Bottom Line: My true identity is not found in me, myself, and I. My true identity is found in “I AM.”

Summary: I tend to think and act as if I am the most important person in the room. I think, “It’s all about me” because I forget that “It’s all about Jesus.”  This kind of approach brings all kinds of difficulties in our relationship with others and with God. Case in point: Adam and Eve’s selfish choice in the garden and the trouble it brought. We will compare their attitude and choices to John the Baptist’s opposite approach. Instead of making everything about himself, he wanted to become less, so that Jesus might become greater. He said “I am not” the one you are looking for.  Don’t follow me. I know the one for whom you have been waiting. I am not…but I know “I AM.”

Text: Gen. 2:8-9, Gen. 2:16-17, Gen. 3:4-5, John 1:19-39, John 3:22-30

Lesson outline:

1. Adam and Eve had it all but wanted more.  They were confused about God’s identity, thinking that He was keeping something from them. They acted as if they were “I Am.”
2. Adam and Eve’s selfish choice in the garden brought trouble to them and the rest of the world.
3. John the Baptist was confused neither about God’s nor his own identity.  John knew that God was “I Am” and that he was “I am not.” He wanted to become less, so that Jesus might become greater.

Conclusion: In what ways do you think and act as if “it’s all about you?”  Confess these things to God and to a trusted friend. Tell God that you want to better understand God’s identity and your own identity.  Ask God to show you how you can “become less” (decrease) so that Jesus may “become greater” (increase).