In the Bible, we read that Jesus told His followers who He was. He said statements beginning with “I AM” – the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, the vine, the way the truth and the life. When Jesus says, “I AM”, He declares the truth of who He is.
God’s word helps children discover who God is and who God says they are. As children grow and develop their sense of identity, it’s important they build on a foundation of knowing who they are in Christ. 9 things they need to know:
1. I am chosen
1 Thessalonians 1:4 (NIRV), “Brothers and sisters, you are loved by God. We know that he has chosen you.”
2. I am not alone
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV), “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
3. I am a child of God
1 John 3:1a (NIRV), “See what amazing love the Father has given us! Because of it, we are called children of God. And that’s what we really are!”
4. I am forgiven
Romans 5:8 (NIrV), “But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
5. I am free
John 8:34-36 (NIV), “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
6. I am found
Luke 19:10 (NIrV), “The Son of Man came to look for the lost and save them.”
7. I am a new creation
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIrV), “When anyone lives in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone! The new is here!”
8. I am alive with Christ
Ephesians 2:4-5 (CEV), “But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God’s wonderful kindness is what saves you.”
9. I am God’s Workmanship
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV), “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
It is so essential for a child to know the truth of who they are in Christ. When a child feels left out, they can declare “I am chosen”, when lonely declare “I am not alone”, when others put them down, declare, “I am a child of God”. Understanding God’s forgiveness and their freedom in Christ sets children free from feelings of guilt and shame, “I am forgiven, free and found.” Children can live their life to the full knowing, “I am a new creation, alive with Christ and God’s workmanship.”
No matter what others may say, children can stand on knowing who God says they are.
It’s something we cover in our curriculum resource “Who You Say I Am”, helping kids discover God’s word so they can boldly declare who they are in Christ.
Check out this blog post for more from this resource: How Did The Jewish Nation Remember Who God Says They Are?
The Hillsong Kids team from across our worldwide locations want to champion the cause of local Churches everywhere. Give your kids the best possible experience each week at Church. Join the team at our Hillsong Kids Leadership Youtube Channel
Nov 20 2023
