Reclaiming Your True Identity in Christ
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
—John 8:32
The Struggle with Identity
In moments of embarrassment and humiliation, it’s easy to forget who we are. But remember, those moments don't define us. Instead, we should anchor our identity in something unshakeable—our identity in Christ. As we dive into this topic, let’s reflect on John 8:32, which says, "The truth will set you free." Tonight, we're exploring the depth of this truth and how it shapes our understanding of who we are.
The Power of Truth: Defining Our Identity
In the broader context of John 8, Jesus speaks about the importance of living according to His teachings, emphasizing the transformative power of His truth. This truth isn’t merely about facts, like the sky being blue or the grass being green; it’s about a deeper reality found in Jesus' teachings—what He says about us, others, and the world. When we embrace Christ’s truth, we find freedom from sin, guilt, and the lies that trap us in fear and confusion. This truth brings clarity, purpose, and liberation into our lives.
Understanding Identity: Beyond Surface Labels
Tonight, as we focus on our identity in Christ, we’re going to see how the Bible defines who we are. So, what is identity? Identity encompasses the qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, and expressions that characterize a person. If I asked each of you about your identity, we’d hear a wide range of answers: daughter, son, husband, wife, college graduate, campus minister, oldest child, only child, extrovert, introvert—the list goes on.
Identity can refer to physical appearance, belonging to a group, or personality traits. I once attended a women’s retreat where we were asked to list all the identities we held. The woman who listed the most identities came up with 83 different descriptors! This exercise highlights the vast array of identities we might claim. But tonight, we're specifically focusing on our identity in Christ and what it means to be a Christian.
Identity in the Midst of Life’s Challenges
The Christian life is full of ups and downs, challenges, and joys. We are not immune to the world's hardships, but we also experience sanctification and the full range of human emotions. Following God can be both exciting and challenging as we step into the unknown. As we embark on this journey, it’s crucial that we anchor our identity in Christ, recognizing that our worth and purpose are rooted in Him, especially as we step into vocational ministry and raise support.
Biblical Affirmations of Our Identity
When we talk about truth and identity, we’re talking about what the Bible says is true. Here are seven of my favorite verses about our identity in Christ—though this is by no means an exhaustive list.
Genesis 1:27 – We Are Image Bearers of God "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Being made in God’s image is what makes us unique, setting us apart from angels and animals.
John 1:12 – We Are Children of God "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." As children of God, we have a unique relationship with Him as our Father.
Matthew 28:19-20 – We Are Sent Out "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." We are called to be ambassadors and missionaries, sent out into the world to make disciples.
2 Corinthians 5:20 – We Are Ambassadors for Christ "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." As ambassadors, we represent Christ to the world, sharing His message.
1 Corinthians 13:12-13 – We Are Fully Known and Fully Loved "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." Christ knows us completely and loves us just as we are.
Isaiah 44:22 – We Are Redeemed "I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you." God has redeemed us, erasing our sins and calling us back to Him.
Ephesians 1:3-8 – We Are Chosen "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love, He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved." We were chosen before the foundation of the world to be God’s children.
Navigating Doubts and Lies
As we think about these verses, remember that your identity is secure. Nothing you do can change that. You have been called God’s child before the foundation of the world, and your identity in Him is firm and constant, not subject to the circumstances of life.
In the context of support raising, it can be tempting to doubt our identity, especially when we face challenges. The devil will try to lie to you, making you doubt the security of your identity in Christ. He’ll try to convince you that you’re someone you’re not, introducing shame, fear, and lies into your thoughts. But remember, your identity allows you to walk in freedom in Christ, free from fear, doubt, shame, and the need for external validation.
Standing Firm: The Freedom in Knowing Christ’s Truth
As we reflect on this, let’s remember that the enemy may plant lies about your calling during support raising, but your identity is rooted in Christ and His truth, not in the approval of others. God has already set you free from doubt and insecurity by calling you and redeeming you as His child.
Reflection Questions
What is your favorite verse about your identity in Christ?
When are you more susceptible to believe lies about who you are in Christ?
Has there been a time during support raising that you believed lies about who you are in Christ? If so, when? If not, what has been another time you have struggled to believe your identity?
What helped you remember who you are and what Christ says about you?
