Discovering Our True Identity in Christ
Summary
Today, we gathered as a family to celebrate God’s faithfulness and to step into a new season of discovering who we truly are in Christ. We honored and prayed over two of our own, Captain Travis and Jimmy, as they move into new chapters, reminding us of the importance of blessing and sending those who serve among us. We also took time to express gratitude for our military families and to celebrate the generosity of this house, which has enabled us to give abundantly to missions and local ministries, making a tangible difference in our community and beyond.
The heart of our time together centered on the launch of a new series, “The Code: Becoming Who You Were Born to Be.” Every great team, family, and organization lives by a code—a set of values and identity markers that shape who they are and how they live. In the same way, God’s family has a code, and it’s not about striving to become someone else, but about discovering and living out the true self God has already created in us.
We explored Ephesians 2:10, which declares that we are God’s workmanship—His masterpiece, handcrafted for good works prepared in advance. Our identity is not something we achieve, but something we receive. The world and the enemy will always try to define us by our past, our failures, or our struggles, but God calls us to receive who we are in Christ: adopted by the Father, redeemed by the Son, empowered by the Spirit, and created for good works.
We looked at the importance of leaving the grave behind—letting go of the old self and embracing the new life Christ has given us. This isn’t about behavior modification, but heart transformation. We are called to renew our minds daily, reinforcing our true identity so that we can quickly recognize and reject the lies of the enemy. Just as a bank teller learns to spot counterfeits by studying the real thing, we must immerse ourselves in God’s truth to live confidently from our identity.
Finally, we were reminded that everyone belongs in God’s family, regardless of background, status, or past. We are masterpieces, uniquely shaped for a purpose, and together we make up the beautiful tapestry of God’s house. Many responded to the invitation for a fresh start in Christ, stepping into the new life and identity He offers.
Key Takeaways
- Identity in Christ is received, not achieved. Before we can live out God’s calling, we must first embrace who He says we are—new creations, not defined by our past or failures. Our worth and purpose are rooted in what Christ has done, not in our own striving or performance. [14:52]
- The enemy’s primary attack is on our identity. From the Garden of Eden to the wilderness temptation of Jesus, the enemy seeks to sow doubt about who we are and whose we are. Recognizing this strategy helps us stand firm, knowing that our destiny flows from our God-given identity, not from the accusations or labels of the world. [16:35]
- We are God’s masterpieces, uniquely handcrafted for a divine purpose. Each of us carries gifts, experiences, and even pain that God weaves into His greater story. Rather than chasing titles or external validation, we are called to walk in the good works God has already prepared for us, trusting that our design is intentional and significant. [21:15]
- True transformation is about heart, not just habits. Living from our new identity means leaving the old self behind and allowing the Holy Spirit to continually shape us into Christ’s likeness. This is not a one-time event but a daily process of surrender, renewal, and growth, where God’s grace redefines our story. [22:49]
- Belonging in God’s family is a settled reality, not a feeling to be earned. Regardless of our background, status, or how connected we feel, God has adopted us, redeemed us, and empowered us for a purpose. Our place in His house is secure, and together we reflect the fullness of His love and creativity. [32:37]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Honoring and Praying for Our Captains
[04:52] - Celebrating Generosity and Missions Impact
[07:55] - Prayer of Thanksgiving for Givers
[08:33] - Introducing “The Code” Series
[13:01] - The Power of Identity: The Bourne Analogy
[14:52] - Receiving Who God Says You Are
[16:35] - The Enemy’s Attack on Identity
[18:02] - Grace Redefines Our Story
[21:15] - Walking in Your Divine Design
[22:49] - Leaving the Grave Behind: Heart Transformation
[24:05] - Renewing Your Mind Daily
[25:50] - Adopted by the Father: Our True Belonging
[27:21] - Redeemed by the Son, Empowered by the Spirit
[30:26] - The Courtroom of Adoption: You Belong
[32:37] - You Belong in God’s Family
[33:31] - Prayer for Believers and New Beginnings
[36:07] - Salvation Invitation and Celebration
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Code – Becoming Who You Were Born to Be
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### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 2:10
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
- Romans 12:2
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean to be God’s workmanship or masterpiece? How does the passage describe our purpose?
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, what changes when someone is “in Christ”? What does it say about the old and the new?
3. The sermon talked about the “code” that shapes a family or team. What are some examples of “codes” or values mentioned in the message? [[08:33]]
4. In Romans 12:2, what is the difference between being “conformed to this world” and being “transformed by the renewal of your mind”?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says our identity in Christ is “received, not achieved.” What does it look like to receive identity instead of trying to earn it? [[14:52]]
2. Why do you think the enemy attacks our identity first, as seen in the stories of Adam and Eve and Jesus’ temptation? How does this affect our daily lives? [[16:35]]
3. The message says we are “God’s masterpieces, uniquely handcrafted for a divine purpose.” How does this truth challenge the way we see ourselves and others? [[21:15]]
4. The pastor said, “Living the code isn’t about just having better habits. It’s about burying the old self.” What is the difference between heart transformation and just changing our behavior? [[22:49]]
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### Application Questions
1. The world and the enemy often try to define us by our past or failures. Is there a label or lie you’ve believed about yourself that you need to let go of? What would it look like to replace it with God’s truth this week? [[16:35]]
2. The sermon encouraged us to “leave the grave behind” and embrace new life in Christ. Is there an area of your life where you’re still living out of your old identity? What step could you take to move forward? [[22:49]]
3. The pastor used the example of a bank teller learning to spot counterfeits by studying the real thing. What are some practical ways you can “study the real thing” (God’s truth about you) this week? [[24:05]]
4. The message said, “Stop chasing titles and start living from the truth.” Are there titles, achievements, or outside approval you’ve been chasing? How can you shift your focus to living from your God-given identity? [[21:15]]
5. The sermon reminded us that “everyone belongs in God’s family, regardless of background, status, or past.” Do you ever struggle to feel like you belong? What would help you experience belonging in God’s family or in this group? [[32:37]]
6. The pastor led the church in declaring, “I am adopted by the Father, redeemed by the Son, empowered by the Spirit, and created for good works.” Which part of this truth is hardest for you to believe? Why? [[31:10]]
7. The message talked about renewing our minds daily. What is one specific way you can remind yourself of your identity in Christ each day this week? (For example: a verse on your mirror, a daily prayer, or a conversation with a friend.) [[24:05]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person receive and live out their true identity in Christ, and to walk confidently in the good works He has prepared for them.
Devotional
Day 1: You Are God’s Masterpiece
You are not mass-produced or accidental; you are God’s unique masterpiece, handcrafted with intention and purpose. Before you were born, God designed you with specific gifts, abilities, and a destiny to fulfill. Your value is not determined by your past, your failures, or what others have said about you, but by the loving hands of your Creator who calls you His work of art. Embrace the truth that you are spiritually transformed, renewed, and ready to be used for the good works God has prepared for you. [13:01]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: What is one unique gift or ability God has given you that you have not fully embraced as part of His purpose for your life? How can you begin to use it today for His glory?
Day 2: Your Identity Is Received, Not Achieved
Your identity in Christ is not something you have to earn or strive for; it is a gift you receive by faith. No matter what your past holds or what labels have been placed on you, in Christ you are a new creation. God’s grace rewrites your story, and your worth is not based on your performance but on who He says you are. Let go of striving and rest in the truth that your identity is secure in Jesus, and each day is a new opportunity to walk in that reality. [16:35]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Reflection: What negative label or self-talk do you need to surrender to God today so you can fully receive your new identity in Christ?
Day 3: Leave the Grave Behind
Living out your true identity is not about self-improvement or behavior modification, but about heart transformation through Christ. The old self has been crucified with Christ, and now you live by faith in Him. Stop trying to earn what God has already given you—walk in the freedom and newness that comes from knowing Christ lives in you. Let the past stay buried and step confidently into the life God has for you, empowered by His love and grace. [22:49]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still living as if your old self is in control? How can you intentionally leave that “grave” behind today?
Day 4: Renew Your Mind with God’s Truth
Your identity must be reinforced daily because the world and the enemy constantly try to distort it. By renewing your mind with God’s Word, you learn to recognize the lies and stand firm in the truth of who you are in Christ. Just as bank workers study real currency to spot counterfeits, immerse yourself in God’s truth so you can quickly reject anything that doesn’t align with your true identity. Each morning, remind yourself of who you are in Christ and let that truth shape your thoughts and actions. [24:05]
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection: What is one lie about your identity that you need to replace with God’s truth today? Write down a verse that speaks the truth and declare it over yourself.
Day 5: You Belong—Adopted, Redeemed, Empowered
You are not an orphan or an outsider; you have been adopted by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. God decided in advance to bring you into His family, and it gives Him great pleasure to call you His own. Your salvation is not just about being saved from something, but for something—good works and a purpose designed before you were born. No matter your background, status, or feelings, you belong in God’s family and have a vital role to play in His kingdom. [26:25]
Ephesians 1:5 (ESV)
He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.
Reflection: In what ways have you doubted your belonging in God’s family or in your church community? What is one step you can take this week to live out your identity as a beloved, adopted child of God?
Quotes
He knew his identity was who he was. Your past doesn't disqualify you. It only gives grace a chance to redefine you. Listen to me. I don't care what you've been through. It doesn't define you. It just gives a place for God's grace to come in and rewrite your story. That's a good place to give a praise God and amen. [00:18:02] (24 seconds)
Stop chasing titles and start living from the truth. And number three today, you just gotta leave the grave behind. Leave the grave behind. Galatians 2 and 20. For I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but it's Christ that lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [00:22:48] (30 seconds)
Our identity must be reinforced every day because the world and the enemy will try to change that from you. But every day we need to remind ourself who I am in Christ, who I am in Christ. When bank workers are trained to spot counterfeit, they don't study counterfeit bills. [00:24:18] (24 seconds)
They study the real one. They study the real one so much that when the counterfeit comes through, it's just obvious to them. And the same is true for our identity. The more you renew your mind with truth of who God says of you, the faster you recognize the lies of the enemy. So in the morning when he tries to tell you a lie of who you are, you renew your mind to the truth of God and you say, oh, nope, that's a counterfeit. That's not who I am. That's who I was. I'm no longer that person. That's put in the grave and I'm not gonna resurrect that person. That person doesn't live anymore. [00:24:42] (40 seconds)
The cross just didn't give you a clean record. It gave you a new one. Ephesians 1 and 7. In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin according to the riches of his grace. [00:27:29] (15 seconds)
So don't live in the past. Don't live in that condemnation. Everything that you've been through has prepared you for who you are now. So step into that. Walk into that. You were created for good works. [00:29:44] (16 seconds)
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