What is “identity”?
Identity is the set of qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, and / or expressions that characterise a person or a group. Identity emerges during childhood as children start to comprehend their self-concept, and it remains a consistent aspect throughout different stages of life.
From the moment we were born, our true identity was destroyed and so we must look for our true identity in Christ. Understanding our identity in Christ is essential, because it directly impacts our spiritual, emotional and even physical life. It defines how we interact with God, with people, and with ourselves. It shapes our beliefs, values and actions.
Every day, we are bombarded with lies that try to convince us that we don’t have what it takes to follow Jesus. Every time we mess up, our insecurities reach out and tell us that we’ll always be weak—we’ll never experience the freedom Jesus says we can have. But Scripture reminds us that it’s Jesus’ divine power that gives us everything we need to live a godly life. With His strength, when we fall down—we can still get back up.
You’re not alone if you’ve ever thought…
“I’m not good enough.”
“I’m not smart enough.”
“I’m not strong enough.”
“I’m not enough.”
Who are you?
Today we are going to learn what the Bible says about our identity.
What exactly does it mean to have an identity in Christ?
In Christ, we are beloved children of God, justified, sanctified, and destined for an eternal life with Him. This identity goes beyond what we can see and touch: it is a spiritual reality that overflows in our everyday life.
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV
I am the righteousness of God—I have a right to stand with Him—in Jesus Christ.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” 1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit; I belong to Him.
“The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.” Deuteronomy 28:13 NIV
I am the head and not the tail, and I only go up and not down in life as I trust and obey God.
‘But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ‘ 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
It’s in our weakness that God’s power is made perfect in us. By the power of Christ, nothing can keep its grip on us. Not fear, worry, doubt, defeat, discouragement, loneliness, hardship, or pain.
Through Jesus, we have everything we need to combat anything that attempts to seize our rightful identity.
Who are we according to the Bible?
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17 NIV
We are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
What is our identity in Christ Jesus?
Our new identity in Christ is a life of love
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 NIV
Everyone has an identity from God in being made in the image of God. But believers in Christ have an identity given to them by being known by God intimately and personally as his child. Our identity, then, is a gift from God.
What does the Bible say about who we are in Christ?
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17
Believers are described as “new creations” in Christ Jesus, signifying a spiritual rebirth and a departure from the old self.
‘He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:5 NIV
The Bible teaches that through faith in Christ, believers are adopted into God’s family and are regarded as heirs in Christ.
Who are we in God’s eyes?
In God’s eyes we have infinite value. He loves us with a deep, abiding, eternal love. We belong to the Most High God… His beloved and forgiven children.
– You are enough because you are a child of God.
‘Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 NIV
‘See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1 NIV
– You can rejoice in suffering because Christ already suffered for you
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4: 12 – 19 NIV
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV
– You are greatly loved, and you can love others like you have been loved.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.14 You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:9-14 NIV
– Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 NIV
When you understand who you are, that is when you will truly be able to do all things through Christ’s strength.
So, let’s start applying the life-giving truth we find in the Bible so that we move from victimhood to victory. Embrace who you are in Christ.
And the next time a daunting situation comes up or a threatening thought comes to mind, remember that you can overcome it by Jesus’ divine power working in and through you. You don’t have to go through life on your own—and you weren’t made to.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
‘Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 NIV
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV
All authority has been given to Jesus, and Jesus has given you His Holy Spirit.
‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ‘Matthew 28:18 NIV
Jesus Christ alone holds the right and authority to define our identity. We are His children, made in His image, and His divine presence is actively at work within us. Discovering our true identity begins with developing an intimate relationship with Him.
What is the purpose of knowing your identity?
Knowing your identity is important because it forms the core foundation of your sense of self. It allows you to make choices that align with your true self, build authentic relationships, and live a more purposeful and fulfilling life.
What are the benefits of knowing who you are in Christ?
We can live confidently and boldly with God because of what Jesus did for us at the cross. We can walk in grace (the favour and power we need) to proclaim “nevertheless, I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me.” The third benefit is that it establishes my soul and stabilises my walk with God.
What does identity mean spiritually?
Spiritual identity is to know God and understand who you are within God. Individuals who find meaning for their lives in God and are recognized by God can develop their true identities and discover safety and meaning for their lives.
Reminder
What did we learn today?
Today we learned about our identity in Christ Jesus.
Why should we know our identity in Christ Jesus?
Because knowing the truth will free us from evil tricks, traps etc.
Who has received all authority?
Jesus
What did Jesus give us?
Jesus has given us His Holy Spirit
Challenges and recommendations
- We must discipline ourselves every day by getting up earlier to have a special time with God, building a good relationship and trust with Him.
- We must study the Bible every day at least twice, in getting up and before going to bed.
- We must get more and more engaged in all church activities and events.
- We must pray before attending all services in the church and take notes on the message delivered on Sunday service.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, Jesus loves you all so much and so do I. Have a blessed week you all and see you all next Sunday.