Discovering Our True Identity Through God's Story

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves caught up in the stories we tell about ourselves or the narratives others create for us. Yet, there is a deeper, truer story that God knows, and it is this story that we are invited to discover and embrace. Today, we reflect on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian who faced immense trials during the Nazi regime in Germany. Bonhoeffer's life and writings, particularly his poem "Who Am I?" challenge us to confront the stories we live by and seek the truth of our identity in God.

Bonhoeffer's journey from theology as an academic pursuit to a lived Christian experience was marked by crisis and suffering. His decision to return to Germany and stand in solidarity with the oppressed, despite the personal cost, exemplifies a life aligned with God's story. His writings, such as "Life Together" and "The Cost of Discipleship," offer profound insights into spiritual formation and the call to follow Christ, even unto death.

In his poem, Bonhoeffer grapples with the question of identity, torn between the image others have of him and his own internal struggles. He ultimately finds solace in the knowledge that God knows his true self. This realization invites us to let go of the facades we maintain and seek God's understanding of who we are. It is often through crisis that we are compelled to confront our true selves, much like the prodigal son who only comes to his senses when faced with dire circumstances.

We are encouraged not to wait for a crisis to seek the truth of our story. Instead, we can turn to God in prayer, asking for guidance and revelation. By praying the ancient words of Psalm 139, we invite God to search our hearts, reveal our deepest desires, and lead us in the way everlasting. This prayer is a call to align our personal stories with God's greater narrative, trusting that He knows us fully and desires to lead us into a life of purpose and truth.

Key Takeaways:

1. The True Story God Knows: Our lives are often defined by the stories we tell ourselves or the perceptions others have of us. Yet, there is a deeper, truer story that God knows, and it is this story that we are invited to discover and embrace. This requires us to let go of facades and seek God's understanding of our true identity. [07:36]

2. Crisis as a Catalyst for Truth: It often takes a crisis for us to confront the reality of our lives and the stories we live by. Like the prodigal son, we may only come to our senses when faced with dire circumstances. However, we are encouraged not to wait for a crisis to seek the truth of our story. [07:54]

3. The Power of Prayer: By praying the ancient words of Psalm 139, we invite God to search our hearts, reveal our deepest desires, and lead us in the way everlasting. This prayer is a call to align our personal stories with God's greater narrative, trusting that He knows us fully and desires to lead us into a life of purpose and truth. [09:13]

4. Bonhoeffer's Example: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and writings challenge us to confront the stories we live by and seek the truth of our identity in God. His decision to return to Germany and stand in solidarity with the oppressed, despite the personal cost, exemplifies a life aligned with God's story. [04:01]

5. Identity and Struggle: Bonhoeffer's poem "Who Am I?" reveals his struggle with identity, torn between the image others have of him and his own internal struggles. He ultimately finds solace in the knowledge that God knows his true self, inviting us to seek God's understanding of who we are. [07:03]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:02] - Introduction to Three Stories
- [01:28] - Bonhoeffer's Family Background
- [02:26] - Bonhoeffer's Arrest
- [03:04] - Theology to Lived Experience
- [03:34] - Bonhoeffer's Return to Germany
- [04:01] - Underground Seminary and Writings
- [05:05] - Bonhoeffer's Poem "Who Am I?"
- [07:21] - The True Story God Knows
- [07:54] - Crisis as a Catalyst for Truth
- [08:20] - Invitation to Seek God's Story
- [08:51] - Prayer from Psalm 139
- [09:34] - Aligning Our Story with God's
- [10:36] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) - "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
2. Luke 15:17-20 (NIV) - The story of the prodigal son coming to his senses.
3. Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV) - "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.'"

Observation Questions:
1. What does Psalm 139:23-24 invite us to do in our relationship with God? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on seeking God’s understanding of our true identity? [08:51]
2. In the story of the prodigal son, what event triggers his realization and return to his father? How does this relate to the idea of crisis as a catalyst for truth in the sermon? [07:54]
3. How does Bonhoeffer’s decision to return to Germany and stand with the oppressed reflect the call to discipleship found in Matthew 16:24-25? [04:01]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the prayer from Psalm 139 help someone align their personal story with God’s greater narrative? What does it mean to invite God to search our hearts? [09:13]
2. In what ways can a crisis reveal the true story of our lives, as seen in both the prodigal son’s story and Bonhoeffer’s life? How does this understanding challenge us to seek truth before a crisis occurs? [07:54]
3. How does Bonhoeffer’s struggle with identity in his poem "Who Am I?" reflect the tension between external perceptions and internal reality? What does this reveal about the nature of true identity in God? [07:03]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt caught between the story others told about you and your own internal struggles. How did you seek God’s understanding of your true identity during that time? [07:03]
2. Consider a current challenge or crisis in your life. How might this situation be an opportunity to confront the reality of your story and align it with God’s narrative? [07:54]
3. How can you incorporate the prayer from Psalm 139 into your daily routine to invite God’s guidance and revelation in your life? What specific steps will you take to make this a habit? [09:13]
4. Bonhoeffer’s life exemplified standing in solidarity with the oppressed despite personal cost. Is there a cause or group you feel called to support, even if it requires sacrifice? How will you take action? [04:01]
5. Identify an area in your life where you maintain a facade. What steps can you take to let go of this facade and seek God’s understanding of who you truly are? [07:36]
6. How can you actively seek God’s story for your life without waiting for a crisis to prompt you? What practices or disciplines can help you in this pursuit? [08:20]
7. Reflect on the concept of taking up your cross and following Christ. What does this look like in your daily life, and how can you embrace this call more fully? [04:29]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's True Story for Us
In our lives, we often find ourselves entangled in the narratives we create or those imposed upon us by others. These stories can shape our identity, but they may not reflect the deeper truth that God knows about us. We are invited to discover and embrace this truer story, which requires us to let go of facades and seek God's understanding of our true identity. This journey involves a willingness to be vulnerable and open to God's revelation of who we truly are. By doing so, we align ourselves with a narrative that is richer and more meaningful than any we could construct on our own. [07:36]

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one facade you maintain that you can begin to let go of today, trusting that God's understanding of your true identity is more fulfilling?


Day 2: Crisis as a Catalyst for Self-Discovery
Crises often serve as catalysts that compel us to confront the reality of our lives and the stories we live by. Like the prodigal son, we may only come to our senses when faced with dire circumstances. However, we are encouraged not to wait for a crisis to seek the truth of our story. Instead, we can proactively turn to God, seeking His guidance and revelation in our lives. By doing so, we can avoid the pain of crisis and instead grow through intentional reflection and prayer, aligning our lives with God's greater narrative. [07:54]

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel a crisis might be looming? How can you seek God's truth in this area before it becomes a crisis?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that invites God to search our hearts, reveal our deepest desires, and lead us in the way everlasting. By praying the ancient words of Psalm 139, we align our personal stories with God's greater narrative, trusting that He knows us fully and desires to lead us into a life of purpose and truth. This practice of prayer is not just about asking for things but about opening ourselves to God's transformative work in our lives, allowing Him to shape our identity and guide our path. [09:13]

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the prayer of Psalm 139 into your daily routine this week, inviting God to search and guide your heart?


Day 4: Following Bonhoeffer's Example of Courageous Faith
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and writings challenge us to confront the stories we live by and seek the truth of our identity in God. His decision to return to Germany and stand in solidarity with the oppressed, despite the personal cost, exemplifies a life aligned with God's story. Bonhoeffer's courage and faithfulness in the face of immense trials inspire us to live out our faith boldly, even when it requires sacrifice. By following his example, we can learn to prioritize God's narrative over our own comfort and security. [04:01]

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel called to take a courageous step of faith, following Bonhoeffer's example?


Day 5: Finding Identity Amidst Struggle
Bonhoeffer's poem "Who Am I?" reveals his struggle with identity, torn between the image others have of him and his own internal struggles. He ultimately finds solace in the knowledge that God knows his true self, inviting us to seek God's understanding of who we are. This journey of identity is often marked by struggle, but it is through this struggle that we can find a deeper sense of self rooted in God's truth. By embracing this process, we can move beyond the superficial identities imposed by the world and discover the richness of our true identity in Christ. [07:03]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do you struggle with your identity, and how can you seek God's understanding of who you truly are this week?

Quotes


But we can begin to try to know our true story right now today and we're going to spend a few moments doing that. I want to look at this idea of the three stories through remarkable words from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I had a conversation on a previous video you may have seen or you could take a look at it with Michael Wear where he talks about how he's been inspired by Bonhoeffer. [00:01:00]

When Bonhoeffer chose his field of theology, it came as a surprise to the family. They were not a churchgoing family. A friend of his said that he entered into Theology and only after that learned to become a Christian, to move from theology as an academic exercise to spiritual life as a lived experience, and crisis played a huge role in that because of what was happening in his country, Germany. [00:03:02]

Bonhoeffer knew that God could not tolerate that and he couldn't either. He went to study in the US for a while. He lived in New York. He actually attended African-American churches in Harlem, and the songs that came out of the African-American experience became a very important part of Bonhoeffer's spiritual life. He ultimately decided that he needed to go back to Germany and struggle with, for, and suffer along with his people and along with Jewish people. [00:03:36]

He led this underground seminary where he wrote a book, "Life Together," where he amazingly brought together great wisdom about spiritual formation, a way of life together largely from monastic communities in the Catholic church with a very robust Evangelical, in the best sense of the word, theology, and wrote his famous book about discipleship, "The Cost of Discipleship," with that haunting sentence made more haunting by his life: when Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. [00:04:03]

But maybe his journal entries and letters that were saved and eventually retrieved from the concentration camp are some of his most remarkable words. Not long before he died, Bonhoeffer wrote a poem. It has a very different and much more haunting quality than what you find in "Life Together" or his works on discipleship or ethics. Here we see his struggling to come to grips with his own story. [00:04:42]

Who am I? They often tell me I step from my cell's confinement calmly, cheerfully, firmly, like a squire from his country house. Who am I? They often tell me I used to speak to my warders freely and friendly and clearly as though it were mine to command. Who am I? They also tell me I bore the days of misfortune equably, smilingly, proudly, like one accustomed to win. [00:05:14]

Am I then really that which other men tell of? Or am I only what I myself know of myself, restless, longing, and sick, like a bird in a cage, struggling for breath as though hands were compressing my throat, yearning for colors, flowers, the voices of birds, thirsting for words of kindness, neighborliness, tossing in expectations of great events, powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance, weary, empty at praying. [00:06:01]

Who am I? This or the other one? Am I one person today and tomorrow another? Am I both at once, a hypocrite before others and before myself, a contemptible weakling? Or is something within me like a beaten army, fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved? Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine. Whoever I am, thou knowest, O God. [00:06:46]

Very often it takes a crisis before we're willing to look hard to see reality. Think of the prodigal son, and as long as there's wine, women, and song, he's okay, but it's not till he's starving at the pig trough that he comes to himself, and it's like the scales fall from his eyes. Somebody's getting ready to end my life; it has a way of focusing my attention. [00:07:47]

The invitation is not to wait for the crisis to look at the truth of my story and to let go of, for a moment, the story that I'm trying to get you to think that's true of me or even the story that I want, and just say, God, you know, would you tell me, would you reveal to me what is the meaning of my life? Where am I on wrong paths? [00:08:20]

I want to invite you to pray an ancient prayer Bonhoeffer himself used to pray. This is from Psalm 139. Just take a moment right now to remember God is here, God is present. You can close your eyes if that would be a help to you, and in these words, search me, God, and know my heart, my deepest desires, what it is that I really long for. [00:08:51]

Lead me in the way everlasting. Help my story, God, to be fitted into your story. I know there are many parts of the script that I do not get to write. I'm not Bonhoeffer. I'm not in a camp. I'm just me. Would you lead me today, God? Would you help my story to align with whatever it is that you're doing? [00:10:32]

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