Much is being discussed about “identity” these days. According to the 2020 Barna Journal produced in partnership with BetterMan, identity is one of the Five Essentials to Engage Today’s Men, a key pillar in building a 21st century men’s ministry.
But what is your identity? Where do you go to find the answer?
In our 1 Quick Question survey, we discovered that outside of Christ, men place high value on their wife/children and career as what most defines their identity.
The Kendrick brothers, Stephen and Alex, have created a resource that helps guide us toward the biblical perspective on this very important and foundational question. The Defined Bible Study is an 8 week video course for adults, and other Defined studies designed especially for younger kids, older kids, teen girls, and teen guys are also available. As companion products to the Overcomer movie, these are a great way to help guide your family through this topic.
Identity Matters
Knowing who we are and whose we are is fundamental to matters in our everyday life. If we as sons of God base our identity on anything other than Him, we are building our house on shifting sand.
“The Creator defines His creation, and because God created you, discovering who He is will tell you who you are.”
Who is God?
We must know God to know who He made us to be, and the Kendrick brothers address these key elements as they kick off the study.
He is our Creator. Genesis 1:26-28
He bought us with a price. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
He has all authority. Psalm 24:1
He knows us best. Psalm 139:1-4
Who am I?
According to the Barna Journal, non- Christian men rate financial status, hobbies, and friendships as the top 3 core definers of their identity while practicing Christian men rate faith, being a husband and father, family traditions, and friendships of primary importance.
The Defined study reminds us:
I am blessed with every spiritual blessing. Ephesians 1:3
I am chosen, accepted, and beloved. Ephesians 1:4
I am a child of God. Ephesians 1:5
I am redeemed and forgiven. Ephesians 1:7
I am sealed with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13
Our identity flows out of the two questions above and goes beyond into what we have in Christ.
He created us for a purpose. He redeemed us from our sin. We are joint heirs with Him. He cares about every aspect of our lives.
Even in uncertain times, we have confidence in our Creator and in His design for our lives. Psalm 139 tells us that God “formed my inward parts” and “knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” The good news for all is that we can walk in faith and not fear. We can have hope for the future.
When we know our identity in Christ, we can know how to live out His mission to love Him and love others in our everyday lives.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Grab the study today and delve in with your family or small group – or both.