What does "refused to be called" teach about identity in Christ? Setting the Stage: Hebrews 11:24 “By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” What Moses Literally Did • Moses consciously turned down an Egyptian royal title that guaranteed wealth, power, and prestige. • His refusal was an act of faith—he evaluated earthly status against God’s covenant promises and chose the latter. Identity Lessons for Believers in Christ • Identity is chosen by faith, not circumstance. – Just as Moses rejected a palace identity, believers embrace a new identity “in Christ” through faith (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Identity is relational. – Moses aligned with God’s people; we are “children of God” (John 1:12) and “a people for His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). • Identity involves renunciation. – The old life is counted “as loss” (Philippians 3:7-8). • Identity carries a cost. – Moses accepted “ill-treatment with the people of God” (Hebrews 11:25-26). Believers are called to “take up their cross daily” (Luke 9:23). • Identity is forward-looking. – Moses saw the reward ahead; we set our hope on the eternal inheritance kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4). Supporting Scripture Connections • Galatians 2:20 — “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” • Romans 6:3-4 — baptism pictures dying to the old identity and rising to new life. • Hebrews 13:13-14 — going “outside the camp” with Jesus, bearing His reproach. • Philippians 3:20 — our citizenship is in heaven, not Egypt, not any earthly kingdom. Practical Takeaways • Evaluate every title, achievement, or accolade by whether it strengthens or obscures your identity in Christ. • Publicly stand with God’s people even when it costs social capital, career advantage, or personal comfort. • Speak of yourself first as a follower of Jesus; earthly descriptors come second. • Feed the new identity by regular exposure to Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and service. Living Out the Refusal Moses’ choice shows that genuine faith dethrones lesser identities and enthrones the identity God bestows. Refusing what the world offers is not loss but gain when the outcome is to be found in Christ. |
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