Embracing Divine Identity: Finding Fulfillment in God's Presence
Summary
Taking a deep breath, I reflect on the essence of our journey together today. We began with a story about a trip to New York City, a tale that was more parable than reality, designed to illustrate a deeper truth. The story highlighted how we often seek fulfillment in the addition of extraordinary elements to our lives, much like the imagined presence of Stephen Curry overshadowing the simple joy of a father-daughter trip. This mirrors our spiritual lives, where we sometimes overlook the profound presence of our Heavenly Father, seeking instead the allure of worldly additions.
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had everything they needed in the presence of God, yet they were tempted by the idea of more. This is a reflection of our own lives, where we often feel unfulfilled despite being in the presence of our Creator. We are starting a new series, "Theology vs. Miology," to explore how we can become more captivated by God's voice and presence, rather than the distractions of the world.
Our identity crisis as a society stems from losing sight of our true identity in God. We have pushed God out of the equation, overvaluing ourselves and undervaluing Him, leading to a sense of unfulfillment. Genesis reminds us that we were created in God's image, a truth that should ground us. Yet, we often create other images to pursue, leading to sin and separation from God. However, God’s love for us is so profound that He sent His Son to restore the broken relationship.
We explored the difference between a house and a home, emphasizing that while a house is about appearance, a home is about the presence of God. Our lives should be homes for God's presence, where His Spirit fills every void. We discussed four types of identities: missing, mistaken, shattered, and divine. Our goal is to embrace our divine identity, rooted in God's image, and to live in obedience to His calling.
Key Takeaways:
1. Presence Over Additions: The presence of our Heavenly Father should be the highlight of our lives, not the extraordinary additions we often seek. Just as the imagined presence of Stephen Curry overshadowed the father-daughter trip, we must learn to value God's presence above all else. [10:01]
2. Identity in God: Our true identity is found in being created in God's image. When we lose sight of this, we create other images to pursue, leading to unfulfillment. Embracing our divine identity means recognizing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. [15:54]
3. The Illusion of Success: True success is defined by obedience to God, not by worldly achievements. Many who appear successful by societal standards are unfulfilled because they have lost connection with their divine source. [34:55]
4. The Role of Chaos: Chaos in our lives is an invitation to invite God in, as He can create masterpieces out of messes. The more chaotic our lives, the more we need God's presence to bring order and purpose. [14:50]
5. Restoration of Identity: We must return to the beginning, where our identity is rooted in God's image. This involves shedding the mistaken, missing, or manufactured identities we have adopted and embracing the divine identity God has given us. [32:24]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[06:07] - The Parable of New York
[09:34] - Presence of the Father
[10:42] - The Garden's Lesson
[12:04] - Identity Crisis
[13:10] - Creation and Chaos
[15:07] - Image of God
[17:06] - Redemption Plan
[19:40] - House vs. Home
[21:10] - Man's Image of God
[23:01] - Source of Identity
[25:09] - Partial Perspective
[26:27] - Missing Identity
[28:42] - Mistaken Identity
[31:42] - Divine Identity
[33:58] - Four Keys to Understanding Identity
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:1, 26-27
2. John 3:16
3. 1 Corinthians 13:12
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Observation Questions:
1. In the sermon, the pastor shared a parable about a trip to New York City. What was the main point of this story, and how does it relate to our spiritual lives? [09:34]
2. According to Genesis 1:26-27, what does it mean to be created in the image of God, and how does this relate to our identity? [20:57]
3. How does the pastor describe the difference between a house and a home, and what role does God's presence play in this analogy? [19:05]
4. What are the four types of identities mentioned in the sermon, and how do they impact our relationship with God? [25:40]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The pastor mentioned that we often seek fulfillment in worldly additions rather than God's presence. How does this tendency reflect the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? [10:42]
2. In John 3:16, God’s love is shown through the sending of His Son. How does this act of love aim to restore our broken relationship with God, and what does it say about our value to Him? [17:19]
3. The sermon discusses the concept of a "manufactured identity." How might this differ from the "divine identity" that God intends for us, and what are the consequences of living with a manufactured identity? [30:28]
4. According to 1 Corinthians 13:12, our understanding is partial and incomplete. How does this perspective influence our view of God and our identity in Him? [24:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there any "extraordinary additions" you are seeking that might be overshadowing the presence of God? How can you refocus on valuing God's presence above all else? [10:01]
2. Consider the identities discussed in the sermon: missing, mistaken, shattered, and divine. Which one do you most relate to, and what steps can you take to embrace your divine identity in God? [25:40]
3. The pastor mentioned that chaos in our lives is an invitation to invite God in. Is there an area of chaos in your life where you need to invite God's presence to bring order and purpose? [14:50]
4. How can you practically live out the truth that you are created in God's image, especially in situations where you feel inadequate or unworthy? [15:54]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of obedience to God as true success. What is one area in your life where you can practice greater obedience to God's calling? [34:55]
6. Reflect on the analogy of a house versus a home. How can you ensure that your life is a "home" for God's presence, rather than just a "house" focused on appearances? [19:05]
7. Think about a time when you felt disconnected from your true identity in God. What practical steps can you take to restore and strengthen your connection with Him? [32:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Valuing God's Presence Over Worldly Additions
In our pursuit of fulfillment, we often seek extraordinary elements to enhance our lives, much like the imagined presence of a celebrity overshadowing a simple joy. This mirrors our spiritual journey, where we sometimes overlook the profound presence of our Heavenly Father, seeking instead the allure of worldly additions. The story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden illustrates this tendency; they had everything they needed in God's presence but were tempted by the idea of more. We are called to prioritize God's presence above all else, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from Him alone. [10:01]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: What is one worldly addition you are currently seeking that might be overshadowing your appreciation for God's presence? How can you refocus your heart to value His presence above all else today?
Day 2: Embracing Our True Identity in God's Image
Our identity crisis as a society stems from losing sight of our true identity in God. We often create other images to pursue, leading to unfulfillment. Genesis reminds us that we were created in God's image, a truth that should ground us. Embracing our divine identity means recognizing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. When we lose sight of this, we overvalue ourselves and undervalue Him, leading to a sense of unfulfillment. We are called to return to the beginning, where our identity is rooted in God's image. [15:54]
Ephesians 4:24 (ESV): "And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What false identities have you been pursuing that distract you from your true identity in God? How can you begin to embrace your divine identity today?
Day 3: Redefining Success Through Obedience to God
True success is defined by obedience to God, not by worldly achievements. Many who appear successful by societal standards are unfulfilled because they have lost connection with their divine source. The illusion of success can lead us away from our true purpose, which is to live in obedience to God's calling. We are reminded that our worth is not determined by our accomplishments but by our relationship with God. By aligning our lives with His will, we find true fulfillment and purpose. [34:55]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you measuring success by worldly standards rather than by obedience to God? How can you realign your definition of success to reflect God's priorities?
Day 4: Inviting God into the Chaos of Our Lives
Chaos in our lives is an invitation to invite God in, as He can create masterpieces out of messes. The more chaotic our lives, the more we need God's presence to bring order and purpose. Instead of being overwhelmed by the chaos, we are encouraged to see it as an opportunity for God to work in our lives. By inviting Him into our messes, we allow Him to transform them into something beautiful and purposeful. [14:50]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What is one area of chaos in your life where you need to invite God's presence? How can you actively seek His guidance and strength in that situation today?
Day 5: Restoring Our Divine Identity
We must return to the beginning, where our identity is rooted in God's image. This involves shedding the mistaken, missing, or manufactured identities we have adopted and embracing the divine identity God has given us. Our lives should be homes for God's presence, where His Spirit fills every void. By embracing our divine identity, we live in obedience to His calling and find true fulfillment. We are reminded of God's profound love for us, demonstrated through the sending of His Son to restore our broken relationship with Him. [32:24]
Colossians 3:10 (ESV): "And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: What mistaken or manufactured identities have you been holding onto? How can you begin to embrace your divine identity and live in alignment with God's calling today?
Quotes
I want us to stop settling for hoping that a Steph Curry walks into the gym and helps us when the voice of God is trying to guide us the highlight of the story should have been that we went on a trip with her father that was unexpected that should have been enough but that's not enough for your life that's why you're still searching in a relationship and in a career and that's why you feel unfulfilled because just like Adam and Eve being in the garden with God being in the presence of your creator has lost its appeal. [00:10:20]
I believe that right now as a society this is not just a legacy issue this is a Humanity issue that we have lost our identity it's the reason that we have to create labels and pronouns to identify ourselves because we can't figure out who we are it's the reason that we no longer can Define what a man or a woman is because everything is there's no absolute truth it's it's the reason that we're so un unsatisfied and unfulfilled and and unsure because the thing that is grounded the thing that should be uh not just essential but but the thing that we should crave a true identity we've lost sight of it. [00:11:37]
The more we have pushed God out of the equation, the more we have overvalued me and I, the more we have undervalued him and what happens is that in our desire to become self-fulfilled we actually end up unfulfilled but if you go back to Genesis if you go back to the beginning of time this is what it says in Genesis chapter 1 verse one in the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth that's two absolutes what number one in the beginning God there was not a creator for God God is the creator of all it was just God and what God did was he created everything else. [00:12:28]
God is the one that can create masterpieces out of nothing a masterpiece out of a mess the Bible says in the beginning the spirit of God hovered over the darkness and the waters what does that represent it represents chaos which means that the more chaotic your life is the more you need to invite God in because what's hopeless for you is just oh that's that's easy. [00:14:36]
All of humanity is created in the image of God well why does that matter because there's people you do not like and you label them according to what you do not like about them or what you disagree about them and you need to go back to the root of they are created in the image of God not just the people who believe in God all of humanity Because he believes in them and when you understand that that all of humanity is created in the image of God that includes you you were not the result of one too many drinks you were not a mistake you you were not just coincidence. [00:15:00]
We were created in the image of God but we started off with Genesis chapter 3 where we see that from the beginning even though we're created in the image of God we're quick to create other images that we'd rather be and so because of our desire to be outside of what God wants for us because we wanted to be independent we wanted to be like God it wasn't enough that we were already in His image we we thought there was more to it that we were missing out on we didn't believe that when God said you are very good that it was enough. [00:16:02]
For God saw so much of himself and all of humanity and was so in love with us that it caused him to send his only son to restore a relationship that we chose to break because God cannot hate himself meaning as much as God hates sin he loves The Sinner and his love for the sinner is even greater than his hate for sin which is why he sent his only son to become sin so that we wouldn't have to. [00:17:09]
There's a difference between a house and a home because a house is all about what it looks like a home is all about what it feels like and often times we live in HGTV to where we spend our best efforts and our time and our money to create these beautiful houses but on the inside there's still not enough Joy there there's still not enough peace there's still not enough fulfillment there's still not enough identity why because it's lacking the presence of God to fill that home. [00:19:39]
The presence of God fills every void in life and God is trying to build people that are actual houses that his presence can dwell in to make it his home on Earth so if we're if we're trying to do that if you're saying Hey I want God to build his home in me then then you're in the right room so here here's where we would start Genesis 1:26 says let us make human beings in our image to be like us. [00:20:25]
The source of either your confidence or confusion comes from your identity the source of either your confidence of who you are and whose you are or the confusion of what am I doing is this me is this God am I a good parent am I the worst parent it all comes from your identity so I want to help you restore that the Bible says this 1 Corinthians chapter 13 it says now we see things imperfectly like puzzling Reflections in a mirror but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. [00:23:48]
The true definition of success is obedience a successful man is an obedient man regardless of what society says about them a successful woman is an obedient woman someone who's obedient to the identity that God created inside of her and deposited inside of her a successful individual is one who remains connected to the vine I'm telling you I've talked to the most successful people that that you with think you know and they're still unfulfilled every time they find their identity apart from the source of who gave it to them. [00:34:55]
God has to be my source of identity for me to accurately identify when I'm out of alignment women you ever been on a road trip with your man and you're like do you know where we're going CU Google Maps is not there he's like yeah I know where I'm going and you know you don't know where he going that's all of us we don't even know when we're lost if we find our identity apart from the one who gives it to us who CS us to be found. [00:35:37]
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