Our Identity in Christ
Teacher
Lesson Summary
The class began by reviewing previous lessons about the believer's new creation, chosen status, and childlike relationship with God, then shifted focus to the doctrine of righteousness. Using Galatians 5:16‑18, the teacher illustrated the ongoing conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, reassuring the group that walking by the Spirit frees believers from being enslaved to the law. He then turned to Romans 8:9‑10, emphasizing that the indwelling Holy Spirit marks a true Christian, making the body dead to sin but the spirit alive in righteousness. Steve explained that baptism signifies two simultaneous blessings: the forgiveness of sins and the reception of the Holy Spirit, citing Acts 2:38‑39 as the biblical foundation. He connected this to 2 Corinthians 5:21, showing how Christ’s sinlessness was imputed to us so that we might become the righteousness of God. The lesson concluded with a call to understand these truths not merely as doctrines, but as transformative realities that shape daily living and provide hope beyond the spiritual tug‑of‑war. Throughout, the teacher encouraged personal reflection and invited feedback, aiming to deepen the congregation’s confidence in their identity as righteous, Spirit‑filled children of God.
Key Scriptures
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.