Finding Identity and Purpose in Christ's Love

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound question of identity: "Who am I?" This question resonates deeply within us, often surfacing in moments of failure or uncertainty. We began by acknowledging that our attempts to define ourselves through performance or societal standards lead to exhaustion. Instead, we are invited to let God answer this question for us, finding grace and peace in His response.

We delved into 1 Peter, where Peter addresses the early Christians as "elect exiles," a paradox that speaks to our identity as chosen by God yet living as strangers in the world. This dual identity reminds us that while we may feel out of place in the world, we are deeply known and chosen by God. This choice is not based on our merits but on God's foreknowledge and love.

The sermon emphasized the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are not only chosen but also empowered to change and grow in holiness. This sanctification process is a partnership with the Spirit, who works within us to make us more like Christ. This transformation is not just for personal growth but for a purpose: obedience to Jesus Christ. Our purpose is not a burdensome obligation but a pathway to joy and fulfillment.

We also explored the concept of forgiveness, a cornerstone of our identity in Christ. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are fully forgiven, allowing us to live without the weight of past failures. This forgiveness is not conditional but complete, freeing us to embrace our identity as God's children.

As we concluded, we were reminded that our identity in Christ brings grace and peace into our lives. This identity is not something we earn but a gift we receive through faith. We are encouraged to live out this identity, allowing it to shape our actions and interactions with others.

Key Takeaways:

- Identity in Christ: Our true identity is found in being chosen and known by God. This identity is not based on our performance but on God's love and foreknowledge. Embracing this identity brings grace and peace into our lives. [33:57]

- Transformative Power of the Spirit: We are empowered to change and grow through the Holy Spirit. This transformation is a partnership with God, who works within us to make us more like Christ. Our ability to change is rooted in God's power, not our own efforts. [46:35]

- Purpose in Obedience: Our purpose is to obey Jesus Christ, which leads to true joy and fulfillment. Obedience is not an optional part of our faith but a central aspect of our identity and calling. [50:46]

- Complete Forgiveness: Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are fully forgiven, allowing us to live without the burden of past failures. This forgiveness is a gift that frees us to embrace our identity as God's children. [56:13]

- Living as God's Children: Embracing our identity as God's children transforms how we live and interact with others. This identity brings grace and peace, shaping our actions and relationships. [01:00:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [28:55] - Introduction to 1 Peter
- [32:56] - The Question of Identity
- [33:57] - Finding Identity in God
- [35:04] - Peter's Journey of Identity
- [36:32] - Lessons from Peter's Life
- [38:24] - Elect Exiles: Chosen and Known
- [39:17] - The Paradox of Being Chosen
- [41:22] - Theological Reflections on Election
- [43:29] - Sharing the Gospel
- [44:29] - Being Known by the Father
- [46:35] - The Power to Change
- [49:10] - Purpose in Obedience
- [50:46] - The Joy of Obedience
- [56:13] - The Gift of Forgiveness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Peter 1:1-2

Observation Questions:
1. How does Peter describe the recipients of his letter in 1 Peter 1:1-2, and what significance does this have for understanding their identity? [35:04]
2. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the lives of believers according to 1 Peter 1:2? [46:35]
3. In the sermon, how is the concept of being "chosen" by God explained, and what does it mean for believers? [39:17]
4. What does the sermon say about the relationship between obedience to Jesus and joy? [50:46]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be an "elect exile," and how might this dual identity affect a believer's perspective on living in the world? [38:24]
2. How does the sermon describe the process of sanctification, and why is it important for believers to understand this process? [46:35]
3. The sermon emphasizes complete forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice. How does this understanding of forgiveness impact a believer's daily life and interactions with others? [56:13]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to the idea that their purpose is obedience to Jesus Christ? [50:46]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt out of place in the world. How does understanding your identity as an "elect exile" chosen by God change your perspective on that experience? [38:24]
2. The sermon discusses the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Identify one area in your life where you desire change. How can you partner with the Holy Spirit to bring about that transformation? [46:35]
3. Consider the concept of complete forgiveness. Is there a past failure or mistake that you struggle to forgive yourself for? How can embracing God's forgiveness help you move forward? [56:13]
4. The sermon highlights the joy found in obedience to Jesus. Think of a specific command or teaching of Jesus that you find challenging. How can you take a step towards obedience in that area this week? [50:46]
5. How does knowing that you are fully known and chosen by God affect your self-worth and the way you interact with others? [44:29]
6. The sermon encourages believers to let God answer the question, "Who am I?" How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ during moments of doubt or insecurity? [33:57]
7. Identify a specific way you can live out your identity as God's child in your community or workplace this week. How can this bring grace and peace to those around you? [01:00:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Identity as God's Chosen

Our identity is not defined by our achievements or societal standards but by being chosen and known by God. This identity is rooted in God's love and foreknowledge, offering us grace and peace. In 1 Peter, believers are described as "elect exiles," highlighting the paradox of being chosen by God while living as strangers in the world. This dual identity reassures us that even when we feel out of place, we are deeply known and loved by God. Embracing this identity allows us to live with a sense of purpose and belonging that transcends worldly measures of success. [33:57]

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: In what ways have you been defining your identity based on external achievements or societal expectations? How can you begin to embrace your identity as God's chosen today?


Day 2: Empowered by the Spirit

The transformative power of the Holy Spirit enables us to change and grow in holiness. This transformation is a partnership with God, who works within us to make us more like Christ. Our ability to change is not based on our own efforts but is rooted in God's power. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our identity in Christ, guiding us towards a life of holiness and purpose. This transformation is not just for personal growth but for fulfilling our calling to obey Jesus Christ, which leads to true joy and fulfillment. [46:35]

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck or unable to change? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in this area today?


Day 3: Joyful Obedience

Our purpose in life is to obey Jesus Christ, which leads to true joy and fulfillment. Obedience is not an optional part of our faith but a central aspect of our identity and calling. It is through obedience that we align ourselves with God's will and experience the fullness of life He offers. This obedience is not a burdensome obligation but a pathway to joy and fulfillment. As we obey Christ, we find that His commands are life-giving and lead us to a deeper relationship with Him. [50:46]

John 15:10-11 (ESV): "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

Reflection: Is there a specific area in your life where you struggle with obedience to Christ? What steps can you take today to align your actions with His will?


Day 4: The Gift of Complete Forgiveness

Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are fully forgiven, allowing us to live without the burden of past failures. This forgiveness is a gift that frees us to embrace our identity as God's children. It is not conditional but complete, enabling us to live in the freedom and joy of being fully accepted by God. As we accept this forgiveness, we are invited to extend the same grace to others, living as ambassadors of God's love and mercy in the world. [56:13]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?


Day 5: Living as God's Children

Embracing our identity as God's children transforms how we live and interact with others. This identity brings grace and peace, shaping our actions and relationships. As we live out our identity in Christ, we are called to reflect His love and grace to those around us. This involves living with integrity, compassion, and humility, allowing our lives to be a testimony of God's transformative power. By embracing our identity as God's children, we become agents of His kingdom, bringing hope and healing to a broken world. [01:00:37]

Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Reflection: How does your identity as God's child influence your interactions with others? What is one practical way you can reflect God's love and grace in your relationships today?

Quotes



And identity is a question that we wrestle with in our lowest of lows and our highest and highs and all throughout our life. Who am I? It's a question we're all asking. It's a conversation we're constantly having with ourselves. And I am convinced that if you and I try to answer that question, we will be exhausted by performing for ourselves and others as we try to answer who am I. [00:33:27]

But if we allow God to answer that question for us, we will find grace and peace in ways we've never known it. If you and I try to answer the question, who am I? We will be exhausted because we're performing to answer the question for ourselves or for others. But if we allow God to answer that question for us, we'll find grace and peace beyond what we've ever known. [00:33:57]

Peter needed to know that he can't answer the question, who am I? That he needed God to step in and answer the question for him. He says, Petey, do you love me? Of course I love you, Lord. Then feed my sheep. Peter, do you love me? Lord, of course I love you. Then tend my flock. Peter, do you love me? Jesus, of course I love you. [00:37:03]

I'm so glad that the beginning of Peter starts with a guy who learned the hard way only God can answer the question, who am I? That if Peter had said, it's up to me to answer the question of who am I, he would be cowering in shame for his life. But he said, God and God alone can answer the question. He said, God and God alone can answer the question of who am I. I am an apostle of Jesus Christ. Who are you? [00:38:06]

And I'm not chosen because I look really good. I'm not chosen because I'm really smart. I'm not chosen because I'm the problem child. I'm not chosen because I'm the problem child who needs the extra attention. I'm chosen, verse 2, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. That God in his infinite and eternal wisdom has personally and relationally known me. Always. [00:39:50]

He's known every nook and cranny of my life. God knows me more than I know me. And he chose me. Knowing everything. Every failure. Every turning away from him. He knows me and he chose me. In the world, I'm in exile. With the Father, I'm chosen. And he knew. There's some people that as I start to get to know them, I go, I'm not going to choose you. [00:40:34]

A simple way to think about it is, who am I? God says, I am able to change. I'm able to change. And how many of y 'all need to be encouraged that you're able to change? My goodness, there are days where I go, will I ever learn? There are days where my sweet wife goes, will he ever learn? [00:45:54]

Who am I? If I looked at myself, I'd go, I'm not able to change. I make the same mistakes, the same way, over and over and over. When I look at the text and I let God answer the question, he says, Chris, I've known you for forever and I've chosen you. And guess guess what? I'm able to change you. I'm able to change you. [00:46:35]

What was I made for? I was made to obey the Lord Jesus Christ. And if I set aside obedience, I'm going to be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ. I think I disrespect the cross. I look at it wrongly. I look at it as some sort of pardon into living however I want. [00:53:10]

If I were to say, I'm married to Ashley, so now I don't have to serve her, what a gross picture of marriage that would be. Instead, I should be so overwhelmed that this incredible woman allowed me to marry her and progressively learn more and more and more about how I might serve her. Serve her and lift her up. [00:53:31]

And what was God doing? In a subtle way, he was preparing the way for what Jesus himself would do as a sacrifice for our sins, where Jesus' blood, his very life, covered the church. That you and I might be forgiven. Fully forgiven. Not just kind of forgiven. Not just like mildly accepted by Jesus on conditional terms. But his very life covered our imminent death. [00:56:19]

This is why my son died for you. So I was called to obedience, but obedience that is drenched in forgiveness. Forgiveness. Ah, when, when the weight of my disobedience feels crushing, the weight of his grace is far more. And that is really great news for a pretty good sinner. [00:58:47]

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Transcript
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