The Believer’s Identity in Christ in Christ, we are . . . Forgiven and Pure. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Chosen. Royal. Holy. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Treasured. Deuteronomy 14:2 says, “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” A Masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Righteous. In 2 Corinthians 5:21 it says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Isaiah 43:4 says we’re precious. Matthew 5:13–16 says we’re salt, light, and a city on a hill. John 3:16 says we are loved. John 8:36 says we’re free. John 15:5 says we’re family members. John 15:15 says we’re His Friends. Romans 3:24 says we’re justified. Romans 8:17 says we’re heirs and coheirs with Christ! Romans 8:37 says we’re more than conquerors. 1 Corinthians 3:16 tells us we are God’s temple. 2 Corinthians 1:22 tells us we’re secure. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says we’re a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says we’re God’s ambassadors. Ephesians 1 says we’re blessed, chosen, adopted, redeemed, grace-lavished, unconditionally loved, accepted, and blameless. Philippians 3:20 tells us our we are Citizens of Heaven. And in John 1:12 and Galatians 3:26, God gives us the most amazing and beautiful label we could ever receive: Galatians 3:26 says, “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.” John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Reflection Questions

1. Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-17. What key words stick out to you? What do you feel the apostle Paul is saying here regarding identity?
2. In verses 4-6, Paul says, “For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge.” How has God enriched your life?
3. What are some identities you’ve carried around? How have they shaped you?

This Week

This week, we learned about real and counterfeit identities. On a card, write down the three most profound identity labels you have carried around from the world, others, even that you gave yourself. Under the label, write the internal script this label has created for you. On the other side of the card, write a label God has given you in Christ, as outlined in Scripture.