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New Creation - Kristie
Sermon Summary
Kristie emphasises that true significance comes from being a new creation rooted in God's kingdom, trusting His provision, and living under His authority rather than seeking power or achievements on our own
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Today, we reflected on what it truly means to live a significant life as a new creation in Christ. We began by celebrating the multiplication happening through our missions partners, recognising that God’s work is not just about addition but exponential growth as people are trained, sent, and empowered to plant churches and share the gospel in their own communities. We also paused to grieve with those who have lost loved ones, remembering that our hope is anchored in the reality of eternity with Jesus.
Through a simple story about grading onions on a farm, we explored how easy it is to become possessive over our own “side of the conveyor belt,” wanting to be in control and to determine what is valuable. This tendency can creep into our relationship with God, where we subtly shift from being on God’s team to expecting God to be on ours—blessing our plans, affirming our choices, and validating our sense of significance through our achievements.
Looking at the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, we saw how the enemy offers us “almost truths”—temptations to find our significance in what we can do, what we can control, or what we can achieve. Jesus, however, models a different way: He refuses to define Himself by His own provision, power, or control, but instead anchors His identity, vocation, and mission in the Father. He shows us that true significance is not found in what we accomplish, but in whose we are and whose mission we join.
As new creations, our reality is reorganised. Our identity is rooted in being image-bearers of God, not image-creators. Our vocation is to walk in the good works God has prepared for us, whatever our current role or season. Our mission is to partner with God in His work of reconciliation, not to build our own kingdoms. This reordering is not something we initiate by striving, but something that begins when we say “yes” to Jesus, just as Zacchaeus did. As we seek first God’s kingdom, everything else falls into its rightful place, and we experience the blessing of a life lived under His rule—regardless of our circumstances.
Key Takeaways
1. True significance is not measured by our achievements or the impact we make, but by our identity as those whose names are written in heaven. When we anchor our worth in being on God’s team, we are freed from the endless pursuit of validation through success or recognition. This shift allows us to rejoice in God’s acceptance rather than our own accomplishments.
2. The enemy often tempts us with “almost truths”—appealing to our desires for provision, power, and control, but always with ourselves at the centre. Jesus demonstrates that resisting these temptations means returning to the truth of who God is: our provider, sustainer, and the One who defines our reality. We are called to live from God’s word and presence, not from the world’s standards or our own appetites.3. Our desire for significance is not wrong, but it is easily misdirected. When we seek to fulfil it through power, control, or the approval of others, we settle for a second-rate version of what God intends. Jesus invites us to a deeper significance—one that comes from surrender, trust, and participation in God’s mission, rather than self-promotion or self-sufficiency.
4. Being a new creation means living with a reordered reality: our identity is as image-bearers under God, our vocation is to walk in the good works He has prepared, and our mission is to join Him in reconciling the world. This reordering touches every part of our lives—our work, our relationships, our disappointments, and our seasons of wandering. It is not about changing our circumstances, but about living under God’s rule within them.
5. The process of reordering our lives begins not with our own effort, but with a simple “yes” to Jesus. Like Zacchaeus, we are invited to respond to the glimpse of God’s kingdom with openness, allowing Jesus to initiate the transformation. As we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, we find that everything else is added in its proper place, and we experience the blessing of a life lived in obedience and intimacy with God.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Living on God’s Team
Scripture:
Luke 10:20
"However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:20 NIV - However, do not rejoice that the - Bible Gateway
Today, we are reminded that our significance is rooted not in what we do, but in whose team we are on—God’s team. The disciples returned excited about their achievements, but Jesus pointed them to their true identity: being written in heaven. Our worth comes from being part of God's kingdom, not from our accomplishments.
Reflection:
How often do you find your identity in what you do rather than in who you are in Christ? Are you living with the confidence that your name is written in heaven?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to find my significance in being on Your team. Remind me that my worth is rooted in You, not in my achievements. Thank You for writing my name in heaven. Amen.
Day 2: Recognising Second-Rate Significance
Scripture:
Matthew 4:3-4
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:3-4 NIV - The tempter came to him and said, “If - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, where Satan offered Him quick solutions and shortcuts to significance. Jesus responded by trusting God's provision and Word. Sometimes, we are tempted to seek significance through worldly means—power, approval, or quick fixes—rather than trusting God's plan.
Reflection:
In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek second-rate significance? How can you instead trust God's provision and timing?
Prayer:
Jesus, help me to trust in Your provision and to seek significance in Your Word and plan, not in shortcuts or worldly approval. Teach me to rely on You fully. Amen.
Day 3: The Power of Obedient Reordering
Scripture:
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:33 NIV - But seek first his kingdom and his - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Reordering our lives to prioritise God's kingdom transforms our perspective. Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus led to a life reorganisation, his priorities shifted from greed to generosity. When we seek God's kingdom first, everything else falls into place.
Reflection:
What areas of your life need reordering to align with God's kingdom? Are you putting His priorities above your own?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to seek Your kingdom first. Reorder my priorities so that I live in obedience and alignment with Your will. Show me how to reflect Your kingdom in my daily life. Amen.
Day 4: Living as a New Creation
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Embracing our identity as new creations means leaving behind old ways and stepping into the reorganised reality of God's kingdom. No matter our past, in Christ, we are made new and called to live differently—reflecting His image and purpose.
Reflection:
Do you live daily as a new creation? How can you better reflect God's image in your actions and attitudes?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for making me a new creation in Christ. Help me to live out this new identity and reflect Your image in all I do. Transform my heart and mind today. Amen.
Day 5: Confidence in Our Vocation and Mission
Scripture:
Ephesians 2:10
" For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 NIV - For we are God’s handiwork, created - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Our vocation and mission are part of God's divine plan. Whether we are students, workers, or in seasons of waiting, we are called to walk in the good works He prepared for us. Our significance is found in fulfilling our God-given purpose.
Reflection:
What is your current vocation or calling? How can you walk more intentionally in the good works God has prepared for you?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for creating me for good works. Help me to walk confidently in my vocation and fulfil the mission You have for my life. Use me to reflect Your love and purpose. Amen.
Day 6: Overcoming the Temptations for Second-Rate Significance
Scripture:
Luke 4:1-4
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’
Luke 4:1-4 NIV - Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness - Bible Gateway
Jesus faced temptations to seek quick fixes, power, and control—second-rate significance. He responded with Scripture, trusting God's plan and authority. We too face these temptations daily. Relying on God's Word and His sovereignty helps us resist the false promises of the world.
Reflection:
What temptations do you face that distract you from God's true significance? How can you use Scripture to stand firm?
Prayer:
Jesus, strengthen me to resist the temptations of quick fixes and worldly power. Help me to trust Your Word and plan for my life. May I find my significance in You alone. Amen.
Day 7: Living a Reorganised, Blessed Life
Scripture:
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10 NIV - The thief comes only to steal and kill - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Living as a new creation means embracing a life of obedience, blessing, and experiencing God's fullness. It’s about living under His kingdom rule, trusting His provision, and walking in His mission. No matter our circumstances, we can live a blessed life by aligning with God's purpose.
Reflection:
Are you living under God's kingdom rule today? How can you reorder your life to experience His blessing and fullness?
Prayer:
Lord, I want to live fully in Your blessing. Help me to reorder my life under Your kingdom rule, trusting Your provision and walking in Your mission. Fill me with Your peace and purpose. Amen.
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