Ephesians 5:8b-12
Introduction
In keeping with our theme of “Identity Theft”, we will, tonight, take a look
at why we as Christians may hide who we are. As with most any topical study, we will be examining and
considering a number of different passages from God’s Word, spending more time
in Ephesians 5, eventually settling down at Ephesians 5:8b-10 and dig in at
that point. Hiding who we are as
believers in the Lord Jesus Christ is something that we must consider when
talking about our identity in Christ.
It is no secret that many of us do not willingly let others see us for
who we are. Instead, we disguise
ourselves, merging with the world around us, and just blending in.
But Jesus has called us to something greater. He has called you and me to live out who we are no matter where we are during the day—at home,
with extended family, at work, at church, in our neighborhoods, or at the
store.
Military/Law Enforcement/Hunters
It is no secret that hiding is sometimes a very beneficial thing to
do. It can keep us alive. Hiding can keep us from being
harmed. Different groups will use Camouflage,
which means, “the disguising especially of military equipment or installations
with paint, nets, or foliage”. It
also means “concealment by means of disguise”,
or “a behavior or ruse designed to deceive
or hide”.
The military, law enforcement, and hunters will all utilize camouflage to
enable them to escape detection by an enemy or to enable them to close in on
their prey without being spotted.
Such are positive uses of hiding our presence. Of course, there are the negative uses of hiding our
presence, and that is what I would like to talk about tonight.
In order to properly address the question before us—why do we hide who we are—we must
first ask: Who are you? Who do
you think you are?
“You Are”
As with other things in our relationship with the Lord, we tend to take
who we are as believers for granted.
From Ephesians we see:
1 1.
He chose
us
2. He predestined us
3. He adopted us
4. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing
5. He provided redemption and forgiveness
6. He lavished his grace upon us
7. He has given us an inheritance and sealed us
2. He predestined us
3. He adopted us
4. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing
5. He provided redemption and forgiveness
6. He lavished his grace upon us
7. He has given us an inheritance and sealed us
We are grateful for these things,
