"But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.."
1 Corinthians 2:14 (AMPC)
Further reading and
Frequently Asked Questions
Nobility 101 (Identity in Christ)
Session 3
Session 3 begins to unpack the understanding of the believers transformation from a life that is purely natural to one that is spiritual. Whether you walk in Heavens reality (Your new identity in Christ and The Kingdom) or this natural reality, depends on what you choose to put in your mind and set your mind upon…. This is the switch that causes you to transition from walking in the flesh to walking in the spirit.
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FAQ'S
1. What does it mean to be a "brand new creature" in Christ, and how does this change our understanding of sin?
Being a "brand new creature" in Christ means recognising that from the moment you are born again, your previous spiritual nature now becomes regenerated and made alive with the very life of God. This new spiritual nature is made perfect, holy, and righteous, with no inherent propensity or desire towards sin.
When the Bible states that those in Christ “do not sin” (1 John 3:6, 3:9), it is referring to this new, spiritual regenerated self. Just like Adam and Eve in the garden were perfect and had no desire for sin until they were deceived, so it is when we are made perfect at newbirth, from this point forward, sin occurs only when the born-again believer is deceived into thinking they are still their old self.. It is crucial to distinguish between the old, carnal nature (the old you) and the new spiritual nature received at new-birth (the new you), The new you by nature, cannot sin.
2. How does understanding our identity in Christ affect our ability to perform spiritual acts like healing the sick or raising the dead?
Understanding your identity in Christ is absolutely vital because it unlocks your ability to operate in the same power that Christ demonstrated. If you understand your new identity in Christ, you will also understand that your new nature has become identical to - and one with - Christ, (1 Corinthians 6:17 and 1 John 4:17) and therefore can now do everything that Christ did whilst on the earth. In fact, once we can truly believe in our union with Christ, the Christ in us is free to continue these same works and even "greater things" just as Jesus has said. (John 14:12) Conversely, if after being born again, you are not healing the sick, setting the captives free, or performing similar acts, it suggests that your mind has not yet been fully renewed to align with your new identity in Christ, even though you may have intellectually acknowledged that you have been changesd and made new. Only by becoming rooted in the knowledge of your identity in Christ will you be empowered you to manifest God's will on the Earth.
3. Why is renewing our mind so essential to living out our new identity in Christ?
Renewing our mind is essential because our lives will always move in the direction of our most dominant thoughts, and therefore we ultimately become what we think about the most “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) To see the realities of your new identity in Christ manifest outwardly, you must set your mind on “things above.” (Colossians 3:2) In other words, begin to look at things from God’s perspective as is laid out in scripture, and align your thoughts with what is written in it… new testament scripture is a perfect reflection of the “mind of Christ”
Upon being born again, the new believer receives this new ‘mind of Christ' (kind of like your mind receiving a new operating system). The “natural man” does not receive the things of the Spirit; to him, they are foolishness. (1 Corinthians 2:14-16) and so cannot process the new 'application' of God's word given to us in the New Testament (much like an old computer trying to run new 'applications' that are built for a new upgraded machine whilst still using an old outdated operating system).
Without a renewed mind, your identity in Christ will seem unclear at best, and you will be unable to effectively operate in it. Continuously entertaining contrary thoughts that do not align with scripture will only breed doubt and unbelief, and will eventually create convincing contrary arguments (strongholds in the mind) that make it impossible to walk in the truth.
4. What is the difference between living "according to the flesh" and living "according to the spirit"?
Living “according to the flesh” means being led by your intellect, emotions, and your natural physical senses which are linked to the “old man’s” carnal way of thinking. This mindset can only lead to death. (Romans 8:6) In contrast, living “according to the spirit” means allowing the new nature of your born-again spirit—perfect and aligned with God—to lead and guide you which will produce only life and peace. We must therefore choose whether we are going to live according to the flesh or according to the spirit as we cannot effectively do both; attempting to do so will result in becoming double-minded and make it impossible to receive anything from God. (James 1:5-8)
5. How does our understanding of the Law change when we embrace our identity in Christ?
Our understanding of the Law is profoundly transformed when we embrace our new identity in Christ. The Law was not given to make people righteous or better; its purpose was to amplify sin in our sight and reveal humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness on his own, ultimately leading us to see our need for a Saviour. (Galatians 3:23 - 25 and 1 Timothy 1:9)
Christ came not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it—accomplishing what the Law could never do for us. (Romans 8:3-4) Furthermore, Christ amplified the Law even further, moving beyond outward actions to address the intentions of the heart, explaining for example, that lusting in one’s heart is considered the same as adultery, and how hatred is akin to murder. (Matthew 5:27-28)
As believers, we rely on Christ, (who perfectly kept the Law), to work in and through us to produce the good and righteous works of the law, knowing that in our natural self effort, we are unable to do so (Philippians 2:13)
6. How should a born-again believer interact with "old friends" or family who are not walking in their new identity?
Although we shouldn’t outright reject or cut off old friends and family, the nature of our interactions will inevitably change after being born again. As a born-again believer, the way we relate to people is different. The Bible asks, “What fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6;14-18)
While believers are called to minister to and love those who do not believe, it is worth remembering that true fellowship is a mutual exchange; believers therefore need to avoid receiving from the contrary spirit of the unbeliever; but rather aim to give and share that which God has placed in them. If a believer is serious about their walk with God, they may find that some friendships naturally fade because their new spiritual alignment leads to having much less in common. Also, setting ‘healthy boundaries’ against negative or unedifying conversations often causes non likeminded people to withdraw.
7. How can we guard against arrogance when we understand the knowledge and power available to us in Christ?
Guarding against arrogance, even when we have access to profound spiritual knowledge and power is essential. The key is recognising that you are not special in a way that elevates you above others. While you are blessed and highly favoured and made a mere shade lower than God Himself (Psalms 8:5), Scripture instructs us not to “think more highly of ourselves than we ought.” (Romans 12:3)
Arrogance is born from believing that you are better than someone else. We guard against this by understanding that Jesus is the only one who is truly ‘special’, and that every believer is an equal heir with Christ (Romans 8:14-17)—possessing the same authority, mind, faith and power as every other believer. If you believe your brother or sister has the ability to do exactly what you can—heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons etc—It will remove all room for pride, as we are all members of the same body.
Audio Summay
Click the link below for a brief audio summary of
Session 3
🔈 Audio Summary: Session 3
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Scripture References
- 1 John 3:6, 3:9
- 1 Corinthians 6:17
- 1 John 4:17
- John 14:12
- Proverbs 23:7
- Colossians 3:2
- 1 Corinthians 2:14-16
- Romans 8:6
- James 1:5-8
- Galatians 3:23 - 25
- 1 Timothy 1:9
- Romans 8:3-4
- Matthew 5:27-28
- Philippians 2:13
- 2 Corinthians 6;14-18
- Psalms 8:5
- Romans 12:3
- Romans 8:14-17