Summary
“Who am I?” is a universal question human beings ask. There are more ways of answering this question than ever before. In a world where so many are experiencing an identity crisis, debunking some of the myths surrounding identity and seeing how God’s truth brings security and hope is more important than ever.
Myth 1: I am always going to be this way / it’s just who I am
2 Corinthians 3:18 - And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Q. Are there any aspects of yourself you feel either defeatist or defiant about? How do these scriptures affect that?
Myth 2: I am who my experiences say I am
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Q. What experiences have shaped your sense of self? Does this help or hinder you?
Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Myth 3: I can be whoever / whatever I choose to be
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Q. Do we receive our identity from God or achieve it by what we do and the choices we make? Discuss
Matthew 16:13-17 - When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.
Q. How can you personally seek God for his revelation of Jesus and who you are in him?
Further Reading:
Here is a list of Bible verses on who God says we are to help you think, pray and find revelation on His amazing truth for you
https://vintagelawrence.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ANDERSON_WhoIAmInChrist.pdf
Here are some links if you are thinking about gender and identity:
https://www.livingout.org/
https://youtu.be/oAQ8S5gRvDY A talk and discussion with Sam Albury on Sexuality, Identity and Christianity