Why are the 40 I Am’s so important?

How should we use them?

What does it mean to have a “Biblical Worldview”?

In this Fall 2025 Bold & Brave Semester, we’re going to study these statements, 3x3. I hope you will spend a day or two on each one, memorizing it, learning what it means in context, and then learning what it means for you. I hope you will begin to see yourself as God sees you, and understand the authority and power that He has given you, as a child of His. Let’s do the first one together:

  1. I Am…A Child of God. Romans 8:16

    1. First, say it out loud, and guess a little at what this statement should mean to you.

    2. Then read it in context: Romans 8:1-17

    3. Then answer some questions and take some notes:

      1. What are the key points of this passage?

      2. How would you explain the Gospel to one who senses he is not “good enough” for God?

      3. Make a list comparing what Paul says about living according to the sinful nature and living according to the Spirit. (What is the relationship of each to the Law of God?)

        1. Sinful nature:

          1. we will die - leads to death

          2. thinks about sinful things

          3. can never please God

          4. hostile toward God

          5. obligated to do what the sin tells us to

        2. Spirit’s nature:

          1. death to the misdeeds

          2. thinks about things that please the spirit

          3. children of God

          4. can be pleasing to Him by the spirit

          5. his spirit joins with our spirit

      4. Since we are not set right with God by doing good works, what is the motive for changing our lives? How are we to deal with our sinful nature?

      5. What truths here can help you handle feelings of guilt and unworthiness?

      6. What does it mean to you that you are not God’s slave, but his child?

      7. When unhealthy thoughts enter your mind, what have you found most helpful in dealing with them?

      8. What is an example from your life of being dependent on the Spirit as you worked to “put to death” an area of sin?

Three Bible study questions to ask when you get stuck with a passage:

  1. What can I learn about God from this passage?

  2. What does this passage say about me?

  3. What does this passage say about Jesus or my need for Jesus?

I Am…redeemed from the hand of the enemy. Psalms 107:2

  1. First, say it out loud, and guess a little at what this statement should mean to you.

  2. Then read it in context: Psalm 107

  3. Then answer some questions and take some notes:

    1. Which of these 4 groups of people do you most identify? From what condition or state of trouble has God redeemed you: Wandering? Aimlessness? Being lost? Bondage? According to Psalm 107, how should each group respond to God’s unfailing love?

    2. What human attitude is being exalted in this psalm? Why is it a prerequisite for being delivered? For change and growth? What should our attitude be once we have been redeemed?

    3. How good are you at asking for help?

I Am…forgiven. Colossians 1:13-14

  1. First, say it out loud, and guess a little at what this statement should mean to you.

  2. Then read it in context: Colossians 1:3-14

  3. Then answer some questions and take some notes:

    1. How do your prayers for others compare with Paul’s intensity? Thankfulness? Clarity? Consistency?

    2. How are the “fruits” of faith, love, and hope growing in your life: developing well? suffering from drought? destroyed by the last storm? budding? What can you do to help this “crop” develop?

    3. Why are we forgiven, according to this passage?

I Am…saved by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8

  1. First, say it out loud, and guess a little at what this statement should mean to you.

  2. Then read it in context: Ephesians 2:1-10

  3. Then answer some questions and take some notes:

    1. What does it mean to be “dead in sin”? What has caused this death?

    2. Why must God take the initiative to give us life? How does Christ‘s experience compare with ours?

    3. Spiritually, do you feel more dead or alive now? Why? What has God prepared for you to do?

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