Part 1: The Loss of Identity

IDENTITY: WHO ARE YOU?

PART - 1

1.  WE WERE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD.

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make mankind in Our image, in Our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”

Genesis 1:26-27 (NIV)

• We were intentionally created as man and woman by God for love, for community, and purpose, as we bear His image and glorify Him through worship.

2.   HOW WE ATTEMPT TO FIX OUR IDENTITY:

Starving for…         We settled for...

• God Autonomy

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

James 4:7 (NIV)

• Love                    Sex

“Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”

Genesis 2:25 (NIV)

Starving for…         We settled for…

• Community         Independence

“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)

• Purpose              Success

“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.”

Acts 13:36 (NIV)

• Worship              Self-obsession

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”

Psalm 150:6 (NIV)

3.   WHY RECLAIMING OUR IDENTITY IS SO IMPORTANT:  IT’S THE ONLY WAY WE CAN FULFILL OUR LIFE PURPOSE. 

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS TO:

• Do this week’s YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan: Read “Know Who You Are in Christ--Unpacking Your Spiritual Identity” (6 day plan).

• Check out this week’s blog or podcast on “Spiritual Identity.”

• Reflect God more clearly in my life as an image-bearer.

• Get more information about Baptism Day on May 23rd.