God & Gov - The Influence of Identity

“A united church is the best hope for a divided nation.” —Carey Nieuwhof

Here’s a list of things we could place our identity in today other than Jesus:
• Sports
• Wealth/Possessions
• Status/Success
• Grades
• Job Position/Role
• Relationships
• Politics
•

?

1 .

What You Are

Ephesians 1

“Jesus Christ, who has blessed us” —Ephesians 1:3

“God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” —Ephesians 1:4

“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family” —Ephesians 1:5

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,” —Ephesians 1:7

“And you also were included in Christ… When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,” —Ephesians 1:13 NIV

“understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people” —Ephesians 1:18

This is the truth we can live in with Christ:
I am

.
I am

Reveal Answer

loved

.
I am

Reveal Answer

chosen

.
I am

Reveal Answer

holy

.
I am

Reveal Answer

adopted

.
I am

Reveal Answer

redeemed

.
I am

Reveal Answer

forgiven

.
I am

Reveal Answer

included

.
I am

Reveal Answer

marked

.
I am

Reveal Answer

called

.

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God —John 1:12

26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.” —Matthew 7:26-27

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. —1 Peter 1:3-4

2 . Pursue

with Christians

10 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction. —1 Corinthians 1:10

3 . Promote

with Everyone

5 Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. —Colossians 4:5-6

B.L.E.S.S.

B

L

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S

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Practical Tips:
1 . Remember who the real enemy is.

2 . Watch Your Words

3 . Find a Way Out