Finding Identity and Love in God's Design
Summary
Today, we gathered to worship a God who is unchanging, steady, and present in every season of our lives. We celebrated His faithfulness and the privilege of doing life with Him, no matter our circumstances. As a church, we’re entering a season of intentional prayer—21 days focused on our communities, our church, and our families—believing that God moves powerfully when His people pray together.
We also began a new series, “Elephant in the Room,” where we’re tackling difficult and often uncomfortable topics, starting with gender identity. This is a subject that touches many lives, whether directly or through loved ones, and it’s one that’s often surrounded by strong opinions and cultural noise. But rather than focusing on opinions or political arguments, we’re seeking to understand what God says—looking vertically, not horizontally, for truth.
We explored the biblical foundation of gender, going back to Genesis where God created humanity in His image, male and female, both reflecting different aspects of His character. The distinction between male and female is not a human invention, but God’s design, and both are equally valuable and purposeful. Jesus Himself affirmed this in His teachings, emphasizing the beauty and sanctity of God’s creation.
We also looked at the realities and struggles faced by those dealing with gender identity issues, acknowledging the pain, confusion, and mental health challenges that often accompany these experiences. The statistics are sobering, and it’s clear that the solutions offered by culture and science have not brought the healing or clarity many hoped for. At the core, these struggles are deeply connected to questions of identity—something every person wrestles with in different ways.
So how do we respond as followers of Jesus? We lead from love and reality. Loving others is not optional; it’s a requirement of discipleship. Love doesn’t mean blind agreement, nor does it mean forcing others to agree with us. It means building relationships, showing grace and truth, and walking with people through their stories. Our relationship with someone determines our response, and we must never give up on anyone—nor on God’s ability to work in their lives. Ultimately, we’re all in need of a Savior, and Jesus invites every one of us to find our true identity in Him.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Design for Identity: From the very beginning, God created humanity in His image, intentionally making us male and female. These distinctions are not arbitrary or cultural, but reflect different facets of God’s character. Embracing this design means recognizing the equal value and unique purpose of both men and women, and understanding that our identity is rooted in being image-bearers of God. [51:15]
- The Dangers of Horizontal Comparison: In a world saturated with opinions and social media, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others or let culture shape our beliefs. But true transformation comes when we look vertically—seeking God’s truth rather than measuring ourselves against others. Our standard is not what’s popular or politically expedient, but what God has revealed in His Word. [42:57]
- The Crisis of Identity and the Need for Renewal: The struggles around gender identity are ultimately about deeper questions of who we are. Whether it’s gender, insecurity, or any other issue, the battle is between what our minds believe and what God says about us. Lasting change comes as we renew our minds, anchoring our identity in Christ rather than in shifting feelings or external pressures. [01:03:35]
- Leading with Love and Reality: Loving others is not a suggestion but a command for every follower of Jesus. This love is not passive agreement nor aggressive correction, but a commitment to walk with people in grace and truth. We must recognize the real struggles people face, build genuine relationships, and let our care open doors for God’s truth to be heard. [01:06:35]
- The Power of Perseverance and Presence: When someone we love is struggling—whether with gender identity or any other issue—the most Christlike response is not to give up. Studies show that time and presence with loving people make a profound difference. God never gives up on us, and we are called to reflect that steadfast love, holding on to hope and continuing to point others to Jesus, the only one who can truly transform lives. [01:12:06]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[27:08] - Greeting and Campus Introductions
[29:30] - 21 Days of Prayer Invitation
[30:22] - Prayer Focus: Communities, Church, Families
[32:00] - Series Introduction: Elephant in the Room
[34:26] - Our Mission: Reaching People for Jesus
[36:03] - Sensitive Topic Advisory and Prayer
[39:35] - The Rise of Gender Identity Conversations
[41:05] - Statistics and Cultural Impact
[42:57] - Seeking God’s Opinion, Not Just Ours
[46:51] - Defining Key Terms: Transgender, Gender Dysphoria, Non-Binary
[48:43] - Genesis: God’s Design for Gender
[53:25] - Male and Female: Reflecting God’s Image
[58:27] - Jesus Affirms God’s Design
[59:49] - Science, Mental Health, and Identity Crisis
[01:03:35] - The Deeper Issue: Identity in Christ
[01:05:47] - Responding with Love and Reality
[01:10:47] - Grace and Truth: Building Bridges
[01:12:06] - Don’t Give Up: The Power of Presence
[01:14:00] - Invitation to New Life in Jesus and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Elephant in the Room – Gender Identity & God’s Design”
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### Bible Reading
Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV)
> Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
> So God created man in his own image,
> in the image of God he created him;
> male and female he created them.
> And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Matthew 19:4-5 (ESV)
> He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?”
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.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what does it mean that humans are made in the image of God? How does the passage describe the creation of male and female?
2. In Matthew 19:4-5, how does Jesus affirm the creation account from Genesis? What does He say about gender and marriage?
3. The sermon mentioned that both men and women reflect different aspects of God’s character. What are some of the differences and similarities described? [[51:15]]
4. What does Romans 12:2 say about how we should approach the world’s opinions and pressures? How does this relate to the topic of identity?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon emphasized that our identity is rooted in being image-bearers of God, not in cultural trends or personal feelings. Why is this distinction important for followers of Jesus? [[53:25]]
2. Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:4-5 were used to show that He affirmed God’s original design for gender. Why do you think it matters that Jesus Himself spoke about this? [[58:27]]
3. The message talked about the dangers of “horizontal comparison” (looking to others or culture for truth) versus “vertical comparison” (looking to God). What are some real-life consequences of each approach? [[42:57]]
4. The sermon shared sobering statistics about mental health struggles in the transgender community and suggested that the root issue is often about identity. How does the Bible’s teaching on identity offer hope or a different perspective? [[01:03:35]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to “lead from love and reality.” Think of someone in your life who is struggling with identity or gender questions. What would it look like to love them with both grace and truth, rather than just one or the other? [[01:10:47]]
2. Are there ways you have let social media, news, or popular opinion shape your beliefs about identity more than God’s Word? What is one step you can take this week to “look vertically” instead of horizontally? [[42:57]]
3. The message said, “Loving others is not optional; it’s a requirement of discipleship.” Is there a relationship in your life where you’ve given up on someone or stopped showing love because you disagree? What would it look like to persevere in love? [[01:12:06]]
4. The sermon described how both men and women are equally valuable and reflect God’s image differently. How does this truth challenge or encourage you in your own sense of identity or in how you view others? [[51:15]]
5. Romans 12:2 calls us to renew our minds. Is there a specific area where you need to let God’s truth reshape how you see yourself or others? What is one practical way you can start that renewal this week? [[01:03:35]]
6. The message encouraged us not to give up on people, even when it’s hard. Who is one person you can commit to spending more time with, listening to, or praying for, especially if they are struggling with identity? [[01:12:06]]
7. The church is entering 21 days of prayer for our communities, church, and families. How can you participate in this, and what is one specific prayer you want to focus on during this time? [[30:22]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person find their true identity in Christ and to love others with both grace and truth.
Devotional
Day 1: Created in God’s Image: Male and Female
Every person is created intentionally by God, bearing His image and reflecting His character in unique ways. Genesis 1 makes it clear that both men and women are made in the image of God, each with a distinct purpose and value. This foundational truth means that no matter our differences, we all share the same divine origin and worth. Understanding this helps us see ourselves and others through the lens of God’s design, not through the shifting opinions of culture or society. You are not an accident or a mistake; you are a reflection of the Creator, made with purpose and love. [51:15]
Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV)
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Reflection: In what ways do you see God’s image reflected in yourself and in those around you, especially those who are different from you?
Day 2: Grace and Truth: The Way of Jesus
Jesus modeled a life full of both grace and truth, never compromising one for the other. When we engage in difficult conversations or face cultural challenges, we are called to follow His example—offering compassion and understanding while also holding to the truth of God’s Word. Grace without truth can become empty agreement, and truth without grace can become harsh and unloving. But when we walk in both, we create space for real transformation and healing, both in ourselves and in others. [01:10:47]
John 1:14 (ESV)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Reflection: How can you intentionally show both grace and truth to someone you disagree with this week?
Day 3: Knowledge of God Over Opinion
Our world is filled with opinions, but true freedom and transformation come from knowing God and His Word. Hosea warns that people are destroyed for lack of knowledge—not just any knowledge, but the knowledge of God. It’s easy to let social media, culture, or even our own feelings shape our beliefs, but God calls us to seek His truth above all else. When we prioritize God’s wisdom over popular opinion, we build our lives on a foundation that will not be shaken. [45:46]
Hosea 4:6 (ESV)
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to seek God’s wisdom over the opinions you hear from others?
Day 4: Love Is a Requirement, Not a Suggestion
Loving others is not optional for followers of Jesus—it is a command and a mark of true discipleship. This love is not about blind agreement or forcing others to agree with us, but about meeting people where they are and walking with them through their struggles. Everyone you meet is carrying something you may not know about, and God calls us to be people who lead with love, not judgment. When we love others as God loves us, we become bridges for His grace and truth to reach hurting hearts. [01:06:35]
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Reflection: Who is one person you find difficult to love right now, and what is one practical way you can show them Christ’s love this week?
Day 5: Don’t Give Up—God Never Does
No matter how challenging the situation or how long the journey, God never gives up on us, and He calls us to persevere in loving others. Whether you are walking with someone through questions of identity or facing your own struggles, remember that time, patience, and steadfast love can make all the difference. The most powerful thing you can offer is your presence and your willingness to keep showing up, just as God does for you. Don’t give up on people, and don’t give up on God—He is always working, even when you can’t see it. [01:12:06]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel tempted to give up—on yourself, on someone else, or on God? What would it look like to persevere in faith and love today?
Quotes
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