Defining Identity: Who We Are in Christ
Summary
Summer is here, and with it comes a unique opportunity to dig deep into God’s Word together. This season, we’re journeying through the book of Ephesians, a letter often called the “crown jewel” or even the “Grand Canyon” of the New Testament because of its breathtaking depth and scope. Ephesians is all about identity—who we truly are in Christ—and how that identity shapes every part of our lives. The world is full of voices trying to label us, from our achievements and failures to our backgrounds and even our own insecurities. But only the One who created us has the authority to define us.
We often live under the weight of “imposter syndrome,” feeling like frauds, afraid that if people really knew us, they couldn’t possibly love us. This isn’t just a psychological struggle; it’s a spiritual one. The truth is, our truest identity isn’t found in what we do, what we have, or even what we’ve done wrong. It’s found in being “in Christ.” Paul’s letter to the Ephesians starts by reminding us that before anything else, we are chosen, holy, blameless, adopted, redeemed, and forgiven—not because of our own merit, but because of what Jesus has done for us.
Paul writes to a church in a city obsessed with status, achievement, and cultural pride, but he flips the script: our behavior flows from our identity, not the other way around. When we know who we are in Christ, we can live with holy confidence, free from shame and striving. Our citizenship is first in heaven, and our identity is received, not achieved. This means we can stop chasing after labels and start living out of the security and freedom that comes from being God’s beloved children.
No matter what the world says, no matter what our past says, the truest thing about us is that we are in Christ. When we embrace this, everything else falls into its proper place. Let’s walk together this summer, letting God’s Word reshape how we see ourselves and how we live.
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Key Takeaways
- Only the Creator Has the Right to Define You
In a world full of competing voices and labels, it’s easy to let others—or even our own failures—define us. But the only one with the authority to name and label us is the One who made us. When we return to the original source, we discover that our identity is rooted in being image-bearers of God, not in the shifting opinions of people or culture. [07:38]
- Identity Precedes Behavior—Not the Other Way Around
Many try to change by focusing on behavior modification, but lasting transformation only happens when we address the deeper issue of identity. Who we are determines what we do, not vice versa. When we know we are chosen, holy, and loved, our actions begin to align with that truth, and striving gives way to genuine growth. [11:43]
- In Christ, You Are Chosen, Holy, Adopted, and Redeemed
Paul’s repeated use of “in Christ” in Ephesians 1 is not just theological jargon—it’s the foundation of our new identity. We are not waiting to be picked or hoping to measure up; we are already chosen, made holy and blameless, adopted into God’s family, and redeemed and forgiven. This is not something we earn, but a gift we receive by faith. [13:45]
- Your Identity Is Received, Not Achieved
The world tells us to find our worth in what we do, what we have, or what we’ve accomplished (or failed to accomplish). But Scripture teaches that our identity is not something we achieve through effort or comparison—it is received as a gift from God. This frees us from the endless cycle of striving and comparison, allowing us to rest in God’s acceptance. [26:20]
- The Truest Thing About You Is That You Are In Christ
There are many things that may be true about you—your background, your political views, your successes, your failures—but only one thing is the truest: you are in Christ. When this becomes the core of your self-understanding, it puts every other label and circumstance in perspective. This truth brings freedom, unity, and a holy confidence that nothing else can provide. [30:14]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Why We Study Ephesians in Summer
[02:45] - The “Imposter Syndrome” Series Introduction
[05:05] - The Life Insurance Story: Chasing Labels
[07:38] - Who Has the Right to Name You?
[09:56] - Competing Voices and the Authority of God’s Word
[11:43] - Identity Determines Behavior
[13:45] - “In Christ”: The Foundation of Identity
[17:36] - You Are Chosen
[18:50] - Holy and Blameless: Living Without Shame
[20:02] - The Story of Mike Anderson: Freedom from the Past
[21:27] - Adopted Into God’s Family
[22:40] - Redeemed and Forgiven
[24:03] - Ephesus vs. In Christ: Competing Identities
[26:20] - Identity: Received, Not Achieved
[27:55] - What Defines You?
[29:04] - True Identity vs. Temporary Labels
[30:14] - The Truest Thing About You
[32:32] - Responding to the Call: Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Who Are You, Really? (Ephesians 1)”
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### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 1:1-14
- Genesis 1:27
- Philippians 3:20
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### Observation Questions
1. In Ephesians 1:1-14, what repeated phrase does Paul use to describe the believer’s identity, and how many times does it appear in these verses? [13:45]
2. According to Genesis 1:27, what is the foundational truth about how God created humanity? [07:38]
3. What are the specific identity words Paul uses to describe the Ephesian believers in Ephesians 1:1, even though they were new and imperfect followers of Jesus? [11:43]
4. In Philippians 3:20, what does Paul say about the citizenship of believers, and how does this relate to our identity? [26:20]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul start his letter to the Ephesians by focusing on identity before addressing behavior? How does this order affect the way we approach spiritual growth? [11:43]
2. The sermon says, “Only the one who created you has permission to name you and label you.” What are some of the competing voices or labels that try to define us, and why is it important to return to the original source? [07:38]
3. What does it mean to be “in Christ” according to Ephesians 1, and how is this different from finding our identity in what we do, have, or have done? [13:45]
4. The sermon mentions that our identity is “received, not achieved.” How does this truth challenge the way our culture tells us to find worth and value? [26:20]
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### Application Questions
1. The world often tries to label us based on our achievements, failures, or background. What is one label you’ve struggled with, and how does knowing you are “in Christ” challenge or change that label? [07:38]
2. The sermon talked about “imposter syndrome”—feeling like a fraud or fearing people wouldn’t love the real you. When have you felt this way, and how does Ephesians 1 speak to that fear? [05:05]
3. Paul says we are chosen, holy, blameless, adopted, redeemed, and forgiven—not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done. Which of these identity words is hardest for you to believe about yourself, and why? [13:45]
4. The message said, “Your identity is received, not achieved.” In what areas of your life do you find yourself striving to prove your worth? What would it look like to rest in your God-given identity this week? [26:20]
5. The sermon shared a story about two church members who let political labels become more important than their identity in Christ. Are there any labels (political, cultural, family, etc.) that you’ve let become more important than your identity in Christ? How can you put those in their proper place? [29:04]
6. The pastor encouraged us to “walk with holy confidence, free from shame and striving.” What is one practical step you can take this week to live out of your identity as God’s beloved child, rather than out of fear or comparison? [30:14]
7. Ephesians 1:13-14 says we are “marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” How does knowing you are sealed and secure in Christ affect the way you face challenges or setbacks? [13:45]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for the new identity He gives us in Christ. Ask Him to help you see yourself and others through His eyes this week. Invite Him to help you rest in being chosen, loved, and secure in Him.
Devotional
Day 1: Only the Creator Has the Right to Define You
Your true identity is not determined by the opinions, labels, or words spoken over you by others, nor by your past failures or shame, but by the One who made you. God alone has the authority to name and define you, and from the very beginning, He declared that you are made in His image. When you allow other voices or your own mistakes to shape your sense of self, you risk living as an imposter, hiding behind false identities. But the truest thing about you is what God says about you—He calls you His beloved, His image-bearer, and that is the foundation of your worth and purpose. [07:38]
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Reflection: What is one negative label or word spoken over you that you need to surrender to God today, trusting Him alone to define your identity?
Day 2: Your Identity Is “In Christ”
The most important and foundational truth about who you are is that you are “in Christ.” This phrase, repeated throughout Ephesians, means that your identity is rooted not in your achievements, failures, or background, but in your relationship with Jesus. In Christ, you are chosen, loved, and set apart, and everything about your life changes because of this new identity. When you truly grasp that you are in Christ, you can walk with holy confidence, knowing that you are not defined by your past or by what others say, but by what Jesus has done for you. [13:45]
Ephesians 1:3-14 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Reflection: What would it look like for you to live today with the confidence that your truest identity is “in Christ” rather than in your job, your past, or others’ opinions?
Day 3: In Christ, You Are Chosen, Holy, Blameless, Adopted, Redeemed, and Forgiven
When you are in Christ, God declares over you a new set of truths: you are chosen, holy, blameless, adopted into His family, redeemed, and forgiven. These are not just theological ideas but realities that shape how you see yourself and how you live. You no longer have to look over your shoulder in fear or shame, nor do you have to strive to earn God’s approval. Instead, you can rest in the freedom and security of being fully accepted and loved by God, walking out your days as a beloved child who is free from condemnation. [21:27]
Ephesians 1:4-7 (ESV)
Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
Reflection: Which of these truths—chosen, holy, blameless, adopted, redeemed, forgiven—do you struggle most to believe about yourself, and how can you begin to receive it from God today?
Day 4: Your Identity Is Received, Not Achieved
So much of our culture tells us that our worth is based on what we do, what we have, or what we’ve accomplished, but the gospel flips this upside down. Your identity in Christ is not something you earn or achieve through striving, performance, or comparison—it is a gift you receive by grace. You can stop striving to prove yourself or to measure up, because Jesus has already done everything necessary for you to be fully accepted and loved. Let go of the pressure to define yourself by your achievements or failures, and rest in the truth that your identity is received from God, not achieved by your own efforts. [27:27]
John 1:12 (ESV)
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you still trying to earn your worth or identity, and how can you intentionally receive God’s grace in that area today?
Day 5: The Truest Thing About You Is That You Are in Christ
There are many things that may be true about you—your background, your political views, your successes, your failures—but none of these are the truest thing about you. The truest thing is that you are in Christ, and that reality supersedes every other label or identity. When you let this truth sink in, it changes how you see yourself and others, freeing you from comparison, division, and insecurity. No matter what competes for your attention or tries to define you, remember that being in Christ is your ultimate and unshakeable identity. [30:14]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can remind yourself today that your identity in Christ is the truest thing about you, especially when other labels or voices try to define you?
Quotes
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