21 Jan W3 | Identity in God

Posted at 15:58h in February, Topics 2025 by

REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES

Ephesians 2:19 | You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. (NIV)

Ephesians 1:5 | He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will (NIV)

OBJECTIVE

To reinforce the idea that understanding our identity in Christ is essential to understanding ourselves

CONTENT

Searching for self-identity in the eyes of God

  • Who am I? Who I really am? This is a simple question, the answer to which is not simple.

    Budi is a man who always pursues success. He thinks, “If I succeed, then people will respect me.” But even though he has achieved success, he still feels empty and always ask the same question, “Who am I?” He comes to church, reads the Bible, but still feels lost in the real answer. For the short answer, we are actually children of God whose sins have been redeemed by the Lord Jesus, by sacrificing himself on the Cross, therefore we believe in Him who has saved and filled us first. (John 3:16 ESV)

Knowing Who God Says I Am

  • Budi is not the only one who asks, “Who am I?” This is a question that we all ask ourselves. In this fast-paced world, we often lose our sense of direction and purpose in life. However, the Bible gives us clear guidance on who we are in God’s eyes.

    In Ephesians 2:10 ESV, Paul says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” So clearly, we are God’s workmanship. Also, we are meant to do good works. Our wonderful God created us in a wonderful way (Psalm 139:14) and we were created for good cause. Isn’t that amazing?

Tips to Know Who I Am According to God’s Word

  • Humbling Ourselves Before God
    Recognizing “who I am” begins with humbling ourselves and admitting that we need God. James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves before God, and He will exalt you.”
    Accepting God’s identity begins with humility. Because, there may be many things that we believe that contradict what God says. Therefore, start with humility, so that we are able to believe in His truth.
    Every one of us who wants to come and humble ourselves before Him, praise and worship Him, will experience a change in living this life. We will understand God’s purpose in creating us. We come to Him, surrender with all our heart and soul, want to listen to His word, do what God want us to do, even though it is not an easy thing to do.
    If we surrender with all our heart, then there will be a change in our lives. “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)
  • Reading and Understanding God's Word
    The Bible is the best source of information to understand ourselves according to God. In John 8:32, Jesus said, "And you will understand the truth, and the truth will set you free."
    The identity that the world gives can be very burdensome. We are required to work as hard as possible, earn as much money as possible, be handsome or beautiful, have a certain lifestyle, and so on. However, when we see who we are in God, we do not need to depend on what the world says.
    God also says in His word, " Little children, you are from God" (1 John 4:4 ESV). So we must carry the identity of where we come from. We are only visitors on this earth, who will one day return to the Father. From this we know that the figure of God is our Father who cares for us and gives us the privilege to be His most beloved Children.
    We can also see love itself through the atonement of our sins by the sending of his Son, Jesus Christ, who atoned for our sins, and was willing to die on the cross to give the most absolute love that exists in this world (John 14:6), Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” So we can also call ourselves people who are saved by God's absolute love.
  • Prayer and fellowship with God
    Pray for guidance from God. Through prayer and fellowship with Him, we will better understand “who I am” according to His will. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
    A person who is in true fellowship with God will also enjoy beautiful fellowship with fellow believers. If there are two believers who do not have fellowship with each other, it means that one or both of them are not walking in the light! (1 John 1:7 ESV)
    See how fellowship with God has a practical impact, namely fellowship with fellow believers. Not only that. Fellowship with God should also be seen through our lifestyle, words, and works! (Acts 2:42-47 ESV)

Great Identity, Great Life

  • When we understand “who I am” according to God, our lives will change. There will be no more confusion or feelings of unworthiness, because we know that we are God’s precious creation. By understanding “who I am” according to God, we will be better able to live according to His will.
    So, never stop seeking and understanding “who I am” according to God. This is the key to living a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • Have you ever felt like you were experiencing an identity crisis, especially when you became a believer? (Describe Your Experience)
  • Explain How was your journey to find your identity as a believer?

REFERENCES