay tuned in for this next blog post so you don't miss out on your word of encouragement...We'll be discussing practical steps you can take to strengthen your spiritual identity in Christ. Thank you and God bless!
Scripture of Emphasis:
Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV)
" He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Thank You and God Bless!
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