Who You Say I Am Pt.1

Who Am I

** Image -> Idolatry -> Identity

Two false identities: Chasing after or running from

Misinterpreting painful events births unchallenged assumptions. “I am....” statements that allow us to define our negative identities are then embraced.

3 ways we come to terms with negative assumptions and how they form our identities:

  1. Compensate

  2. Deny and distract

  3. Express/live out our assumptions

Any of these three results in a breakdown of your most important relationships, including with God.

A tightening tornado describes relationships.

  1. Experience your Identity in Christ.

John 4:13-15 – Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

How do you describe yourself?

A. Instead of asking “Who am I?” the question should really be “Whose am I?”

“Peoples’ longing for identity and their longing for intimacy are fundamentally connected, for the answer people are truly searching for when they ask “Who am I?” or “Whose am I?” is “I am somebody who is loved.’” – Blount

** Identity -> Intimacy -> Image

B. When you know who God is and who you are in Him it opens the door to intimacy with Him, which in turn positions you to be sure of your ID in Him!

Colossians 3:10-11 – For you have acquired new creation life which is continually being renewed into the likeness of the One who created you; giving you the full revelation of God. In this new creation life, your nationality makes no difference, or your ethnicity, education, or economic status—they matter nothing. For it is Christ that means everything as he lives in every one of us! TPT

Deeper intimacy opens the door to deeper identity. These two critical pieces feed each other, ultimately producing the image of our Heavenly Father in our lives.

C. Transform your thinking

Romans 12:2 – Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you,but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. TPT

D. Meditate on the Word

E. Commune with your Creator

1 John 3:1a and 2a – Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children... Beloved, we are God’s children right now.

Key verse to memorize: 1 John 3:1a – Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children.

Questions for discussion:

  1. How do you describe yourself? Or how would you answer the question: “Who am I”?

  2. When you think about false identities in your life, do you see more “chasing after” or “running away from” taking place?

  3. What has been key, in your life, for establishing your identity in Christ?

  1. How does the idea that you are accepted just as you are make you feel?

  2. Would you identify more with the statement, “I am loved and accepted” or “I am lovable and acceptable?”

  3. Ask the Holy Spirit what He wants to reveal to deepen your experiential understanding of your Identity in Christ.

  4. What steps do you need to take this week to deepen your identity as a child of God?

 

Joy Church