Matthew 16:13–19 (NLT) — 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

Who do you think you are?

1. Identity is a product of:
   1. How we GREW UP
   2. What PEOPLE HAVE SAID to us
   3. What we have EXPERIENCED
2. We are searching for defining qualities where we can ANCHOR our identity.
3. What happens when we find identity?
   1. We will look for REINFORCEMENT 
      1. If you feel rejected, you will always look for rejection
      2. If you are funny, you will always look for a laugh
   2. We will LIVE OUT OF that identity
4. We will LIVE OUT OF that identity
   1. Your decisions are based upon what you believe about yourself.
   2. It’s like a home you come to each night; you will live out of your identity.
   3. We will find our MEANING AND VALUE in it.

Where we should NOT get our identity

1. We should not be defined by what we DO
   1. Our job should not define us.
   2. Identity in achievements: you will always have to achieve more to feel like you measure up.
   3. Identity in success:
      1. The size of your business
      2. The success of your business 
      3. The amount of money you have
2. We should not be defined by what we have DONE.
   1. Mistakes of the past
   2. Good ol’ days 
3. We should not be defined by what’s been DONE to us.
   1. I am a divorcee
   2. I am fatherless
4. We should not be defined by what people SAY about us.
   1. Even Jesus had mixed reviews.
   2. Some will love you; some will hate you.

The Real Issue

1. We see ourselves through a filter.
2. We are constantly changing. 
3. Anything that can be taken from you can NOT define you! 
   1. Can your money be taken away?
   2. Can your job be taken away?
   3. Can your popularity be taken away?
   4. Can your body be taken away?
4. ONLY GOD CAN DEFINE US.

What if we truly start living out of a NEW IDENTITY?

1. Ephesians 1:3–9 (NLT) — 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. 9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.
   1. We are blessed.
   2. We are united with Christ.
   3. We are loved.
   4. We are chosen.
   5. We are holy and without fault.
   6. We belong to his dear Son.
   7. We are purchased.
   8. We are showered with kindness.
   9. We are showered with wisdom and understanding.