August 4 | Who Am I?

Series | The Purpose Filled Life

Scripture | Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Lesson 4 | Who Am I?

You are an image bearer of God.  The Bible teaches that God created us in “His own image,” in Latin we call this the, “imago dei.”  Though biblical scholars have taken different positions on what exactly being made in God’s image altogether entails some things are basic and clear.

Consider the following, (a) You are a spiritual being.  The physical body is just a shell that your spirit and soul reside in.  While you are on earth the body serves as an “earth suit.”  Though your spirit is influenced and limited by the body, when the body dies your spirit lives on, 2 Corinthians 5:8. 

(b) You are a spiritual person who has a soul.  Your spiritual life is what gives you existence and your soul is what gives you expression of your personhood.  The soul consists of your mind, will, and emotions.  Though all human beings are created alike as spirits with souls, your soul is one-of-a-kind because your soul is individually yours- given by God and developed through your life’s experiences, Genesis 2:8.

(c) You are a spiritual soul that lives in a sinful body. This may be the hardest part to shallow, but it is no less true.  Because of Adam and Eve’s sin you are born with a body that is separated from God and unable see Him face to face.  This was not always the case.  When God first created Adam and Eve they were able to meet with God face to face, however, when they sinned they died spiritually and were cursed in their body and separated from God, Genesis 2:17.

Now that you know who you are, God commands you to be born again, John 3:3.  To be born again is to be made new spiritually and renewed in your soul.  Then once you have been born again you are to live for Jesus in the sinful body until either your body dies or Christ returns.  And even if you die before Christ returns, when He comes back you will receive a new resurrected body like all those who are alive when He returns, 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

In turn, take responsible for who you are and live for Jesus!  One day, you will be made perfect in your body just like your soul and spirit.  Therefore, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

Reflection | Do you believe you are who the Bible says you are?

Action | (1) Come to Jesus and be born again if you haven’t already, John 3:3. (2) Daily be renewed in your soul (mind), Romans 12:1-2.  (3) Lastly, consider your sinful body and it’s desires dead- crucified with Christ, Galatians 5:24!     

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | 2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23, 1 Corinthians 1:1-17, Psalm 27:1-6, & Proverbs 20:20-21. Click here to read online.