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#77 My Life: Flesh | My IdentityDr. Stephen Phinney: If my flesh is my identity, corruption is my lifestyle. We must return to the simplicity and purity of following Yeshua's life.Listen to the podcast version: Brought to you by Dean & Julie Leto. THE FADING IDENTITY OF GALATIAIn the Bible, the human flesh, trash left behind by the Adamic nature, is the “why” we do the things we hate. It does not encompass the entirety of who we are. Scripture emphasizes that our true identity is found in our relationship with Yeshua, that is if we are born-again. In Genesis 2:7 (ESV), God depicts our original identity, it is written, "Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." This highlights that while our bodies are formed from the earth, it is God's breath that gives us true life and identity. Moreover, the New Testament further clarifies that believers' identity is rooted in Christ. Galatians 2:20 (ESV) declares, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Here, the apostle Paul underscores that our earthly flesh, though a significant part of us, is secondary to our new identity in Christ. Thus, while our flesh is a part of our existence, our true identity is found in our union with Yeshua, who transforms and defines our lives beyond the physical realm.
As I was growing up, I couldn't shake the nagging thoughts that consumed my mind. The voices of others echoed louder than my own, defining who I was, or at least who they thought I should be. Growing up, I was the "quiet one," the "introvert," the "overthinker." Labels were slapped on me like stickers, and slowly, they became the image I saw in the mirror. I started to believe that my worth was confined to what others saw and spoke. In school, I worked tirelessly to meet expectations that weren't mine, hoping to hear a "good job" or "well done" from teachers and peers. But even when the praises came, they felt hollow because they weren't for me; they were for the image others had crafted. In college, the struggle intensified. My self-life image became a lens through which I thought everyone viewed me. I found myself caught in the comparison trap, measuring my worth against filtered images and highlight reels that scrolled though my frail mind. Fellow students spoke about their achievements, travels, and relationships, and I couldn't help but feel inadequate. My identity seemed to waver with each scroll, lost in the sea of opinions and judgments. I remember one particular moment vividly. I had worked on a personal project, something I was genuinely passionate about. When I shared it, the response was lukewarm, and a few dismissive comments hit me harder than they should have. It was then that I realized how deeply I had intertwined my sense of self with external validation. My heart sank, and I felt a wave of disappointment not just in others, but in myself for letting their words hold so much power. Seeking solace, I turned inward. I started to breakdown, my shuddering increased, and my shaking hands amplified all the more. I concluded I was a social misfit.I reflected on the person I was beyond the labels and judgments. but yet, that always faded quickly. I turned to my wife for positive affirmation at every turn - living off her steadfast beliefs versus mine. My discipler (counselor) at the time said, If you don’t stop living off your wife’s faith, you will never discover your identity in Christ. He then quoted Galatians 1:10, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." This verse became a life-passage for me, reminding me that my worth was defined by something far greater than human opinions. Gradually, I began to reclaim my identity. I pursued my God ordained calling that brought me joy, regardless of external approval. I surrounded myself with people who saw me for who I truly was, not just the labels of my past. It was a journey, and there were days when doubts crept back in, but I learned to silence the noise and listen to the VOICE that lived within me. Now, as I walk those dark recesses of my past, I carry a sense of Yeshua’s self that is rooted in authenticity. I still hear the voices of others, but they no longer drown out the voice of my indwelling Savior. I am no longer defined by what others say or see; I am defined by the person I am growing into, one day at a time. THE BACKWARD WALK OF THE GALATIANSThe Galatian church faced significant identity struggles, primarily due to the influence of false teachers who sought to distort the gospel. These teachers, often referred to as Judaizers, insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity must adhere to Jewish customs and laws - blending the law with grace, such as circumcision, to be fully accepted by God. This created confusion and division among the believers in Galatia, as they grappled with the question of whether their identity as indwelt Christians was sufficient or if they needed to adopt additional religious practices. Paul addressed these identity struggles in his letter to the Galatians, emphasizing that faith in Christ alone is the foundation of their identity.In Galatians 3:28 (ESV), he declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Paul sought to remind the Galatians that their identity was rooted in their relationship with Yeshua, not in external rituals or ethnic distinctions. By stressing the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and the unity it brings, Paul aimed to restore the Galatians' confidence in their identity as beloved children of God, fully accepted and justified by faith. Sadly, according to history, the Galatia church never did listen!False teachers often ensnare believers by preying on identity-related issues, creating confusion and division within the body of Christ and their culture. By introducing teachings that distort the true indwelling Gospel, they undermine the believer's understanding of their identity in Christ. These false teachings often emphasize external rituals, cultural practices, or legalistic requirements as necessary for acceptance and salvation, leading believers to question the sufficiency & supremacy of Christ's sacrifice. This was evident in the Galatian church, where false teachers insisted on adherence to Jewish customs, causing the believers to struggle with their identity as believers. By shifting the focus away from the grace and truth of the gospel, false teachers sow doubt and insecurity, diverting believers from their foundational identity as children of God, redeemed and justified by faith in Jesus alone. This tactic not only weakens their faith but also fractures the unity and harmony within the church. Believers who prioritize doctrines and religious regulations over the life and teachings of Yeshua often fall into the same struggle that Paul addressed in the Galatian church. By focusing on legalistic adherence to rules and traditions, they risk losing sight of the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice and the essence of the gospel. This misplaced emphasis can lead to a sense of spiritual bondage, where believers measure their worth and acceptance by their ability to follow human-made doctrines rather than embracing the freedom found in Yeshua. Paul reminded the Galatians that righteousness comes through faith in Christ alone, not by the works of the law. Similarly, modern believers must keep their focus on the grace, love, and redemption that Yeshua offers, allowing His life to shape their faith and identity, rather than being ensnared by legalistic interpretations and practices. As I observe the modern church, I can't help but notice a troubling pattern that mirrors the sin of the Galatians. Many believers today seem to be entangled in the same web of legalism and doctrinal rigidity that Paul warned against. Instead of embracing the freedom and grace found in Yeshua, they focus on adhering to strict religious practices and doctrinal debates, believing that these outward expressions define their faith. This misplaced emphasis creates division and strife within the church, as believers judge one another based on their adherence to man-made rules rather than the love and compassion exemplified by Christ. If we continue down this path, we risk fracturing the unity and harmony that the church is meant to embody, ultimately leading to a broken and ineffective witness to the world, let alone to each other. We must return to the simplicity and purity of following Yeshua's life and teachings, allowing His love to guide our actions and unify us as His body. 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