The Believer Defined
Introduction: We're living in a time where the concept of "identity" seems to be in chaos. Things once considered normal are now hotly debated topics. Issues like "identity politics" and "social justice" are often manipulated to serve fringe agendas, making it difficult to discern what truly defines us. In this world, how should a Christian believer define themselves? Where do we fit into this evolving landscape? How does our Lord see us? Let's explore what Scripture says about our identity and belonging. Is it defined by our race, culture, or past mistakes, or is it something deeper rooted in faith?
Let’s Look at the Facts: God Knows Us
In Genesis 18:17 to 19, God contemplates whether to reveal His plans to Abraham. He acknowledges Abraham's future as a great nation and the blessings he will bring to all the earth. God knows Abraham intimately, recognizing his ability to lead his family in righteousness and justice. This passage highlights that God knows us beyond our actions, understanding our potential and purpose. Abraham is known by his attributes, and God expects his children to follow suit, setting a standard for us to aspire to in our own lives.
Peter Reminds Us of Our Unique Calling
1 Peter 2:9 to 10 speaks directly to our identity as believers, describing us as a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people." This calling sets us apart, not for exclusivity, but to "show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." In the past, we may have felt like we had no identity or belonging, but now we are God's people, defined by His mercy. This scripture reassures us that our identity is rooted in being chosen and set apart to declare God's glory. Mercy defines us, transforming our past and giving us a new identity in Christ.
Here are Five Points from Peter:
We are Chosen by God: He knows us intimately and lifts us into His presence, giving us a sense of belonging and purpose.
A Royal Priesthood: We have direct access to God through Jesus, eliminating the need for intermediaries to connect with Him.
A Holy Nation: We belong to a community that finds its place and purpose in God.
His Peculiar Treasure: We are unique and cherished, valued beyond measure.
Called out of Darkness: We are brought into His marvellous light, a transformation that defines our identity.
Our Journey Began in Genesis
Genesis 1:27 to 28 tells us that God created man in His own image, male and female. This foundational truth establishes that our identity is rooted in the divine image, giving us inherent worth and purpose. God blessed humanity, instructing them to be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion over the earth. This passage underscores that our identity is not only in being made in God's image but also in the responsibilities and blessings that come with it.
Peter Amplifies What God Said Through Moses
In Exodus 19:5 to 6, God speaks to Moses, declaring that if His people obey His voice and keep His covenant, they will be a "peculiar treasure" above all people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. This covenant relationship emphasizes our belonging to God, setting us apart as His own. It reminds us that our identity is not self-made but divinely bestowed, rooted in our relationship with God.
Isaiah Passes on God’s Reassurance to Israel
Isaiah 43:1 to 2 offers a comforting reminder of God's intimate knowledge of us. He who created and formed us says, "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine." This assurance speaks to our identity as God's redeemed, personally known and claimed by Him. When we face challenges, He promises His presence and protection, affirming our identity as His own.
Here's the challenge: often, we're troubled when others misunderstand us or misrepresent us. It matters to us, causing sleepless nights. But God's view of us is eternal, rooted in His unchanging love and purpose.
Now a Word about God's Eternal Perspective
Jeremiah 29:11 to 13 reveals God's thoughts of peace towards His people, promising them a hopeful future. Despite the Israelites' experiences of captivity and rebellion, their identity remained secure in God's plan. He invites them to seek Him with all their heart, assuring them that they will find Him. This passage reminds us that God's perspective of us is not limited by our circumstances; it is eternal and filled with hope.
David understood this eternal perspective, as seen in Psalm 139:14, where he praises God for being "fearfully and wonderfully made." David's acknowledgment of God's marvellous works and intimate knowledge of him affirms that we are all God's handiwork, despite our failings.
The Word Says Moses Really Blew It
Exodus 2:11 to 14 recounts a pivotal moment in Moses' life. Raised as an Egyptian prince, he encounters an injustice against a Hebrew, one of his own people. Acting on impulse, Moses kills the Egyptian and hides the body. This act reveals Moses' struggle with his identity, caught between his upbringing and his heritage. When confronted by another Hebrew the next day, Moses realizes that his actions are known, and fear overtakes him. This passage illustrates the complexity of identity and the consequences of acting outside God's timing and plan.
Identity Theft Today
In today's world, fraud and identity theft are on the rise. John 10:10 warns of the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. In contrast, Jesus offers life more abundantly, affirming our true identity in Him. This scripture highlights the spiritual battle over our identity, with the enemy seeking to rob us of our blessings and purpose.
Let’s look at Moses' Commission
Despite his fear and uncertainty, Moses was commissioned by God to deliver His people. 2 Corinthians 10:5 encourages us to cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. We are to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. This passage reminds us that our identity and purpose are grounded in God's truth, not in our own understanding or the opinions of others.
The Acts of Moses
Hebrews 11:23 to 29 provides a summary of Moses' faith journey. By faith, his parents hid him as a baby, recognizing his potential despite the king's command. As an adult, Moses chose to identify with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He esteemed the reproach of Christ as greater riches than Egypt's treasures. By faith, he forsook Egypt, enduring as seeing the invisible God. This passage highlights the choices that define our identity, rooted in faith and aligned with God's purposes.
Receiving the Gospel Identifies Us with Christ
John 1:11 to 13 tells us that Jesus came to His own, but many did not receive Him. However, to those who did, He gave the power to become the sons of God, born not of human will but of God. This transformation through receiving Christ defines our identity as children of God, grounded in His love and grace.
Remember Paul's Words
Philippians 3:20 to 21 speaks of our heavenly citizenship, where we eagerly await our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. This passage reassures us that our identity is not limited to this world; it is anchored in heaven, where our true home and identity lie.
Prophetic Voices and Faithful Examples
Throughout the Bible, prophetic voices and faithful examples remind us of our identity in God. Abraham believed God's promise of a nation, becoming the father of faith. Moses led Israel out of Egypt, embracing his God-given role despite initial reluctance. David, despite his flaws, remained a man after God's own heart, trusting in God's promise of kingship. These examples inspire us to embrace our identity in Christ and live out our calling with faith and courage.
Here’s Some Advice About Your Identity in Christ
Receive God's Love: Accept His unconditional love, which takes the pressure off performance. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Romans 5:8 adds, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Knowing we are loved unconditionally allows us to rest in His presence.
Identify Your False Identity: Reject the lies and labels that do not align with God's truth. Colossians 3:9 to 10 advises us to "put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." Our true identity is found in Christ, not in the world's definitions.
Let Go of the False: Embrace the truth of who you are in Christ. Philippians 3:13 to 14 encourages us to forget what lies behind and press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Letting go of past identities and failures frees us to pursue our God-given purpose.
Fill the Void: Allow Christ to fill your life with His presence and purpose. Galatians 2:20 states, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Acknowledging our inadequacy without Him allows us to surrender to His guidance and transformation.
Yield to God's Grace: Live like Christ, putting Him first in all things. Titus 3:5 reminds us that it is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us." Our transformation is by His grace, leading us to live out our identity in Him.
Put Christ into Action: Live to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. Colossians 3:23 to 24 advises, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." Our actions reflect our identity in Christ, serving Him with joy and purpose.
Through this journey, we redefine identity not by worldly measures, but by our belonging to God and His eternal promises. Embracing our identity in Christ empowers us to live with confidence, purpose, and hope, knowing we are deeply known and loved by our Creator.