Identity Crisis

9:18 Who do the multitudes say that I Am?

1. Multitudes = crowds uncommitted masses

2. 9:19 So they answered and said, John The Baptist, but some say Elijah and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again

9:20 (Matthew 16:18) But who do you say that I Am?

1. You are the Christ the son of the living God, And I say to you that you are Peter and on this rock I will build My Church

2. His true identity, Jesus of Nazareth the carpenter’s son is the anointed one the only begotten son of God who walked out of the grave and ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the father.  Jesus is God almighty Himself

9:22 The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and be raised up on the third day

1. Son of Man refers to his humanity

Luke 9:23 If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me

1. Deny yourself yield to His will

2. You must identify with him

3. Identify with His purpose for your life

4. Identify with His mission building the kingdom of God

We are not

1. We are not defined by what we do professionally.  The danger in investing your entire identity in your profession is one day your profession will be over

2. We are not defined by our earthly family just like dad just like your mother

3. We are not defined by the labels society puts on us or the boxes it puts us in

Warning be careful who you identify with

1. Many Christians have a false identity some are not who they say they are

2. Many Christians have a secret identity Double minded Christians who have a church face and a home face and a work face

3. You will become like who you identify with

Who you are in Christ

1. Ephesians 4:24 And that you put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness

2. Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son that He might be the first born among many brethren