Part 2: Identity — Who You Are in Christ and How It Shapes Your Life

Week 2: Identity — Who You Are in Christ and How It Shapes Your Life

Theme: Understanding your identity in Christ and living in the freedom, purpose, and confidence that come from being God’s child.

Mission: To multiply disciples through authentic relationships.

Vision: To see gospel-centered, disciple-making communities in every neighborhood in Utah Valley, the State of Utah, and every nation.

Introduction

Identity is more than what you do or how others see you—it starts with how God sees you. Knowing your identity in Christ gives confidence, direction, and courage to live as part of God’s family.

Our Church’s Identity

1. Jesus is the Head and Lord of Utah Valley Church

Ephesians 1:22–23 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

At Utah Valley Church, we believe that Jesus is the head and Lord of our local congregation. Everything we do flows from His authority and example.

2. Elders/Pastors provide teaching and care

1 Peter 5:2–3 Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

Utah Valley Church has no paid pastors.

3. Ministry Leaders/Deacons support and serve

1 Timothy 3:8–10 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

4. Utah Valley Church is Non-Denominational

a. Locally Led

b. Financial Independence

c. Unity with Other Believers

d. Focus on Jesus

Galatians 2:20 (ESV) I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Living in Your God-Given Identity

1. You are forgiven and redeemed

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

2. You are adopted into God’s family

Romans 8:15 (ESV) For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

3. You are a new creation

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

4. You are a co-laborer with Christ

1 Corinthians 3:9 (ESV) For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.

5. You are chosen and holy

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

6. You are empowered by the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:14 (ESV) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

7. Your unique identity shapes your role in the church

Romans 12:4-8 (ESV) 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Ephesians 4:11–12 (ESV) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

Application

1. Reflect on each part of your identity this week—pray and ask God to reveal truths about who you are in Him

2. Identify one way your gifts, personality, or experiences can serve the church team

3. Speak God’s truth over your life daily to strengthen confidence and courage