Read The Selected Scriptures Below
In lesson 4, we learned that we were created by God, for His glory and His purposes. Today, we’re taking a look at our identity in Christ.
Questions to Consider
1. What does the phrase “our identity in Christ” mean? If the statement, “My identity is in Christ,” is the answer, what is the question?
2. These passages identify someone who is in Christ in what way? God chose the metaphor of Father and children to describe and define His relationship with us. Describe the relationship between an ideal earthly father and his child. What are some of the character traits of the father? Describe the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love in their relationship. In what ways does God perfectly embody those character traits (attributes)? In what ways do the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love play out in our relationship with God as Father and us as His children?
3. Part of our identity in Christ is that being God’s children also makes us what, according to these passages? What does it mean to be an heir of God and a fellow heir with Christ? What is our inheritance, and when will we receive it? Is there any part of our inheritance that we are receiving now, in this life?
4. How do these passages characterize someone who is in Christ? Read this brief description of first century slavery to help you understand the cultural context in which these passages were written. People who are only familiar with American slavery of the 18th-19th century might think the phrase “slaves of Christ” sounds scary, or that Christ is harsh toward those who serve Him. How would you explain to those people what it means to be a slave of Christ? How is Christ the ideal Master? What are our obligations to Christ as His slaves, and the benefits of being His slave?
5. The Bible describes us, positionally and functionally, as children of God, co-heirs with Christ, and slaves of Christ. What are some other ways the Bible describes who we are in Christ? Cite the Scriptures you draw your answers from.
6. What are some things women, even Christian women, find their identity in besides Christ? How is it idolatry to find your identity in something besides Christ? How do you identify yourself?
7. How does our identity in Christ inform how we feel, think, speak, and act? Is this statement true or false: “To feel, think, speak, and act contrary to who we are in Christ is sin.”? Why? Back up your answer with Scripture.
Homework
Earthly fathers make out a will describing the inheritance their heirs will receive. Sometimes fathers use the will, and the threat of cutting children out of the will, as a tool for manipulating their children or keeping them in line. Is this how God relates to His children with regard to our inheritance? If you have truly been born into God’s family, will He ever cut you out of His “will”? Explain how your behavior is connected to your inheritance and to your position as an heir of God. Use Scripture to support your answer.
Suggested Memory Verse
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13
