Embracing Our Identity: Living Out Greater Love
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we embark on a journey through the book of 1 Corinthians, focusing on the theme of "Greater Love," inspired by Jesus' words in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." This series aims to explore the depth and breadth of Jesus' love and how it shapes our identity and purpose.
We begin by reflecting on the importance of identity. Over Memorial Day weekend, I took my son Joshua on a trip to Indian River, Michigan, a place rich with family memories. This trip was not just about bonding but also about instilling in him a sense of identity. I wanted Joshua to know that he is a man of God, a man after God's own heart. This idea of identity is crucial because it shapes how we live, think, and act.
In 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, Paul addresses the church in Corinth, reminding them of their identity in Christ. He calls them "saints," sanctified in Christ Jesus. This identity is not based on their behavior or feelings but on who Jesus is and what He has done for them. Paul emphasizes that their identity is rooted in their relationship with Jesus and their inclusion in the community of believers.
We then explore the concept of humility. Romans 12:3-5 urges us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought but to think with sober judgment. This shift from pride to humility is essential for understanding our true identity. We are part of something bigger than ourselves, a family with God as our Father. This humility aligns us with grace and peace, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.
Paul's letter to the Corinthians also addresses the issues they were facing, such as immorality and relational dysfunction. However, he doesn't just focus on their behavior; he reminds them of their identity in Christ. He calls them to live out this identity, not settling for lesser stories or loves. This call to remember who they are in Christ is a call to live a life of greater love, reflecting the love of Jesus.
As we partake in communion, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, His body broken and His blood shed for us. This act of remembrance is a powerful reminder of our identity and the love that defines us. We are not defined by our past, our feelings, or our circumstances. We are defined by what Jesus has done for us and the family He has given us.
In closing, we celebrate the transitions within our church community, such as Cecilia moving on from her role in the Revolution ministry. We acknowledge the importance of investing in the next generation and the role of humility and service in our lives. We are reminded that our identity is not just about who we are individually but also about our place in the community and our mission to love and serve others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Identity in Christ: Our identity is rooted in who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are saints, sanctified in Christ Jesus. This identity is not based on our behavior or feelings but on our relationship with Jesus and our inclusion in the community of believers. This foundational truth shapes how we live, think, and act. [45:36]
2. Humility Over Pride: Romans 12:3-5 teaches us to think of ourselves with sober judgment, recognizing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. This shift from pride to humility aligns us with grace and peace, fostering unity and purpose. Humility allows us to see our need for God and our dependence on Him, which is essential for living out our true identity. [59:11]
3. Living Out Our Identity: Paul addresses the issues in the Corinthian church by reminding them of their identity in Christ. He calls them to live out this identity, not settling for lesser stories or loves. This involves remembering who we are in Christ and allowing that identity to shape our actions and attitudes. It is a call to live a life of greater love, reflecting the love of Jesus. [01:00:47]
4. Communion as Remembrance: Partaking in communion is a powerful act of remembering Jesus' sacrifice. His body was broken, and His blood was shed for us, offering forgiveness and a new identity. This act of remembrance reinforces our identity in Christ and the love that defines us. We are not defined by our past or our circumstances but by what Jesus has done for us. [01:14:26]
5. Investing in the Next Generation: Celebrating transitions within our church community, such as Cecilia's move from the Revolution ministry, highlights the importance of investing in the next generation. This investment is not just about teaching but also about modeling humility and service. Our identity is not just about who we are individually but also about our place in the community and our mission to love and serve others. [26:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:18] - Celebrating Transitions
[36:15] - God as Provider
[37:32] - Greater Love Series Introduction
[40:01] - Identity and Purpose
[45:36] - Remembering Who We Are
[50:06] - Shifting from Pride to Humility
[59:11] - Living Out Our Identity
[01:00:47] - Addressing Issues with Identity
[01:14:26] - Communion as Remembrance
[01:22:51] - Closing and Invitation to Connect
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 1:1-3: "Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
2. Romans 12:3-5: "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."
3. John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul call the believers in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, and what does this imply about their identity?
2. According to Romans 12:3-5, how should we think of ourselves, and what is the reason given for this perspective?
3. In John 15:13, what does Jesus describe as the greatest form of love?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul’s greeting in 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 set the tone for understanding the identity of the believers in Corinth? What does it mean to be "sanctified in Christ Jesus" and "called to be saints"? [45:36]
2. Romans 12:3-5 speaks about humility and being part of a larger body. How does this passage challenge the modern notion of individualism and self-sufficiency? [59:11]
3. Jesus’ statement in John 15:13 about laying down one’s life for friends is a high standard of love. How does this concept of sacrificial love compare to other definitions of love we encounter in society? [38:29]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, how does understanding your identity as a "saint" in Christ affect the way you view yourself and your actions? How can you remind yourself of this identity daily? [45:36]
2. Romans 12:3-5 encourages us to think with sober judgment and recognize our place in the body of Christ. What are some practical ways you can practice humility in your daily interactions with others? [59:11]
3. Jesus’ example of laying down His life for His friends in John 15:13 is a call to sacrificial love. Can you identify a specific relationship in your life where you can demonstrate this kind of love? What steps will you take to do so? [38:29]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of investing in the next generation. How can you personally contribute to this mission within your church or community? Are there specific actions you can take to mentor or support younger individuals? [26:18]
5. Communion is a powerful act of remembering Jesus' sacrifice. How can you make the practice of communion more meaningful in your life? What steps can you take to prepare your heart and mind before partaking in communion? [01:14:26]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of community and being part of something bigger than ourselves. How can you actively engage and contribute to your church community? Are there specific areas where you feel called to serve? [48:41]
7. Reflect on the concept of "greater love" as discussed in the sermon. How can you embody this greater love in your daily life? Are there specific actions or attitudes you need to change to better reflect the love of Jesus? [38:29]
Devotional
Alright, let's begin.
### Step 1: Themes
1. Identity in Christ: Understanding our true identity in Jesus.
2. Humility Over Pride: Embracing humility to align with God's grace.
3. Living Out Our Identity: Reflecting Jesus' love in our daily actions.
4. Communion as Remembrance: Remembering Jesus' sacrifice through communion.
5. Investing in the Next Generation: Nurturing the faith of future believers.
### Step 2: Descriptions
1. Identity in Christ:
Our identity is rooted in who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are saints, sanctified in Christ Jesus. This identity is not based on our behavior or feelings but on our relationship with Jesus and our inclusion in the community of believers. This foundational truth shapes how we live, think, and act. [45:36]
2. Humility Over Pride:
Romans 12:3-5 teaches us to think of ourselves with sober judgment, recognizing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. This shift from pride to humility aligns us with grace and peace, fostering unity and purpose. Humility allows us to see our need for God and our dependence on Him, which is essential for living out our true identity. [59:11]
3. Living Out Our Identity:
Paul addresses the issues in the Corinthian church by reminding them of their identity in Christ. He calls them to live out this identity, not settling for lesser stories or loves. This involves remembering who we are in Christ and allowing that identity to shape our actions and attitudes. It is a call to live a life of greater love, reflecting the love of Jesus. [01:00:47]
4. Communion as Remembrance:
Partaking in communion is a powerful act of remembering Jesus' sacrifice. His body was broken, and His blood was shed for us, offering forgiveness and a new identity. This act of remembrance reinforces our identity in Christ and the love that defines us. We are not defined by our past or our circumstances but by what Jesus has done for us. [01:14:26]
5. Investing in the Next Generation:
Celebrating transitions within our church community, such as Cecilia's move from the Revolution ministry, highlights the importance of investing in the next generation. This investment is not just about teaching but also about modeling humility and service. Our identity is not just about who we are individually but also about our place in the community and our mission to love and serve others. [26:18]
### Step 3: Bible Passages
1. Identity in Christ:
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
2. Humility Over Pride:
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)
3. Living Out Our Identity:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
4. Communion as Remembrance:
"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'" (Luke 22:19-20, ESV)
5. Investing in the Next Generation:
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)
### Step 4: Reflection Questions
1. Identity in Christ:
How does knowing your identity in Christ change the way you view yourself and your daily actions?
2. Humility Over Pride:
In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride? How can you practice humility today?
3. Living Out Our Identity:
What are some practical ways you can reflect Jesus' love in your interactions with others this week?
4. Communion as Remembrance:
As you prepare for communion, how can you more deeply remember and appreciate Jesus' sacrifice for you?
5. Investing in the Next Generation:
Who in the next generation can you invest in this week? How can you model humility and service to them?
### Step 5: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Identity in Christ
Our identity is rooted in who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are saints, sanctified in Christ Jesus. This identity is not based on our behavior or feelings but on our relationship with Jesus and our inclusion in the community of believers. This foundational truth shapes how we live, think, and act. [45:36]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing your identity in Christ change the way you view yourself and your daily actions?
Day 2: Humility Over Pride
Romans 12:3-5 teaches us to think of ourselves with sober judgment, recognizing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. This shift from pride to humility aligns us with grace and peace, fostering unity and purpose. Humility allows us to see our need for God and our dependence on Him, which is essential for living out our true identity. [59:11]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride? How can you practice humility today?
Day 3: Living Out Our Identity
Paul addresses the issues in the Corinthian church by reminding them of their identity in Christ. He calls them to live out this identity, not settling for lesser stories or loves. This involves remembering who we are in Christ and allowing that identity to shape our actions and attitudes. It is a call to live a life of greater love, reflecting the love of Jesus. [01:00:47]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can reflect Jesus' love in your interactions with others this week?
Day 4: Communion as Remembrance
Partaking in communion is a powerful act of remembering Jesus' sacrifice. His body was broken, and His blood was shed for us, offering forgiveness and a new identity. This act of remembrance reinforces our identity in Christ and the love that defines us. We are not defined by our past or our circumstances but by what Jesus has done for us. [01:14:26]
"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'" (Luke 22:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: As you prepare for communion, how can you more deeply remember and appreciate Jesus' sacrifice for you?
Day 5: Investing in the Next Generation
Celebrating transitions within our church community, such as Cecilia's move from the Revolution ministry, highlights the importance of investing in the next generation. This investment is not just about teaching but also about modeling humility and service. Our identity is not just about who we are individually but also about our place in the community and our mission to love and serve others. [26:18]
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Who in the next generation can you invest in this week? How can you model humility and service to them?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus loves you just as you are, not as you should be, and he loves you so much that there's nothing that you could do to take anything away from that, and there's nothing that you can do to add to that. It's enough. Jesus has sacrificed for every, every single one of us is love. It is enough." [38:29]
2. "Greater love has no one than this, and that he would lay down his life for his friends. And that is exactly what we come here to celebrate and to preach, is that this, Jesus loves you just as you are, not as you should be, and he loves you so much that there's nothing that you could do to take anything away from that, and there's nothing that you can do to add to that. It's enough." [37:32]
3. "You're not what you do. You're not what you've done. Sanctified means that the old is gone. You're not simply a victim. We sang that. I'm a champion. There's been victory that's been won for me. I'm not defined by my past anymore. I'm not defined by my last relationship. I'm not defined by my preferences or feelings. I'm defined by what Jesus has done for me and the family that he has given me." [01:14:26]
4. "We no longer need to be defined by our trauma, by our past, by our experiences. Instead, we can be defined by who Jesus is, what Jesus has done, knowing that now is forgiveness. Now we have an identity. Now we have a future. We're loved with a greater love, a love that wipes away the past and the pain and the hurt and offers us a brand, new day, a covenant, a promise of future relationship because of his great love." [01:16:06]
5. "You are beautiful, meaningful, important, and part of a greater whole. You're part of something bigger than yourself. And the more you grow, the more you start to contribute to that whole. That's one of the reasons why I just set up my daughter's, my 13-year-old daughter's bedroom, and the plan is, she's asked us, can I have my own room? Our plan is for her to continue to share bedrooms we want her to not be selfish." [01:07:03]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I want to remember the family that God has put me in, the church. I want to remember that formation is like a work of God in me, that I'm not just already my best self or becoming my best self, but that there's actually a better self, a greater love. And as I pursue it, and as I give it away and know it, I find it and it's formed in me. I want to remember the purpose that I've been called to." [01:12:56]
2. "We have to move away from this culture where we're all clinging to be right, to a culture where we're willing to say, I'm being made right. I'm being made right with others. I'm being made right with God. I'm becoming the person that God has created me to be. That's what 1 Corinthians 1, as he finishes, that first chapter, this is what he says. He says, for consider your calling. Not many of you were wise according to worldly standards." [01:11:37]
3. "We all tend to forget or need to remember, at the very least, who we are. When we go back to our roots, we discover, like, what is this source? What is this core? It's been said and I think rightly said that we all live out of an identity. We are all living a narrative, a story. Some of them are better and more helpful than others. Some of them are greater than others. I want to remind us all. I'm not talking to some them today out there, any community or lifestyle or people. I'm talking to all." [45:36]
4. "Grace is the power from God to live out your identity, your purpose. He says, grace to you. May power come from God and the peace that follows from knowing who and whose you are. That is the first thing, the most important thing that Paul says. Everything else in this book of 1 Corinthians, and there are a lot of very specific guidelines. Teachings, things that he wants them to remember, things that he's going to encourage them to do, but he says it all comes down to this. Grace and peace to you, saints. You are a saint in Christ." [47:09]
5. "You're not where you live. You're not Republican. You're not Democrat. You're not Southerner. You're not just American. Are all these things a part of who you are? Yes, but there's something greater. There's a greater love and there's a greater identity for you. I'm not simply Dave, lover of pizza, although that's a very important part of my life. It's a greater identity that I have. There's something more, and that's really what we want to go after. What is the most important thing?" [51:42]
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