The Aim of this study is to evaluate your self-perception in the light of your identity in Jesus Christ.
Scripture
Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Observations and reflections
- State this proverb in your own words.
- Reflect on this proverb and write down the many implications of one’s self-image. Consider one’s confidence in conflict, ambitions in life, response to criticism, pursuit of (or relationship with) a spouse, reaction to (perceived) rejection or failure, security, finances etc.
Personal reflections
- Now evaluate your own self-image. Record the most prominent or enduring “labels” (identity) that was/is associated with you, and how you “earned” it. [note: one’s identity is not only inherited through words, but a child will feel valued, celebrated and loved, or worthless, unwanted and like a disappointment based on the perceived actions of a parent, teacher or roll model]
- What do you base your success and self-worth on? When do you feel good about yourself, or like a failure?
Application
Paul discovered the truth that “if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17) and relate to himself in this new way. Dr. Neil Anderson wrote in Victory Over the Darkness “The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!”
Read through this list of Scriptural confessions out loud, and mark the ones that your heart convicts you is not the way you think about yourself. Then (1) memorize, (2) repeat, (3) pray those scripture daily until those thoughts are you natural way of thinking about yourself.
I know I am Beloved by God because…
- I am a child of God. John 1:12
- I am a friend of God. John 15:15
- I am part of the body of Christ. 1Corinthians 12:27
- I was chosen by God to be loved. 1Thesalonians 1:4
- I am qualified in front of God. Colossians 1:12
- I am complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10
- Christ has accepted me. Romans 15:7
- God saved me because He delighted in me. Psalms 18:19
I know I am Significant because…
- God’s spirit is inside of me. 1Corinthians 3:16
- I am seated with Christ in Heaven. Ephesians 2:6
- I am God’s workmanship. Ephesians 2:10
- Christ paid a hefty price for me. Revelations 5:9
- I can do all things through Christ. Philippians 4:13
- God has plans in store for me. Jeremiah 29:11
- God has wonderfully made me. Psalms 139:14
- I am precious to God. Isaiah 43:4
- I am an ambassador for Christ. 2Corinthans 5:20
- I bear the image of God. Genesis 1:27
- I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. Ephesians 1:5
- I may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12
- I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:14-16
- I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. John 15:5
- I am a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20
I know I am Secure because…
- Christ is my salvation, no one else. Acts 4:12
- I am sealed with God through the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13
- I may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12
- I am confident that God will complete the good work in me. Philippians 1:6
- I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. 1 John 5:18
- I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17
- I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- Jesus has redeemed me. Galatians 3:13
- I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
- I am free from condemnation. Romans 8:1-2
- I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. Romans 8:28
- I am a conqueror in Christ. Romans 8:37
- Nothing can separate me from the love of God. Romans 8:38-39
- I am hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3-4
- My salvation is secure in the blood of Jesus. 1 Peter 1:18
- Jesus will never leave me. Hebrews 13:5
- I am saved by grace. Ephesians 2:8
- Christ has paid for my sins. Romans 3:23-24
I know I am Holy because…
- I am clothed in righteousness and garments of salvation. Isaiah 61:10
- Christ has made me holy. Hebrews 10:10
- All my sins have been forgiven. Colossians 2:13
- God will take away my shame. Isaiah 61:7
- My sins God will remember no more. Hebrews 10:17
- I am righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:24
- I am filled with Christ’s divine nature. 2 Peter 1:4
- I am part of a royal priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9
- I am a temple designed for God. 1 Corinthians 3:16
- I am a completely new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Christ has turned me into a saint. Ephesians 1:18
- I am dead to sin, but alive to God. Romans 6:11
- I am a slave to righteousness. Romans 6:18
- I am the light of the world. Matthew 5:14
- I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
- I am complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10
- I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. Colossians 1:13
- I have been justified, declared innocent of all sins. Romans 5:1
Shofar Durbanville Bible Studies 