At Trailhead, we believe that church is not just about growing in God’s Word but doing so in community. We have designed this study guide to help you follow along with Sunday’s message. Study the scriptures, take notes, and then reinforce what you learned by answering a few questions. Ask others to join you in discussion, whether it be with your family or your Trailhead study group. Let’s have church!
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Interactive Scriptures and Notes
This link is updated weekly, so we encourage you to select the “Email” button at the bottom to send your notes to yourself when you’re finished.
Matthew 17:5 (NIV)
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Galatians 2:20 (NLT)
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
1) IDENTITY - HOW GOD SEES YOU
2) ACCEPTANCE
a) You are forgiven
John 3:16-17 (NLT)
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”
b) You are redeemed
Psalm 103:12 (NLT)
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
3) VALUE
a) You are chosen
Ephesians 2:19 (NLT)
So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.
b) You are adopted
1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Other Notes
Discussion Questions
1) Pastor Josh talked about obstacles that can get in the way of us realizing our identity in Christ, such as past sin, false beliefs, life experiences, etc. Why is it so important to identify these obstacles? Once you have identified them, what should be our next step?
2) Why is it important to know that you are both forgiven and redeemed? What are some consequences of not recognizing this, and how can that hinder you living your life as God intends?
3) How did/does God show how much he values you? Knowing how much you are valued, how should this impact how you pray?
Think about the three areas Pastor Josh talked about: identity, acceptance, and value. How should a Godly outlook in all three of these areas affect your prayer life?
PERSONAL REFLECTION
What are some obstacles in your life that are hindering your prayer life? It could be past sins, unforgiveness, or false beliefs, etc. Take some time to identify these areas, pray for a Godly persepctive, and ask God to give you a revelation of His truth!