Identity

Message Notes:

Byron will begin his message this week with an extended teaching about the importance of understanding the nature of one’s “primary sense of identity.”

It is one of the most important, life-shaping and life-determining issues — How do you view yourself?

From an article read a few years ago — there are three important factors that shape one’s view of self.

Ascribed Identity — involuntary; unchosen; forces outside of one’s control such as gender, race, or family of origin.

Achieved Identity — sometimes our identity is influenced by what we achieve or fail to achieve in life; in school, sports, etc.

Master Status — everyone develops, either consciously or subconsciously, a master status identifier. This refers to what I would call myself first and foremost.

In 1 John 3:1 the apostle John wants us to see ourselves, first and foremost, as children of God. That is “who we are” (verse 1).

How does one become a “child of God?” Is everyone in the world a “child of God?” See John 1:12.

In 1 John 3:1-2 the apostle will begin to spell out —

My life (or anyone’s life) before Jesus, did not look like Jesus.

When Jesus becomes the source of our new identity, our life begins to change. 1 John 3:3 — right now I want to become like him.

1 John 3:2 — One day, “when He appears” I will become like Him (ethically pure).

The above three steps spell out a process.

1 John 3:4-10 is a passage that is confusing or difficult for some Christians. John will spell out seven statements in these seven verses about the nature of the Christian life.

Some English translations seems to indicate — if I am a real Christian, then I will not sin. See KJV.

But several newer English translations pick up on John’s use of present tense verbs (when talking about our lives and our relationship with sin). These verses contain seven examples of “present tense verbs” indicating “continuous or repeated action.” One simple technique would be to add the word “unrepentant” with the reading of the seven statements.

Also, another helpful translation strategy with this passage is to understand the influence of the heretical teachings of proto-gnosticism. Proto-gnosicism was encouraging a version of antinomianism (lawlessness) that Paul felt he had to confront. So, in 1 John 3:1-10, he will lay out four arguments against this proto-gnosticism.

We are children of God (our identity)

Real children reflect the character of the Father

How you live in the body matters

Stop acting like Satan — act like Jesus

Discussion Questions:

Interpretation Questions (What does the text mean?)

1.   Verse 1 says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us.”

• What does John mean by “lavished”? How would you describe this kind of love? Why do you think John emphasizes our identity as “children of God”?

2. John says, “The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

• What does this tell us about the relationship between Christians and the world? In what ways might the world misunderstand those who follow Jesus?

3. Verses 2–3 talk about becoming like Christ when He appears.

• What does it mean that “we shall be like Him”? How does that hope affect us now?

4. In verses 4–6, John writes that “no one who lives in Him keeps on sinning.”

• Is John saying that true believers never sin? How do we reconcile this with 1 John 1:8–10?

5. Verse 9 mentions God’s “seed” remaining in those born of Him.

• What do you think John means by “God’s seed”? How does that relate to spiritual transformation?

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Application Questions (What does this mean for us?)

1. What voices or messages compete with the truth that you are a deeply loved child of God?

• How does your life change when you live from that identity?

2. In what ways are you currently becoming more like Christ?

• Are there areas where you feel stuck or discouraged in your spiritual growth?

3. John contrasts being a child of God with continuing in sin.

• Is there a sin you’ve become too comfortable with? What might repentance look like?

4. How can we help each other reflect God’s character more faithfully?

• What role does community play in helping us live out our identity as God’s children?

5. John writes about doing what is right and loving one another (verse 10).

• What practical steps can you take this week to live out love and righteousness?

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🙏 Closing Reflection

• What truth from this passage do you most need to hold onto this week?

• How can we pray for one another to become more like Christ?