Identity and Audience: Shaping Your Future in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, I want to talk about two critical aspects that will determine your future: your identity and your audience. These two elements are pivotal in shaping where you will be in five, ten, or even twenty years. Many of us start with dreams and ambitions, but not everyone ends up where they envisioned. Why is that? It's because of the choices we make regarding our identity and the people we surround ourselves with.
First, let's discuss identity. From the Garden of Eden to Jesus' time in the wilderness, the enemy's primary tactic has always been to rob us of our identity. When Jesus was baptized, God declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Immediately after, Satan tried to make Jesus doubt His identity by saying, "If you are the Son of God..." This is a tactic he uses on us as well. If we don't know who we are in Christ, we are vulnerable to becoming something we were never meant to be.
The second aspect is our audience. Who are the people we allow to speak into our lives? The story of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12 is a tragic example. Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, inherited the kingdom but lost it because he chose to listen to the wrong audience. Instead of heeding the wise counsel of his father's advisors, he listened to his peers, who had no more wisdom or experience than he did. This poor choice led to the division of the kingdom, a consequence that lasted for generations.
We must be careful about who we allow into our inner circle. Dr. Darius Daniels says, "All people are valuable, but all people don't bring equal value to your life." We are commanded to agape (love) everyone, but that doesn't mean everyone should have equal access to us. Equal love does not mean equal access. Whoever has your ear holds your future. This is true in every aspect of life, from marriage to parenting to our spiritual journey.
I shared a personal story about my best friend, Donald Wood. When I gave my life to Christ at 14, I had to make a tough decision. One day, while hanging out with friends who were smoking weed, I chose to walk away. That decision led me down a path that brought me closer to God and allowed me to share my testimony worldwide. Years later, when I met Donald again, he was still in the same place, while my life had changed dramatically. This illustrates the importance of choosing the right audience.
We need to surround ourselves with people who are God-fearing, God-following, and God's friends. These are the people who will add value to our lives and help us grow spiritually. It's essential to make God's friends our friends, choose godly role models and mentors, and build relationships with storm-proof people, not fair-weather friends. These are the people who will stand by us during life's storms and help us stay grounded in our faith.
In conclusion, your identity and your audience are crucial in determining your future. Know who you are in Christ and be intentional about the people you allow into your life. Make decisions that align with God's Word and surround yourself with people who will help you grow in your faith. Remember, you choose your friends, and they, in turn, choose your future.
### Key Takeaways
1. Identity in Christ: Understanding your identity in Christ is crucial. Just as Jesus was affirmed by God before facing temptation, we must know who we are to withstand the enemy's attacks. Our identity as born-again, spirit-filled children of God empowers us to live pure and holy lives in a dark world. Knowing our identity helps us resist becoming something we were never meant to be. [11:22]
2. The Importance of Wise Counsel: The story of Rehoboam teaches us the importance of seeking wise counsel. Rehoboam lost his kingdom because he chose to listen to his peers instead of the experienced advisors of his father, Solomon. This decision led to the division of Israel, showing that the counsel we choose can have long-lasting consequences. [19:10]
3. Equal Love, Unequal Access: We are commanded to love everyone, but that doesn't mean everyone should have equal access to our lives. Dr. Darius Daniels emphasizes that while all people are valuable, not all bring equal value to our lives. We must be discerning about who we allow to influence us, as those who have our ear hold our future. [15:32]
4. Choosing the Right Audience: The people we surround ourselves with significantly impact our future. My personal story of choosing to walk away from friends who were a negative influence illustrates this point. Surround yourself with God-fearing, God-following, and God's friends who will add value to your life and help you grow spiritually. [04:10]
5. Storm-Proof Relationships: Build relationships with people who are storm-proof, not fair-weather friends. These are individuals who have walked through life's storms and remained steadfast in their faith. They will stand by you during difficult times and help you stay grounded in God's Word. Choose people who add value to your life and help you grow in your faith. [38:21]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [00:40] - Determining Your Future
3. [01:34] - The Impact of Choices
4. [02:22] - Personal Story: Donald Wood
5. [04:10] - Defining Moment
6. [08:18] - Social Contagion
7. [09:54] - Jesus' Identity Affirmed
8. [11:22] - The Enemy's Tactic
9. [15:32] - Equal Love, Unequal Access
10. [19:10] - Rehoboam's Poor Choice
11. [22:28] - Who's Your Audience?
12. [23:52] - The Consequences of Wrong Counsel
13. [31:04] - The Danger of "Figuring It Out"
14. [38:21] - Storm-Proof Relationships
15. [45:57] - Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 12:3-16 - The story of Rehoboam and the consequences of his choice of counsel.
2. Luke 3:21-22 - Jesus' baptism and God's affirmation of His identity.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:33 - "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the advice given to Rehoboam by the older counselors, and how did it differ from the advice given by his peers? ([18:35])
2. How did God affirm Jesus' identity during His baptism, and why was this significant? ([09:54])
3. What does 1 Corinthians 15:33 warn us about, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message on choosing the right audience? ([26:31])
4. What personal story did the pastor share about his friend Donald Wood, and what decision did he make that changed his life? ([04:10])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is understanding one's identity in Christ crucial for resisting the enemy's attacks, as illustrated by Jesus' experience in the wilderness? ([11:22])
2. How does the story of Rehoboam illustrate the long-term consequences of choosing the wrong counsel? ([19:42])
3. What does the phrase "equal love does not mean equal access" mean in the context of the sermon, and how can this principle be applied in our lives? ([15:32])
4. How can building relationships with "storm-proof" people, as described in the sermon, help us stay grounded in our faith during difficult times? ([38:21])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current circle of friends. Are there any relationships that might be negatively influencing your spiritual growth? How can you address this? ([23:52])
2. Think about a time when you faced a significant decision. Whose advice did you seek, and how did it impact the outcome? How can you ensure you seek wise counsel in the future? ([19:10])
3. How can you better understand and affirm your identity in Christ to withstand the enemy's attempts to make you doubt who you are? ([11:22])
4. Identify one person in your life who is a "storm-proof" friend. How can you strengthen this relationship to ensure mutual spiritual growth? ([38:21])
5. The pastor shared a personal story about walking away from friends who were a negative influence. Have you ever had to make a similar decision? What was the outcome, and what did you learn from it? ([04:10])
6. How can you apply the principle of "equal love, unequal access" in your relationships to ensure that those who have your ear are positively influencing your future? ([15:32])
7. What steps can you take this week to surround yourself with God-fearing, God-following, and God's friends? How can you be intentional about building these relationships? ([29:16])
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Your Identity in Christ
Knowing your identity in Christ is foundational to your spiritual journey. Just as Jesus was affirmed by God before facing temptation, we must be secure in who we are to withstand the enemy's attacks. The enemy's primary tactic is to make us doubt our identity, as seen when Satan tempted Jesus by questioning His sonship. If we are unsure of our identity, we are vulnerable to becoming something we were never meant to be. Our identity as born-again, spirit-filled children of God empowers us to live pure and holy lives in a dark world. Understanding this identity helps us resist the enemy's attempts to derail our purpose and calling. [11:22]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily of your identity in Christ? What practical steps can you take to affirm this truth in your life?
Day 2: The Importance of Wise Counsel
The story of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12 serves as a powerful lesson on the importance of seeking wise counsel. Rehoboam inherited the kingdom from his father, Solomon, but lost it because he chose to listen to the wrong audience. Instead of heeding the wise counsel of his father's advisors, he listened to his peers, who lacked wisdom and experience. This poor choice led to the division of the kingdom, a consequence that lasted for generations. The counsel we choose can have long-lasting consequences, and it is crucial to seek advice from those who are wise and experienced in the ways of God. [19:10]
Proverbs 15:22 (ESV): "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."
Reflection: Who are the people you turn to for advice? Are they wise and experienced in the ways of God? How can you seek out more godly counsel in your life?
Day 3: Equal Love, Unequal Access
We are commanded to love everyone, but that doesn't mean everyone should have equal access to our lives. Dr. Darius Daniels emphasizes that while all people are valuable, not all bring equal value to our lives. We must be discerning about who we allow to influence us, as those who have our ear hold our future. Equal love does not mean equal access. It is essential to set boundaries and be intentional about the people we allow into our inner circle. This discernment helps us protect our spiritual well-being and ensures that we are surrounded by those who will positively influence our walk with God. [15:32]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: Are there people in your life who have too much access to your heart and mind? How can you set healthy boundaries to protect your spiritual well-being?
Day 4: Choosing the Right Audience
The people we surround ourselves with significantly impact our future. A personal story illustrates this point: choosing to walk away from friends who were a negative influence led to a path closer to God and a life transformed. Surrounding yourself with God-fearing, God-following, and God's friends will add value to your life and help you grow spiritually. It is crucial to be intentional about the company we keep, as they can either lead us closer to God or pull us away from Him. Choose friends who will encourage you in your faith and stand by you during life's storms. [04:10]
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV): "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that influence you the most? Are they leading you closer to God or pulling you away? What changes can you make to surround yourself with godly influences?
Day 5: Storm-Proof Relationships
Building relationships with people who are storm-proof, not fair-weather friends, is essential for spiritual growth. These are individuals who have walked through life's storms and remained steadfast in their faith. They will stand by you during difficult times and help you stay grounded in God's Word. Storm-proof relationships are built on mutual faith, trust, and a shared commitment to following God. These relationships provide support, encouragement, and accountability, helping you navigate life's challenges while staying true to your faith. [38:21]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Do you have storm-proof relationships in your life? How can you invest in and strengthen these relationships to ensure mutual support and encouragement in your faith journey?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There are two things that determine what your future is going to be. The first one is your identity. If you don't know your identity, this is true from the garden of Eden to the wilderness when Jesus was tested. Remember that in Luke chapter three, Jesus is 30 years old. He's about to begin his ministry and he's, he prepares, he goes to John the Baptist to be baptized. How many of you remember the story? And he goes underwater and when he comes back up, what happens? A voice speaks from heaven and says, this is my beloved son in whom I'm well pleased. Listen to him. And Holy Spirit's comes in the form of a dub and lights upon him. At that moment, God tells the whole world, this is my son. This is my son. This is my son." [09:54]
2. "You're born looking like your parents, but you die looking like your decisions. You die looking like the people that you surround yourself with. Hey, it's not too late for course adjustment. It doesn't matter who you are or where you are. The way out, I'm shaking people's hands and me in probably 50-ish came out with tears in his eyes and he said, pastor, thank you. I have to make some hard decisions today. Exits of people out of my life, but I know it's right." [43:12]
3. "Show me your friends and I will show you your future. You don't have to clap, but that would be a good place if you were a clapper. Do you know that the majority of people who come out of prison, no matter how long they've been in prison, 90% of them go back? Do you think it's because they like prison? you think they got out and go, man, I don't like being able to go to the store whenever I want, seeing my family and friends and going to see my love. Do you think that?" [25:15]
4. "The entire kingdom was lost over the wrong people having the king's ear. Why? Because whoever holds your ear and has your ear holds your future. It took his father 40 years to build a kingdom and he lost it in 40 days. Why? Because he gave the wrong audience access to his life. He chose his friends and his friends chose his future. You see, you choose your friends and then they end up choosing your future for you." [23:52]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The enemy's plan is always to Rob you of your identity. Your identity. It's a born again. blood-washed, spirit-filled child of God. His desire is to rob you of that, and if he can rob you of your identity, then he always has you and can convince you to become something you were never created to be. The first is your identity. Say it with me, my identity." [11:22]
2. "Remember, all people are valuable. They just don't add equal value to your life. You're born looking like your parents, but you die looking like your decisions. You die looking like the people that you surround yourself with. Hey, it's not too late for course adjustment. It doesn't matter who you are or where you are. The way out, I'm shaking people's hands and me in probably 50-ish came out with tears in his eyes and he said, pastor, thank you. I have to make some hard decisions today. Exits of people out of my life, but I know it's right." [43:12]
3. "Choose storm-proof people, not fair weather friends. I'm not going to read the passage. It's long. I'm going to give quoted to you. I'm going to give quoted to you. You know it. Jesus said there were two people. They built their houses, one built on the sand, the other one built on the rock. And then he said, whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like the one that built their house on the rock. And then he said, a storm came, same storm, both houses, just like the storms we've experienced. Didn't matter what house you lived in, the storm came, but the house that was built upon the solid foundation of the word of God, it stood. It stood." [38:21]
4. "Make God's friends, your friends. Say that with me. Make, Hey, they have a GPS code in them that's already dialed in. Their destination is I want to follow God and I want to follow his word. So it doesn't matter what the answer to the question is. If it's here, you know what decision they're going to make. They're not figuring it out because history is only a mystery for those that don't know the Bible because it's all here and there's nothing new under the sun. Make God's friends, your friends." [33:34]
5. "If you don't get in this book, if you don't find out who you are as a born-again, blood-washed, spirit-filled child of God, called to live pure and holy in a dark, adulterous, perverted world, the world is happy to tell you who you are. The world is happy to tell you everybody's immoral. The world is happy to tell you everybody's doing it. The world's happy to tell you it all should be this way. They are. They are. When you don't know who you are, then the audience that you listen to begins to define your future for you." [21:53]
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