Embracing Our Identity as Children of God
Summary
In today's gathering, we delve into the profound transformation that occurs when we embrace faith in Christ Jesus. As we explore Galatians 3:26-4:7, we are reminded that through faith, we are all children of God. This transformation is not merely a change of status; it is a complete renewal of our identity. We are no longer slaves to sin or the basic spiritual principles of this world; we have been adopted as God's own children and made heirs to His promises.
This transformation is vividly illustrated through the stories shared today. We heard about Amy, a young woman whose past was marred by abuse, substance abuse, and feelings of worthlessness. Despite her struggles, God reached out to her, not once but twice, preventing her from ending her life and offering her a new beginning. Amy's story is a testament to the fact that God's love is not reserved for the seemingly perfect; it extends to all, regardless of our past.
We also revisited a personal memory from my childhood in Lebanon during the Six-Day War. Our church's response to the Palestinian refugees, who were technically our enemies, was a practical demonstration of the transformative love of Christ. This love transcends all human divisions, whether they be racial, social, or religious. The church's actions were a living example of the new identity we have in Christ—an identity that compels us to love and serve even those who are different from us.
Finally, we recounted the story of my mother, who, after fleeing East Germany and becoming an Australian citizen, boldly asserted her new identity to East German border guards. This story parallels our spiritual transformation. Just as my mother was no longer under the authority of East Germany, we too are no longer under the dominion of sin. We have a new Sovereign, a new kingdom, and a new passport that declares our citizenship in heaven.
As we reflect on these stories and the scripture, we are called to live out our transformed identity. We are to be agents of reconciliation, embodying the love and grace that have been so freely given to us. We are to recognize that our worthiness is not based on our deeds but on our new birth in Christ. And we are to extend this same grace to others, knowing that in Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female—we are all one.
Key Takeaways:
- God's love is not selective or based on our past actions. He reaches out to us in our darkest moments, offering redemption and transformation. This love is not earned; it is a gift that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. [08:49]
- Our identity in Christ transcends all human-made divisions. As believers, we are called to love and serve all people, including those who may be considered our enemies. This radical love is a reflection of the kingdom of God, where all are welcomed and valued. [11:51]
- Transformation in Christ is not just a change in spiritual status; it is an adoption into God's family. We are not merely forgiven; we are made heirs with Christ, sharing in the inheritance of God's promises. This new identity empowers us to live with confidence and purpose. [18:41]
- The church is called to be a community of reconciliation, demonstrating God's love through practical acts of service and compassion. Our actions should mirror the inclusive and transformative love that we have experienced in Christ. [11:16]
- Our worthiness before God is not based on our achievements or moral standing. It is based on our new birth in Christ. As God's children, we are loved as if we were perfect, because we are seen through the righteousness of Jesus. This assurance allows us to approach God with the affectionate term "Abba, Father." [03:01]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Galatians 3:26-4:7
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 3:26-27, what is the significance of being united with Christ in baptism? How does this relate to our identity as children of God?
2. In Galatians 3:28, Paul states that there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. What does this imply about the divisions that existed in the early church and how they are addressed in Christ?
3. How does Paul describe the transition from being slaves to becoming children and heirs of God in Galatians 4:4-7?
4. Reflecting on Amy's story, how did her understanding of God's love and her own worthiness change over time? [08:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "clothed with Christ" as mentioned in Galatians 3:27? How does this new identity affect our daily lives and interactions with others?
2. How does the concept of adoption into God's family in Galatians 4:5-7 change our understanding of our relationship with God and with each other?
3. In the sermon, the pastor shared a story about his church helping Palestinian refugees during the Six-Day War. How does this act of service illustrate the transformative love of Christ? [11:16]
4. The pastor's mother boldly asserted her new identity as an Australian citizen to East German border guards. How does this story parallel our spiritual transformation and new identity in Christ? [18:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Amy felt unworthy of God's love due to her past. Have you ever felt unworthy of God's love? How can you remind yourself of your worthiness in Christ? [08:01]
2. The sermon emphasized that God's love is not selective and extends to all, regardless of their past. How can you extend this same grace and love to others in your community, especially those who feel marginalized or unworthy? [08:49]
3. Reflecting on the story of the church helping Palestinian refugees, how can you and your small group demonstrate Christ's love to those who are considered "enemies" or different from you? [11:16]
4. The pastor's mother confidently declared her new identity to the border guards. How can you confidently live out your new identity in Christ in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this identity? [18:01]
5. The sermon calls us to be agents of reconciliation. Is there someone in your life with whom you need to reconcile? What steps can you take this week to initiate that process? [11:16]
6. The pastor mentioned that our worthiness before God is not based on our achievements but on our new birth in Christ. How does this truth impact the way you view your own accomplishments and failures? [03:01]
7. In what ways can your small group collectively embody the inclusive and transformative love of Christ in your local community? What specific actions can you take together to serve and love others? [11:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Unconditional Divine Embrace
God's love is a beacon in the darkness, reaching out to every soul, regardless of their past. This love is not contingent on one's history or actions but is a gift freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a love that seeks out the lost and the broken, offering redemption and a new beginning. Amy's story is a powerful example of this truth. Despite her history of abuse and substance misuse, God intervened in her life, not just once but twice, preventing her from taking her own life and offering her hope and a fresh start. This divine embrace is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's love and transformation.
"For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him." - 2 Chronicles 30:9b ESV
Reflection: Recall a time when you felt unworthy of love or forgiveness. How did the realization of God's unconditional love for you transform that moment? [07:40]
Day 2: Love Beyond Boundaries
Believers are called to embody a love that transcends all human-made divisions, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. This radical love is not limited by race, social status, or religious affiliation. It is a love that compels us to serve and embrace even those who may be considered our enemies. The story of the church in Lebanon during the Six-Day War serves as a poignant example, where love was extended to Palestinian refugees despite the conflict. This act of compassion demonstrates the transformative power of Christ's love, which breaks down barriers and unites us as one in Him.
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:44-45a ESV
Reflection: Who is someone you consider difficult to love in your life, and how can you extend Christ's love to them this week? [11:51]
Day 3: Heirs of the Promise
The transformation that occurs in Christ is profound, moving us from a place of bondage to sin to being adopted as God's children and made heirs alongside Christ. This new identity is not just a change in spiritual status; it is a complete renewal that empowers us to live with confidence and purpose. Like the story of the mother who, after fleeing East Germany, boldly claimed her new identity at the border, we too can assert our freedom from sin's dominion and live in the assurance of our heavenly citizenship.
"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." - Galatians 4:6-7 ESV
Reflection: How does understanding your identity as an heir of God's promises change the way you approach challenges in your life? [18:41]
Day 4: Agents of Reconciliation
The church is called to be a community that actively demonstrates God's love through service and compassion. This calling is not passive; it requires practical acts that mirror the inclusive and transformative love experienced in Christ. As agents of reconciliation, believers are to engage in actions that build bridges and foster unity, reflecting the heart of the gospel to a world in need of hope and healing.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 ESV
Reflection: What is one tangible act of service you can perform this week to demonstrate the reconciling love of Christ to someone in your community? [11:16]
Day 5: Perfected in His Righteousness
Our worthiness before God is not based on our achievements or moral standing but on our new birth in Christ. As God's children, we are loved as if we were perfect, because we are seen through the righteousness of Jesus. This profound truth allows us to approach God with the affectionate term "Abba, Father," knowing that our relationship with Him is secure and intimate. This assurance of God's perfect love provides the foundation for our self-worth and our interactions with others.
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" - Romans 8:15 ESV
Reflection: How can the knowledge that you are seen as perfect in Christ impact the way you view yourself and others today? [03:01]
Quotes
1) "When God looks at you and when God looks at me, he doesn't see the crap and the stains and the Brokenness and the past. It's like he sees us wearing Jesus... and he loves us as if we were perfect." [08:49] (Download | )
2) "We are transformed and it's that same love and compassion and Affinity that has been given to us that we hold out even to those who are enemies... that's a message the world needs to hear." [13:54] (Download | )
3) "You're not just redeemed but dirty and horrible and useless, you are transformed into a child of God... you are transformed, we are new citizens of a new kingdom, the old passport has gone, we have a new identity and a new Sovereign." [19:31] (Download | )
4) "Our world is driven by Vengeance... we are called not just not to be vengeful but what's the opposite of vengeful? We are gracious, reconciliatory." [14:57] (Download | )
5) "Jesus did not come to change the mind of God about Humanity; Jesus came to change the mind of humanity about God. Nothing changed on Calvary but everything was revealed as God's suffering love so that we could change." [21:40] (Download | )
6) "You are a citizen, you are a child of the family of God. You don't get deported for not being good enough any more than any of our kids get booted out because they're going through a grumpy or rebellious stage of development." [20:12] (Download | )
7) "God shows his love for us by demonstrating it to us in the person of Jesus. This is not a third party who's jumped in... it's about God taking responsibility for God's creation." [21:40] (Download | )
8) "We are not slaves destined to live out our lives in dark captivity and fear; we have been set free, we have been adopted as God's own children." [19:31] (Download | )
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