Embracing Our Identity as God's Image Bearers

Summary

In our ongoing series, "The Truth About Lies," we confront the battle for truth that rages within each of us and across our society. We recognize that truth is not subjective or relative but is anchored in the very nature of God, our Creator, revealed in Jesus Christ. The spiritual warfare we engage in is against the deceiver, the devil, who seeks to undermine our lives through lies and deception.

We return to Genesis 3, where the serpent's cunning words to Eve encapsulate the essence of deception. The serpent's promise, "you will be like God," strikes at the heart of our identity. Yet, we must remember that we are already made in God's image, as stated in Genesis 1:26-27. This truth about our identity is foundational to understanding who we are and what our lives are meant to be about.

As image bearers, we possess a unique spirituality that enables us to connect with God intimately. The Bible is replete with invitations to know God, not merely as an academic pursuit but as a deep, personal relationship. When we lose sight of our spiritual identity, we neglect our souls and the profound connection we are designed to have with our Creator.

Morality is another aspect of being made in God's image. We have the capacity to live above our base instincts and desires, to choose a life that honors God. The Bible presents life as binary, with a clear distinction between the path of righteousness and the road to destruction. When we forget our moral identity, we risk defining ourselves by our impulses, reducing ourselves to mere animals rather than image bearers.

Dignity is the third aspect of our identity as God's image bearers. We have inherent value and worth, not because of our achievements or productivity, but simply because we are created by a loving God who sees us as valuable. In a world where human dignity is often measured by output or net worth, we must resist the temptation to find our value in these terms. Our worth is intrinsic, bestowed upon us by God, and cannot be augmented by our accomplishments.

The deception that we must seek our identity outside of God's design leads to destruction in these three areas of spirituality, morality, and dignity. When we encounter dysfunction, sin, or conflict in our lives, we must consider whether we have succumbed to lies about our identity. By embracing our true identity as image bearers and living in relationship with God, we find our purpose and meaning.

In Jesus Christ, our identity as image bearers is reinforced and grows within us. We are reminded that we need not seek validation from the world but find our true selves in knowing God. As we follow Christ, we are called to live out our identity as those made in the image and likeness of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Our identity as image bearers of God is the cornerstone of our existence. We are not on a quest for self-discovery; God has already revealed to us who we are. When we embrace this truth, we find stability and purpose in our lives, grounded in the knowledge that we are created in His likeness. [19:11]

- Spirituality is an integral part of our identity. We must not neglect our souls or skim through our spiritual lives. Instead, we should actively pursue a relationship with God, seeking to know Him deeply. This pursuit is not just for intellectual assent but for a transformative experience that aligns us with our true nature as beings capable of communion with the Divine. [23:26]

- Morality is a reflection of God's image within us. We are endowed with the ability to discern right from wrong, to live ethically, and to choose the narrow path of righteousness. When we recognize this aspect of our identity, we can resist the lie that we are defined by our desires and impulses, and instead live a life that reflects God's moral character. [30:31]

- Dignity is inherent in our identity as God's creation. Our worth is not contingent on our achievements or societal status. We must reject the notion that our value is tied to our productivity or accomplishments. Our dignity comes from being loved and valued by God, and this understanding should shape how we view ourselves and others. [33:39]

- The deceptions we face regarding our identity can lead to a life of emptiness and destruction. By holding fast to the truth of our identity as image bearers, we can counter these lies and live a life filled with purpose, morality, and dignity. In doing so, we honor the One who created us and find our true worth in His eyes. [39:57]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 3:1-7
2. Genesis 1:26-27
3. Psalm 46:10

#### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 3:1-7, what specific lie did the serpent tell Eve, and how did it challenge her understanding of her identity? [14:47]
2. According to Genesis 1:26-27, what does it mean to be made in the image and likeness of God? [17:20]
3. How does Psalm 46:10 encourage us to connect with God, and why is this significant for our spiritual identity? [23:20]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the serpent's promise "you will be like God" considered a deception, given what Genesis 1:26-27 says about humanity's creation? [16:09]
2. How does the concept of being made in God's image influence our understanding of morality and ethical living? [30:04]
3. What are the implications of finding our dignity and worth in being God's creation rather than in our achievements or societal status? [33:06]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the need to seek validation from the world. How can embracing your identity as an image bearer of God change your perspective? [39:57]
2. In what ways can you actively pursue a deeper relationship with God this week, rather than merely skimming through your spiritual life? [23:26]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you have been defining yourself by your desires or impulses. How can you realign this with your identity as an image bearer of God? [30:31]
4. Think about a recent decision you made. Did you seek God's guidance in that decision? How can you make seeking God's will a more integral part of your decision-making process? [28:10]
5. How do you currently measure your worth and value? What steps can you take to remind yourself that your dignity comes from being loved and valued by God, not from your achievements? [33:39]
6. Consider a conflict or dysfunction in your life. Could this be a result of believing a lie about your identity? How can you counter this deception with the truth of being an image bearer? [39:57]
7. Choose one aspect of your identity as an image bearer (spirituality, morality, or dignity) to focus on this week. What specific action will you take to live out this aspect more fully? [19:16]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Blueprint
Our identity as image bearers of God is not a journey of self-discovery but a truth revealed by our Creator. We are intricately designed in the likeness of God, and this identity is the bedrock upon which we build our lives. It provides us with a sense of stability and purpose, knowing that we are not random accidents of nature but intentional creations with a divine blueprint. This understanding allows us to navigate life's complexities with the assurance that we are loved, valued, and have a place in the grand narrative of God's story.

When we recognize and embrace our identity as image bearers, we step into the fullness of life that God intends for us. We are not swayed by the shifting sands of societal expectations or personal insecurities. Instead, we stand firm in the knowledge that our worth is inherent and our purpose is preordained. This truth is not just a comforting thought but a call to live out our divine design with confidence and courage.

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Reflection: How does understanding your identity as an image bearer of God influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?

Day 2: The Pursuit of Divine Relationship
Spirituality is an integral part of our identity, and it is through our unique spirituality that we can intimately connect with God. This connection is not meant to be a superficial acknowledgment of God's existence but a deep and personal relationship that transforms us from the inside out. It is a journey of the heart, where we seek to know God beyond the pages of Scripture and the walls of the church, encountering Him in the quiet moments and the chaotic stretches of life.

This pursuit of a relationship with God is not for the sake of knowledge alone but for the experience of His presence in our lives. It is in this divine relationship that we find our true selves and the strength to face life's challenges. As we draw closer to God, we become more aligned with our identity as His image bearers, reflecting His love and grace to the world around us.

"But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." (Psalm 73:28)

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can deepen your relationship with God in your daily routine?

Day 3: The Moral Reflection of God's Image
Morality is a reflection of God's image within us, and as such, we are endowed with the ability to discern right from wrong. This moral compass is not a burden but a gift that enables us to live lives that honor God and reflect His character. We are not slaves to our desires and impulses but have the capacity to choose righteousness and ethical living. This aspect of our identity calls us to a higher standard, one that aligns with the moral nature of God Himself.

Recognizing our moral identity helps us resist the lie that we are defined by our base instincts. Instead, we can live out the truth of who we are, making choices that lead to life and wholeness. Our moral decisions are not just about following rules but about embodying the goodness of God in a world that often celebrates the opposite.

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13)

Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's moral character in a specific area of your life today?

Day 4: Inherent Dignity as God's Handiwork
Our dignity is inherent, not because of what we do or achieve, but simply because we are created by God. This understanding of our worth is revolutionary in a world that often measures value by output or status. Our dignity is not a variable to be increased with accomplishments or diminished by failures. It is a constant, rooted in the reality that we are fashioned by a loving God who sees us as valuable beyond measure.

When we grasp the truth of our God-given dignity, it changes how we view ourselves and others. We no longer need to chase after validation or compare our worth to that of others. Instead, we can rest in the knowledge that our value is intrinsic and unchangeable, a gift from the One who created us with love and intentionality.

"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)

Reflection: How does the understanding of your inherent dignity shape the way you treat yourself and others?

Day 5: Counteracting Deception with Truth
The deceptions we face regarding our identity can lead us down a path of emptiness and destruction. However, by holding fast to the truth of our identity as image bearers of God, we can counter these lies and live a life filled with purpose, morality, and dignity. This is not a passive stance but an active defense against the falsehoods that seek to undermine our understanding of who we are in Christ.

Living out our true identity requires us to be vigilant and discerning, recognizing the subtle ways in which deception can creep into our thoughts and actions. By affirming the truth of our creation in God's image, we honor our Creator and find our true worth in His eyes, which leads to a life of fulfillment and impact.

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)

Reflection: What is one lie about your identity that you need to replace with God's truth today?

Quotes

- "The first thing the Bible says about people is that we are made in the image and likeness of God. This is who we are at our core." [19:11](Download | Download)

- "You were made in the image and likeness of God; you have a soul, a spirituality that is able to connect with God. Don't neglect this part of your life." [23:26](Download | Download)

- "Life is binary; it's this or it's that. As image bearers, we have the capacity to live above our instincts and urges, to choose a life that honors God." [30:31](Download | Download)

- "Your worth is not found in what you accomplish or how much you produce. You have dignity and worth simply because you were created in the image of God." [33:39](Download | Download)

- "God's opinion of you is the only opinion in the entire universe that matters. You are an image bearer with dignity and worth, simply and only because the Creator finds you valuable." [38:19](Download | Download)

- "When we become confused about who we really are, all kinds of destruction follows. As image bearers, we must live in relationship with God, live a life that pleases Him, and recognize our inherent value." [39:57](Download | Download)

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Transcript

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