The Power of Identity

Notes

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Identity is the core of who you are. It’s not just the things you like or the groups you are a part of; your identity influences your beliefs, values, and actions. As followers of Jesus, Christianity isn’t something we can just add on to the pile. Jesus wants our all. If we are under His authority, we can’t help but change.

When our identity is found in the world, we don’t know exactly who we are; the world will be the one to mold us rather than Jesus. It also means that we will change depending on who we’re trying to impress, rather than using our natural personality and gifts for God’s purpose. When we’re constantly pretending to be someone we’re not, it will lead to resentment. That isn’t sustainable!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

If you ask 50 art critics the meaning of a piece of art, you’ll get 50 different answers. But if you ask the artist, you’ll hear what their intention was in creating their masterpiece. We the Church are God’s work of art. When our identity is in Jesus, we don’t have to try to fit in a particular mold; we can be who He created us to be and do our part in His Kingdom.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

We don’t have to look far to see that the world separates and divides us. But God unifies us in Jesus. The world is all about putting yourself first, but in Jesus, our focus is on what we can do for Him.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

How can we tell where our identity is found? To find out, we need to examine our lives. What are our priorities? How do we treat others? What is the central focus of the things we think, say, and do?

This side of eternity, God is not yet finished. It’s a process and we will continually be growing and learning, making mistakes and correcting them. Find people to walk with you to help you along the way, and be there for them when they need you, too. Trust God, and let Him tell you who you are, because He knows the bigger picture.

 

 

Group Questions

• What is identity?
• What are some things you would say represent you?
• How can you use those things in God’s Kingdom?
• What are some ways we can examine our lives to see what our identity is?

Prayer

We want you to not just be a piece of our lives, but the core of who we are. We are not a blank slate for the world to write on, but a vessel for you to do your work through.