Who am I?
Teaching Notes
Who Am I? Understanding Your True Identity in Christ
Have you ever asked yourself, "Who am I, really?" It's one of life's most fundamental questions, and how we answer it shapes everything about our lives—our relationships, decisions, priorities, and sense of purpose.
In our culture today, we're encouraged to look in two primary places to define ourselves: inward to our feelings and desires, or outward to our achievements and status. But what if there's a more solid foundation for our identity?
The Problem with Self-Defined Identity
When we build our identity solely on internal feelings or external accomplishments, we create a shaky foundation. Here's why:
Looking Inward
Our feelings and desires change throughout life. What we're passionate about at 20 often differs from what drives us at 40 or 60. If our core identity is based on ever-changing feelings, we'll constantly be shifting who we believe ourselves to be.
The Bible even warns that our hearts can be deceitful. If we only look inside ourselves for identity, we're building on unstable ground.
Looking Outward
When we define ourselves by achievements, career status, or net worth, our identity becomes vulnerable to circumstances beyond our control. What happens when the job is lost, the relationship ends, or financial security crumbles?
What Does Ephesians Say About Our Identity?
The book of Ephesians offers a revolutionary perspective on identity. In the first chapter, Paul lays out several profound truths about who we are in Christ:
You Are Blessed
"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." (Ephesians 1:3)
Every blessing of heaven has been made available to you through Jesus. Peace, joy, hope, and healing are found in Christ.
You Are Chosen
"Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love." (Ephesians 1:4)
You haven't been rejected. You're not defined by your past. God looked at you and chose you before the world began.
You Are Adopted
"He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will." (Ephesians 1:5)
You've been brought into God's family. The Creator of the universe calls you His child and takes pleasure in you.
You Are Redeemed and Forgiven
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7)
God purchased you back from captivity to sin and death at the highest cost—the blood of His Son. Your sins are forgiven.
Why Is Identity in Christ Different?
What makes this identity different from all others is that it's received, not achieved. Notice that in the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul uses the indicative verb tense to describe what God has done for us—not what we must do for God.
This is revolutionary! Your core identity isn't dependent on your performance, feelings, or circumstances. It's anchored in what God has already accomplished through Jesus Christ.
An Identity That Withstands Life's Storms
Think about a house built to withstand hurricane-force winds. It needs a foundation of concrete and steel that goes deep into the ground. Similarly, when your identity is anchored in Christ, you can withstand whatever storms life throws at you.
When suffering and struggle come—and they will—all false identities get stripped away. Only an identity founded on the solid rock of Jesus Christ will remain standing.
How Do You Know If This Identity Is Yours?
How can you tell if you've truly received this new identity in Christ? Paul gives us a clue:
"So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son." (Ephesians 1:6)
The evidence is worship. Does the reality of being forgiven, redeemed, and adopted produce praise in your heart? Has God's grace become truly amazing to you?
When we genuinely grasp what God has done for us in Christ, our natural response is gratitude and worship. We surrender our lives to Him because He gave everything for us.
Life Application
This week, I challenge you to:
Read through Ephesians 1:3-14 slowly each day, letting these truths about your identity sink deep into your heart.
When you catch yourself defining your worth by your performance, feelings, or circumstances, pause and remind yourself of who you are in Christ.
Look for opportunities to live from your identity rather than for it. How might your relationships, work, and daily choices look different if you truly believed you are blessed, chosen, adopted, and redeemed?
Ask yourself these questions:
What false identities have I been building my life upon?
How would my approach to challenges change if I truly believed my core identity is secure in Christ?
In what areas of my life do I need to stop striving to earn what God has already freely given me?
Remember, you were made for more—more purpose, more peace, more joy, more freedom. And it all begins with embracing your true identity in Christ.
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
That's Who I Praise- Brandon Lake
This Is Our God- Phil Wickham
Holy Forever- CeCe Winans
WFC Speedway
Rest On Us- Maverick City
Christ and Christ Crucified- Lindy Cofer
Abide- The Worship Initiative
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