Culture Wars - Gender Identity
“Who am I?”
(Genesis 1-2)
Sermon Recap
Your true identity isn’t shaped by culture or
personal choice. Instead, your true identity is created and redeemed by God as
His unique image-bearer.
Our culture is increasingly confused about
identity. Culture forces us to ask questions like “Who am I? and What defines
me?”
Genesis 1:26-28 reminds us that identity is
not something we invent or discover within ourselves, but it’s something we
receive from God.
From the beginning, God intentionally created
humanity in His image as male and female. This design is not accidental,
outdated, or oppressive. His design is good, purposeful, and reflective of
God’s wisdom and goodness. Though sin has distorted how we see ourselves and
others, the gospel offers hope. In Christ, the image of God is being restored,
and our truest identity is redeemed, secured, and made whole in Him.
1. We are Created by God - Genesis 1:26
Human identity begins with God, not with
self. We are not accidents or autonomous beings. We are also not the final
authority. We are intentionally created by a personal Creator. Being made in
God’s image gives every human inherent dignity, worth, and purpose.
Identity is received, not achieved.
2. We are Defined by God - Genesis 1:27
God created humanity as male and female. This
distinction is not a cultural invention but a divine design. Both men and women
reflect God’s image equally in value and dignity, while expressing that image
in distinct and complementary ways. In a culture that treats gender as fluid
and self-defined, Scripture calls us to trust God’s wisdom over our feelings or
societal pressure.
Gender is not something we construct. Gender
is a gift God defines.
3. We are Redeemed by God
Sin has distorted our understanding of
identity, but it has not erased God’s image. Through Jesus, what was broken can
be restored. Redemption means that through Jesus we can experience forgiveness,
healing, renewal, and transformation. Our ultimate identity is not found in
gender, success, sexuality, or self. Our true and ultimately identity is being
made new in Christ.
Genesis 1:26-28
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our
image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea
and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth
and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So, God created man
in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he
created them. 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and
multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of
the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that
moves on the earth.”
The
Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001
by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Genesis
1:26-28
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think identity has become such a central and confusing issue in our culture?
- What does it mean to believe that identity is something we receive rather than construct or achieve?
- How does Genesis 1 challenge the idea that gender is self-defined or fluid?
- How can Christians hold biblical conviction while still leading with compassion and grace in this conversation?
- Where are you most tempted to find identity apart from who God says you are?
Closing Thoughts
Speak Truth with Grace
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be
both clear and compassionate. This means holding firmly to God’s design while
loving people who are confused, hurting, or struggling with identity.
Live from Your Identity in Christ
When our identity is anchored in God’s Word
and redeemed by Christ, we are freed from the pressure to define ourselves or
seek validation from culture.
END
