Why Are You Living Like the Old You? - Barry Bennett - Charis Daily - Season 18 Ep. 5

Summary

Barry Bennett teaches that a person’s inner sense of identity shapes how they respond to circumstances, relationships, and opportunities. Drawing on Proverbs 23:7—“as a man thinks in his heart, so is he”—he argues that the way people see themselves influences the life they live.

Main Ideas

• Identity is formed over time. Family, school, culture, entertainment, friends, and personal experiences can all contribute to a person’s self-image. These influences may shape beliefs about one’s worth, abilities, and limitations.
• Self-image affects choices and reactions. A person who sees themselves as incapable or unworthy may avoid opportunities or interpret challenges as impossible. Someone with a different self-image may be more willing to try, learn, and persevere.
• Christians may carry an old identity into their new life. Bennett says believers can continue to think and react as they did before becoming Christians, even though he understands them to be “new creations” in Christ. In his view, this mismatch can limit their sense of what is possible.
• Believers should see themselves through spiritual rather than merely physical or past-oriented “eyes.” Bennett points to biblical descriptions of Christians as complete in Christ, seated with Him, more than conquerors, and given authority. He says these truths may not be visible to ordinary sight, but should shape how believers understand themselves.
• This is not about ego or arrogance. Bennett frames the teaching as living out the new identity he believes Jesus made possible, rather than defining oneself by past failures, fear, or other people’s opinions.
• Identity influences faith and expectations. He argues that recognizing oneself as righteous and valuable in Christ can strengthen faith and openness to what God has prepared. He also connects this identity with victory, healing, abundance, and growth.
• The heart must be guarded. Building on Proverbs 4:23, Bennett says that what a person takes in and believes can influence the direction of their life. He urges listeners to be attentive to the ideas shaping their self-image.

Suggested Approach

Bennett’s practical guidance is to:

1. Reflect on your self-image. Notice how you respond to people, circumstances, and opportunities. Ask whether you tend to see obstacles as impossible or as things you can learn to handle.
2. Identify inherited or outdated beliefs. Consider whether fear, shame, past experiences, or others’ judgments are still defining your view of yourself.
3. Look for biblical passages about identity in Christ. Bennett specifically recommends searching for verses about being “in Him,” being complete in Christ, and Christ living in believers.
4. Meditate on those passages. Spend time reflecting on them and allowing their meaning to shape your inner beliefs, rather than relying only on past impressions or feelings.
5. Renew your mind continually. Bennett connects this practice with Romans 12:2 and says that changing one’s thinking is a process.
6. Act from the identity described in Scripture. He encourages believers to base their responses on what they believe God has done in them, rather than on temporary emotions or circumstances.

The episode closes with a promotion for the free booklet Your Identity in Christ, attributed to Andrew Wommack, and an invitation to contact the ministry for prayer or partnership.

Speakers and Sources Featured

• Barry Bennett — The episode’s speaker and a Bible teacher at Charis Bible College.
• Biblical passages cited by Bennett — Proverbs 23:7; Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:6; Romans 5:17; Colossians 2:10; Isaiah 28:12; and Matthew 13:15. He also refers to a centurion example in Matthew.
• Andrew Wommack — Named as the author of the booklet Your Identity in Christ.
• Charis Daily / Charis Bible College — The program and ministry hosting the episode.