Centering Our Lives on Christ: True Identity and Fulfillment
Summary
In my Easter Sunday sermon, I began by posing a question about what lies at the center of our lives. I reflected on my own identity, sharing that I am a carpenter by trade, a sports enthusiast, a dedicated worker, and a family man. Yet, I questioned whether these aspects of my identity truly define me or if there is something more profound at my core. I challenged the congregation to consider their own identities and what they prioritize in their lives, whether it's their career, relationships, appearance, or personal achievements.
I then transitioned to discuss the temporary nature of worldly possessions and achievements, using personal anecdotes to illustrate this point. I shared about moving into a new house and the accumulation of material things that often go unused, such as a high chair and a Sega Genesis game system. I highlighted the fleeting satisfaction these items provide, emphasizing that they cannot fill the void within us.
I shared a video of NFL player Derek Carr, who despite his success and wealth, testified that these things were not enough to bring true fulfillment. I connected this to the idea that our worldly pursuits, no matter how successful, cannot be the center of our identity.
I then delved into the heart of the sermon, focusing on the significance of Jesus Christ in our lives. I recounted the story of Jesus asking His disciples who they believed He was, and Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. I emphasized the importance of this question for each of us, asking who we say Jesus is and how we demonstrate that belief in our daily lives.
I spoke about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, celebrating His perfect life and the grace and mercy He showed. I highlighted that Jesus overcame death, something none of us can do on our own, and that through His sacrifice, we are reconciled to God and made holy and blameless.
I concluded the sermon with a prayer, thanking God for the celebration of Easter and the victory over the world that Jesus achieved. I prayed for the congregation to seek after God and to live lives that are holy and pleasing to Him, to view the world through the lens of Jesus Christ, and to center our lives on Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our identity is often tied to our professions, hobbies, and relationships, but these are not the essence of who we are. As followers of Christ, our true identity lies in being children of God, and this should be at the forefront of how we define ourselves and live our lives. ([03:47])
2. The things of this world are temporary and cannot satisfy the deeper longing within us. Our possessions, achievements, and even our relationships will fade, but a life centered on Jesus offers eternal fulfillment and purpose. ([13:50])
3. Success and wealth, as exemplified by the testimony of Derek Carr, are not enough to fill the void in our hearts. Only through a relationship with Jesus can we find true contentment and meaning in life. ([16:33])
4. The question Jesus posed to His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" is a personal challenge to each of us. Our answer to this question should be evident in how we live our lives, showing the world that Jesus is our Messiah and the center of our existence. ([26:17])
5. Easter is a time of celebration, not just of Jesus' resurrection, but of the life He lived and the grace and mercy He embodied. His victory over death is a reminder that we too can overcome the trials of this world when we make Him the center of our lives. ([21:04])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 1:15-20 - "Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation. For through him, God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him, God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross."
2. Colossians 2:7 - "Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."
3. Matthew 16:13-16 - "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?' They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the aspects of the pastor's identity that he shared in the sermon? ([01:40])
2. According to Colossians 1:15-20, what are some of the roles and attributes of Christ?
3. What does Colossians 2:7 suggest about the importance of being rooted in Christ?
4. How did Peter respond to Jesus' question about His identity in Matthew 16:13-16?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the pastor emphasize that our identity should not be centered on our profession, hobbies, or relationships? ([03:47])
2. How does the temporary nature of worldly possessions and achievements relate to the idea of being rooted in Christ as mentioned in Colossians 2:7? ([06:47])
3. What does Derek Carr's testimony about success and wealth reveal about the true source of fulfillment? ([16:33])
4. How does Peter's declaration in Matthew 16:16 challenge us to consider our own understanding and proclamation of who Jesus is?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own identity. What are the top five words that your closest friends would use to describe you? How does being a child of God fit into that list? ([01:40])
2. Think about the material possessions you have accumulated. Are there items that once brought you joy but now sit unused? How does this reflect the temporary satisfaction of worldly things? ([09:35])
3. Derek Carr mentioned that success and wealth were not enough to fill the void in his heart. What are some things you have pursued that you thought would bring fulfillment but didn’t? ([16:33])
4. Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" How do you personally answer this question, and how is this reflected in your daily life? ([26:17])
5. The pastor mentioned that Easter is a celebration of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. How can you incorporate this celebration into your daily life, not just on Easter Sunday? ([21:04])
6. What steps can you take to ensure that your life is rooted in Christ, as described in Colossians 2:7? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt to strengthen this foundation?
7. Consider the relationships in your life. How can you demonstrate the grace and mercy of Jesus in these relationships, especially in challenging situations? ([20:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Identity Beyond Earthly Roles
Our sense of self often hinges on our roles and achievements—our professions, hobbies, and relationships. Yet, these elements, while significant, are not the core of our being. As children of God, one's true identity transcends earthly labels and is rooted in the divine relationship with the Creator. This identity is not subject to change or decay; it is eternal and unshakeable. It is a foundation that withstands the shifting sands of time and circumstance. When one embraces this identity, life takes on new meaning, and priorities shift to align with this eternal perspective. The challenge lies in recognizing and living out this truth amidst the distractions of daily life. [03:47]
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12 ESV
Reflection: How does understanding your identity as a child of God change the way you view your earthly roles and achievements?
Day 2: The Futility of Worldly Fulfillment
The pursuit of material possessions and achievements can be an endless cycle of temporary satisfaction. The high chair and Sega Genesis game system serve as reminders that what is treasured today can quickly become tomorrow's clutter. This cycle points to a deeper longing within the human heart—a longing that material things cannot satisfy. The truth is that everything in this world is transient and will eventually fade away. In contrast, a life centered on Jesus Christ offers a fulfillment that is not only lasting but also deeply transformative. It is an invitation to invest in what is eternal and to find contentment in the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [13:50]
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." - Matthew 6:19-20 ESV
Reflection: What material possession or achievement have you been holding onto for fulfillment, and how can you begin to shift your focus to eternal treasures?
Day 3: The Insufficiency of Earthly Success
The testimony of NFL player Derek Carr is a powerful illustration that success and wealth are not the ultimate answer to life's void. No amount of fame or fortune can fill the space within the human heart that is reserved for something greater—for a relationship with Jesus Christ. This realization invites a reevaluation of one's priorities and the acknowledgment that true contentment and meaning in life come from a connection with the divine. It is a call to seek fulfillment not in the accolades of the world but in the love and grace offered by Jesus, who alone can satisfy the deepest desires of the heart. [16:33]
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" - Mark 8:36 ESV
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you have sought fulfillment in success or wealth. How can you redirect that energy into deepening your relationship with Jesus?
Day 4: Jesus as the Center of Existence
The question, "Who do you say that I am?" posed by Jesus to His disciples, is a personal challenge that calls for a deep examination of faith and belief. It is not enough to know about Jesus; one must know Him personally and acknowledge Him as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This acknowledgment is not merely a statement of faith but a commitment to live in a way that demonstrates Jesus as the center of one's existence. It is a daily decision to embody the values and teachings of Jesus, allowing His life to shape and guide every aspect of one's own life. [26:17]
"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18 ESV
Reflection: In what practical ways can you demonstrate that Jesus is the center of your life today?
Day 5: Celebrating the Victory of Jesus
Easter is a time to celebrate not only the resurrection of Jesus but also His life, grace, and mercy. His victory over death is a testament to the power of God and a reminder that believers, too, can overcome the trials of this world. This celebration is an invitation to live in the reality of Jesus' triumph, to seek after a life that is holy and pleasing to God, and to view the world through the lens of Christ's victory. It is a call to center one's life on Jesus, who has overcome the world and offers a hope that is steadfast and sure. [21:04]
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV
Reflection: How can you live out the victory of Jesus in your daily struggles and interactions with others?
Quotes
1) "So consider your identity for a moment. Is it your career, your income, your status, promotions at work? Is this the things that we strive for and we work our hardest for every single day of our lives, centering our lives on? What I can do to better my work life?" [03:47]
2) "The one thing about stuff, is that it always gets old. Sometimes the old comes new. Fanny packs are still a thing. I don't know why. No thank you. I lived through them the first time. Okay. things that we seek after in our lives are going to fade away." [13:50]
3) "Why do I place my faith in Jesus? Why should Jesus be the center of my life? Why when I go to ask my friends, should the first thing that comes to mind is that, oh, him, he's a follower of Christ. Oh yes, he also does some other things. He's a stud softball player. Best carpenter I've ever seen. But Jesus is the top, the center of who I am." [19:33]
4) "Today is a celebration. Today is an exciting day because my, our, the world's savior, he came and he lived a perfect life. Something that none of us possibly could do. And with profound grace and mercy throughout his life, he gave up his own life as a sacrifice for you and for me." [21:04]
5) "Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything." [22:37]
6) "Christ did not get up on that cross. Because I asked him to. Christ got up on that cross because he knew he could only save the world. This is why I place my faith in him." [24:40]
7) "Who do you say that Jesus is? How do you show who Jesus is in the way that you live every single day? Is there grace in their mercy? Absolutely. Do we all need it? I do. Who do you say that Jesus is? He is the risen Messiah. He is the risen Messiah. And living Son of God." [26:17]
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