Steps to Knowing our True Identity in Christ
These steps come from 2 Peter verses 5-7. We start by learning that we need to add to our faith, goodness. This is when we realize that through our faith that Christ died for us because he loves us, brings us to see how good he is. The next thing it says to add to goodness, knowledge. Well as we learn more about Jesus and what he can do in other’s lives we want to see how he will influence ours, so we go to the bible to gain that knowledge. Then we must add self- control to our knowledge. Here is where we take a stand against our old self, but we do it as a new creation in Christ, which means we are not alone and not designed to carry burdens or take on attacks alone. We have the Holy Spirit and with Him a hedge of protection when it is time for us to use our self-control. We then must add perseverance to our self-control. This is when we experience the relentless attacks of the enemy, our flesh and our mind. We must through the first steps above persevere through this to then reach our next step which is to add godliness to our perseverance. You see once we experience the power of the Holy Spirit and the Grace of Jesus Christ, we can then begin to share our victory over those things that kept us in bondage. Jesus begins to shine through us so others can see the saving light. God then says to perseverance we must add brotherly love. This means we must soften our hearts to those who are broken around us. Do not just live in a world where it is all about you, rather give and give some more to those that need. Finally, he says to brotherly kindness add Love. Here is the part of the process of drawing nearer to God, that we truly begin to live as Christ did for others. Wholeheartedly pouring into the lives of people God puts in your life, with no hesitation because you could possibly get hurt. Jesus says follow these steps and honestly, you won’t have time for sin, because your life will be focused on God and like it says in James 4:7 ” Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He ( Jesus) will draw near to you!” Selah!
