Embracing Our Identity and Calling in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate Father's Day, acknowledging the diverse experiences and emotions that this day brings. Some are filled with joy, while others face sorrow and longing. Regardless of our circumstances, we are united in Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Ephesians 1 reminds us that God chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. He adopted us into His family through Jesus Christ, and this adoption brings Him great pleasure.
We are called to draw near to God, embracing our identity as His children. This closeness to God is not just a privilege but a transformative experience that heals, restores, and strengthens us. We are encouraged to surrender every part of our lives to Jesus, allowing His presence to reign supreme. This surrender is not just about personal transformation but also about stepping into our roles within the body of Christ, using the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us to build up the church and reach the lost.
The sermon also delved into the spiritual gift of prophecy, emphasizing its importance in the New Testament church. Prophecy is not about predicting the future but about strengthening, encouraging, and comforting the church. It is a gift that should be earnestly desired and used to build up the body of Christ. The gift of prophecy must always be tested by Scripture, rooted in love, and aimed at building up and transforming the church.
We are called to rise up as spiritual mothers and fathers, guiding others in their faith and using our gifts to embolden and encourage one another. This call to rise up is a challenge to step into our spiritual authority, to speak life and truth into the lives of others, and to participate actively in the mission of Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Your Identity in Christ: Regardless of your current season, God has chosen and adopted you into His family. This adoption brings Him great pleasure, and He calls you to draw near to Him. Embracing this identity transforms and heals us, allowing us to experience the fullness of God's love and grace. [07:43]
2. Surrender to Jesus' Reign: We are encouraged to surrender every part of our lives to Jesus, allowing His presence to reign supreme. This surrender is not just about personal transformation but also about stepping into our roles within the body of Christ, using the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us to build up the church and reach the lost. [30:27]
3. The Gift of Prophecy: Prophecy is a spiritual gift that strengthens, encourages, and comforts the church. It must always be tested by Scripture, rooted in love, and aimed at building up and transforming the church. This gift is essential for the health and growth of the body of Christ. [56:06]
4. Rise Up as Spiritual Parents: We are called to rise up as spiritual mothers and fathers, guiding others in their faith and using our gifts to embolden and encourage one another. This call to rise up is a challenge to step into our spiritual authority, to speak life and truth into the lives of others, and to participate actively in the mission of Jesus. [01:26:00]
5. Active Participation in Jesus' Kingdom: We are encouraged to actively participate in Jesus' kingdom by using our spiritual gifts to build up and transform the church. This participation involves challenging and encouraging one another to deeper levels of trust and faith, ensuring that the church is strengthened and that those far from Jesus are brought to the light of redemption. [01:36:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:13] - Acknowledging Diverse Experiences on Father's Day
[07:43] - Embracing Our Identity in Christ
[28:54] - Surrendering to Jesus' Reign
[30:27] - The Power of Jesus' Presence
[40:28] - Community and Belonging at Evolve Church
[44:20] - Overcoming Lies and Serving in the Church
[46:15] - Honoring Fathers and Spiritual Fathers
[48:33] - Prayer for Fathers
[49:56] - Continuing the Series on the Holy Spirit
[51:23] - Understanding the Gift of Prophecy
[56:06] - The Importance of Prophecy in the Church
[01:03:10] - The Authority of Scripture
[01:10:20] - Testing Prophecy with Scripture
[01:17:18] - Prophecy Rooted in Love
[01:19:07] - Building Up and Transforming the Church
[01:24:08] - Strengthening and Challenging the Family of Jesus
[01:26:00] - Rising Up as Spiritual Parents
[01:31:04] - Confession, Repentance, and Prophecy
[01:36:20] - Active Participation in Jesus' Kingdom
[01:37:42] - Invitation to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
[01:38:41] - Invitation to Surrender to Jesus
[01:41:07] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:3-6 (NIV)
> "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
2. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (NIV)
> "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified."
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NIV)
> "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1:3-6, what are the spiritual blessings we receive in Christ? How does this passage describe our adoption into God's family?
2. In 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, what is the primary purpose of the gift of prophecy? How does it compare to the gift of speaking in tongues?
3. What instructions does 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 give regarding the treatment of prophecies? Why is it important to test prophecies?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our identity as adopted children of God (Ephesians 1:3-6) impact the way we live our daily lives? [07:43]
2. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of prophecy over speaking in tongues in 1 Corinthians 14:1-5? What does this suggest about the role of prophecy in the church? [56:06]
3. What might be some practical ways to "test" prophecies as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21? How can we ensure that prophecies align with Scripture? [01:10:20]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Ephesians 1:3-6, how can you embrace your identity in Christ more fully this week? What specific steps can you take to draw nearer to God and experience His transformative love? [07:43]
2. In what areas of your life do you need to surrender more fully to Jesus' reign? Identify one specific area and discuss how you can allow Jesus to be Lord over it. [30:27]
3. How can you actively seek and use the gift of prophecy to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others in your church community? Share a recent experience where you felt led to speak a word of encouragement to someone. [56:06]
4. What does it mean for you to rise up as a spiritual parent in your community? How can you guide and support others in their faith journey? [01:26:00]
5. Discuss a time when you felt challenged to participate more actively in Jesus' kingdom. What steps can you take this week to use your spiritual gifts to build up the church and reach those who are far from Jesus? [01:36:20]
6. How can you ensure that your use of spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, is always rooted in love? Share a practical example of how you can demonstrate love while using your spiritual gifts. [01:17:18]
7. Identify a specific lie or fear that has been holding you back from stepping into your spiritual authority. How can you confront and overcome this obstacle with the help of the Holy Spirit? [01:33:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Identity in Christ
God has chosen and adopted you into His family, and this adoption brings Him great pleasure. Regardless of your current season, you are called to draw near to Him, embracing your identity as His child. This closeness to God is not just a privilege but a transformative experience that heals, restores, and strengthens you. Embracing this identity allows you to experience the fullness of God's love and grace, transforming your life from the inside out. Remember that you are holy and blameless in His sight, chosen before the foundation of the world. [07:43]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are chosen and adopted by God change the way you view yourself and your circumstances today?
Day 2: Surrender to Jesus' Reign
We are encouraged to surrender every part of our lives to Jesus, allowing His presence to reign supreme. This surrender is not just about personal transformation but also about stepping into our roles within the body of Christ. By using the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us, we can build up the church and reach the lost. Surrendering to Jesus means letting go of our own plans and desires, trusting that His ways are higher and better. It involves a daily commitment to let His presence guide and transform every aspect of our lives. [30:27]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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 area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: The Gift of Prophecy
Prophecy is a spiritual gift that strengthens, encourages, and comforts the church. It is not about predicting the future but about speaking God's truth into the lives of others. This gift must always be tested by Scripture, rooted in love, and aimed at building up and transforming the church. Prophecy is essential for the health and growth of the body of Christ, as it helps to guide and edify believers. By earnestly desiring and using this gift, we can contribute to the spiritual well-being of our community. [56:06]
1 Corinthians 14:3 (ESV): "On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation."
Reflection: How can you seek to use the gift of prophecy, or encourage others to do so, in a way that strengthens and builds up your church community?
Day 4: Rise Up as Spiritual Parents
We are called to rise up as spiritual mothers and fathers, guiding others in their faith and using our gifts to embolden and encourage one another. This call to rise up is a challenge to step into our spiritual authority, to speak life and truth into the lives of others, and to participate actively in the mission of Jesus. By nurturing and mentoring others, we can help them grow in their relationship with God and fulfill their God-given potential. This role is vital for the health and growth of the church, as it ensures that new believers are supported and guided in their faith journey. [01:26:00]
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (ESV): "For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory."
Reflection: Who in your life can you mentor or guide in their faith journey? How can you take a step today to encourage and support them?
Day 5: Active Participation in Jesus' Kingdom
We are encouraged to actively participate in Jesus' kingdom by using our spiritual gifts to build up and transform the church. This participation involves challenging and encouraging one another to deeper levels of trust and faith, ensuring that the church is strengthened and that those far from Jesus are brought to the light of redemption. By actively engaging in the mission of Jesus, we can make a significant impact on our community and the world. This requires a commitment to serve, love, and support one another, as we work together to fulfill God's purposes. [01:36:20]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What spiritual gift has God given you, and how can you use it today to build up and transform your church community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Regardless of your story, you get to choose to be united with Christ today. Verse 4, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to make us holy and without fault in his eyes. Listen, before you were even born, God decided in advance to adopt you into his family by bringing us to himself through Christ. This is what he wanted to do. And it gave him great pleasure. Did you know that it gives the Father great pleasure to adopt you in today as his daughter and as his son?" (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The four things that matter most to us in life and in community are this, that you would belong to family, that you would anchor your life to the hope of Jesus Christ, that you would choose long obedience in the same direction as you grow in your faith, and that ultimately you would become all that God's designed you to be as you involve other people in that." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In the Old Testament, in the first half of the Bible, we see the Holy Spirit. He's right there from the beginning. But we see the Spirit of the Lord show up in the Old Testament to a particular person at a particular time for a particular task. However, in the New Testament, which is what we're a part of in the age of the church attached to the new covenant, we see the Holy Spirit of the Lord show up to all people at all time for every task. Get excited." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Holy Spirit is a person and has been given to us as the constant, consistent presence of Jesus in our lives to actively support us in the mission and the cause of Christ. The continuation of the work and the power of the Holy Spirit and the power of heaven's kingdom being made known here on earth. This matters to the Spirit of Christ whom you have received. In fact, we all have access to the Holy Spirit. We all have power because of the Holy Spirit. We all have gifts that the Holy Spirit's given us." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do you love the hope of someone giving you a prophetic word more than you love Scripture? Do you chase after rooms and environments more than you chase after His presence at your dining room table by yourself? Can I just let that word encourage you for a moment? You're like, it's not very encouraging. You don't know what encouragement means. Receive it as encouragement. Receive it." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "In the age of the church, the New Testament gift of prophecy can always be tested by the Bible. Whether you earnestly desire the gift of prophecy or have decided to steward and grow in that gift because you see it present in your life. Or perhaps you want to receive someone else's prophetic word over you. Prophecy can always be tested by Scripture. And we read together, needs to be tested." (-310 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In the age of the church, the New Testament gift of prophecy will always be firmly rooted in love. Always. 1 Corinthians 13, 2, if I had the gift of prophecy and if I understand all of God's secret plans and have possessed all knowledge and I had such faith that I could move mountains but didn't love others, I would be nothing. Same chapter, verse 13, three things will last forever. Prophecy is not one of them. Jesus is coming back one day for His church and prophecy will end. We won't need it anymore. But three things will last forever. Faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these three, in case you're wondering, is love." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In the age of the church, the New Testament gift of prophecy will always build up and transform the body. I just trust, as we were reading scripture, and Tina Kirshner felt prompted to say transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit in that moment. Yes, of course, transformation. Why? Because whatever the gift that's being used, in this case, prophecy, the fruit has to remain constant and consistent. Christ's body being built up and lives being transformed. That's the fruit of the spiritual gifts in operation in the church and outside of the church." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In the age of the church, the New Testament gift of prophecy will strengthen and challenge the family of Jesus Christ. It will strengthen us and challenge us. In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, it says this, for even if you had 10,000 others to teach you about Christ, you only have one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the good news to you, so I urge you to imitate me." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Rise up in your spiritual life. Rise up in your spiritual authority. Rise up in what it means to be a spiritual mom in this house, a spiritual dad in this house. Stop shrinking back from the lie of the enemy. Stop shrinking back because something hurt you. Stop shrinking back because somebody said something that caused you to tailspin. Stop shrinking back. Yes, it matters, but the Holy Spirit's presence is to restore and heal. What fear has gripped your heart, what lie of the enemy is robbing you of your authority to use the gift of the Holy Spirit to restore and heal." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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