Lesson 4
Identity found in relationship with Jesus
PRAYEr
Identity is a powerful concept. How we view ourselves affects every area of our life. Where we draw our identity from is vital to our spiritual life and growth. This week pray that the Holy Spirit will help you see yourself as God sees you. Meditate on your identity in Christ and how that can affect you daily.
Study
WHY IDENTITY?
We live in a world filled with constant messaging about who we should be, how we should think, behave, and how we should view ourselves. Like a potter forming clay, this barrage of culture has the potential to mold and shape our identity. As our identity goes so will our thinking, behavior, and life. It takes awareness on our part to make sure that we are daily drawing our identity from the right source. Peter urges the church to be “sober-minded and vigilant” in their awareness of what is at stake (1 Peter 5:8-9). Paul calls believers to put on the “helmet of salvation”, a constant reminder of who we are and the victory we have in Jesus (Ephesians 6:17).
THE BEGINNING OF IDENTITY
From the beginning of time, God has been lovingly intentional about our identity, creating the first humans and all those coming after in the image of God (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 9:6). God created us to have a special relationship with our Creator and to truly reflect God in who we are and what we do. Our identity is bound to God’s, therefore, when humans rebel against God, the image of God in us is torn from its true source, left ever searching for a place to draw from. Just as Adam and Eve strayed from their true source in God, to pursue their own course of wisdom and form their own identity, reaping the consequence, so also, we all have experienced the consequences of pursuing false forms of identity.
FALSE IDENTITY
Whatever we pursue, devote, or commit ourselves to; whatever takes priority in our life, is what will influence, mold, and shape us the most. If what we pursue most is money, we will find our source of identity in whatever gets us to a point where we have enough money; or maybe it is beauty, fame, security, athletics, academics, career, titles, power, pleasure - you name it. Now, some of those things are good, but only if put in the proper priority in our life. We don’t like to admit that we put other things ahead of God in our life, however, if we were to examine our thought life, schedule, spending patterns, internet record, or cell phone we would quickly discover what is most important to us. In fact, we don’t just pursue other things, we basically worship them in place of God. And what we worship is what we become like, what our identity is formed by. When we pursue false “gods” we form false identities. We will be captive to the mercy of money, career, people’s opinion of us, fleeting pleasure; and these “gods” are merciless. None of these things can compare to God and the love that we have in Jesus. That is why the writers of scripture warn us and call us to live differently and to find our identity in the right place (Romans 12:1-2).
IDENTITY RESTORED
The good news is that Jesus rescues us from what is truly an empty way of life (1 Peter 1:18-20). We believe that the truest expression of who we are is found in our relationship with Jesus. In that relationship, we find joy, forgiveness, healing, comfort, and purpose. Jesus gives life to our relationships and continuously crafts us into the masterpiece we were created to be (Ephesians 2:10).
To find our identity in Christ means to draw our view of self, our self-worth, identity, and destiny from Jesus and the gospel. That we are who Jesus says we are. We can do what Jesus says we can do. We believe what Jesus says and do what he commands.
One of the Apostle Paul’s most used phrases is “In Christ”, in Jesus we are:
Forgiven: Jesus forgives our sin because he loves us (Romans 6:23, 1 John 1:9).
Free: we are without condemnation, not based on our performance but on Jesus’ verdict given through the cross and resurrection (Romans 4:25, Romans 8:1-2).
Loved: with an undying and unconditional love that takes us at our worse and gives us God’s best (1 John 3:1-2, Romans 5:8).
Accepted: no matter where we come from, what we look like, what we have done, or what we have been through (Galatians 3:27-29).
Made New: the life of Jesus is poured out over us to restore the image of God we were always meant to reflect (Ephesians 4:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Adopted: as children of God, into a new family designed to love and encourage us (Romans 8:14-15, 1 Corinthians 12:27).
Empowered: The Holy Spirit living inside of us gives us strength to know and live the life of Jesus. Our lives, situations, families, friends can change for the good (John 15:26, Acts 2:38, Acts 1:8).
Chosen: We never could have chosen Jesus first, he chooses us first, initiating and drawing us to himself through grace, due to his great love for us (Colossians 3:12).
Remembered: Jesus promised his followers that he would never leave them or forsake them, that the Holy Spirit would dwell with us always (John 14:15-18).
Valued: God was willing to give that which is of greatest value in all creation to save us (John 3:16).
Victorious: We have victory over our sin, temptation, and trial through Jesus (1 John 5:4, Romans 6:14).
Redeemed: We are purchased out of slavery to false identities by Jesus’ sacrifice (Ephesians 1:7).
Restored: God’s plan in Jesus is to restore all creation, starting with us (Acts 3:19-21).
Called: We are personally called and invited to share in the glorious life and purpose of God in Jesus (2 Thessalonians 2:14).
Gifted: We all have an important gift to share with the world (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Sent: We all share in the great saving plan of God for this world, with sending comes empowering (Matthew 28:19).
Blessed: We are not left to our might alone, we have supernatural favor and resource at our disposal (Ephesian 1:3).
Secure: Our home is heaven, we will live and reign with our Savior forever, nothing can take that from us (2 Timothy 4:18).
Supplied: God will make a way even when it seems impossible (Philippians 4:19).
Holy: We are purified and empowered to walk in justice with Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Justified: Jesus takes our verdict and gives us his, our sin and injustice for his righteousness (Romans 8:30).
Glorified: We are called to be transformed from glory to glory in Jesus. (Romans 8:30, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
And the list could go on and on!
The good news is that as we discover and live out our identity in Jesus, we are no longer bound by the things that derail us in life. The unfair or negative opinion of others, our own self-afflicting standards, our tendency toward self-destructing patterns, the trials and temptations we face daily are overcome in Jesus, and that victory is ours through our identity in him.
LIVING OUR IDENTITY
It is one thing to read these words but another to live them out. So in short, what helps us live out the grace and identity of Jesus?
Pursue your identity: By reading and meditating on God’s Word, engaging in community, praise and worship, spending time in prayer, and reading or listening to good gospel-centered resources our mind is renewed into the identity God has for us. James compares God’s Word to a mirror, looking at it to see who we are truly meant to be (James 1:23-25).
Protect your identity: God’s boundaries protect our potential, our identity. Know the boundaries scripture sets and honor them. Say yes to what Jesus calls you to say yes to and say no to what Jesus calls you to say no to. If you face a situation and don’t know what to do, pray, study God’s Word on it, and seek wise and godly counsel from other believers and leaders.
Share your identity: As we see ourselves in the light of God’s identity for us, we also begin to see the true value and dignity of others. Jesus said we are a city on a hill, and that a light shouldn’t be hidden. The world around us is very willing to push their agenda. As Jesus followers, our identity should lovingly flow out of us, like a light in the darkness, in our words, actions, relationships, and attitude. We are not perfect, sinners saving by grace and daily living to be more like Jesus is not ever easy. But don’t let your imperfections keep you from shining the light of Christ. As others see your light, even in your vulnerabilities and struggles, the love of God will convey a message of life and love to them that is undeniable.
REFLECT
(Based on your study and reflection, journal about the following concepts in your own words, these questions will form the basis for your upcoming Community Group discussion, be prepared to share some of your journal entries to these questions.)
Had you ever thought about how you form your identity before?
What do you think it means to be made in the image of God?
How is the image of God restored in us through Jesus?
What false identities can pop up in your life?
What helps you draw your identity from Jesus, to pursue your identity in him?
What helps you protect your identity in Jesus?
Why is it hard sometimes to share about our faith in Jesus with others?
What are some other takeaways you had from the lesson?
Serve CHALLENGe
Act like a child
We are children of God. So, lets joyfully Act like it.
Outline an area in your life where you need to pursue, protect, and share your identity in Jesus. Write this down to share in your group.
Also, take a moment this week to encourage someone else in their identity in Jesus. Encourage someone by telling them how Jesus views them. (Example, remind someone that Jesus loves them, encourage them amid a struggle, etc. It could be your spouse, child, family member, friend, co-worker, or anyone)
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