Lesson Description
In this lesson, we will explore how understanding our new identity in Christ influences our daily conduct. We will learn that good works are not the price we pay to receive eternal life; rather, they are part of the life of faith that God calls us to live. We will examine how grace changes our motivations, how the Holy Spirit helps us, and how our understanding of who we are in Christ can shape our relationships, decisions, and attitudes.
1. We Live from What God Has Already Accomplished
The Christian life begins with what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. We do not work to become accepted by God; we learn to live in the light of the grace we have received.
Ephesians 2:8–10 (KJV)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Notice the order in these verses. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by our works. Yet verse 10 teaches that we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works.
Good works are not the foundation of our salvation; they are part of the purpose of our new life.
When we understand this order, we can serve God with gratitude rather than fearfully trying to earn His acceptance.
2. Our New Identity Gives Us a New Direction
Receiving new life in Christ changes the direction in which we are called to walk.
Romans 6:4 (KJV)
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Paul connects Christ’s resurrection with our newness of life.
This means that we should not treat our former patterns of living as though nothing has changed. We can learn to respond differently because we have received new life through Christ.
For example, where we once responded to disagreement with anger, we can learn patience. Where we once practised dishonesty, we can choose truthfulness. Where we once held on to bitterness, we can learn to forgive.
These changes are not attempts to purchase salvation. They are ways of living that agree with the truth of the gospel.
3. Grace Teaches Us How to Live
Grace is not merely God’s kindness toward us; Scripture also teaches that grace trains believers to reject ungodliness and live responsibly.
Titus 2:11–12 (KJV)
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
Paul shows that grace and godly living belong together.
Grace does not mean that our choices no longer matter. It means that we are not trying to earn God’s gift through our own efforts. Instead, God’s grace teaches us to live in a way that reflects the truth we have received.
We should therefore avoid two errors: believing that our works earn salvation and believing that grace gives us permission to live carelessly.
The gospel establishes us in grace and teaches us to live responsibly.
4. We Are Called to Walk in Love
Our new identity should influence the way we treat other people.
Ephesians 5:1–2 (KJV)
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
Paul calls believers God’s dear children and encourages them to walk in love.
Love should influence our words, attitudes, and actions. We can show love by speaking truthfully, treating people with dignity, being patient, helping those in need, and refusing to repay evil with evil.
Walking in love does not mean agreeing with everything or ignoring wrongdoing. It means treating others according to the character and truth of God.
5. The Holy Spirit Helps Us in Our New Life
God has not left believers to live the Christian life through their own strength alone. The Holy Spirit helps us understand and respond to God’s truth.
Galatians 5:16 (KJV)
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Paul encourages believers to walk in the Spirit rather than surrendering to the desires of the flesh.
As we learn God’s Word and depend on the Spirit’s work, we can grow in self-control, patience, kindness, and other qualities that reflect godly character.
This growth does not mean we will never face struggles. It means that our struggles do not have to determine our choices. We can continue learning and responding to God’s truth.
6. A Practical Example
Imagine a believer who has received new life in Christ but is accustomed to responding to criticism with anger.
As this believer studies Scripture, they learn about love, patience, and self-control. The next time someone criticizes them, they may still feel hurt, but they can choose not to respond with insults.
Instead, they can listen carefully, consider whether the criticism is justified, respond respectfully, and seek to resolve the disagreement peacefully.
This is an example of living according to a new identity. The believer is not trying to earn God’s love through a perfect response. They are learning to let the truth of the gospel shape their conduct.
7. Our Actions Should Reflect the Life We Have Received
The way we live matters because our actions affect our relationships, our communities, and our witness to others.
However, we must remember the foundation: we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works. Our actions do not replace Christ’s finished work.
Instead, our new life gives us a reason and a new direction for living in ways that honour God and benefit others.
We should continually ask ourselves whether our decisions reflect the truth we are learning from Scripture.
Remember
Our new identity in Christ changes the foundation and direction of our lives. We do not perform good works to earn eternal life; we learn to live in love, truth, and godliness because we have received God’s grace. Through God’s Word and the help of the Holy Spirit, we grow in conduct that reflects our new life in Christ.