Proverbs 4:20-27; John 10:10; I Timothy 4:8

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not beak in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

John Lawson “If your soul is stolen, that’s the ultimate identity theft. The most dangerous thief of all isn’t out to steal your worldly goods. After all, possessions can be replace, but your soul cannot be replaced.”

I. HOW IS OUR SPIRITUAL IDENTITY IN CHRIST STOLEN?

A. SATAN SEEKS TO KEEP US FROM BELIEVING WE CAN BE CHRIST-LIKE “Your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8 The essence of Christianity is to be Christ-like. The Christian experience is more than an imitation of the life and teaching of Jesus. It is what we experience of the Holy Spirit dwelling in the believer’s heart.

“in Christ” Greek – “Kree-o” “anointed or consecrated” God has acted in such a way that our identity has become inseparable. What is true of Jesus is true of us.

“… and even when we were dead in our sin and transgressions (God) made us alive together with Christ… and raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 2:5, 6

THIS NEW POSITION IN CHRIST IS THE FULFILLMENT OF JESUS PROMISE TO HIS DISCIPLES “… on that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14:20

B. SATAN SEEKS TO KEEP US FROM LOOKING LIKE CHRIST “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” If Satan can keep you from discovering God’s plan for your life, then he has stolen your identity. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” THE OYSTER AND STARFISH ARE ENEMIES The Oyster is much stronger at first, but the stresses eventually wear it down. In the end the Oyster is unable to hold its shell closed.

“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” I John 3:8

II. HOW DO WE SUSTAIN OUR SPIRITUAL IDENTITY IN CHRIST? All the streams of life come from one fountain, the heart. The disciplined life begins with the heart.

A. WE SUSTAIN OUR SPIRITUAL IDENTITY WHEN WE OBEY GOD’S WORDS OF WISDOM v.v Whatever enters my ear has opportunity to influence my mind, my heart and my decisions. The method of gaining God’s words of wisdom. 1.There must be an attentive mind and ear –Learn to listen with determination –We have a natural tendency not to listen. –Concentrate –Fight distractions –Don’t let prejudices or emotional reactions get in the way A good listener is on a mission

SUSTAINING OUR SPIRITUAL IDENTITY The method of gaining God’s wisdom 2. There must be a steady look. The eyes of the soul must be consistently fixed on God’s Word. If God’s words of wisdom are in the heart, verse 22 says they will bring life and healing. HEALTH OF ALL KINDS: Intellectual Moral Physical Spiritual

Nothing keeps our soul and body in a healthier state than when we keep before our eyes and carry in our heart the good doctrines. “Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” v. 23

THE HEART “inner man” Constitutes the center of our mind, will and emotions. The heart of the natural man is corrupt. He has lost the ability to totally control himself.

The transformation of a hostile heart begins as we listen to God, meditate on His Word, and allow Him to alter our behavior and speech. Whatever the heart concentrates upon, the ears will hear, the eyes will see, the feet will go, and the hands will do. If the fountain is not pure, all the streams of life will be polluted.

B. TO SUSTAIN OUR SPIRITUAL IDENTITY WE NEED TO GUARD OUR THOUGHTS LIFE “Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious lips far from you.” v. 24 THE STREAMS THAT FLOW OUT OF AN ILL KEPT HEART IS… 1.A deceitful mouth – Man must not only be redeemed, he must be sanctified. 2.The eyes – “Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.”

OUTLOOK DETERMINES OUTCOME Abraham was a friend of God He walked by faith and “looked for a city… whose builder and maker is God.” (Heb. 11:10) Lot became a friend of the world He walked by sight and moved toward the wicked city of Sodom. (Gen. 13:10, 12) “I will set no wicked thing before my eyes.” Psalms 101:3

SUSTAINING OUR SPIRITUAL IDENTITY THE STREAMS THAT FLOW OUT OF AN ILL KEPT HEART IS… 3. Your feet or your way of life – carefully watch your step. Watch the path of your feet, and your ways will be established. Hebrew – “watch or ponder” “to weigh” “to make level” Root word – “scales”

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates

“The gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life and few are those who find it. Matt. 7:14 “Your ears will hear a word behind you, this is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” Isa. 30:21

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS Christian and Hopeful are walking the King’s Highway to the Celestial City. The path becomes rough and hard. They come to an attractive place called Bypath Meadow. The new path becomes easy again. A storm comes and Christian and Hopeful fall asleep.

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS They are awaken by the owner of the meadow, Giant Despair and drags them to Doubting Castle throwing them into a dungeon. They are taunted, beat and starved. Christian and Hopeful begins to pray. Christian remembers in his packet a key called Promise. The key opens the door to freedom.

DO YOU HAVE AN If you are willing to seek for your spiritual identity you will find that God will sustain you, and will give you the life that will proclaim victory.