From Identity to Action: How Knowing Who You Are in Christ Fuels Spiritual Growth - Ep 14

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on Episode 14 of the Milk to Meat Discipleship Podcast.
Listen to the full podcast on all podcasts platforms (YouTube, Apple, Spotify, iHeart and the Cliffview App)

5-Day Devotional: Anchored in Christ

Day 1: Building on the Rock
Reading: Matthew 7:24-27
Devotional: Jesus teaches that everyone who hears His words and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. When storms came, the house stood firm. Your spiritual identity in Christ is that rock foundation. Without knowing who you are in Him—truly understanding His character through Scripture—your beliefs will shift with every new idea or challenge. Today, examine what you're building your life upon. Are you anchored in the unchanging truth of God's Word, or are you swayed by cultural trends and popular opinions? The storms will come, but a life rooted in Christ's identity will stand. Spend time today reading Scripture not just for information, but for transformation, allowing God's truth to become the bedrock of your identity.

Day 2: The Depth of God
Reading: Romans 11:33-36
Devotional: Paul exclaims about the depth of God's riches, wisdom, and knowledge—His judgments unsearchable, His ways unfathomable. Like the angels who eternally cry "Holy, holy, holy," discovering something new about God with each declaration, we will never exhaust the depths of who He is. This should fill us with wonder, not frustration. You don't need to understand everything about God to trust Him completely. Your spiritual growth isn't about reaching the bottom of God's mysteries, but about diving deeper each day. What new aspect of God's character can you explore today? Perhaps His justice, His provision, or His healing power? Embrace the beautiful reality that you serve a God who is breadthless and depthless—always more to discover, always worthy of exploration.

Day 3: Faith That Works
Reading: James 2:14-26
Devotional: James confronts us with a challenging question: Can faith without works save you? Salvation is indeed a free gift, not earned by works—but genuine faith naturally produces good works. Think of it like a fruit tree: you don't tape apples onto branches to make it an apple tree; the tree produces fruit because of what it is. When you truly understand your identity as a beloved child of God, saved by grace, you naturally want to reflect His love to others. Your works become the overflow of a transformed heart, not a checklist to earn approval. Today, examine your faith. Are you showing your faith through your actions? Look for one practical way to demonstrate God's love to someone—not to earn salvation, but because you've already received it.

Day 4: It Would Have Been Enough
Reading: Psalm 103:1-14
Devotional: The Jewish concept of "dayenu"—it would have been enough—reminds us that God always gives more than we deserve. If He had only forgiven our sins, it would have been enough. If He had only given us eternal life, it would have been enough. But He lavishes us with compassion, grace, daily provision, purpose, and His very presence. When you grasp the enormity of what you've been given, generosity flows naturally. You see the homeless person not as an inconvenience, but as someone God loves. You recognize opportunities to serve as divine appointments, not interruptions. Today, practice "dayenu" thinking. List the ways God has blessed you beyond what would have been sufficient. Then ask: How can I extend that same overflow of grace to someone else?

Day 5: Be the Hands and Feet
Reading: Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan)
Devotional: The parable of the Good Samaritan confronts our excuses. Religious leaders passed by the wounded man—perhaps they were too busy with "ministry." But the Samaritan, someone considered an outsider, stopped and helped. You don't need a special calling to do good when opportunity crosses your path. God has already commanded us to love our neighbors, feed the hungry, and care for the vulnerable—you don't need to pray about whether to obey. The question isn't "Should I help?" but "Will I help?" Today's challenge: Don't wait for God to speak audibly before doing what He's already commanded in Scripture. When you encounter someone in need—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—respond. Sometimes it's buying a meal, sometimes it's offering prayer, sometimes it's simply being present. Let your identity in Christ compel you to action.
Reflection Question for the Week: How has understanding your identity in Christ changed the way you view yourself and others? What one practical step will you take this week to live out that identity?

For further discussion or questions about discipleship, contact: discipleship@cliffviewchurch.org