It’s far too easy to lose sight of our true identity. We often find ourselves striving to earn love, acceptance, and salvation through our own efforts. We create mental checklists of do’s and don’ts, hoping that if we just follow the rules perfectly, we’ll finally be worthy of God’s love and grace. But this mentality is far from the truth that God wants us to embrace.

The truth is, we are already loved, accepted, and saved through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. When He died for us, He paid the ultimate price to redeem us from the bondage of sin and legalism. He set us free from the burden of trying to earn our way into heaven and instead offered us the gift of sonship and daughtership.

Galatians 4:4-7 beautifully illustrates this truth: “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are adopted into God’s family. We become His children, with all the rights and privileges that come with that position. We are no longer slaves to sin or legalism, but rather we are free to live in the love and grace of our heavenly Father.

This is a truth that we need to remind ourselves of daily. It’s so easy to slip back into that slave mentality, thinking that we have to work harder, do more, and be better to earn God’s favor. But the reality is, there’s nothing we can do to make God love us more than He already does. His love for us is unconditional and unending.

Think of it this way: when a child is born into a family, they don’t have to earn their place. They are loved and accepted simply because they exist. The same is true for us as children of God. We don’t have to strive to earn His love or prove our worth. We are already loved and accepted because we are His.

This truth should bring us incredible freedom and joy. We no longer have to live under the weight of guilt, shame, or condemnation. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that He sees us through the lens of His Son, Jesus. We are righteous, holy, and blameless in His sight, not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

As we embrace our identity as children of God, it changes the way we live. We no longer have to strive to please Him or earn His favor. Instead, we can live from a place of rest and trust, knowing that He is a good Father who loves us deeply. We can enjoy our relationship with Him, spending time in His presence and experiencing the fullness of His love and grace.

Take a moment to reflect on your true identity in Christ. It’s high time you lay down the burden of trying to earn your salvation and instead embrace the free gift of sonship and daughtership that God offers us. Let’s approach Him with the confidence of a child, calling out “Abba, Father,” and knowing that He hears us and loves us unconditionally.

As we live from this place of identity, we’ll find that the Christian life becomes less about striving and more about abiding. We’ll experience the freedom and joy that comes from knowing who we are in Christ and living in the fullness of His love and grace. So let’s embrace our identity as children of God and live in the freedom and victory that He has won for us.

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Here is a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide for your week:

Day 1: Freedom in Christ

Reading: Galatians 4:4-7 

Devotional: In Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and the law. We are no longer slaves, but sons and daughters of the living God. Through faith in Jesus, we receive the full rights as God’s children and can approach Him as our loving Abba Father. Reflect on the incredible love and grace God has shown you by sending His Son to redeem you. Live each day in the freedom and joy of your identity in Christ.

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Day 2: Resting in God’s Love

Reading: Romans 8:35-39

Devotional: Nothing can separate us from the unfailing love of God in Christ Jesus. Not our failures, our struggles, or the trials we face in this life. God’s love for you is unconditional and unending. He sees you through the righteousness of Christ, not based on your own efforts. Rest in the security of His love today. Let it fill you with peace and hope, knowing that you are forever His beloved child.

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Day 3: Saved by Grace

Reading: Ephesians 2:4-9 

Devotional: Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, not something we can earn through good works. Jesus paid the full price for our redemption on the cross. When we put our faith in Him, we are made alive in Christ and become heirs of eternal life. Meditate on the wonder of this undeserved grace today. Thank God for rescuing you and making you His own, apart from anything you have done. Walk in humble gratitude, compelled by His great love for you.

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Day 4: Hope in Suffering

Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Devotional: In the midst of affliction and suffering, we can have hope in the eternal glory that far outweighs any temporary troubles. God’s presence is with us in our pain, working all things for our ultimate good and His purposes. When you feel weary or burdened, fix your eyes on the unseen hope of heaven. Let God’s comfort strengthen you and realign your perspective. Your light and momentary troubles are producing for you an eternal weight of glory.

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Day 5: Abiding in Christ 

Reading: John 15:4-8

Devotional: Just as a branch must remain connected to the vine to bear fruit, we must abide in Christ to experience spiritual growth and vitality. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing of eternal value. Abiding in Him means staying rooted in His Word, communing with Him in prayer, and walking in obedience to His will. As you draw near to Jesus today, may His life flow through you, producing much fruit for God’s glory. Depend on His strength and let your life be marked by ever-increasing intimacy with your Savior.

Sermon Summary:

This weeks sermon delves into the transformative power of faith-based fellowship, the balance between tradition and new beliefs in Christianity, and the vital role of communal worship. Drawing on Hebrews 10:25, it discusses the unknown authorship of the Book of Hebrews and considers the historical context of Jewish Christians facing persecution. The sermon emphasizes Jesus’s sacrifice, which tore the veil to the Holy of Holies, granting believers boldness to approach God directly. It challenges psychological barriers that separate us from God, urging a sincere and confident faith. The discussion also addresses the importance of hope and God’s faithfulness, rather than personal works or guilt. 

Key Points:

1. The importance of Christian fellowship is rooted in Hebrews 10:25, which emphasizes not abandoning communal worship, even amid adversity.
2. The authorship of the Book of Hebrews is unknown, with Apollos, Priscilla, and Aquila being potential authors who addressed the challenges Jewish Christians faced in reconciling their traditions with their new faith in Jesus.
3. Early believers endured persecution from Romans and their community, which tempted some to revert to Judaism. The sermon stresses the importance of perseverance in gathering together as a community of faith.
4. Jesus’s sacrifice grants believers direct access to God, allowing them to approach with confidence, a privilege previously limited to the high priest once a year under the old covenant.
5. Psychological barriers can inhibit our confidence in approaching God, but we are encouraged to recognize these as illusions since holiness is granted through grace, not earned by deeds.
6. Holding unswervingly to hope is key, and the faithfulness of God is highlighted as the foundation of Christian hope, rather than our own faithfulness.
7. The value of spurring one another toward love and good deeds, emphasizing community’s role in understanding and growing in faith.

Scripture References:

1. Hebrews 10:25 – Encouragement to not give up meeting together.
2. The Book of Hebrews – General references to the book’s messages and themes about Jesus’s superiority and the new covenant.

Takeaways 

• The Importance of Christian Fellowship: Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to forsake gathering together. In times of adversity, our communal worship becomes a source of strength and perseverance.
• Direct Access to God through Jesus: The sacrifice of Jesus grants us the confidence to approach God with boldness. This privilege is a gift of grace, not something earned by our deeds.
• Holding Onto Hope: Our hope rests not in our own faithfulness, but in the steadfast promise of God. This hope inspires us to encourage others towards love and good deeds.
• Embracing Freedom in Christ: Let us approach God with assurance, free from guilt, recognizing the liberation that comes through Jesus’s love and sacrifice.

Begin Bible Reading Plan and Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Community in Worship 

Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25

Devotional: Today, reflect on the vital role that fellowship plays in your faith journey. The encouragement to not forsake gathering together is a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity. Consider how meeting with fellow believers can uplift you, especially during times of hardship or when facing external pressures that challenge your faith. 

Reflection Question: How can you prioritize and cherish the time spent in communal worship this week?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to deepen your appreciation for the community of believers and to show you ways to encourage others to remain steadfast in collective worship.

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Day 2: The Confidence to Approach God 

Reading: Hebrews 10:16-22

Devotional: Dive into the confidence we have to enter the Most Holy Place because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Meditate on the fact that it’s not by our works but by His grace that we can approach God with assurance. Challenge yourself to break down mental barriers that hinder your access to God’s presence.

Reflection Question: What mental constructs do you need to surrender to fully embrace the access you have to God through Jesus?

Prayer Focus: Seek the Lord’s help in overcoming doubts and fears that prevent you from approaching Him with the boldness and confidence He has given you.

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Day 3: Holding Unswervingly to Hope 

Reading: Hebrews 10:23-25

Devotional: In the midst of life’s challenges, we are called to hold fast to the hope we profess. Our hope is not in our ability to persevere, but in God’s faithfulness. As you go through your day, identify areas where you may have been placing your hope in your own strength or circumstances.

Reflection Question: How can you remind yourself to place your hope in God’s faithfulness rather than in your own efforts?

Prayer Focus: Pray for the courage to hold unswervingly to hope and to be an encouragement to others who may be struggling to maintain their hope.

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Day 4: Spurring One Another On

Reading: Hebrews 10:24-25

Devotional: Reflect on the significance of encouraging one another in love and good deeds. Think about those in your life who could use a word of encouragement or support. Consider how you can be an instrument of God’s love to spur others on in their faith.

Reflection Question: Who in your community can you actively encourage this week, and what practical steps will you take to do so?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to open your eyes to the needs of those around you and to use you as a source of encouragement and inspiration.

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Day 5: The Full Assurance of Faith 

Reading: Hebrews 10:19-22

Devotional: As we close out the week, let’s focus on the full assurance of faith that we are invited to hold onto. This assurance is rooted in the work of Jesus, not in our performance. Rejoice in the knowledge that you have been cleansed and made holy by His sacrifice.

Reflection Question: How can you live out this assurance in your daily walk with God and with others?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for the gift of holiness granted through grace, and ask Him to help you live each day with the assurance of your faith.

End Bible Reading Plan and Devotional