PREPARE
What does Identity have to do with transformation? How does our new Identity in Christ help us to become more like Him? As followers of Jesus who actively pursue spiritual maturity, it is comforting to know that it is not by our own strength that we grow and change. It is God who strengthens us, creating in us the longing and the ability to accomplish His new purpose for which we have been redeemed. He has given us new perspectives, new priorities, and a new purpose. He has given us new Life - and this is the fuel for our new way of living.
Prepare for this week’s message by meditating on these verses: John 17:13-19, 1 Thess 3:3-8, Phil 2:12-13, 3:12-14, Prov 3:5-6, Matt 18:1-4, Col 3:5, Gal 2:19-20
LISTEN
Verses: John 17:13-19, 1 Thess 3:3-8, Phil 2:12-13, 3:12-14, Prov 3:5-6, Matt 18:1-4, Col 3:5, Gal 2:19-20
Main Point: Identity Transformation is the life-long process of becoming who we were created to be for the glory of God.
1. The Picture of Transformation
2. The Partnership of Transformation
3. The Process of Transformation
REFLECT
1. What impacted you most from this week’s message? What challenged you or encouraged you? What did you learn about the character of God?
2. How has your life changed since you gave your life to Jesus? How has your new identity in Christ changed any of your behaviors and priorities? Which ones? How have they changed?
3. Read John 17:13-19 and 1 Thess 3:3-8. What does it mean to be sanctified? What does God use to sanctify His people? What examples of sanctification did the author of Hebrews provide in this passage?
4. What is the difference between positional sanctification and practical progressive sanctification? What is the danger in mixing up these different kinds of sanctification?
5. Read Philippians 2:12-13 and 3:12-14. What does it mean to work out your salvation with fear and trembling? Who is involved in this process? Who is the prime mover?
6. Paul wrote about putting his past behind him and “straining” toward what was ahead? What goals was he pressing towards? How do we participate in our sanctification? Are we an active or passive participant in our transformation?
7. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. What role does submission and trust play in our transformation? What does it mean to trust God with all of your heart? What does it look like to submit my life to Him?
8. Read Matthew 18:1-4. What did Jesus teach His disciples in this passage? What qualities do children possess that are needed to enter the Kingdom of God? How are these qualities vital to sanctification?
9. Read Colossians 3:5. What does it mean to put to death your earthly nature? How is this a sacrifice? What does this look like in your life? What needs to be put to death to grow into your new identity in Christ.
10. Read Galatians 2:19-20. Being sanctified is not just dying to self but substituting a new way of life for the old one? What does it mean to be crucified with Christ and to live in Christ?
ACT
- What is one specific thing you can do this week to put into practice what you learned in this message?
- How can you deepen your relationship with God and follow Him more closely this week?
- Who is someone you can share what you learned with?