𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 “𝗜 𝗔𝗠” — 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧, 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗨𝗟

THE GREAT “I AM” — FULFILLED IN CHRIST, EXPLAINED BY PAUL

John 8:58; 2 Timothy 2:15

INTRODUCTION

Jesus’ “I AM” statements were spoken to Israel under the Law, revealing His Messianic identity (John 20:31).
However, the full meaning, spiritual position, and eternal application of who Christ is for us today is revealed through the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 3:1–9).

Today we will see 9 TRUTHS that show how the “I AM” of Israel becomes the “IN CHRIST” reality of the Church.

PROMISED PROVIDER
(I AM the Bread of Life)
John 6:35 | Philippians 4:19
Explanation:
Christ first presents Himself as Israel’s spiritual provision, but Paul reveals Him as our sufficient supply in grace.

A. Physical Provision – Bread given to Israel (John 6 context)
B. Spiritual Provision – Life through believing (John 6:47)
C. Present Provision – All sufficiency in Christ today (Phil 4:19)
Dispensational Insight:
Israel looked for bread from heaven; the Church lives from Christ in heaven.

PERFECT ILLUMINATION
(I AM the Light of the World)
John 8:12 | Ephesians 5:8
Explanation:
Christ was Israel’s light on earth; Paul reveals believers as children of light.

A. Light Revealed – Messiah exposes darkness (John 8:12)
B. Light Received – Faith brings illumination (2 Cor 4:6)
C. Light Reflected – Walk as light in Christ (Eph 5:8)
Dispensational Insight:
Israel followed the Light; the Church walks IN the Light.

PROTECTING PORT
(I AM the Door)
John 10:9 | Romans 5:1–2
Explanation:
Jesus offered access to Israel’s fold; Paul reveals direct access by grace.

A. Exclusive Entrance – Christ alone (John 10:9)
B. Eternal Access – Peace with God (Rom 5:1)
C. Established Standing – Access into grace (Rom 5:2)
Dispensational Insight:
Israel entered the sheepfold; the Church stands accepted in Christ.

PASTORAL PROTECTOR
(I AM the Good Shepherd)
John 10:11 | Colossians 1:18
Explanation:
Jesus shepherded Israel; Paul reveals Him as Head of the Body.

A. Sacrificial Shepherd – Lays down His life (John 10:11)
B. Sovereign Shepherd – Supreme authority (Col 1:18)
C. Sustaining Shepherd – Supplies the Body (Eph 4:15–16)
Dispensational Insight:
Israel follows a Shepherd; the Church is joined to the Head.

POWERFUL RESURRECTION
(I AM the Resurrection and the Life)
John 11:25 | 1 Corinthians 15:20–22
Explanation:
Christ promised resurrection to Israel; Paul explains positional resurrection now.

A. Physical Resurrection – Lazarus raised (John 11)
B. Positional Resurrection – Alive in Christ (Eph 2:5–6)
C. Promised Rapture – Future bodily resurrection (1 Cor 15:51–53)
Dispensational Insight:
Israel awaits resurrection; the Church is already risen IN Christ.

PRECISE PATH
(I AM the Way)
John 14:6 | Ephesians 2:18
Explanation:
Christ is the way to the Father; Paul shows free access without the Law.

A. Singular Way – No other access (John 14:6)
B. Spiritual Way – Not works, but grace (Eph 2:8–9)
C. Standing Way – One Body access (Eph 2:18)
Dispensational Insight:
Israel followed the Way; the Church lives IN the Way.

PERMANENT TRUTH
(I AM the Truth)
John 14:6 | Ephesians 1:13
Explanation:
Christ spoke truth to Israel; Paul reveals the gospel of truth.

A. Revealed Truth – Christ Himself (John 14:6)
B. Received Truth – Gospel believed (Eph 1:13)
C. Retained Truth – Sealed by the Spirit (Eph 4:30)
Dispensational Insight:
Israel heard truth; the Church is sealed in truth.

POSSESSED LIFE
(I AM the Life)
John 14:6 | Colossians 3:4
Explanation:
Christ offered life; Paul reveals Christ as our life.

A. Given Life – Eternal life offered (John 3:16)
B. Grounded Life – Hidden in Christ (Col 3:3)
C. Glorious Life – Appearing with Him (Col 3:4)
Dispensational Insight:
Israel receives life; the Church possesses life NOW.

PRODUCTIVE UNION
(I AM the True Vine)
John 15:1 | Galatians 2:20
Explanation:
Jesus taught fruit-bearing to Israel; Paul reveals union with Christ.

A. Abiding Principle – Dependence on Christ
B. Crucified Position – Dead to self (Gal 2:20)
C. Grace Production – Christ living through us (Phil 1:11)
Dispensational Insight:
Israel bears fruit by abiding; the Church bears fruit by identification.

CONCLUSION

The “I AM” statements reveal who Christ is,
but Paul explains what Christ accomplished.
From “I AM” (Israel)
to “IN CHRIST” (the Body of Christ)
“Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27)

CALL TO ACTION

Rightly Divide the Word (2 Tim 2:15)
Trust the Gospel of Grace (1 Cor 15:1–4)
Walk in Your Identity IN CHRIST
Teach Others the Distinction God Made

FINAL THOUGHTS

Jesus is the Great I AM,
but for the Church today,
He is ALL THAT WE ARE IN HIM.
Not Law
Not Religion
Not Performance
PURE GRACE — IN CHRIST ALONE