Because of Jesus I Am...Sample

What Defines You?

Verse - “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11 NIV)

Think - Four years ago, I experienced the devastating loss of my wife of 26 years to Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It was the most difficult period of my life, surpassing anything I had ever faced. The weight of the word "cancer" attached to her name was suffocating. Endless doctor appointments, tests, waiting for results, surgeries, chemotherapy, and hospital stays became the fabric of our existence. The uncertainty weighed heavily on our lives. However, people noticed something remarkable about my wife. Despite her terminal illness, she refused to let it define her. She walked with grace and dignity, putting others first, praying for and encouraging everyone she encountered.

Sin can similarly consume our lives. It can be a constant bondage that strives to become our identity. It leaves us feeling helpless, worthless, weak, and without hope. But in Christ, we are offered a life that is not defined by sin but by Him. Although sin may still affect us, it no longer controls us, defines us, or consumes us. Only in Christ do we truly discover our identity, true freedom, and true life, regardless of the challenges life throws our way. In Christ, we can face all hardships with unwavering confidence because He is God, and He is ultimately in control. We are freed from the bondage of sin and filled with an eternal hope that when this earthly life ends, we will spend eternity with Him, where sin and death will be no more.

Apply - What is it that defines you? Is it the sin that continues to trip you up, that struggle you've been trying to suppress but keeps resurfacing? Are you living defined by sin or defined by Christ? Are you relying on yourself or submitting to Him? Today, I encourage you to remember that only in Christ can we truly experience life, regardless of the situations we find ourselves in.

Pray - Dear Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for the life you’ve provided through Jesus’ death on the cross. Thank you that no matter what unfolds in my life, my identity is defined by my relationship with you. Help me to live in the freedom you have given me, constantly surrendering to your will and finding my true life in you. In Jesus' name, amen.

Bio line - Greg Petersheim is the Executive Pastor at Grace Point Church of Paradise. Greg has remarried, and he and his wife Tina have a blended family of three adult children, a son-in-law, and one precious granddaughter. In his spare time, Greg enjoys riding his motorcycle on scenic roads that, most of the time, just happen to end at an ice cream shop!