Embracing Our Identity as God's Beloved Children
Summary
The longing to know who we truly are is universal. Our culture often tells us that our identity is shaped by our backstory—our struggles, our triumphs, our family history. But there is a deeper, more ancient backstory that defines us: we are created by God, formed in love and community by the Father, Son, and Spirit. This is the foundation of our worth and identity. The Genesis creation poem reveals that humanity is not just another creature made “according to its kind,” but uniquely fashioned in the image of God. This means that every person is a special, intentional creation, crowned with glory and honor, and invited to feast daily on the unconditional love of God.
The wonder of being “fearfully and wonderfully made” is not just poetic language—it is a profound truth about our uniqueness and value. Our bodies, minds, and spirits are marvels of God’s creativity. Even when we feel out of alignment or imperfect, God delights in us because He made us. Our worth is not determined by our achievements, our failures, or even our earthly family, but by the fact that we bear the image of our Creator.
Jesus, the perfect image of God, reveals the heart of the Father to us. When He teaches us to pray, He invites us to call God “Abba”—Father, Daddy. This is a radical invitation into intimacy with the Creator, regardless of our experiences with earthly fathers. Our true identity as children of God is not something we earn or inherit from our parents, but a gift revealed by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit Himself assures us deep within that we are God’s beloved children.
When we grasp this truth, it transforms every aspect of our lives. Our prayers become more confident, our self-esteem is rooted in God’s love, and our relationships are marked by grace. We no longer strive for acceptance or affection in the wrong places, because we know we are already fully loved and accepted by God. This revelation also changes how we see others: every person we meet is a fellow image-bearer, worthy of honor and love. As a community, we become a family—brothers and sisters, each uniquely reflecting the Creator’s glory.
Key Takeaways
- Our truest backstory is not our personal history or family lineage, but the reality that we are created in the image of God. This origin story gives us inherent worth, dignity, and purpose, regardless of our past or present circumstances. We are not defined by what we have done or what has been done to us, but by the One who made us. [01:55]
- Being “fearfully and wonderfully made” means that every aspect of our being—our bodies, minds, and personalities—reflects God’s creativity and intentionality. Even our quirks and imperfections are part of His design, and He delights in us as His handiwork. This truth invites us to embrace ourselves and others with gratitude and wonder. [05:39]
- Our identity as children of God is not determined by our earthly parents or upbringing, but by the Spirit’s witness within us. The Holy Spirit assures us that we belong to God, even when our experiences or feelings suggest otherwise. This spiritual adoption is a gift that brings freedom from fear and the need to prove ourselves. [17:17]
- The revelation that God is our Father—our Abba—transforms our relationship with Him from one of distance or duty to one of intimacy and trust. Even if our earthly fathers have failed us, the love of our heavenly Father is redeeming and unconditional. This relationship is foundational to our sense of belonging and security. [16:10]
- Understanding our identity as God’s beloved children changes how we see and treat others. Every person is a fellow image-bearer, crowned with glory and honor, deserving of respect and love. This perspective reshapes our community, making the church a true family where each person is valued and celebrated. [26:58]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - The Search for Identity
[01:55] - Our True Backstory: Created by God
[03:35] - The Tree of Life and God’s Unconditional Love
[04:36] - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
[05:39] - The Marvel of Human Design
[07:05] - Embracing Our Uniqueness
[10:24] - The Joy of Creation and God’s Delight
[12:21] - Made in God’s Image, Not Just Our Kind
[13:05] - The Value and Glory of Humanity
[14:33] - Jesus: The Perfect Image of God
[15:06] - Learning to Pray Like Jesus
[16:10] - God as Abba: The Father’s Love
[17:17] - Spiritual Adoption and New Identity
[20:05] - The Spirit’s Witness Within
[24:31] - Living from the Tree of Life
[26:58] - Seeing Others as Image-Bearers
[28:00] - Responding to God’s Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Who Are You? – Our True Identity in God"
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### Bible Reading
Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV)
> Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
> So God created man in his own image,
> in the image of God he created him;
> male and female he created them.
Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
> 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.
Romans 8:15-16 (ESV)
> For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 1, what is different about the way God creates humans compared to the way He creates plants and animals? ([12:21])
2. According to Psalm 139, how does David describe the way God made him? What words does he use? ([04:36])
3. In Romans 8, what does Paul say the Holy Spirit does for us regarding our identity? ([20:05])
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus invites us to call God “Abba, Father.” What is unique about this invitation compared to how people usually thought about God? ([16:10])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think it matters that humans are made “in the image of God” and not just “according to their kind” like the animals? How does this affect how we see ourselves and others? ([12:21])
2. The sermon says being “fearfully and wonderfully made” means every part of us reflects God’s creativity—even our quirks and imperfections. How might this change the way someone views their own weaknesses or differences? ([05:39])
3. What does it mean that our identity as God’s children is something the Holy Spirit reveals to us, not something we earn or inherit from our earthly family? ([17:17])
4. How does understanding God as “Abba, Father” change the way we relate to Him, especially for those who have had difficult experiences with their earthly fathers? ([16:10])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says our truest backstory is not our family history or what we’ve done, but that we are created in God’s image. Are there parts of your personal story or family background that you’ve let define you? How might seeing yourself as God’s creation change that? ([01:55])
2. Think about a time when you felt “out of alignment” or not good enough. How does the truth that God delights in you because He made you help you in those moments? ([10:24])
3. The Holy Spirit assures us that we are God’s beloved children. Are there times when you struggle to believe this? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit to remind you of your true identity this week? ([20:05])
4. Jesus invites us to call God “Abba, Father.” If that word is hard for you because of your experience with your earthly father, what steps could you take to let God show you His perfect love? ([16:10])
5. The sermon says that knowing we are fully loved and accepted by God frees us from striving for acceptance in the wrong places. Where are you most tempted to look for approval or affection outside of God? What is one practical way you can remind yourself of God’s acceptance this week? ([24:31])
6. Every person you meet is a fellow image-bearer, worthy of honor and love. Is there someone in your life you find it hard to value or respect? How could seeing them as made in God’s image change your attitude or actions toward them? ([26:58])
7. As a church, we are a family of God’s children. What is one way you can help someone in our community feel valued and celebrated for who God made them to be? ([26:58])
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Close in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help each person receive and live out their true identity as God’s beloved child.
Devotional
Day 1: You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Every person is a unique and marvelous creation, intricately designed by God with care and intention. From the complexity of your brain to the simple wonder of your opposable thumbs, every part of you reflects the creativity and inventiveness of your Maker. No matter your abilities or perceived shortcomings, you are wonderfully made, and your value is not diminished by imperfections or failures. God delights in you simply because He made you, and you are precious in His sight. [05:39]
Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: What is one unique feature or ability you have that you can thank God for today, recognizing it as a sign of His creative love for you?
Day 2: Made in the Image of God
Unlike anything else in creation, human beings are made in the image and likeness of God, not merely as a continuation of their parents or ancestors. This means you are designed to reflect God’s character, creativity, and love in the world. Your identity is rooted not in your family history or background, but in the divine intention and purpose of your Creator. Embracing this truth brings dignity, value, and a sense of calling to your life, as you are fashioned to display God’s image to those around you. [12:21]
Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV)
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally reflect God’s character to someone in your life today?
Day 3: Crowned with Glory and Honor
God has crowned humanity with glory and honor, setting people apart as significant and deeply loved. When you consider the vastness of creation, it is humbling to realize that God has chosen to bestow such value and importance upon you. This truth is not just a distant theological idea but a present reality that shapes your worth and purpose. You are not insignificant; you are precious, honored, and loved by the Creator of the universe. [13:05]
Psalm 8:3-5 (ESV)
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
Reflection: How does knowing you are crowned with glory and honor change the way you view yourself and your daily interactions?
Day 4: You Are a Child of God
Through Jesus, you are given the right to become a child of God, welcomed into His family not by your own merit but by His love and grace. This new identity is not determined by your earthly lineage or past experiences but is a gift received by faith. The Holy Spirit assures you of this truth, witnessing with your spirit that you belong to God and can call Him “Father.” This relationship brings freedom, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging that nothing else can provide. [20:05]
Romans 8:15-16 (ESV)
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Reflection: What would it look like for you to approach God as your loving Father in prayer today, trusting that you are truly His child?
Day 5: Living from the Unconditional Love of the Father
When you live from the truth of God’s unconditional love, it transforms your self-esteem, your relationships, and your sense of purpose. You no longer need to seek acceptance, affection, or appreciation from the wrong places, because you are secure in the love of your heavenly Father. This love not only changes how you see yourself but also how you treat others, recognizing that they too are made in God’s image and are deeply loved. Living from this place of love brings freedom, peace, and a new way of relating to the world. [25:41]
1 John 3:1 (ESV)
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Reflection: Who is someone you can treat with greater dignity and love today, remembering that they too are made in the image of God and loved by the Father?
Quotes
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