Embracing Our True Identity in Christ

 

Summary

Discovering one's true identity is a fundamental journey that affects every aspect of life, from relationships and happiness to stress levels and success. This journey begins early in life and continues as we face various challenges, especially in today's world where external influences constantly try to shape our identity. As we embark on a new series, "Talking to Kids About Stuff That Matters," it's crucial to understand and embrace our identity in Christ, which is the foundation of who we are and what we are meant to be.

Our identity is often under attack, with Satan using various tools like the opinions of others, media, and even our own self-doubt to keep us from realizing our true selves. However, the Bible teaches that our true identity is found in Christ. In Christ, we are chosen, loved, and accepted by God. This foundational truth liberates us from the need for external validation and allows us to live confidently in our God-given identity.

Understanding that we are made in the image of God, or "Imago Dei," reinforces our intrinsic value and worth. This divine imprint means that every person, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, is precious and valuable. Furthermore, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross underscores our worth, as He paid the ultimate price for our redemption.

In Christ, we are not only valued but also equipped with unique gifts and purposes. Each of us has something special to offer the world, a contribution that only we can make. This realization frees us from the pressure of comparison and the need to conform to others' expectations. Instead, we are called to embrace our uniqueness and fulfill the purpose God has set for us.

Finally, in Christ, we are totally forgiven. This profound truth releases us from the burden of guilt and shame, allowing us to live in the freedom of God's grace. As we accept this forgiveness, we are also called to extend grace and forgiveness to others, reflecting God's love in our relationships.

Key Takeaways:

- Identity in Christ: Our true identity is found in Christ, where we are chosen, loved, and accepted by God. This foundational truth liberates us from seeking validation from others and allows us to live confidently in our God-given identity. [05:18]

- Imago Dei: Being made in the image of God means that every person is precious and valuable, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. This divine imprint establishes our worth and calls us to treat others with dignity and respect. [21:00]

- Unique Purpose: In Christ, we have a unique contribution to make to the world. Embracing our God-given gifts and purpose frees us from comparison and the pressure to conform, allowing us to fulfill the role God has designed for us. [36:01]

- Total Forgiveness: In Christ, we are completely forgiven, releasing us from guilt and shame. This truth empowers us to live in the freedom of God's grace and to extend forgiveness to others, reflecting His love in our relationships. [54:11]

- Living for God: We are called to be God pleasers, not people pleasers. By focusing on what God says about us, we can live authentically and confidently, free from the need for external approval. [45:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction and Identity
- [01:29] - Challenges of Identity
- [02:27] - Spiritual Battle for Identity
- [05:18] - Knowing God Through Christ
- [07:01] - Four Pillars of Identity
- [08:28] - Chosen, Loved, and Accepted
- [19:18] - Value and Worth in Christ
- [34:57] - Unique Contribution to the World
- [54:11] - Total Forgiveness in Christ
- [01:02:51] - Overcoming Rejection
- [01:04:15] - The Truth Will Set You Free
- [01:06:00] - True Identity in Christ
- [01:09:45] - Expressing Identity Through Baptism
- [01:11:10] - Prayer and Commitment

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Discovering Our True Identity in Christ

Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 1:16 - "Everything, absolutely everything, got started in Christ and finds its purpose in him."
2. Ephesians 1:4-5 - "In Christ, God chose us before the world was made so that we would be his holy people."
3. Romans 8:38-39 - "I am certain that nothing can separate us from God's love."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Colossians 1:16, what is the significance of everything being started in Christ? How does this relate to our understanding of identity? [05:56]

2. In Ephesians 1:4-5, what does it mean to be chosen by God before the world was made? How does this impact our sense of self-worth? [09:24]

3. Romans 8:38-39 speaks about the inseparability of God's love. What are some of the things mentioned that cannot separate us from God's love? [14:10]

4. The sermon mentions that our identity is often under attack. What are some of the tools Satan uses to keep us from knowing our true identity? [02:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding that we are made in the image of God (Imago Dei) influence the way we view ourselves and others? [21:00]

2. The sermon emphasizes that in Christ, we are totally forgiven. How does this truth affect our daily lives and interactions with others? [54:11]

3. What does it mean to have a unique purpose in Christ, and how can this understanding free us from the pressure of comparison? [36:01]

4. The sermon suggests that living for God's approval rather than people's approval is liberating. How can this shift in focus change our behavior and mindset? [45:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you sought validation from others. How can embracing your identity in Christ help you seek God's approval instead? [45:21]

2. In what ways can you remind yourself daily of your intrinsic value as someone made in the image of God? Consider practical steps you can take. [21:00]

3. Identify a unique gift or talent you have. How can you use this gift to contribute to your community or church, fulfilling your God-given purpose? [36:01]

4. Think of a person you struggle to forgive. How can understanding God's total forgiveness towards you help you extend grace to them? [54:11]

5. What are some external influences that have shaped your identity? How can you counteract these influences by focusing on your identity in Christ? [02:45]

6. Consider a situation where you felt rejected. How can the truth of being chosen and loved by God help you overcome feelings of rejection? [09:24]

7. How can you practically live out the truth that you are a masterpiece created by God? What changes might you need to make in your self-perception or actions? [38:38]

Devotional

Day 1: Identity in Christ: Chosen, Loved, Accepted
Our true identity is found in Christ, where we are chosen, loved, and accepted by God. This foundational truth liberates us from seeking validation from others and allows us to live confidently in our God-given identity. In a world where external influences constantly try to shape who we are, understanding our identity in Christ provides a solid foundation. It reminds us that we are not defined by the opinions of others or our own self-doubt but by the unchanging truth of God's love and acceptance. This knowledge empowers us to live authentically, free from the need for external approval. [05:18]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (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."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself seeking validation from others? How can you remind yourself today that you are already chosen, loved, and accepted by God?


Day 2: Imago Dei: Our Divine Worth
Being made in the image of God means that every person is precious and valuable, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. This divine imprint establishes our worth and calls us to treat others with dignity and respect. Recognizing the "Imago Dei" in ourselves and others challenges us to see beyond superficial judgments and appreciate the inherent value in every individual. It encourages us to live with a sense of purpose and to treat others with the same respect and love that God has for us. [21:00]

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: How does recognizing the image of God in yourself and others change the way you interact with people today? Can you think of a specific person you need to treat with more dignity and respect?


Day 3: Unique Purpose: Embracing Our God-Given Gifts
In Christ, we have a unique contribution to make to the world. Embracing our God-given gifts and purpose frees us from comparison and the pressure to conform, allowing us to fulfill the role God has designed for us. Each of us is equipped with unique talents and abilities that are meant to be used for God's glory and the benefit of others. By focusing on our unique purpose, we can live a life of significance and impact, free from the burden of comparison. [36:01]

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."

Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve others today? Is there a specific area where you feel pressured to conform, and how can you embrace your uniqueness instead?


Day 4: Total Forgiveness: Living in Freedom
In Christ, we are completely forgiven, releasing us from guilt and shame. This truth empowers us to live in the freedom of God's grace and to extend forgiveness to others, reflecting His love in our relationships. Understanding the depth of God's forgiveness allows us to let go of past mistakes and live in the present with hope and joy. It also challenges us to extend the same grace to others, fostering relationships built on love and understanding. [54:11]

Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today, or do you need to seek forgiveness from someone? How can embracing God's forgiveness help you take that step?


Day 5: Living for God: Authentic and Confident
We are called to be God pleasers, not people pleasers. By focusing on what God says about us, we can live authentically and confidently, free from the need for external approval. This shift in focus allows us to align our lives with God's will and purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, trusting that His opinion is the one that truly matters. [45:21]

Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to seek approval from others rather than God? How can you shift your focus today to live more authentically for Him?

Quotes

In Christ, I am chosen by God, loved by God and accepted by God. Now, those are three things we all want in life. We all wanna be chosen, we all wanna be loved, and we all wanna be accepted. Well you already are, by God himself. At first, these are the three foundations, the first pillar of true self worth. [00:08:43]

The Bible says God created the entire universe, because he wanted a family. God wanted children to love. The whole reason the universe exists, is God wanted children to love. Now, let me ask you this question, according to this verse, When did God choose you? Look at it real close? When did God choose you? [00:09:49]

In Christ, my value and worth are priceless. As Rick said, my value and my words are priceless. Isaiah 43, verse four, God says, you are precious to me. Now precious is a really emotional word. It's not a word that we use very often, we don't hear people talk about it. [00:19:18]

In the Latin the words for the image of God is Imago Dei. And Imago Dei is what all of us contain. All of us contain the image of God. We were made in his likeness. And it defines us as surely as this phrase that we've been using, in Christ. Before we were in Christ, we were all made in the image of God. [00:21:09]

Every single person, every single person, carries the spark of the divine. And we have the image of God stamped on us. That this must become an unshakable conviction in you. Because when you understand that you and every other person on this planet has been stamped with the image of God that establishes personhood. [00:22:33]

God uniquely shaped you for a contribution. He wired you in certain way. Nobody else in in history has your DNA. Nobody, nobody in the past, nobody in the future will ever be you. God doesn't create clones or copies. Even identical twins are different in thousands and thousands of different ways. [00:36:01]

You have a unique thumbprint, voiceprint, eye print, footprint, heartbeat. You're not one in a million, you're one in trillions. There's nobody ever gonna be like you in the past in the future. That's how specifically God custom made you. And he wants you to be you. God doesn't want you to be anybody else. [00:36:42]

Real success is being who God made you to be. Not trying to be somebody else. Not trying to be what your parents wanted you to be. Real success is being what God wired you to be. And when you be who God wired you to be. When you be you, God goes, you got it. That's why I put you on Earth. [00:41:56]

In Christ, there is all of God in a human body. God came to earth in human form. 2000 years ago, split history into AD and BC. In Christ, there's all of God in the human body. God, Jesus is God just in human flesh. So you have everything when you have Christ. And you are filled with God, did you know that? [00:42:51]

There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. I want you to say, read that verse with me. It is a powerful verse, when you begin to believe it. Read it with me, there is now, with enthusiasm. Sorry, don't read it through like you're reading the phone book, with enthusiasm, okay. [00:54:11]

The truth will set you free. Everybody's heard that phrase, but they don't know the full verse. It's a quote from Jesus. And the full quote is this, if you continue in my word, the Bible, if you continue in my word, then you'll be my disciple. You'll be my followers, and then you'll know the truth. [01:04:15]

You are not what your parents say you are. You're not what your peers say you are. You're not what your partner says you are. You're not what the world says you are. You are not what the media says you are. You are not what social media says you are. You are not what bullies who criticize you in school say you are. [01:06:00]

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Transcript
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