WHO ARE YOU?

Who are you and what defines you? What is your identity? These are questions we often struggle to answer.

Maybe we base how we see ourselves by what we do (from what we are studying, or what our job is, or our roles in relationships), defining ourselves by these things.

Or maybe we base our identity on how we think other people see us. We can even compare ourselves to other people and by doing so, we can significantly damage our own self worth, thinking we fall short.

But the truth is, that God intends for all people to find their identity in Christ. 

Let's explore what this means for us:

IDENTITY? WHAT IS IT?

Identity is a complex topic. It could be described as a label placed on someone so it’s up to you if you want to use the word ‘label’ or ‘identity’ as you think about the following questions:

* What is your definition of identity?

* What would you say your identity is?

* How would your family identify you?

* How do you think society identifies you?

* How do you think God identifies you? 

-  WE'LL EXPLORE THIS VERY IMPORTANT LAST POINT A BIT MORE LATER ON

BUT FIRSTLY, WHO DID PEOPLE SAY JESUS WAS?

Let’s think about some of the things people identified Jesus as:

Shepherd?

Teacher?

Healer?

Provider?

Liar?

Mary and Joseph’s son?

Blasphemer?

Magician?

Lover of people?

The manger baby?

Born of a virgin?

A listener?

Disciple of God?

Mad man?

The Christ, the Son of the Living God?

The truth is, Jesus would have been one or more of these things to everyone who encountered him. But Jesus knew what his true identity was, no matter what others thought or said about him.

Now think about yourselves:

* How do you think people see you?

* How do you see yourself?

LET'S LOOK AT THIS VIDEO BELOW TO SEE WHAT JESUS THINKS ABOUT YOU:

YOU ARE SO VALUED AND LOVED BY GOD

If you are ‘in Christ’ (if you know Jesus for yourself), then every one of these statements is true for you. 

You are:

Accepted - Ephesians 1: 6

Loved - Ephesians 1: 4

Adopted - Ephesians 1: 5, 6

Forgiven - Ephesians 1: 7

A child of God - Romans 8: 16

A friend of Jesus - John 15: 14

Saved by grace - Ephesians 2: 8

Chosen - John 15: 16

Complete - Colossians 2: 10

Redeemed - Galatians 3: 13

Rescued - Colossians 1: 13

Cared for - 1 Peter 5: 7

Blessed - Ephesians 1: 3

A new person - 2 Corinthians 5: 17

A masterpiece - Ephesians 2: 10

An heir - Romans 8: 17

A temple - 1 Peter 2: 5

An example - Ephesians 5: 1

Declared not guilty - Romans 3: 24

Not condemned - Romans 8: 1

Made right with God - 2 Corinthians 5: 21

Led by the Spirit - Romans 8: 14

Living by faith - 2 Corinthians 5: 7

Being transformed - Romans 12: 1, 2

Not afraid - 2 Timothy 1: 7

Strong in the Lord - Ephesians 6: 10

Victorious - Romans 8: 37

An overcomer - 1 John 4: 4

A co-worker with God - 1 Corinthians 3: 9

One in Christ with other believers - Galatians 3: 28

Part of the church - Ephesians 5: 29, 30

WOW WHAT A LIST!

Even if you don't yet know Jesus, remember that He loves you and is waiting to get to know you better. 

And when you find Him, you will begin to discover who you truly are.