Discovering Your Identity II English (With Out Note Pages)

8/7/2019 Discovering Your Identity II English (With Out Note Pages)

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Introduction

God is raising a new generation of believers and leaders that is rooted and

established in the revealed knowledge of their identity in Him. The discovery ofthis identity is key to becoming a secure, stable and fruitful leader in God.Moreover, the awareness of our identity in Christ is the starting point of ourdevelopmental process in all aspects of life.

It is vital that those who are called by Gods grace to function in a five -foldministerial capacity (to equip, perfect, restore, and mature the saints) be firstrooted and grounded in the knowledge of the Son of God (Eph. 4:11-13). Thisknowledge defines their particular identity and should be imparted to the saintsas the basis for them to grow up into the fullness of Christ. Only leaders that areclearly defined in the identity of Christ can reproduce the same. Scriptures

reveal that being conformed to His image (identity) and reproducing that image isa vital part of Gods original intention for mankind as well as the fulfillment of Hiseternal purpose for the Church (Gen. 1:27-28; Rom. 8:28-29).

Throughout this course age-old existential questions will be addressed such as;Who am I? Where do I come from? What am I about? Why am I here? Wheream I going? And Whats my destiny?

This course is classified under the branch of systematic theology known asAnthropology which means the study of humanity and/or the doctrine of humannature. Our principal text is the Bible as it is replete with teachings concerning

God and man. Its teachings on God and humanity are intertwined in such a waythat we cannot understand one without the other. The more we learn and knowabout God, the more we learn about what we are and who we are. Similarly, themore we learn about ourselves and who we are, the more we know about Godand who He is (Rom. 1:19-21). This course reveals that man was created byGod and for God and to live with and in God (Acts 17:22 -28).

As such, the course objectives serve to establish a clear understanding of thatrelationship. These objectives are as follows:

1. Establish the importance of having Christs identity as the foundation in

the life of every believer.

2. Expose the adversarys subtle and crafty schemes to attack andcorrupt this identity.

3. Reveal Gods redemptive plan to restore His image in man.

4. Develop Gods image in the life of the believer.


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The Image of God Restored in Man Through theCovenants

I. Introduction

Scripture reveals that God is a covenant-making God (Gen. 15:18; Jer.31:31-34), a covenant-keeping God (Deu. 7:9; Psa. 111:5, 9), a covenant-revealing God (Psa. 25:14), and a covenant-enabling God (Eph. 2:4-13).

He has never entered into a relationship with man outside of covenantterms. His two-fold motive for establishing covenant with man is to expressand secure His love commitment towards man and to use it as a means ofrevealing and fulfilling His will and purpose through man.

This unit provides an overview of the historical development of Gods imagein man based on the different covenants He has established throughout thecourse of human history.

The objectives of this unit are as follows:

Understand the significance that each covenant has in relation to Godsimage in man.

Identify the main events that took place in the making of each covenant.

Apply the life-lessons that each covenant provides in mans journey tobeing restored to his original image and dignity.

Show how each covenant established had its ultimate fulfillment in thenew and eternal covenant ratified by Christ-Jesus.

II. An Overview of the Main Covenants God Made with Man

A. The Edenic Covenant: God placed His own image in man (Gen. 1-2).

B. The Adamic Covenant: God promised the Seed which wou ld redeemmans image to its original state (Gen. 3:15).

C. The Noahic Covenant: The preservation of Gods image in man on theearth (Gen. 6-9).

D. The Abrahamic Covenant: The blessed promise of having Godsimage in man reproduced and multiplied on earth (Gen. 12-22).


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E. The Mosaic Covenant: Gods relationship with mans image and hisconduct is regulated by standards (Exo. 19-40; Gal. 3:24).

F. The Davidic Covenant: The eternal promise of restoring the dignity ofmans image to reign (Psa. 8, II Sam. 7, Psa. 89).

G. The Messianic Covenant or New Covenant: Gods perfect image fullyexpressed in Christ Jesus (Heb. 1:1-3).

H. Gods Eternal Covenant: The perfect image of Christ eternallyexpressed through man (Heb. 13:10; Eph. 1:3-6).

III. The Significance of the Covenants, their Related Events and LifeLessons that Each Provides in the Journey of Restoring the Image ofGod in Man

A. Edenic Covenant (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:4)

This covenant is unique because it reveals Gods original intention increating man in His image before sin entered and corrupted thatimage.

1. Seven aspects of Gods design forman

a. Image (Identity) God put His own image in man (Gen.1:26).

b. Blessing Gods affirmation, acceptance, favor, andpleasure with man (Gen. 1:28).

c. Fruitful Gods inherent ability and/or potential in man toreproduce and to feel realized in himself/herself.

d. Multiply as a result of developing his/her potential andbeing productive, man has the ability to reproducehimself/herself according to his/her own kind.

e. Fill reveals Gods desire to fill the Earth with theknowledge of the glory of His image through man.

f. Subdue inherent ability in man to be a steward;administering the Earths vast resources to serve God andhumanity.

g. Dominate Gods purpose and destiny for man on Earth isto take dominion according to His image.


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This design is Gods original intention for man in creation and theend that God accomplished through the redemptive work ofChrist Jesus for His people.

2. The three basic values God gave man as a result of creating him

in His image were: Dignity, Integrity and Liberty.

3. Life principles to be applied:

a. Our identity is defined and developed by the life of God(Gen. 2:7).

b. Created as resourceful beings, we have the ability tofunction according to His purpose.

c. We find our greatest fulfillment when we honor God in

reproducing and multiplying His image on earth.

d. God never authorized man to dominate another humanbeing.

e. Gods image in man serves as a reminder that he belongsto Him and is dependent upon Him.

f. We fully manifest who we are when we subdue (overcome)what threatens our identity.

g. It was never Gods original intention for man to be needconsciousness, but to live with a God consciousness.

h. God designed work to be a means of fully developing whowe are and what we have.

i. We must guard above all else Gods values, dignity, libertyand integrity. By doing this we guarantee the fulfillment ofGods purpose for our lives.

B. Adamic Covenant

The Adamic Covenant is the first covenant of redemption that Godmakes with man after the entrance of sin into mankind and the world(Gen. 3). It is the first manifestation of Gods grace in revealing Hisintentions to redeem mankind. Gods grace begins to be unveiled inlight of mans disobedience that caused his fall.


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1. The Seed is promised that will redeem His people and restoreGods image in man along with everything else that he lost.

2. This promised seed is progressively revealed in the succeedingcovenants of redemption and ultimately fulfilled in Christ and the

Church, His body.

3. The covenantal Seed that God promised to implant in anearthly body gave humanity hope by promising the:

a. Introduction of a new kind of man into earth (Gal. 3:16, 4:4-5).

b. Redemption of man from the bondage of sin and thecorruption of his image.

c. Creation of a new humanity that would reflect his very ownnature.


a. When we lose sight of what God originally said we are tobe, we become redefined into what other people orcircumstances want us to be.

b. Our dignity (worth) lies in the fact that we have beencreated in His image.

c. We lose our dignity, liberty and integrity when we seek tolive our lives independent of God.

d. In trying to define our lives by ourselves we get lost withinourselves.

e. The journey of rediscovering our identity begins by gettingback into covenantal relationship with God.

C. Noahic Covenant

The Noahic Covenant is Gods intervention to preserve His image inmankind (Gen. 6-9; II Pet. 3:5-7). The great flood preceded theestablishment of this covenant as Gods judgment upon the earthbecause of the continual evil imaginations of mans heart (Gen. 6:5,Jer. 3:17).


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1. This covenant is an extension of the Edenic and AdamicCovenants and its terms are very similar to theirs.

2. In this covenant God established regularity in the cycle of lifegiving man once again the opportunity and responsibility to

reproduce, multiply, fill the earth with His image and exercisedominion despite the fact that mans image had been corrupted(Gen. 8:21-22; 9:1-2).

3. God established capital punishment as a means to discourageman from murdering another man who represented the image ofGod (Gen. 9:5-6).


a. God did not command Noah to leave the sinful world to run

its own course.

b. He did not tell him to withdraw from life, but to serve Himeven in the face of corruption.

c. Noah was to serve God under the rainbow, not fly awayover the rainbow (Psa. 18:14).

d. We are to work within the cycles that regulate life on earthto reproduce, multiply, fill the earth with Gods image andexercise dominion.

e. We must guard against monotony and procrastination inlife, taking Gods established regularity in the world forgranted.

f. Man left alone unto himself without being a steward to noone, will absolutely corrupt himself.

g. Mans imagination is a powerful force on earth for good andevil.

D. Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant promises that through Abrahams Seed allthe families of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12-15, 17, 22).


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1. This covenant is a further unfolding of Gods eternal covenant ofgrace. It provided a promise and the power to bring about itsfulfillment. However, it places a demand on Abraham and hisdescendants to exercise patience and perseverance (Gen.15:1-6).

a. The first thing that God did in Abrahams life to empowerhim to fulfill the promise was to change his identity bychanging his name from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham(father of multitudes) (Gen. 17:4-5).

b. Abram recognized his impotence to fulfill Gods mandate tomultiply the seed; therefore, his dignity and integrity wereat stake. Also, the worlds hope of eternal salvation.

c. God revealed His power through the illustration of the

multitude of stars in the heavens (Gen 15:5).

d. However, Abraham and Sara became impatient andsought to fulfill Gods promise according to the flesh;thereby, affecting their dignity and integrity (Gen. 16).

e. God in His grace once again confirmed His covenant withAbraham in spite of his failure (Gen. 17).

f. Abraham is asked to offer Isaac, the promised seed, on thealtar of sacrifice (Gen. 22).


a. We must totally rely upon Gods grace and the power Hesupplies for the reproduction and multiplication of Hisimage on earth.

b. Whenever we seek to fulfill our desires and needsindependent from God, we compromise our dignity andintegrity resulting in shame and delaying Gods process infulfilling His purpose in our lives.

c. God blesses with dignity according to His own schedule.Patience is essential for reaching the goal of dignity.


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E. Mosaic Covenant

The Mosaic covenant (also called the Law Covenant) was establishedwith the chosen nation of Israel at Mt. Sinai 430 years after AbrahamsCovenant (Exo. 20-40; Gal. 3:16).

1. The Law Covenant as it relates to the image of man:

a. Served as a mirror to reflect Gods perfect moral standardsupon mans conscience (Rom. 7:12-14).

b. Exposed the corruption of mans image (Rom. 7:11-13).

c. Regulated mans conduct and restrained him from furthercorrupting his image.

d. Convinced man that his dignity could never be measuredby what he did because he was sinful.

e. Convinced man that he could never restore his corruptimage by self-efforts.

f. Brought us to Christ who alone restores Gods image in us(Gal. 3:19).


a. Our identity can never be defined by what we do or do notdo.

b. The nature of our identity is not defined by behavior, butbehavior is defined by the nature of our identity.

c. Only God can change what we are into what He hasdesigned for us to be.

d. He will change us into what He wants us to be when wecome to the end of our self-sufficiency and rely on Histransforming power.

F. Davidic Covenant

The Davidic Covenant is an extension of the Abrahamic Covenant inthe sense that the main promises of the Abrahamic Covenant areconfirmed and amplified in the Davidic Covenant (II Sam. 7:8-16,I Chr. 17-7-14, compare Gen. 17:6).


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1. Kingship was promised in this covenant to David and all hisdescendants. This promise with all other previous covenantalpromises was ultimately fulfilled in Christ who was of the lineageof David (Psa. 89; Isa. 9:6-9; Lk. 1:30-33; Mt. 11:11; Heb. 1:1-3).

2. In this covenant we see a progressive restoration of mansdignity by empowering him to reign.

3. The grace God granted to David enabled him to reign. This wasa great blessing conferred upon his dignity and his house.

4. Davids reaction to Gods grace and blessing in his life serves asan example for us. It teaches us how to celebrate the dignityand blessing He confers upon our lives.

5. Psalm 8 reveals three principles in Davids life that caused him to

celebrate.

a. He recognized God at work.

b. He recognized his insignificance.

c. He recognized the value of His blessings.


a. Rejoicing begins with the conviction that God is alive andworking on our behalf. Only as we see him at work will webe filled with excitement and celebration.

b. The celebration of being made in the image of Godrequires an understanding of how small we really are in thenatural. It is only then that we are able to appreciate howhigh Gods blessings have lifted us.

c. To celebrate blessing in our lives, we must know theirvalue.

d. Every time we receive gifts from God, they bring us closerto the dignity and honor for which He originally designed us(Heb. 2:9).


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G. Messianic Covenant

The Messianic Covenant completed Gods redemption of His image inman by sending His own Son (Heb. 1:1-3). All previous covenantspointed to and were to be fulfilled in Christ. He is the Seed of the

Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic and Davidic Covenants. Hebecame the personified covenant Seed of God. I will give Thee fora covenant of the people. (Isa. 42:6-9)

1. Adam and Christ (I Cor. 15:45, Rom. 5:12,17; II Cor. 4:4, Col.1:15): The New Testament calls Jesus the last Adamand theimage of God:a. To understand how Christ restores human dignity, we need

to see Him as both the mirror image of Adam and theopposite of Adam.

b. In what ways is Christ similar to the first Adam?i. Both Adam and Christ were perfect images of God.ii. Adam and Christ received similar commissions: to

multiply and have dominion.iii. Both were representatives of the human race.

c. In what way is Christ superior to Adam?i. Christ reversed the effects of Adams fall.ii. He suffered the curse placed on Adam (Gen. 3:19;

Isa. 53:5).iii. Where Adam caused the curse of ignobility, shame

and judgment, Christ produced life, dignity andsalvation.

d. Life principle to be applied: Those who you identify withwill be those whom you conform to (Rom. 8:28).

2. Christ and Noah (I Pet. 3:20-22). The salvation that we have inChrist far exceeds Noahs deliverance. Noah passed throughthe waters of judgment into a world that still had corruption. Weon the other hand are baptized into the death, burial andresurrection of Christ translating us into an eternal dimension ofHis glory.

a. Life principle to be applied: We cannot be judged for thesin that Christ was judged for on our behalf.


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3. Abraham and Christ: The apostle Paul identified Christ as theheir of Abrahams blessings (Gal. 3:16).

a. As the descendant of Abraham, Christ received theblessings of dignity that had been promised to the

patriarch.

b. The promise of multiplication given to Abraham is fulfilled inChrist (Gal. 3:16, 27-29).

c. The promise of land to Abraham was exponentiallyexpanded in Christ (Rom. 4:13).

4. Christ and Moses:a. What the law could not do (restore Gods image) because

of the weakness of the flesh, Christ accomplished by the

power of His Spirit.

b. Moses glory was to be a servant; the glory of Christ wasto make us sons that reflect the image of God in the faceof Christ.

c. The laws of Moses tried to regulate our behavior in order tobe accepted by God.

d. In Christ, God accepts us because of who He made us tobe (His image) and He motivates our conduct by the valuesHe has placed in us: dignity, liberty and integrity.

5. Christ and David: As Davids final heir, Jesus bringsincomparable kingdom blessings to Gods redeemed images. Tofully understand these blessings, we must focus on the threeblessings that came through the line of David during the OldTestament period.

a. First, Davids house was to provide protection for Israelagainst evil. Second, the royal line of Judah was to insureprosperity for Gods people. Third, Davids house wasdivinely ordained to insure the presence of God among thepeople.

b. The Kingdom blessings of protection, prosperity and divinepresence did not cease with the Old Testament DavidicCovenant.


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c. In Christs exalted position, He bestows His kingdomblessings on those that have been redeemed by His blood.(Eph. 1:1-3).i. Jesus guaranteed protection to His followers (Jn.

10:28; I Jn. 4:4).

ii. He blesses them with more than just materialprosperity. He blesses them with eternal spiritualprosperity (Eph. 1:1-3).

iii. He provides the presence of God not only amongstHis people, but also literally inside the lives of Hispeople.

d. Life principle to be applied: If we have the King, we havethe Kingdom and its fullness.


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Gods Plan for Redeeming Mans Image

I. Introduction

The understanding we have obtained through studying the conceptsaddressed in previous units (how God created man, what He made man tobe, how man corrupted His image, to what extent he was corrupted, andwhat God did to redeem mans image) will affect ourview of salvation, thecertainty of our identity and our hope for the future. Indeed, it affectseverything.

The reformed perspective states that: God created man male and female,after His own image, in knowledge, righteousness and holiness withdominion over the creatures (taken from the Westminster Shorter

Catechism, question 10).

Even though that definition appears basic concerning Gods image in manssoul, we will be considering it in detail in this unit.

II. Gods Creation of Man, His Fall and His Redemption

A. Man as God created him

Man, Made in

Gods ImageHas

Scripture He Is a Faculty Man, as He

Knowledge Col. 3:10 Rationalbeing

Mind Thinks

Righteousnessand holiness

Eph. 4:24 Moralbeing

Desires (is)character

Dominion Gen. 1:28 Being withpurpose

Will (acts)conduct


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B. Man as sin made him

Man as God

///made HimHas

What Adam

Did

Objective

(Outward)

Subjective

(Inward)

Knowledge He exchangedthe truth of Godfor a lie (Rom.1:18-26).

Rejected GodsWord as thefoundation forlife.

His mindbecame atenmity with God(Col. 1:21).


He followed theway thatseemed right tohim (Pro.14:12).

Rejected Godscharacter as theabsolutestandard formorals.

His desires ofthe flesh andmind becamecorrupt (Eph.2:1-3).

Dominion He lostdominion. Rejected Godswill and purposefor his life.

His will was setin opposition tothe will of God(Eph. 2:1-3).

C. Man and the consequences of sin

Man as GodMade

Him Has

What AdamDid

Consequences What Man IsBecause of Sin

Knowledge Exchanged thetruth of God fora lie.

Inherited theguilt of Adamsfirst sin.

Darkened inunderstanding,ignorant (Eph.4:17-22).


Followed theway thatseemed rightto him.

The want ofrighteousnesscorrupts nature(Eph. 2:3).

None righteous,no not one(Rom. 3:10).

Dominion Lost dominion. Actualtransgressions

Under thedominion of sin;

a slave ofcorruption.


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D. What man does to avoid and solve his problem of sin

Man as God

Made Him Has

What Adam

Did

What Man Is What Man

Tries to DoKnowledge ExchangedGods truth;mind setagainst truth.

Darkened in hisunderstanding;ignorant (Eph.4:18).

Ever learningbut never ableto come to theknowledge ofthe truth(II Tim. 3:7).


ExchangedGodscharacter;desires

against right.

None righteous nonot one (Rom.3:10).

Seeks toestablish hisownrighteousness

(Rom. 10:3;Phil. 3).Dominion Exchanged

Godspurpose; willset againstGods will.

Under dominion ofsin; slaves ofcorruption (Rom.6; II Pet. 2:19).

Promisesfreedom(II Pet. 2:19).

Man avoids the sin problem by: rationalistic, moralistic anddeterministic arguments.

E. What man needs

Man as Godmade him

Effects of Sin What man needs

Objective Subjective Objective SubjectiveKnowledge Exchanged

the truth ofGod.

Mind setagainstthe truth.

Revelation Renewedmind


Followedhis own

way.

Desiresagainst

right.

Reconciliation Reneweddesires

Dominion Lostdominion.

Will setagainstGods will.

Restoration Renewedwill


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F. What God does for man

What man

needs

What God

has done

To bring Holy Spirit

Revelation for arenewed mind.

Sent a prophet Truth Illuminates themind.

Reconciliationfor reneweddesires.

Sent a priest Sacrifice Convicts andcleansesconscience.

Restoration fora renewed will.

Sent a king Freedom Renews andliberates thebondage of thewill.

The results of the work of the Holy Spirit in the mind and heart of man,based upon Gods provision, are a repentant and changed mind, faithand obedience.

G. What man is called to be and do

Offices of Christ The Believer is to TemptationProphet/Revelation Proclaim the Truth of

God.Command stones intobread.

Priest/Reconciliation Express the Grace ofGod.

Jump from thepinnacle of thetemple.

King/Restoration Demonstrate thePower of God.

Worship for thekingdoms of the world.

Man must cooperate with God in developing his spiritual life andadvance His kingdom (Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:17-23; Col. 3).


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The Development of Mans Identity

I. Introduction

We now have an understanding of mans identity in relation to God. Wehave learned how God graciously redeemed and restored His image in manthrough the work of Christ the incorruptible seed being planted in thehuman spirit. Scripture refers to this experience as regeneration or beingborn again; the time at which man becomes a new creature in Christ. Thisnew life is destined to grow and develop. The development of mansidentity, who he is in Christ, becomes the focal point of mans spiritualgrowth. In this unit we will discuss at length the different aspects of thisdevelopmental process and how it is practically achieved.

The objectives of this unit are to:

Illustrate the metaphoric concept of the tree used in Scripture to help usunderstand the organic growth process of mans life as he seeks to berooted and grounded in the knowledge of who he is in relation to God.

Define the values God has conferred upon man as a result of beingmade in His image and how they are applied in ones life.

Identify the emotional dysfunctions that hinder the healthy developmentof mans identity and God given values.

Explain how forgiveness is a powerful means of liberating man fromemotional bondage and liberating his identity.

II. Mans Tree of Life

A. Throughout this unit we will refer to the prophetic imagery of the treeas it symbolically relates to the life of man in both the Old and NewTestament. This imagery will enable us to further understand thedevelopment of our human identity as it is rooted and grounded inChrist.

B. The concept of the tree is seen throughout Scripture as a metaphor inrelation to man and/or a nation.

1. There are many Old Testament examples.

a. God is the sovereign creator of all trees (Gen. 1:11-12;I Cor. 4:7).


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b. God established the precedent of relating mans life totrees (Gen. 2:9, 16-17).

c. Mans organic process of development and prosperity inrelation to Gods word (Psa. 1; Pro. 11:30).

d. Prophetic metaphor of mans redemption using the tree(Exo. 15:23-25; Deu. 21:22-23).

e. Believers that receive the Lords prophetic ministry arecalled Oaks of Righteousness (Isa. 61:3).

f. The righteous planted in the house of the Lord shallflourish like the palm tree (Psa. 92:12-15).

g. The principle of staying true to ones identity and function

as it relates to ones unique purpose; thereby, producingfruit after its own kind as revealed in the metaphor of trees(Jdg. 9:7-15).

h. Ezekiels vision of ministerial trees being raised up alongGods river flowing from His house to feed and heal thenations (Ezk. 47:1-7).

2. There are many New Testament examples as well.

a. The blind man in the process of receiving his sight sawmen as trees (Mk. 8:24).

b. The Olive tree in reference to natural Israel (Mk. 13:28-33).

c. Believing Israel both Jews and Gentiles (Rom. 11; Eph.2:12-22).

d. The Tree of Life promised to those who overcome (Rev.2:7; 22:2, 14).

e. Jesus revealing the true nature of man (Mt. 12:33-35; 7:15-23; II Tim. 2:19).

C. The anatomy of the tree concerning mans tree life

See graphic illustration of tree on the following page.


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Modification by Apostle Gary Gonzlez of the illustration of Dr. Jos D. Batista, Ms All dela Inteligencia Emocional, (Mxico, D.F.: Casa de Pan, 2003). Used by permission.

GRACE

ELECTION

PR

EDESTINATION

ADOPTION

REGENERATION

JUSTIFICATION

REDEMPTION

F

ORGIVENESS

RE

CONCILIATION

A

CCEPTANCE

I

NHERITANCE

PRESERVATION

G

LORIFICATION

I

D

E

N

T

I

T

Y

DIGNITY

LIBERTY

INTEGRITY

STEWARDSHIP

Christs Knowledge

Mans System of ThoughtAs a man thinketh in his heart so is he. Pro. 23:7


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III. The Basis of Your Identity

A. What is the basis of your identity? The discovery of mans identitybegins with an encounter with Christ who restores in him the values

with which he was originally created, grants him the opportunity todevelop his whole being, and establishes a new process of learningand developing (I Th. 5:23). This process includes the following:

1. Renewal of the understanding, in terms of how he thinks (Rom.12; Pro. 27:3; Eph. 2:17-24).

2. Breaking down emotional strongholds (I Cor. 2:6-16).

3. Manifesting the fruit of the Spirit in the life of the believer (Gal.5:16-26).

4. Speaking a new language and a manifestation of effectiverelationships.

IV. Developing Our Identity in Christ

A. The process of spiritual development takes place as the individualrecognizes and develops the fundamental values of his identity inChrist. These values, dignity, freedom, and integrity, are the ones thatqualify him/her to be used as an effective steward. All these comefrom God through the life of Christ to the believer. Next, we willdiscuss these values in light of the Scriptures.

V. Discovering the Values of Your Identity

A. Definition of Terms

1. Identity: The power of BEING (I am) I am what I am by thegrace of God(I Cor. 15:10). God made me into what I am inChrist Jesus. I did not make myself (Eph. 2:10; Psa. 100:3);therefore, I give myself the liberty to accept myself as He mademe to be (Eph. 1:4-6). Nothing and no one can make mebecause I was made complete in Him before anything or any onecame into my life (Col. 2:10). The people and the things thatGod allows in my life are only designed to develop the fullpotential that He has already placed in me (Col. 1:26-28, Eph.4:11-12, Rom. 8:28).

2. Dignity: The acknowledgment of the image of God in me and inothers. The glory, value, worth, excellence, love, and


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acceptance of what I am. The recognition of what He has saidthat I am, not necessarily what other people say that I am (Mt.16:13, 15, 16-17). No one can receive the blessing of what youcan give until they first recognize and receive who you are (Mt.10:40-42).

This is a very important principle to understand because we havebeen taught the opposite throughout our lives; that to BEsomebody you had to DO something. In other words, my BEINGwas based on performance instead of performing as a means todevelop my BEING.

a. Positive attitudes and behaviors are produced when onerecognizes the worth (dignity) of Gods image on the insideof them (I Cor. 15:9-10).i. Self-esteem and esteem towards others. I will not

dishonor (disrespect, unappreciated) my life or otherpeoples lives. I have the capacity to appreciateothers and give recognition.

ii. A life of excellence a motivation to develop andapply ones maximum capacity. Nothing makes me; Idevelop according to Gods potential in me. As aninfluential leader, you will be passionately motivatedto see others develop in their God-given potential,helping them to become all that they have beendesigned to BE and DO.

iii. Interdependent relationships the development ofinterdependent relationships, not being co-dependenton others. The empowerment to have effectiverelationships and certain social status and/orpositions. These relationships and positions do notmake the individual; he or she makes them (Eph.4:15-16; Col. 2:19).

iv. Confidence in what one IS the confidence in whatyou are, not blaming others for your emotionsbecause you have ownership of them. No one canhurt you, unless you allow other peoples spiritualimmaturity and insecurities to affect your emotions bytheir verbal, attitudes and/ or other means of offense.

v. Capacity to TRUST trusting others because yourtrust is not based on their weaknesses, but on theinner strength that God has given (Eph. 3:14-18).

vi. A consciousness of being elected of God. In thenatural, millions of sperms and thousands of eggswere produced by your parents but neither they noryou could decide which of them would unite. Your life


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is the wondrous result of the election of God. So it isin the spiritual sense (Jn. 1:13; Jas. 1:18; I Pet. 1:2, 3;Eph. 1:4-5; I Th. 2:13)

vii. A sense of purpose: you are created with and forpurpose. God has empowered you with the potential

to fulfill your specific purpose. What a transformingtruth to embrace, that God Himself has dignified uswith the reflection of His own image and likeness!

b. Consequences of a lack of dignity unable to recognizethe image of God in your life, thereby stifling thedevelopment or release of your potential.i. Surrendering your emotions to another develops

codependent relationships. Resentment, blame andbitterness are generated when unfulfilledexpectations, whether spoken or unspoken, are not

met.ii. Unable to take responsibility for your life; seekingcodependent relationship with strong authority figuresto make your decisions so you can absolve yourself ofresponsibility when things do not work out. Thiscreates a vicious cycle of feeding the very thing thatyou need to be liberated from.

iii. Pressure to perform to be somebody or to conform tosome one, group or system in order to be approved orappreciated. Constantly seeking approval andaffirmation from others and when it is not givenbecoming resentful.

iv. Works of the flesh are produced (Gal. 5:19-20):

Idolatry replacing God with another life source. Witchcraft a vengeful, manipulative and

controlling attitude expressed throughaccusations, judgments, guilt and blame.

Hatred resentment, lack of forgiveness andbitterness.

Discord schisms in relationships.

Jealousy Coveting what others have as aresult of being blinded to what you already have.

Fits of rage extreme anger expressed whenyou feel violated or dishonored.

3. Integrity the state of being whole or complete; undivided andwithout duplicity. Uncompromising adherence to moral andethical principles (Jas. 1:8; Col. 2:6-10; Psa. 15:1-2; Rom. 8:14).Being true to ones self is the premise for character formation.Its what brings about the consistency between BEING and


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DOING. It is the foundational principle of our autonomy asindividuals and gives us the capacity to be true (honest) withourselves and with others. It is the inner solidarity that enables usnot to be hurt when our trust is violated by others lack of integrity.

a. Virtues or effects of integrity.i. Honesty seeking, speaking and living according totruth.

ii. Transparency not hiding from God, your own realityor others because you are free from shame and guilt.Transparency always leads to transformation (II Cor.3:12-18).

iii. Responsibility the basis for trustworthiness; to beentrusted with Gods resources and the resources ofothers.

iv. Productivity consistency, perseverance, and

diligence; necessary qualities for a productive andprosperous life.v. Stewardship managing healthy relationships and

administrating and organizing all kinds of resources.

b. Consequences when integrity lacksi. Confusion a divided heart that produces internal

and external contradictions and instability (Jas. 1:8).ii. Pride an improper view of ones self and the

absence of humility. Refusing to recognize error,weakness or fault. The rejection of self-examinationand the examination of others.

iii. No recognition of limitations a lack of respect for theparameters that have been established for yourself orothers. An inability to negotiate by respecting otherpeoples territory and reconciling differences.

iv. Unable to handle confrontations an unwillingness toadmit when you are wrong; manifesting reactivebehavior such as covering up, fleeing, blaming or self-justification.

v. The works of the flesh will be produced:

Sexual immorality seeking externalgratification to pacify inner discontentmentcaused by a person feeling incomplete, divided,and inner anxieties.

Impurity for the same reasons listed above. Lasciviousness for the same reasons listed

above.

Lying for the same reasons listed above.


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4. Liberty the state of being free from the control of others. Manwas created to be free from his own emotions, needs, and co-dependency of others. Liberty addresses many dimensions inmans life (Gal. 5:1; Rom. 6:7-23; I Cor. 9:1). It is the result ofbeing and doing according to the identity that has been given to

us in the image of God.

a. Liberty establishes the guidelines (parameters orprinciples) of authority in an individuals life and rela tionshiptowards others (Jn. 19:10-11).i. Liberty produces the power of choosing between a

stimulus and a response (Jn. 10:17-18).ii. The capacity to serve. Only when one is free from

personal needs, circumstances and the opinions ofothers can he unconditionally serve man (Jn. 10:11-18; Gal. 5:13-14; Phil. 2:5-8).

iii. The capacity to submit and obey (Phil. 2:5-8)iv. Self-control enables a person to respect the dignityof others, separating the situation from the person.The ability to exercise patience and be sensitive toothers needs.

b. When liberty is surrendered there are consequences.i. One becomes enslaved to needs, circumstances, or

others (Phil. 4:13).ii. A victim mentality develops.iii. Sadness, resentment, hatred, wrath, rebellion,

witchcraft, depression and conformity are produced.

5. Stewardship the administration of an individuals life and allGod has entrusted to him. It is the development andmanifestation of ones full potential. The primary means ofexercising stewardship is by serving or dispensing the wealthGod has enriched us with because of who we are (identity) andwhat He has given us (dignity). Our stewardship is sustainedand developed by our integrity.

a. A steward is a person entrusted with the management ofresources or affairs not his own. Stewardshipencompasses the capacity to dispense, distribute,negotiate, invest, cultivate, develop and administrate thegoods of another. Our stewardship enables us to developwhat we already have to its utmost potential. We donthave to strive in our stewardship to become somebody orattain something (Mt. 25:14-21; Lk. 19:11-27).


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b. It is the exercise of our freedom in becoming all we havebeen designed to be and to do all that we inherently arecapable of doing.i. It develops a resource mentality.ii. The potential of what we already are motivates our

stewardship.iii. We grow by caring for people and things.iv. The development of our stewardship is what causes

our influence in the world to increase.

c. Stewardship decreases or is lost when:i. We despise and neglect who we are and what we

have.ii. We lose integrity; the basis of faithfulness and the key

to increasing in all that we are and have.iii. We act irresponsible and reactive towards challenges

in life.iv. We complain and murmur about who we are, what wehave or dont have and disrespect others dignity.

B. The manifestation of Gods identity in me by the fruits of the Spirit.The Fruits of the Spirit based on the Values vs. the Works of theFlesh.

Image Fruits Works of the Flesh

Dignity Love, respect, patience,gentleness, goodness

Adultery

FornicationUncleannessLasciviousness

IdolatryWitchcraft

HatredDiscord

JealousyFits of rage

Selfish ambitionDissensions

StrifeDrunkenness

OrgiesEnvy

Murder

Integrity Meekness, humility

Liberty Joy, peace, temperance

Stewardship Faithfulness


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VI. Cultivating the Root System of Your Identity

A. The Scripture is full of examples that speak about having a rootsystem. The following are but just a few:

1. Proverbs 23:7 as a man thinketh in his heart so he is

2. Ephesians 3:17 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts throughfaith, being rooted and grounded in love

3. Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus asLord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him

B. The root system symbolically represents the knowledge of God asrevealed in Christ Jesus. It is our belief system, which nurtures ouridentity in Him and develops His values in us. Thus our root system

can be defined more specifically as the doctrines (teachings) of ChristJesus that reveal who we are, what we are and how God created usinto the perfect image of His Son - Christ.

C. The teachings of Christ reveal Gods manifold grace and wisdom ofhow He created us into His image. Some of these teachings are asfollows:

Grace Redemption PreservationElection Forgiveness GlorificationPredestination ReconciliationAdoption/sonship AcceptanceRegeneration Inheritance

D. A clear understanding of each of the biblical terms that represent theteachings of Christ produces a Language of Grace that nurtures ouridentity and its corresponding values.


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The Process to Develop the Identity

I. Introduction

The development of our identity and the manifestation of our maximumpotential require a process of diligence and discipline on our part. Itrequires certain qualities and attitudes that are necessary for its success.Some of these qualities are honesty, transparency, and humility. It requiresalso a commitment to excel so that God is glorified in and through us.Keeping a teachable attitude and allowing yourself to be helped by othersare indispensable in the process.

II. Development of Our Identity

A. Regeneration of the spirit (Tit. 3:5-7)

B. Renewal of the understanding (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23; Col. 3:10)

C. Transformation of life (Rom. 12:1-2; Col 3:!2)

D. Reformation all things (Heb. 3:19-21; 9:1,9-14)


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The Process of Restoring the Image of God in MansSoul

(Illustration)

CREATION(Gen. 1:27-28)

SEDUCTION/DECEPTION(Gen. 3:1-7)

REBELLION

(Gen. 3:8-12Rom. 1:18-25)

CORRUPTION(Gen. 3:16-20

Eph. 2:1-3)

GLORIFICATION/MANIFESTATION

(Rom. 8:18-28)Body

RESTORATION(Eph. 4:17-25;II Cor. 3:7-18)

Soul

NEW CREATION(Eph. 2:8-10; II Cor.

5:16-18; Tit. 2:3-7;I Pet. 1:3, 23;

Jas. 1:18; Jn. 1:12-13)Spirit

RESURRECTION(Eph. 2:4-7)

REDEMPTION(Gen. 3:15; Gal. 3:16;

4:4)


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Bibliography

Batista, Jos. Ms All de la Inteligencia Emocional. Mxico: Casa De Pan,2003.

Berkhof, Luis. Teologa Sistemtica. Grand Rapids: Libros Desafo, 1988.

Conner, Kevin J. and Malmin, Ken. The Covenants. Portland: Bible Press,1983.

Conner, Kevin J. The Foundations of Christian Doctrine. Portland: BibleTemple, 1980.

Erickson, Millard J. Introducing Christian Doctrine, sec. ed. Grand Rapids:Baker Academic, 2001.

House, H. Wayne. Charts of Christian Theology & Doctrine. Grand Rapids:Zondervan, 1992.

Pratt, Jr., Richard L. Designed for Dignity, sec. ed. Phillipsburg: P&R, 2000.

Roberts, Linleigh J. Let Us Make Man. Carlisle: Banner of Truth, 1988.

Sherlock, Charles. The Doctrine of Humanity. Downers Grove: Intervarsity,

1996.


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Assignment

1. According to Proverbs 23:7, man is as he thinks in his heart.

True ____ False _____

2. What are the seven aspects of Gods design for man?

3. Name the three basic values God gave man as a result of creating him inHis image.

4. The discovery of mans identity begins with an encounter with Christ whorestores in him the values with which he was originally created, grants himthe opportunity to develop his whole being, and establishes a new processof learning and developing (I Th. 5:23). This process includes the

following:

5. According to the manual, what is the definition of dignity?

6. Write in what way this course has impacted your life and in what way canit change the way you relate to others.

7. God restored mans identity progressively through the covenants Herevealed and established. ____True ____False

8. In light of the illustration of the tree of life, on what root knowledge is

the believers identity cultivated?

9. Name some of the consequences of man losing his/her identity.

10. Describe the process of Gods restoration of mans soul (see theillustration provided).

11. What are the seven aspects of Gods design for man?

12. What are the values that God gave to the believer?

13. Name the four principles for the development of our identity.

14. The Abrahamic covenant promises that through Abrahams seed all thefamilies of the earth will be blessed. ____True ____False

15. The Law in relation to mans image: it exposed the corruption of________________________.


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16. The nature of our identity is not defined by our behavior but our behavioris defined by the nature of our identity. ____True ____False

17. How is Christ similar to Adam?

18. Give five New Testament examples where the anatomy of the tree is usedas a metaphor referring to man. (3 points)

Documents

Discovering Your Identity II English (With Out Note Pages)