Wednesday, March 19’s devotional. “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you also were put to death in relation to the law through the body of Christ so that you may belong to another. You belong to him who was raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God.” (Romans 7:4, CSB).
Belonging changes everything. Paul tells us that through Christ’s death, we have died to the law so that we may belong to another—Jesus. Mark Penrith asked, “Who do we belong to? You belong to him who was raised from the dead. Who was raised from the dead? Jesus! We belong to Jesus.” That truth should stir our hearts. Our identity is no longer found in striving to keep the law but in Christ Himself.
Mark shared a personal story: “The day Liezl and I got married, we checked into our hotel, and the receptionist asked, ‘Under whose name?’ My heart exploded. I had to fight back tears. Mr. and Mrs. Penrith. That moment mattered because it was about identity. Liezl no longer belonged to her father’s family—she was now mine.” In the same way, belonging to Christ means a change in identity. We are no longer defined by our past, our failures, or even our attempts to be righteous. We are now His.
This new identity shapes our purpose. Paul writes, “In order that we may bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:4, CSB). Mark explained, “Belonging to Jesus changes everything. Our identity has been made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have been created for good works in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). There is now no condemnation for us in Christ (Romans 8:1-2). We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). We are righteous in Christ (Philippians 3:9).” Our belonging isn’t just about who we are—it’s about the life we are called to live.
Yet, many believers still struggle to embrace this truth. We continue to measure ourselves by how well we perform, forgetting that we have already been given a new identity in Christ. Mark challenged, “Why has God changed your identity? In order that we may bear fruit. In order that we may bear fruitful attitudes and fruitful actions.” The fruit of belonging to Christ is seen in both our character and our works—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22) and righteous actions that bring glory to God (Philippians 1:11).
How does belonging to Christ change your identity and purpose? Declare in prayer today who you are in Him and ask for the grace to live in that reality.
Prayer: Lord, I belong to You. Help me to live in the truth of my new identity and bear fruit for Your glory. Amen.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.