PREPARE
When we think of the things that distinguish our character or personality, we often think in terms of what we do. We bake or teach or build. We are honest or dishonest, we are dependable or responsible, loyal or disloyal. As Christians we are not immune to the pull of the culture that gives value to individuals based on these types of things. In Christ, however, our identity comes from a different source. Because of Christ, we have different priorities, different perspectives, and a different purpose. We no longer need be defined by what we do, what we own, what we achieve or how we live. We can instead embrace a new Identity as God’s children, loved with a steadfast, eternal and unfailing love. This frees us to receive value apart from what we do, own, achieve and how we live. Living from this freedom changes everything. It is a narrow and less traveled road that really does make all the difference!
To prepare for this week’s message spend time reflecting on what the Bible tells us about our Identity in Christ found in these verses: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, Ephesians 1:3-6, Ephesians 2:19-21, Romans 8:17, 1 Peter 2:9, John 1:11-13
LISTEN
Verses: Prov 4:23, Matt 22:37, Luke 6:45, Rom 10:9-10, Gen 1:17, Ps 8:3-5, Rom 5:12, Ps 51:5, Jer 17:9, Ezek 36:26-27, 2 Cor 5:17
Main Point: Our identities have been corrupted and must be transformed by the grace of God.
1. Our Identity
2. The Heart
3. The Gospel
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. What activities, relationships, possessions, or experiences (identity markers) do people use to define their identity? How do you define your identity? How does your understanding of your identity compare to God’s understanding?
3. Read Prov 4:23, Matt 22:37, Luke 6:45, and Rom 10:9-10. What do these verses say about the heart? What is a biblical definition of the heart? How is this definition different from our modern understanding of the heart?
4. Read Gen 1:17 and Ps 8:3-5. What does it mean to be created in God’s image? How does the psalmist describe that value given to humanity?
5. Read Rom 5:12, Ps 51:5, Jer 17:9. How did sin enter the world? How did sin affect our identity? Is there any human being whose identity has not been affected by sin?
6. How has sin affected our relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves?
7. Read 1 Cor 15:21-22, 2 Cor 5:21. What did God do to save us from our fallen condition. How is this good news? What does a person need to do to be saved?
8. Read Ezek 36:26-27, 2 Cor 5:17. What happens to a human’s corrupted identity when he or she trusts in Christ. What does it mean to be given a “heart of flesh”? What does it mean to be a new creation?
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?