Finding True Identity and Worth in Christ
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of placing every aspect of our lives under God, as we continue our journey through the book of Hebrews. The focus was on Hebrews 9:24-28, which speaks of Christ's once-and-for-all sacrifice for our sins. This passage reminds us that our identity and hope are not found in earthly leaders or circumstances but in Jesus, who sits on the throne. In a world filled with anxiety and division, we are called to be "wounded healers," bringing God's kingdom of healing, peace, and grace to those around us.
We often seek approval and identity in the wrong places, such as what we have, what we've done, what others say about us, and the difference we make. These are faulty approval ratings that can lead to insecurity and exhaustion. Instead, we are invited to find our identity in Christ, who fills the empty places in our lives and provides for us in ways we cannot imagine. The story of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17 illustrates this truth, as she trusted God with her last bit of flour and oil, and He provided abundantly.
We are not defined by our possessions, achievements, or the opinions of others. Our worth is not determined by our contributions or the visible impact we make. Jesus sees beyond what we can see and values our faithfulness, even when it seems insignificant. As we place our lives under His care and leadership, we discover our true identity and worth in His eyes. We are loved, accepted, and filled by Him, and we can live with the assurance that His approval is all we need.
Key Takeaways:
1. Identity in Christ: Our identity is not found in earthly leaders or circumstances but in Jesus, who sits on the throne. We are called to be "wounded healers," bringing God's kingdom of healing, peace, and grace to those around us. [01:02]
2. Faulty Approval Ratings: We often seek approval in what we have, what we've done, what others say about us, and the difference we make. These are faulty approval ratings that lead to insecurity and exhaustion. Instead, we are invited to find our identity in Christ. [09:27]
3. Provision in Lack: The story of the widow of Zarephath illustrates that God provides abundantly when we trust Him with our lack. Jesus fills the empty places in our lives, and we are not defined by our possessions or achievements. [13:46]
4. True Worth: Our worth is not determined by the opinions of others or the visible impact we make. Jesus sees beyond what we can see and values our faithfulness, even when it seems insignificant. [37:02]
5. Living for an Audience of One: We are called to live for an audience of one, finding our identity, worth, and security in who Jesus says we are. His approval is all we need, and we can live with the assurance that we are loved, accepted, and filled by Him. [31:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:02] - Unity and Healing
- [04:24] - Christ's Sacrifice
- [05:52] - Election Night Reflections
- [07:24] - Faulty Approval Ratings
- [09:27] - Identity and Significance
- [10:59] - Approval in Possessions
- [12:22] - The Widow of Zarephath
- [13:46] - God's Provision
- [16:15] - Jesus Fills the Empty Places
- [18:41] - Dependence on God
- [19:51] - Gaps as Opportunities
- [20:50] - Approval Beyond Possessions
- [22:13] - Approval in Actions
- [23:54] - Embracing Limits
- [30:00] - Approval in Others' Opinions
- [31:31] - Living for an Audience of One
- [34:32] - Approval in Contributions
- [37:02] - Jesus Sees Our Faithfulness
- [38:40] - True Identity in Christ
- [39:44] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 9:24-28
- 1 Kings 17:8-16
- Psalm 146:3-5
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Observation Questions:
1. In Hebrews 9:24-28, what is the significance of Christ entering "heaven itself" rather than "holy places made with hands"? How does this relate to the concept of a once-and-for-all sacrifice? [04:24]
2. Reflecting on the story of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17, what was her initial response to Elijah's request, and how did her actions demonstrate trust in God's provision? [12:22]
3. According to Psalm 146:3-5, why is it advised not to put trust in "princes" or "a son of man"? How does this passage encourage reliance on God instead? [30:00]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of "faulty approval ratings" that people often rely on for their identity and worth? [09:27]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Christ's once-and-for-all sacrifice in Hebrews 9:24-28 challenge the idea of seeking approval through repeated actions or rituals? [04:24]
2. In what ways does the story of the widow of Zarephath illustrate the theme of provision in lack, and how might this story encourage believers to trust God in times of scarcity? [13:46]
3. How does Psalm 146:3-5's warning against trusting in human leaders relate to the sermon’s message about finding identity in Christ rather than in earthly circumstances? [30:00]
4. The sermon mentions living for an "audience of one." What does this mean, and how might this perspective shift one's approach to seeking approval and identity? [31:31]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you sought approval from others based on your achievements or possessions. How did this affect your sense of identity and worth? What steps can you take to shift your focus to finding approval in Christ? [09:27]
2. Consider the story of the widow of Zarephath. Is there an area in your life where you feel you have "nothing baked" and are struggling to trust God's provision? How can you take a step of faith this week to trust Him more fully? [12:22]
3. Psalm 146:3-5 advises against placing trust in human leaders. How can you practically apply this advice in your daily life, especially in situations where you feel anxious or uncertain about the future? [30:00]
4. The sermon discusses the idea of being "wounded healers." How can you bring God's kingdom of healing, peace, and grace to those around you, even in your own brokenness? [01:02]
5. Identify one "faulty approval rating" you have relied on in the past. What practical steps can you take to replace this with a deeper reliance on your identity in Christ? [09:27]
6. The sermon encourages living for an "audience of one." What is one specific area in your life where you can begin to prioritize God's approval over others'? How will this change your actions or decisions? [31:31]
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus fills the empty places in our lives. Is there a specific area where you feel empty or lacking? How can you invite Jesus to fill that space this week? [18:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Identity Anchored in Christ
In a world where identity is often tied to external factors, Hebrews 9:24-28 reminds us that our true identity is anchored in Christ, who reigns supreme. This passage emphasizes that our worth and hope are not dependent on earthly leaders or circumstances but are found in Jesus, who has made the ultimate sacrifice for us. As believers, we are called to be "wounded healers," bringing God's kingdom of healing, peace, and grace to those around us. This identity in Christ empowers us to rise above the anxieties and divisions of the world, offering a transformative presence to those we encounter. [01:02]
Hebrews 9:24-28 (ESV): "For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."
Reflection: In what ways can you embody the role of a "wounded healer" in your community today, bringing healing and peace to those around you?
Day 2: Rejecting Faulty Approval Ratings
We often seek validation in what we possess, our achievements, or the opinions of others, leading to insecurity and exhaustion. Instead, we are invited to find our identity in Christ, who offers a stable foundation. This shift in perspective allows us to reject the faulty approval ratings of the world and embrace the security found in Jesus. By focusing on His approval, we can live with confidence and peace, knowing that our worth is not determined by external factors but by our relationship with Him. [09:27]
Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you are seeking approval from others. How can you shift your focus to seek God's approval instead?
Day 3: Trusting God's Provision in Lack
The story of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17 illustrates the profound truth that God provides abundantly when we trust Him with our lack. Despite her dire circumstances, the widow trusted God with her last bit of flour and oil, and He provided for her needs. This narrative encourages us to trust God with the empty places in our lives, knowing that He can fill them in ways we cannot imagine. Our worth is not defined by our possessions or achievements, but by our faith in God's provision and care. [13:46]
1 Kings 17:14-16 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’ And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah."
Reflection: What is one area of lack in your life where you need to trust God's provision? How can you take a step of faith today to rely on His abundance?
Day 4: Recognizing True Worth
Our worth is not determined by the opinions of others or the visible impact we make. Jesus sees beyond what we can see and values our faithfulness, even when it seems insignificant. This understanding frees us from the pressure to perform for others and allows us to rest in the knowledge that our true worth is found in Christ. By focusing on His perspective, we can live with assurance and peace, knowing that we are valued and loved by Him. [37:02]
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV): "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt insignificant or undervalued. How can you remind yourself of your true worth in Christ today?
Day 5: Living for an Audience of One
We are called to live for an audience of one, finding our identity, worth, and security in who Jesus says we are. His approval is all we need, and we can live with the assurance that we are loved, accepted, and filled by Him. This focus on Christ's approval liberates us from the need to seek validation from others and allows us to live authentically and confidently in our faith. By prioritizing our relationship with Jesus, we can experience true freedom and fulfillment. [31:31]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself seeking approval from others? How can you shift your focus to live for an audience of one, seeking only Christ's approval?
Quotes
We can continue to put every part of our lives under God and say, I now find my identity and my hope in who is sitting on the throne. And now I can focus again on what is going to happen in me. And through me, as we become wounded healers that bring more of God's kingdom, not a reign or an agenda, but God's kingdom of healing and peace and grace. Paradox, I pray that that is what we continue to be. Whether you feel happy or proud today or sad and afraid or full of anxiety, I pray that we would continue and even more so now to look to Jesus as the, in whom we place our entire lives under. Let him bring healing. Let him bring hope. Let him bring purpose to you and through you. [00:02:04] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
When we place our value, our worth, our significance, who we are in the hands of others and what they might think, that is a very insecure place to be. And it can lead us to some very costly mistakes in our lives. Who we think we are matters. And why we think we're that can make a big difference. We base our identity, our significance, our worth, not on approval ratings, well, on whose approval. What are those approval ratings that we look to? Because there can be some faulty ones. [00:09:56] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Jesus fills the places where there's emptiness. It's what causes us to be dependent on him. And when we stop looking to the approval of everything that we have built up, what we've built with our own hands, what other people will say about us, we start to be able to receive the approval and the provision of God. He fills these empty places that we try so hard to avoid. [00:18:21] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Don't put your trust in princes, the powerful, influential, important people of this earth or in your life. Don't trust in them for your identity. Don't trust in their approval of you. Why? Because they're only here a short time. Time comes and goes. It changes moment by moment, year by year, election after election. The approval will change. Trust comes and goes. It doesn't last. [00:29:50] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I want to live my life for an audience of one. I want the poll to begin and end with Jesus. And what he says matters. And I take it to the bank and I go, you know what? Everyone else might be saying, nope. Dave's messed up. He's wrong. Now, before we take this too far, we all need God's word. We need some people in our lives who we trust that love us, but love Jesus more and are willing to share the things that they may see in us because it's what God's word says. [00:31:41] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I pray, I pray that you would listen to the voice of the one who looks on and sees small, insignificant, barely noticed, maybe feeling alone, uncared for, afraid, not having much, little old you and me. I pray that you would see Jesus's approval, that you would believe that. Because of his sacrifice, he paid it. [00:39:10] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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