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Knowing who you are

From knowing what Jesus has done for you, we come to one of the most important revelations of your life: Who are you? Identity is such a big thing in the Bible. God would often change a person's name, and in doing so, would help them embrace their design and identity. Satan does the opposite. And if anything, we will see how predictable he is with his temptations.

In Matthew 4, we see how Jesus responds when Satan tempts him. In this passage, you will see how Satan's plans have not changed since the time of Adam and Eve.

Satan's opening statement to Jesus speaks to the heart of what he wants to destroy, “If you are the Son of God,” Matthew 4:3 (NLT). It was Jesus' identity that he went after. He didn't use accusation or condemnation; he used doubt. If he could get Jesus to doubt who he was, he could trap him in who he wanted Jesus to be.

Let's go to the Old Testament. To Eve, Satan said, "Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” Genesis 3:1 (NLT). Satan took what God said and twisted it. He didn't confirm or deny what God had spoken. Instead, he wanted to know if Eve knew what God had said. As we know, they were given every tree to eat from in Eden, bar one: The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Bad Genesis 2:17 (NLT). Satan led Eve to make a choice. He was spreading seeds of doubt. Leading her to decide between the knowledge of good and bad. That choice could give away her freedom and have her controlled by fear and shame. Two things Satan had experienced and knew the power of.

Eve's response to Satan showed she knew what God had said, “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” Genesis 3:2-3 (NLT). When Satan couldn't get in through her knowledge of God's words, he attempted to get in by doubting her identity. “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5 (NLT).

In these words, you can see the corruption that began. Remember the words of God in Genesis 1:26 (NLT), Matthew 4:3 (NLT). Genesis 3:1 (NLT). Satan took what God said and twisted it. He didn't confirm or deny what God had spoken. Instead, he wanted to know if Eve knew what God had said. As we know, they were given every tree to eat from in Eden, bar one: The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Bad Genesis 2:17 (NLT). Satan led Eve to make a choice. He was spreading seeds of doubt. Leading her to decide between the knowledge of good and bad. That choice could give away her freedom and have her controlled by fear and shame. Two things Satan had experienced and knew the power of.

Jesus' response is one everybody should know. He gave Satan a Bible study. Can you imagine that? Each seed of doubt Satan fed Jesus was met with something Jesus had spoken to the generations before. He knew how faithful His words were, and He knew what they would do. He didn't engage Satan with a conversation, but rather shut him down with words of truth. Imagine what would have happened if Adam and Eve had held onto God's words like Jesus did!

To know who you are is key to your deliverance. To not know, will have you going down old paths of religion to get to God. Much like the church in Galatia, you might revert to old ways of thinking and gain your identity by what you are taught and not by who you are created to be.

Both Adam and Jesus knew the voice of God. But only one held onto the words of God. To know God's voice is a key. His words give you everything you need to stand fast against the talking snakes that would attempt to distract you from who you are created to be.

Activation:

In Revelation 2:17 (NLT), it says, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it." Jesus is going to give you a white stone, and on it will be engraved a new name. Close your eyes and imagine a white stone. Take note of how big or small, and heavy and light it is. Is the stone pure white? Does it feel cool or warm to touch? Can you describe it? Use all of your senses when you are praying like this. Ask Jesus to reveal the name on the stone. The name that He has given you. If you struggle to see words, listen for them. What is the first word that drops into your mind when you think about a new name? Or, what character trait of God do you think of first when you think of Him? Often our names come from God's character.

Now, find a white stone. Something you can tangibly hold, and write on it the name Jesus has given you.

Read:

Read Matthew 4 and find one verse that sticks out or speaks to you. Write that verse down with the one you got from day 1.