Do We Understand the Authority of Our Identity in Christ?

Do We Understand the Authority of Our Identity in Christ?

In Luke 7:1-10, we see a profound encounter between Jesus and a Roman centurion, a man who fully understood his authority and identity. The centurion’s faith was remarkable—not because he performed miracles or had an extraordinary background, but because he grasped the significance of his position. He knew that, as a soldier under authority, he could command others because he himself was under command. This understanding led him to approach Jesus with a confidence rooted in humility and a deep trust in Christ’s authority.

Just as the centurion understood his role, we are called to understand our identity in Christ. Being a follower of Jesus isn’t just a label; it’s a way of living and interacting with the world, rooted in the authority and identity He gives us.

1. The Centurion's Faith and Our Identity

When the centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant, he didn’t need Jesus to come physically; he trusted that a single word from Jesus would suffice. Jesus was amazed, saying, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel" (Luke 7:9, CSB). This faith came from the centurion’s understanding of authority. If we recognize our identity in Christ, we can approach life with a similar confidence, knowing that we are under the ultimate authority of God and, therefore, carry His power within us.

2. More Than a Label: Living Out Our Identity

Being a Christian is far more than a title. It means living out the authority given to us as children of God. We often live below our potential because we don’t fully grasp who we are in Christ. Like the centurion, we are called to act according to our God-given authority—not to merely speak of it but to live it out boldly, bringing God’s kingdom into every situation.

3. Walking in Faith-Filled Authority

Just as the centurion spoke and commanded with faith, we, too, are called to act with faith. This means standing firm in who God says we are, even when we don’t feel it. It’s a daily journey of aligning our thoughts and actions with the truth that, in Christ, we have power over fear, doubt, and the challenges we face.

Final Thoughts

Understanding our identity in Christ gives us a foundation of authority in this world. When we know who we are and whose authority we stand under, we can face challenges with confidence, knowing that God is at work in us. Let’s choose to live out our identity—not just as a label, but as a powerful, faith-filled life that reflects the authority we have in Him.