Week 1
Day 5: In Jesus I am Sealed
Read: 2 Corinthians 1:21–22
SOAP: 2 Corinthians 1:21–22
“But it is God who establishes us together with you in Christ and who anointed us, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment.” 2 Corinthians 1:21–22
Devotion:
Have you ever picked up a package from the grocery store and noticed a warning that says, “Do not use if seal is broken”? Seals are placed on items to keep the contents on the inside away from anything harmful on the outside. Letters used to be sealed with wax for privacy, and important documents are sealed in envelopes today.
What does it mean that in Jesus we are sealed? In addition to seals providing security and protection, they were also used as a way to indicate ownership of an item. God is the one who establishes us with Christ, who anoints us, and who claims us as His. Our identity is secure in God, not because of the work we can do, but because the Holy Spirit is at work in us, sanctifying us, separating us from our past, and promising us a fully redeemed future.
Unlike seals on food or letters that can be tampered with, torn away, or melted, God’s seal on us is secure. Our identity as a child of God is secure, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all at work in us, through us, and for us, now and forever.
In 2 Corinthians 1:20, Paul wrote, “For every one of God’s promises is ‘yes’ in him. Therefore, through him we also say ‘amen’ to the glory of God.” Our identity is secure in God, and all of His promises are “yes”—they will happen, in His perfect timing and way—and “amen”—His promises are true, reliable, and will be established.
Prayer:
God, when the world tries to pick apart my identity and challenge who I think I am, remind me I am Yours. You have chosen me, established me, sealed me, and will keep Your promises to me. To You be all the glory and honor. Amen.