“Identity” has been a buzzword for a number of years now. It holds tremendous political, social, and emotional weight, but what is it? Do you need to have one? Why is identity important at all? On Sunday, you will be challenged to ground your identity in a way that will last and give you joy. Join us for “Living Your Identity,” part of The Gospel According to John Series.
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MESSAGE STUDY NOTES
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WARM UP
Describe yourself using five adjectives (describing words – i.e. daring)
READ
John 13:23, 19:26, 20:3
KEY INSIGHTS
Identity today: “I was born to do this” “I was born this way”
Tradition: do your duty
Modern: follow your feelings
Postmodern: whatever works
Identity must 1) be stable, 2) give you value
Expressions of God’s love for you:
John 14:21, 16:27, 17:23; Romans 5:5, 8:38-39; Ephesians 1:5, 3:17-19; II Thessalonians 3:5;
I John 3:1, 4:9-11
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Why do you think some people struggle believing God loves them while others seem to accept it easily?
2. Describe the differences between someone who knows their identity and someone who doesn’t.
APPLICATION
What do you think you would do differently if you were really convinced – to your core – that God unconditionally loves and accepts you as his child?
FOR MENTORING
If you were mentoring someone, how might you help them to bring more servanthood into their relationships?
