Genesis 1:26-27 [NLT] Big Idea Reclaiming our identity in Jesus is central to gospel transformation. Imago Dei — Image of God in Humanity “Our identity is rooted in our Creator rather than in our culture. Our fundamental identity isn’t fluid or something we decide, but something God determines.“ Genesis 1:26–27 (NLT) Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” 27 So God created human beings* in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Humans are created to God’s character & purpose. 1. Our value & purpose come from reflecting & reigning. 2. Male & female is different, but equal. 3. Our ‘Imago Dei‘ gives each human an unchangeable dignity, which is not earned or chosen, but granted by God. 5 Main Identity Messages (5 A’s of Secular Humanism) Actualization Autonomy Achievement Appearance Affiliations What Now? Replace any confusion with . Psalm 8:4 (NLT) 4 …what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Accept your new identity — & secured by Jesus. “The gospel of Jesus is not about choosing or constructing an identity, but receiving an identity that is given.” ~ Timothy Keller REMADE & RESTORED Colossians 1:15 (NLT) 15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God… 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION 1. Which of these “5 A’s“ of secular humanist identity formation have caught your attention & how? Actualization * Autonomy * Achievement * Appearance * Affiliations 2. Why do you think some continue living in identity confusion instead of conforming to God’s design for their identity formation (to mirror His character & purpose) ? 3. How might it transform your life to accept & believe the truth in this quote? “The gospel of Jesus is not about choosing or constructing an identity, but receiving an identity that is given.” ~ Timothy Keller 4. When a human heart is remade & restored by God, it then belongs to Jesus in order to become like Jesus. Jesus is described as the visible image of the invisible God. What is one way you might help make God more visible by becoming more like Jesus?