Embracing Reflection: Finding Identity and Transformation in Christ

Summary

Life often pushes us to keep moving, to check off tasks, and to measure our days by what we accomplish. Yet, in the midst of this busyness, we can miss the deeper work God wants to do in us. Sometimes, it takes something as simple as a child stopping to marvel at caterpillars to remind us to slow down, reflect, and truly see what matters. This is not just a lesson for our personal lives, but a spiritual discipline that Paul urges the church in Corinth to embrace. The Corinthians, like us, were shaped by their culture’s values—values that often clashed with the way of Jesus. Their struggles with division, pride, misuse of gifts, and fractured relationships all stemmed from letting the world define them, rather than their new identity in Christ.

Paul’s final words in 2 Corinthians 13 are not a list of actions to fix their problems, but an invitation to self-examination. He calls them to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith,” to test whether Christ is truly alive in them. This is not a call to navel-gazing or self-condemnation, but to honest reflection: Are we abiding in Christ? Is there visible fruit in our lives that points to His presence? Paul’s confidence is not in the Corinthians’ ability to fix themselves, but in God’s transforming power at work within them. Even in the face of their failures, Paul sees God’s grace and reminds them of their true identity—sanctified, called, and loved.

This call to slow down and reflect is not just for the Corinthians, but for us. We, too, are tempted to let our culture define our worth and our priorities. We, too, can be so busy that we avoid the hard work of self-examination. Yet, real change begins when we remember who we are in Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal where we are living out of old patterns. God’s invitation is to pause, to invite Him to search our hearts, and to trust that He is not done with us. In that space, we find restoration, renewed identity, and the power to live differently—not by striving, but by abiding.

Key Takeaways

- Slowing Down Reveals What Matters Most
In a world obsessed with productivity, it is easy to miss the moments that matter—both with God and with others. Slowing down is not a waste of time; it is a spiritual discipline that allows us to see where God is at work and to invest intentionally in what truly lasts. When we pause, we create space for reflection, gratitude, and deeper connection. [36:48]

- Self-Examination is the Gateway to Restoration
Paul’s first step for the Corinthians is not to act, but to examine themselves honestly before God. True restoration—whether in relationships or in our walk with God—begins with a willingness to look inward, to test our motives, and to invite God’s Spirit to reveal what needs to change. This is not about shame, but about opening ourselves to God’s healing and transforming work. [43:12]

- Our Identity in Christ is the Foundation for Change
Real transformation does not come from trying harder, but from remembering who we are in Christ. Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—that we are sanctified, called, and loved, even in the midst of our failures. When we live out of this God-given identity, actions that honor God flow naturally, and we are empowered to resist the pull of cultural values that distort our purpose. [56:56]

- Visible Fruit Flows from Abiding in Jesus
Paul echoes Jesus’ teaching that abiding in Him produces visible fruit—words, actions, and attitudes that reflect Christ’s character. The test of our faith is not just what we believe, but what our lives reveal. Regular self-examination helps us discern whether our lives are bearing the fruit of the Spirit or being shaped by other influences. [46:07]

- God’s Grace is Greater Than Our Failures
Despite the Corinthians’ many issues, Paul never gives up on them. He sees God’s grace at work, even in their mess, and places his confidence in God’s ability to transform them. This perspective invites us to see ourselves and others through the lens of grace, trusting that God is not finished with us and that His power is greater than the forces that have shaped us. [54:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Announcements and Ministry Updates
[03:10] - The Challenge of Slowing Down
[06:30] - The Caterpillar Walk: Learning to Pause
[10:15] - Introducing 2 Corinthians 13
[13:00] - Corinth’s Cultural Struggles
[16:20] - Paul’s Hope for Restoration
[19:05] - The Call to Self-Examination
[22:00] - Abiding in Christ and Bearing Fruit
[25:10] - Old Testament Roots of Self-Examination
[28:00] - Corinth’s Many Problems
[32:00] - The Root Issue: Culture vs. Kingdom
[35:30] - Paul’s Confidence in God’s Transforming Power
[39:00] - Identity in Christ: The Foundation for Change
[42:00] - Practical Steps for Reflection
[45:00] - Invitation to Prayer and Next Steps
[48:00] - Closing and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 13:5-11 (ESV)
> Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

John 15:4-5 (ESV)
> Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
> Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

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### Observation Questions

1. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, what does Paul specifically ask the Corinthians to do, and what is the purpose behind this instruction?
2. According to the sermon, what was the root cause behind the many problems in the Corinthian church? ([39:30])
3. In John 15, what does Jesus say is the result of abiding in Him? How does this connect to Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 13? ([44:53])
4. What Old Testament examples of self-examination were mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to Paul’s instructions? ([46:07])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul focus on self-examination as the first step toward restoration, rather than giving the Corinthians a list of actions to fix their problems? ([43:12])
2. How does the culture of Corinth influence the church’s struggles, and in what ways does Paul challenge them to find their identity in Christ instead? ([39:30])
3. What does it mean for “visible fruit” to flow from abiding in Jesus, and how can someone tell if their life is bearing this kind of fruit? ([44:53])
4. Paul never gives up on the Corinthians despite their failures. What does this reveal about God’s grace and the way we should view ourselves and others? ([54:13])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon began with a story about slowing down to notice caterpillars. In your own life, what are the “caterpillars” you tend to rush past? How might intentionally slowing down help you see what matters most? ([36:48])
2. Paul calls us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. When was the last time you honestly reflected on your spiritual life? What did you notice, and what might God be inviting you to see now? ([43:12])
3. Our culture often tells us our worth is based on productivity or achievement. In what ways do you feel pressure to measure your value by what you do, rather than who you are in Christ? ([39:30])
4. Think about a time when you saw “visible fruit” in your life or someone else’s. What practices or habits helped that fruit grow? ([44:53])
5. The sermon emphasized that real change comes from remembering our identity in Christ, not just trying harder. What is one area of your life where you’ve been striving in your own strength? How could you approach it differently by abiding in Jesus? ([56:56])
6. Paul’s confidence was in God’s transforming power, not in the Corinthians’ ability to fix themselves. How does this perspective change the way you view your own failures or the failures of others? ([54:13])
7. The Psalmist prays, “Search me, God, and know my heart.” What would it look like for you to make this your prayer this week? Is there a specific area you want to invite God to examine? ([59:38])

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Optional: Close your group time by reading Psalm 139:23-24 aloud together, inviting God to search your hearts and lead you in the way everlasting.

Devotional

Day 1: The Call to Self-Examination
Paul urges believers to slow down and honestly examine their spiritual lives, challenging them to test whether they are truly living in the faith. This self-examination is not about guilt or shame, but about creating space to reflect on whether Christ is truly at the center of our lives and whether our actions and attitudes reflect His presence. Taking time to pause and reflect allows us to see where we may be drifting, and invites us to return to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. [43:12]

2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (ESV)
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test."

Reflection: When was the last time you truly paused to examine your spiritual life? Set aside ten minutes today to quietly reflect and ask God to show you where you are with Him.


Day 2: Abiding in Christ Produces Fruit
A living connection with Jesus is the source of spiritual vitality, and abiding in Him naturally leads to visible fruit—words, actions, and attitudes that reflect His love and truth. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine, so too our lives will only show the evidence of Christ’s work when we intentionally stay close to Him. This abiding is not about striving, but about remaining open and surrendered, allowing His life to flow through us and shape who we are becoming. [46:07]

John 15:5 (ESV)
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally abide in Christ today—perhaps through prayer, Scripture, or simply inviting Him into your daily routine?


Day 3: Letting God’s Values Shape Us, Not Culture
The root of many struggles is allowing the values of the surrounding culture to shape our identity and actions, rather than letting God’s truth define us. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians reveal how easy it is to let cultural pressures and old patterns drive our decisions, but he calls us to slow down, reflect, and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal where we are being shaped by the world instead of by Christ. True transformation begins when we recognize these influences and invite God to renew our minds and hearts according to His kingdom values. [48:31]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
"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: Identify one area of your life where you sense cultural values may be influencing you more than God’s truth. What would it look like to invite God to transform that area?


Day 4: Remembering Our New Identity in Christ
Real change begins when we remember and embrace our new identity as God’s beloved, holy, and set-apart people. Instead of letting past failures or the world’s labels define us, we are called to live out of the truth that we are chosen, sanctified, and deeply loved by God. When we root our sense of self in what God says about us, our actions and attitudes begin to align naturally with His purposes, and we find the strength to live differently. [56:56]

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV)
"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. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Reflection: What negative label or old identity do you need to let go of today in order to embrace who God says you are?


Day 5: Inviting God into the Process of Reflection
Self-examination is not something we do alone; God invites us to ask for His help in searching our hearts and leading us into truth. The psalmist models this by praying for God to search him, know his heart, and reveal anything that needs to change. When we invite God into our reflection, we can trust that He will gently show us what we need to see and empower us to take the next step toward growth and restoration. [01:08:32]

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"

Reflection: Take a few quiet moments today to pray Psalm 139:23-24, asking God to reveal anything in your heart that needs His healing or direction. What do you sense Him showing you?

Quotes

That day we covered a half a mile in an hour and 13 minutes. So it was not my best time as a runner, but in a lot of ways, it really was my best time on that trail. So I want you to hang onto that idea of slowing down and reflecting on things for a minute. Cause we're going to come back to it shortly. [00:38:22] (19 seconds)  #StrengthInWeakness Edit Clip

He says, in the same way that Jesus looked weak when he was on the cross, but God was able to transform that into power. He says, in the same way, when I show up, God's going to take my weaknesses and turn that into strength and the power that I need to really set you guys straight and confront what's going on. [00:42:04] (16 seconds)  #GraceInProgress Edit Clip

So over the course of the last few years, Paul's relationship with some of the people in Corinth, it had been fractured. There had been division there. And Paul desperately wants those relationships to be restored. And he also knows that some of the people in the church in Corinth, they're not really living out of God's design for their life anymore. They're doing their own thing. So that relationship with God has been fractured. And Paul wants to see that restored as well. [00:43:23] (21 seconds)  #SelfExaminationFirst Edit Clip

For Paul, the first step in this process that's going to lead to restoration is serious self -examination. So again, in some of the final words of his that we have that are written to them, he challenges the Corinthians to slow down and to stop and to take time to reflect on their own spiritual state. [00:44:23] (17 seconds)  #IdentityShapesAction Edit Clip

Paul sees that God's grace is working in them in spite of all of their failures, right? And if you reread these verses again, these verses where he talks about what he's thankful for, you notice that really what he's thankful for is God and how he's at work, right? He says it's because of his grace. In him, you have been enriched. You don't lack any spiritual gift, right? That implies somebody who gave the gift. He will keep you firm. God is faithful. God is the one who has called you. [00:54:17] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

For Paul, real change begins when you understand that your fundamental identity has changed, right? That's why I'm so grateful we sang that song that talks about, you know, we hear the propaganda, we hear the accusations, we hear the lies that our culture whispers to our soul. But then that's contrasted, right? By this voice from God that says, you are my beloved. I have bought you, all of you, my blood on my hand. I know your name. You are the one that the Father loves. [00:57:05] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

Paul knows that God -honoring actions naturally follow when we get our God -given identity right. Like actions that honor God, that are in line with his truth, they just naturally flow out once we get our identity right and think about who he's made us. [00:57:41] (17 seconds) Edit Clip

Chances are good that we're not struggling with exactly the same issues that the Corinthians were struggling with. But all of us struggle with something. And I think all of us would really benefit from listening to Paul's challenge to stop and to slow down and to examine ourselves. And that can be hard to do. [00:58:05] (15 seconds) Edit Clip

I think one of the reasons I've discovered about myself over the years, one of the reasons that I like to be doing things and have stuff to cross off my list is that I don't like slowing down. Because when I do, I've got all this time on my hands where I can take stock and I can examine myself. And honestly, I don't always like what I find when I do that. But it's so important. [00:58:24] (20 seconds) Edit Clip