Evicting Stress: Finding Identity and Peace in Christ
Summary
Summary
Gathered together in the presence of a wonderful God, we are reminded that worship is not just a ritual, but a declaration of God’s greatness and our dependence on Him. Today marks the beginning of a new journey—a series focused on evicting stress from our lives, rooted in the book of Philippians. The urgency of this topic is underscored by the reality that millions of believers, including pastors, silently struggle with mental health challenges, often without adequate support from their church communities. Yet, the Word of God offers us a path to freedom and peace, starting with a foundational truth: it all begins with knowing who you are in Christ.
Paul, writing from a Roman prison, introduces himself not by his accomplishments or titles, but as a servant of Christ Jesus. This simple yet profound identity anchors him, even in the most stressful circumstances. Stress, more often than not, is not just about external pressures but about internal uncertainties—confusion about our identity, our direction, and our worth. When we are unsure of who we are, stress multiplies. But when our identity is rooted in Christ, stress loses its grip.
Scripture is filled with examples of men and women who found boldness and peace not in their abilities, but in their God-given identity and assignment. Moses moved from insecurity to boldness when he accepted God’s call. David faced giants without fear because he knew who he was in God. Jesus Himself ministered from a place of approval, not for approval—secure in the Father’s love before He performed a single miracle.
To walk in this freedom, we must anchor our identity in God’s Word, not the world’s opinions. We must silence the voices—external and internal—that contradict what God says about us. And we must serve with confidence, not for recognition, but out of devotion to Christ. True servanthood is not forced or abusive; it is a joyful response to the One who has won our affection.
As we declare together who we are in Christ—chosen, loved, strong, called, and empowered—we begin to experience the stress-free living that God desires for us. This journey is not about perfection, but about trust: trusting God with all our heart, surrendering every area of our lives, and walking boldly in the identity He has given us. In Christ, stress is evicted, and we stand firm, knowing exactly who we are.
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Key Takeaways
- Identity Precedes Peace: Stress often arises not from external circumstances, but from internal uncertainty about who we are. When our identity is firmly rooted in Christ—as Paul models by calling himself a servant of Jesus—stress loses its power. Knowing whose you are and who you are in God brings clarity and confidence that circumstances cannot shake. [41:29]
- Approval Flows from Relationship, Not Performance: Jesus received the Father’s approval before performing any miracles, showing us that God’s love is not earned by our achievements. We are called to move from a place of approval, not striving for it. This truth liberates us from the exhausting cycle of seeking validation from people or accomplishments, and anchors us in the unchanging love of God. [51:50]
- Anchor Your Identity in God’s Word: The world is full of voices and opinions, but only God’s Word defines who we truly are. Regularly feeding on Scripture and memorizing identity verses transforms our self-perception and equips us to resist the lies that fuel stress and insecurity. Application is key—knowing the Word must lead to living the Word. [54:05]
- Silence Competing Voices: Not every voice in your life deserves equal weight. Whether it’s the criticism of others, the comparison trap of social media, or your own negative self-talk, these voices must be muted and replaced with the truth of God’s Word. Consider the source of every opinion, and let God’s voice be the loudest in your life. [01:00:38]
- Serve with Secure Devotion: True servanthood is not about forced obedience or seeking recognition, but about joyful devotion to Christ. When you know who you are, you can serve others freely and confidently, even in secret, because your worth is not tied to titles or applause. This posture of humble service is both a sign and a source of a stress-free, purpose-filled life. [01:02:45]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Worship and Praise
[03:45] - Greeting and Encouragement
[06:30] - Offering and Tithing Explained
[23:27] - Announcements and Family Updates
[28:06] - Opening Prayer and Scripture
[30:24] - Introduction to Philippians
[31:23] - Series Introduction: Stress, You’re Out
[34:13] - Mental Health and the Church
[36:32] - Understanding Stress and Its Sources
[39:13] - Fighting Stress with Identity
[41:29] - The Power of Knowing Whose You Are
[44:40] - Paul’s Example: Stress-Free in Prison
[47:03] - Biblical Examples of Identity and Boldness
[50:51] - Jesus: Secure in the Father’s Approval
[54:05] - Practical Steps: Anchoring Identity in God’s Word
[57:54] - Silencing Other Voices
[01:02:45] - Serving with Confidence
[01:08:49] - Declaration: Who I Am in Christ
[01:12:01] - Trusting God with All Your Heart
[01:16:04] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:17:58] - Prayer and Celebration
[01:22:10] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “It Starts With Knowing Who You Are”
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### Bible Reading
- Philippians 1:1
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.”
- Exodus 3:11-12
“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”
- 1 Samuel 17:45
“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Philippians 1:1, how does Paul introduce himself and Timothy to the church at Philippi? What title does he use for himself?
(see [30:24])
2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between how Paul could have introduced himself and how he actually did?
(see [46:01])
3. When Moses was called by God in Exodus 3:11-12, what was his initial response, and how did God answer his concern?
4. What did David say to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45 that showed his confidence was not in himself but in God?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul chose to identify himself as a “servant of Christ Jesus” instead of listing his accomplishments or titles? What does this reveal about his understanding of identity?
(see [46:01])
2. The sermon says, “Stress fades when identity is firm.” How does being clear about your identity in Christ help you handle stressful situations differently?
(see [44:40])
3. The pastor mentioned that Jesus received the Father’s approval before doing any miracles (at His baptism). What does this teach us about where our sense of approval and worth should come from?
(see [51:50])
4. According to the sermon, what are some of the “voices” that can compete with God’s voice in shaping our identity? Why is it important to “mute” these voices?
(see [01:00:38])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to memorize three “identity scriptures” this week. What are some Bible verses that speak to your identity in Christ? How can you remind yourself of these truths daily?
(see [54:05])
2. Think about a recent situation where you felt stressed or anxious. Was any part of that stress connected to uncertainty about who you are or what you’re supposed to do? How might rooting your identity in Christ change your response next time?
(see [39:13])
3. The pastor encouraged us to “mute” certain voices—whether it’s criticism, comparison, or negative self-talk. Is there a specific voice or influence in your life that you need to turn down or silence this week? What practical step can you take to do that?
(see [01:00:38])
4. Serving with confidence means not needing recognition or applause. Can you think of a way to serve someone this week “in secret,” just out of devotion to Christ? What might that look like for you?
(see [01:02:45])
5. The declaration at the end of the sermon included statements like “I am chosen, not overlooked” and “I am strong, not broken.” Which part of that declaration do you find hardest to believe about yourself? Why?
(see [01:08:49])
6. The sermon said, “You don’t have to do anything to earn God’s approval. The Father already approves of you.” How does this truth challenge the way you approach your work, relationships, or even your spiritual life?
(see [51:50])
7. Proverbs 3:5-6 was quoted: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Is there an area of your life where you’re holding back from trusting God fully? What would it look like to “go all in” with God in that area this week?
(see [01:13:52])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray over the declarations of who they are in Christ, asking God to help them anchor their identity in Him and to experience His peace in place of stress.
Devotional
Day 1: Identity Rooted in Christ Brings Lasting Peace
Stress often arises not from the pressures around us but from the confusion within—uncertainty about who we truly are. When identity is unclear or based on shifting circumstances, anxiety and fear take hold. However, when you anchor your sense of self in Christ, as Paul did by calling himself a servant of Jesus, you gain a firm foundation that no external situation can shake. This clarity about your identity brings peace that transcends your environment and calms the storms within.
Understanding who you are in God’s eyes is the first step toward evicting stress from your life. It is not about what you do or what others say about you, but about whose you are. When you live from this truth, stress loses its grip because your worth and direction are secure. Let this truth settle deeply in your heart today. [41:29]
“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
Reflection: What are three ways your current identity is shaped by external opinions or achievements rather than your identity in Christ? How can you begin to realign your self-view with God’s truth today?
Day 2: Receiving God’s Approval Before Any Achievement
Jesus demonstrated that God’s approval is not something earned by accomplishments but is given through relationship. Before performing any miracles, He was secure in the Father’s love and approval. This teaches us that our value and acceptance do not depend on what we do or how well we perform. When you live from a place of already having God’s approval, you are freed from the exhausting cycle of trying to prove yourself to others or to God.
This shift from striving for approval to resting in relationship changes everything. It allows you to serve and live with confidence, not out of fear or obligation, but out of love and devotion. You no longer need to seek validation from people or achievements because your worth is established in the unchanging love of the Father. Embrace this freedom today and let it transform how you approach your daily life. [51:50]
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” — Ephesians 1:3-4
Reflection: Identify one area where you feel pressured to earn approval. How can you remind yourself today that God’s love and acceptance are not based on your performance? What practical step can you take to rest in His approval?
Day 3: Grounding Your Identity in Scripture’s Truth
The world is filled with competing voices and opinions that can distort how you see yourself. Only God’s Word reveals your true identity and purpose. Regularly immersing yourself in Scripture and memorizing verses about who you are in Christ renews your mind and strengthens your heart against lies that fuel stress and insecurity. But knowing the Word is not enough; it must be lived out daily.
When you anchor your identity in God’s Word, you build resilience against the shifting tides of culture and criticism. This spiritual nourishment equips you to stand firm and walk confidently in your calling. Make it a priority to feed on Scripture consistently, allowing it to shape your thoughts, feelings, and actions. [54:05]
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” — Jeremiah 29:11-12
Reflection: What specific Scripture verses about your identity in Christ can you begin memorizing this week? How will you incorporate daily time in God’s Word to reinforce these truths in your heart?
Day 4: Quieting the Noise of Negative Voices
Not every voice deserves your attention. Criticism from others, the comparison trap on social media, and your own negative self-talk can drown out God’s truth. These competing voices increase stress and confusion about your worth and direction. It is essential to intentionally silence these distractions and replace them with the affirming voice of God.
Evaluate the sources of the voices you listen to most. Are they life-giving or destructive? Choose today to let God’s Word be the loudest and most trusted voice in your life. This discipline will protect your heart and mind from the lies that steal your peace and confidence. [01:00:38]
“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.” — Romans 12:2
Reflection: What are the most frequent negative voices you hear daily? What practical steps can you take to reduce their influence and amplify God’s voice in your life starting now?
Day 5: Serving from a Place of Secure Devotion
True servanthood flows from a heart secure in Christ, not from obligation or desire for recognition. When you know who you are and whose you are, you can serve others freely and joyfully, even when no one is watching. This posture of humble service reflects a stress-free life rooted in purpose and devotion rather than performance.
Serving with confidence means your worth is not tied to titles, applause, or results but to your relationship with Jesus. This freedom allows you to give generously and love deeply without fear or resentment. Embrace this joyful servanthood today as a sign and source of the peace God desires for you. [01:02:45]
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10
Reflection: In what area of service do you feel pressured or burdened? How can you shift your motivation to serve from seeking approval to joyful devotion to Christ starting today?
Quotes
Before he performed, his father said, this is my beloved son in whom I'm well pleased. The father was already pleased with the son before he did anything. And can I just tell you something? You don't have to do anything either. The father is already pleased with you. The father already approves of you. [00:52:37] (18 seconds)
He made a choice to love you. The Bible says that even while we're yet sinners, God commended his love towards us. [00:53:13] (15 seconds)
But everybody's got an opinion about you. But you have to understand only God opinion matters. Galatians 1 and 10 says this. Paul is arguing. He says, am I not trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? [01:00:04] (16 seconds)
And raise the volume of God's word in your life. See, you can't just mute a voice and then don't replace it with nothing else, because your inner man is always yearning. Y 'all hear what I'm saying? You're always yearning for something. So you got to replace that negative self -talk with the word of God. What does God say about me? [01:01:43] (26 seconds)
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