Does Scripture teach that desires define identity?

No. Scripture teaches that while desires are real, a believer's identity is found in union with Christ rather than in desires or experiences.

Where is Christian identity found?

Christian identity is found in Jesus Christ through union with Him, not in feelings, temptations, or personal experiences.

How does the gospel provide stability for believers?

The gospel provides stability because a believer's identity is secure in Christ and does not change with circumstances or emotions.

Identity, Desire, and the Hope of the Gospel

⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 1 min read

Identity, Desire, and the Hope of the Gospel

Show Summary

Our culture often says that desires define who we are, but Scripture gives us a better and more stable foundation. In this episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins explains why our identity is not found in our desires, feelings, or experiences, but in our union with Christ.Looking at Galatians 2:20, Romans 7, James 1, and Colossians 3, this episode addresses the reality of struggle, the hope of the gospel, and the security believers have because their identity is found in Christ alone.

Listen and Watch

What You’ll Learn

Why desires are real but do not define identity
How indwelling sin helps explain the Christian struggle
Why union with Christ gives believers a secure identity
How to live from gospel identity rather than chasing identity
How Christians can speak with clarity and compassion in a confused age

Resources

Listen to more episodes of Contending for the Word.Watch the full Contending for the Word YouTube playlist.

Dave Jenkins( Executive Director )

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.

Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.

He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).

You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.

When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.

Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

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