Embracing Our True Identity Beyond Labels

Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound impact of labels on our lives and identities. We began by reflecting on Ephesians 5:1, Psalms 139:13-14, and John 15:5, emphasizing that we are dearly loved children of God, fearfully and wonderfully made, and that we can do nothing apart from Jesus. These scriptures remind us of our intrinsic value and the care God took in creating us.

We then delved into the concept of labels, both those we place on ourselves and those others place on us. Labels like "rejected," "inadequate," and "worthless" can become part of our identity, obscuring our true selves. We discussed how societal and familial influences perpetuate these labels, creating a cycle of hurt and misidentification.

A significant part of the sermon focused on the story of the Samaritan woman at the well from John 4. This woman, burdened by societal labels and personal shame, encountered Jesus, who saw beyond her labels and offered her living water. This encounter transformed her, giving her a new identity and the courage to share her testimony, leading many in her village to believe in Jesus.

We concluded by encouraging everyone to replace negative labels with positive, loving ones. We invited the congregation to physically remove labels from a mirror and replace them with affirmations, symbolizing a spiritual renewal. This act serves as a reminder that through Jesus, we can shed the false labels and embrace our true identity as beloved children of God.

### Key Takeaways

1. You Are Dearly Loved and Purposefully Made: Ephesians 5:1 and Psalms 139:13-14 remind us that we are not accidents but are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. He took time to create us, knitting us together with care and intention. This understanding should shape our self-worth and how we view others. [01:38]

2. The Danger of Labels: Labels like "rejected," "worthless," and "inadequate" can become part of our identity, distorting our self-perception and limiting our potential. These labels often come from societal pressures, family dynamics, or personal failures, but they do not define us. [06:39]

3. Breaking the Cycle of Hurt: Hurt people often hurt others, perpetuating a cycle of pain and negative labeling. Recognizing this cycle is the first step towards breaking it. We must strive to see ourselves and others through God's eyes, not through the distorted lens of past hurts. [14:31]

4. Encountering Jesus Transforms Us: The story of the Samaritan woman at the well illustrates how an encounter with Jesus can strip away our labels and give us a new identity. Jesus sees beyond our past and our labels, offering us living water that renews and transforms us. [24:35]

5. Replacing Negative Labels with God's Truth: We must actively replace the negative labels we carry with the truth of who we are in Christ. This involves both a spiritual and practical step of removing old labels and affirming our true identity as beloved children of God. [28:22]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:38] - Understanding Our Value in God's Eyes
[03:15] - The Impact of Labels
[06:39] - Labels and Identity
[08:14] - Political Labels and Identity
[11:28] - The Lie of Worthlessness
[14:31] - Generational Cycles of Hurt
[16:03] - Breaking the Cycle
[16:43] - The Samaritan Woman's Story
[24:35] - Transformation Through Jesus
[28:22] - Replacing Negative Labels
[29:34] - Invitation to Encounter Jesus

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 5:1 - "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children."
2. Psalms 139:13-14 - "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
3. John 4:39-41 - "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, 'He told me everything I ever did.' So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers."

### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 5:1, how are we described in our relationship with God?
2. In Psalms 139:13-14, what imagery is used to describe how God created us, and what does this suggest about our value?
3. What was the reaction of the Samaritan woman after her encounter with Jesus, as described in John 4:39-41? [24:35]
4. What are some of the negative labels mentioned in the sermon that people often carry? [04:52]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are "dearly loved children" of God (Ephesians 5:1) impact our self-worth and identity?
2. What does the psalmist mean by saying we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalms 139:13-14), and how should this influence our view of ourselves and others?
3. How did the encounter with Jesus transform the Samaritan woman's identity and actions? [24:35]
4. Why is it important to replace negative labels with God's truth, and what practical steps can we take to do this? [28:22]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt labeled by others. How did it affect your self-perception and actions? How can you begin to see yourself through God's eyes instead? [06:39]
2. Identify a negative label you have placed on yourself. What steps can you take this week to replace it with a positive affirmation based on God's truth? [28:22]
3. Think about someone in your life who might be carrying negative labels. How can you encourage them and help them see their true identity in Christ?
4. The sermon mentioned the cycle of hurt and labeling within families. How can you break this cycle in your own family or relationships? [14:31]
5. The Samaritan woman shared her testimony after her encounter with Jesus. How can you share your own story of transformation with others this week? [24:35]
6. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your primary identity is as a child of God, rather than any societal or political label? [08:14]
7. How can you create a habit of regularly affirming your true identity in Christ, especially when faced with negative thoughts or labels? [28:22]

Devotional

### Day 1: You Are Dearly Loved and Purposefully Made

God has created each of us with intentionality and love. Ephesians 5:1 and Psalms 139:13-14 remind us that we are not accidents but are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. He took time to create us, knitting us together with care and intention. This understanding should shape our self-worth and how we view others. Recognizing our intrinsic value in God's eyes can transform how we live our lives and interact with others. We are not defined by our mistakes or the labels others place on us but by the love and purpose God has for us.

Understanding our value in God's eyes is crucial for our spiritual growth. When we see ourselves as God sees us, we can begin to live out our true identity. This perspective helps us to reject the negative labels and lies that the world may try to impose on us. Instead, we can embrace the truth that we are dearly loved children of God, created with a unique purpose and plan. [01:38]

Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV): "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Reflection: How does knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God change the way you view yourself and others today?

### Day 2: The Danger of Labels

Labels like "rejected," "worthless," and "inadequate" can become part of our identity, distorting our self-perception and limiting our potential. These labels often come from societal pressures, family dynamics, or personal failures, but they do not define us. It's important to recognize the power of these labels and how they can negatively impact our lives. By understanding the source of these labels, we can begin to dismantle their hold on us and replace them with the truth of who we are in Christ.

The impact of labels is profound and far-reaching. They can shape our thoughts, behaviors, and even our destiny if we allow them to. However, we have the power to reject these false labels and embrace our true identity in Christ. By focusing on God's truth and promises, we can break free from the chains of negative labeling and live out our full potential as children of God. [06:39]

Isaiah 62:2 (ESV): "The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give."

Reflection: What negative labels have you allowed to define you, and how can you replace them with God's truth today?

### Day 3: Breaking the Cycle of Hurt

Hurt people often hurt others, perpetuating a cycle of pain and negative labeling. Recognizing this cycle is the first step towards breaking it. We must strive to see ourselves and others through God's eyes, not through the distorted lens of past hurts. By understanding the root of our pain and seeking healing through Christ, we can begin to break free from this cycle and extend grace and love to others.

Breaking the cycle of hurt requires intentionality and a willingness to confront our past. It involves seeking God's healing and allowing Him to transform our hearts and minds. As we experience His love and forgiveness, we can extend the same to others, breaking the cycle of hurt and creating a ripple effect of healing and restoration. [14:31]

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life you need to forgive to break the cycle of hurt? How can you begin this process today?

### Day 4: Encountering Jesus Transforms Us

The story of the Samaritan woman at the well illustrates how an encounter with Jesus can strip away our labels and give us a new identity. Jesus sees beyond our past and our labels, offering us living water that renews and transforms us. This encounter with Jesus is life-changing and can lead us to a deeper understanding of our true identity and purpose in Him.

Encountering Jesus is a transformative experience that changes everything. When we come to Him with our burdens and labels, He offers us a new identity and a fresh start. His love and grace have the power to heal our wounds and set us free from the chains of our past. As we draw closer to Him, we can experience the fullness of life that He offers and live out our true identity as beloved children of God. [24:35]

John 4:13-14 (ESV): "Jesus said to her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"

Reflection: How has an encounter with Jesus transformed your life, and how can you share this transformation with others?

### Day 5: Replacing Negative Labels with God's Truth

We must actively replace the negative labels we carry with the truth of who we are in Christ. This involves both a spiritual and practical step of removing old labels and affirming our true identity as beloved children of God. By focusing on God's promises and truths, we can renew our minds and live out our true identity in Him.

Replacing negative labels with God's truth is a daily practice that requires intentionality and perseverance. It involves immersing ourselves in God's Word, meditating on His promises, and speaking His truth over our lives. As we do this, we can break free from the lies and labels that have held us back and embrace the fullness of our identity in Christ. [28:22]

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 labels do you need to replace with God's truth today, and how can you practically do this in your daily life?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Do you know that you are a dearly loved child of God? That he loves you so much. I talked about it a couple weeks ago that we don't only sing praises to him, but he sings over us. He rejoices and sings over us. That's how much you mean to him." [00:10] ( | | )

2. "You are a child of God. You are a son of God. You are a daughter of God. That's who you are. Now, how does it make you feel when you have these labels put on you? Now, good. Somebody at first service says, I don't care. And I think that's a lot of times we say that because we try to put this armor from it." [08:14] ( | | )

3. "You are here for a reason. Our Heavenly Father is singing praises over you. He is rejoicing over you. He is singing over you. He took time to make you. You are not worthless, but you are priceless. And he has you here for a reason." [10:48] ( | | )

4. "Just because it's how you've always done it doesn't mean it's the right way to do it. And some of you, you are sticking to these labels because you're just like, this is how it's always done. Some of you are throwing these labels on other people because that's what you know, because people that were supposed to love you threw those labels on you, and now the people that you're supposed to love, you're throwing those labels on them." [16:03] ( | | )

5. "When you encounter Jesus, something goes off in your brain. It says, He knows everything about me and yet He still loves me. He knows about all the labels. He knows about the past. He knows about those things. Yet He don't care. He still loves me." [24:35] ( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "What happens a lot of times is these labels become our identity. Sometimes it might not be labels people put on us. It could be labels we put on ourselves. And sometimes it might not even be like labels like worthless or useless or broken. Sometimes these are especially around now." [06:39] ( | | )

2. "Some of you, you know that you've been carrying it around. And you're so afraid to rip that label off because it has become your identity. And you don't know who you are without that label. So you have, there's fear in taking off that label. You don't, there's fear. You don't want to see how you really look because you haven't seen it in so long. You just leave the labels there." [13:06] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Because this lady encountered Jesus. And when she did, those labels no longer defined her. She just started peeling those labels off. like, I feel accepted. I feel loved. She got to drink of that living water. And I'm telling you right now, whatever position you are in, wherever you are at, whatever label has been stuck to you, whatever labels you've been carrying around, that same living water is available to you today, right now." [27:26] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So maybe after you rip these off, maybe you need to come, and maybe you need to get a sip of that living water. Maybe you need to encounter Jesus. Maybe you've never encountered Jesus before. Maybe this is all brand new. Find somebody. Come up to me, Pastor Mark, one of our leaders, Pastor John, and say, hey, I've never experienced Jesus. I want to experience Jesus. I want to rip these labels off. I don't want these labels to be my everything." [29:34] ( | | )

Chatbot

Transcript

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