Who am I in Christ?
This past Sunday night, we kicked off a study in our student ministry on the book of Ephesians. It is such a deep and profound book in the New Testament. It never ceases to amaze me how Scripture can continue to speak into our lives today. The Word of God is alive, and therefore it can speak into the lives of 6th through 12th graders in 2012. It is timeless…
The main focus of the first lesson was Ephesians 1:1-11. As one reads this passage (which 3-11 is one long sentence in Greek) they can see the issue of identity discussed in Paul’s words. In today’s culture, identity is a major issue for teens. So as I walked through these verses, I was burdened to share with my students how God views them. Everyone wants to belong. Everyone wants to be a part of something. Think of how nearly every part of our lives revolves around some sort of identification with a belief, style, music, etc.
“I’m a Rangers fan” / “I’m a vegetarian” / “I’m a nerd” / “I’m dating so and so…“
From our clothing to music choices to diet to relationships… we all identify with something… or someone.
So when it comes to our walk with God, how do we fit in? How do we identify with God? Looking at these verses, here are some ways that God views us:
- Blessed by God (1:3)
- Loved, chosen, & w/out fault in God’s eyes (1:4)
- Adopted (1:5)
- Forgiven (1:6)
- Part of God’s big story (1:8-10)
“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.”
That’s the bottom line. Without Christ, our lives have no meaning or purpose. But with Him… that changes everything! We are suddenly brought into the family of God with all of the benefits and blessings given to the children of God. We can see the way God views us: Loved. Chosen. Faultless.
I don’t know about you, but that is encouraging to me! I can identify myself with God. I have the freedom to view myself the way He sees me. As we moved into small groups, we had the students discuss a list of scriptures taken from Neil Anderson’s website. You can find that link here. Below is how we formatted for youth:
I am accepted
John 1:12 – I am God’s child.
John 15:15 – I am Christ’s friend.
Romans 5:1 – I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 – I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:20 – I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 – I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:1 – I am a saint.
Ephesians 1:5 – I have been adopted as God’s child.
Ephesians 2:18 – I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 1:14 – I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:10 – I am complete in Christ.
I am secure
Romans 8:1,2 – I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 – I am assured that all things work together for good.
Romans 8:31-34 – I am free from any condemning charges against me.
Romans 8:35-39 – I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21,22 – I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:3 – I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 – I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected.
Philippians 3:20 – I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 – I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.
Hebrews 4:16 – I can find grace and mercy to help in time of need.
1 John 5:18 – I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
I am significant
Matthew 5:13,14 – I am the salt and light of the earth.
John 15:1,5 – I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.
John 15:16 – I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8 – I am a personal witness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:16 – I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 – I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
2 Corinthians 6:1 – I am God’s coworker (see 1 Corinthians 3:9).
Ephesians 2:6 – I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 – I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 – I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Taken from Steps to Freedom in Christ for Adults by Neil T. Anderson.
