This is part 2 on Identity giving us, or producing, Purpose.
Identity gives purpose and direction in life. And it’s meant to mobilize us to act.
In the Old Testament, we see a number of places where once God places an identity (Father of many, King, Prophet, Deliverer of His people), there is quickly an action to take.
Abraham in Genesis 12
Moses in Exodus 3-4
David in 1 Samuel 16:12-17:54
Elijah in 1 Kings 17
What they did to further God’s purpose in their time was tied to who God said they were in His eyes.
In the New Testament, instances where we are called Beloved, it’s followed by an action to take. As also when we are called Ambassadors, Sons, Kings and Priests, Saints, there is a call to action to fulfill what God plans.
Romans 8:13-16 “for if you are living in accord with the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God…”
Romans 12:19
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.
1 Corinthians 10:14
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:1
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
Philippians 2:12
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
1 Peter 2:9-11
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.
The common tie between each of these Scriptures is that to live out the Father and Creator’s purposes for our time, we must know who we are, our identity in Him. And once we do, we need to act by His Word and declare His Will on the earth.
