Who am I? Embracing Your Identity in Christ Importance of Identity Review • Over time, your understanding of yourself forges your identity. • As a Christian “in Christ”, your identity is not achieved, but given. Identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:22a) • “He has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts.” (NLT) • “And [he] has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (ESV) Your identity defines your life, and that’s why it’s important! What makes Christian identity powerful? 1. It defines your character regardless of your personality. 2. If defines your relationships whatever their nature. 1 Peter 2:9-10 • “You are chosen by God and pitied by God and possessed by God and holy like God and royal priests to God.” (paraphrase) WHO AM I? WHAT AM I HERE FOR? Implications of PRIESTHOOD: 1. Ministry (spirituality before talent) 2. Marriage (team before self-worth) 3. Leadership (influence before position) What makes Christian identity powerful? “Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:2 (MSG) What makes Christian identity powerful? 1. It defines your character regardless of your personality. 2. If defines your relationships whatever their nature. Be conscious of your identity; protect it and embrace it!