MAIN IDEA || Our identity is not formed by a decision we make to look inside, it’s formed by a design we take when we look up. Most people define their identity by first 1. looking in (to their desires) 2. looking around (to express their uniqueness) 3. looking up (to add a spiritual dimension to life) Most Cherished Myth: Your defining individual human identity is achieved or conceived. 3 Approaches to Determine Who You Are 1. “Look In” : start with yourself 2. “Look Around” : start with people around you 3. “Look Up” : start with God 3 D’s of Human Identity Formation Psalm 139:13 (NLT) 13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 1. . 2. . 3. . If you want to follow Jesus, you have to give it up to save it. Matthew 16:24–25 (NLT) 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION How have you noticed people most commonly defining their identity ? looking in (to their desires) looking around (to express their uniqueness) looking up (to add a spiritual dimension to life) The 3 ‘D’s of human identity formation affirm that God is the source who designed, displayed & defined us. Psalm 139:13 (NLT) 13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Why do you think that’s so hard for people to accept? How do you feel about discovering your God-given identity instead of deciding or defining it for yourself? Can you describe anything you’ve experienced in life that’s better as a result of following Jesus? Matthew 16:24–25 (NLT) 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.