Understanding Your Identity in Christ
Things to remember:
Freedom in Christ requires understanding your true identity as a new creation, not just a forgiven version of your old self.
Christians are not sinners trying to please God but brand-new beings filled with God's nature
The cross didn't improve your old life; it ended it completely
You're not living your life for God; you're living from His life and power
Christians are seated in the heavenlies with Christ right now, not trying to get there
There's a difference between condemnation (from Satan) and conviction (from God)—one reminds you of your past, the other pushes you forward
Praise is powerful—it not only honors God but also silences spiritual enemies
Understanding Spiritual Freedom
THRIVE highly recommends and has been influence greatly by the writings of Dr. Neil T. Anderson. Dr. Anderson founded Freedom In Christ Ministries and has authored numerous books including Bondage Breaker. His book The Steps to Freedom in Christ is a powerful manual on walking through repentance, renouncing, About 85% of people can work through freedom steps on their own; 15% may experience need assistance or guidance.
Dr. Anderson's teaching center around learning and understand who you are (your identity) and who God is (His identity). Satan targets your identity because identity determines authority—if you don't know who you are, you won't walk in Christ's authority. This is the reason so many people are unsuccessful in overcoming issues of sin and struggles like depression, anxiety, fear, anger and addictions. Satan doesn't fear your effort; he fears your understanding of who you are in Christ.
Generational Patterns and Breaking Free
Generational patterns identified by the group include anger, fornication, gossip, negativity, control, manipulation, and co-dependency and even narcissism. These aren't inevitable curses but areas where spiritual influence can more easily gain access The enemy isn't creative but repetitive—targeting weaknesses that worked in previous generations.
Breaking these patterns requires repentance and sometimes making amends to those affected.
Practical Applications
Speaking truth and declaring aloud (not just thinking it) is essential for declarations to have power in the spiritual realm. Just as God spoke the Universe into existence, the spoken word is powerful.
Repentance is also powerful— The importance of confessing faults to others, your children and family members when you've failed can not be overstated. Your language and confessions need to align with your identity in Christ, not your old nature
Current Spiritual Climate
We encourage THRIVE life groups and locations to frequently organize times when The Steps to Freedom in Christ can be worked through together in a safe and supportive environment. Just as your enemy will never stop attacking, the process of repentance and renouncing and replacing can never be considered a "once and done."