Genesis 3:1-13, Romans 5:17-18 [NLT]

Big Idea

Sin distorts our identity and introduces shame & insecurity, but Jesus offers healing.

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. …27 So God created human beings* in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

PROBLEM Sin distorts our identity, introducing shame & insecurity.

What does God reveal to us about the identity crisis among modern Americans?

1. It all started with a of the identity God gave us.

Genesis 3:1–13 (NLT)

2. God offers a choice for identity formation.

Romans 5:17-18 (NLT) 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. (Rom 5:12-21)

3. Jesus’ cross is a pivotal moment of our stolen identity.

WHAT NOW?

Root your identity into Jesus than into your demographics.

Galatians 2:20 (NLT) My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Confront the lies you believe about yourself because of sin.

Define yourself by God’s love, not by your failures. Take practical steps to reject the lies about your worth & identity.

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION

1. How might the “I’m doing it my own way” autonomy of Adam & Eve mirror the human struggle with determining one’s own identity?

2. If you’re being transparent, are there any subtle lies you believe about yourself because of sin? If so, would you share one?

3. Instead of seeing yourself as someone who has to prove worthiness or carry the weight of past regrets, you can live freely, knowing that God views you through the lens of Jesus’s perfection.

• How might this forever change your view of yourself?

4. In what ways might you actively embrace the truth that you are a deeply loved child of God?