Transforming Identity: The Key to Lasting Change

 

Summary

Today, we explored the profound connection between identity and habit formation, emphasizing that true transformation begins with understanding who we are in Christ. We often set goals or resolutions, only to find them unfulfilled. This is because we focus on outcomes rather than the deeper layers of identity. Drawing from James Clear's insights in "Atomic Habits," we discussed the three levels of change: outcomes, processes, and identity. While outcomes are about what we achieve and processes about how we achieve them, identity is about who we believe we are.

Many of us start with outcome-based goals, hoping they will shape our identity. However, the more effective approach is to begin with our identity, allowing it to inform our actions and habits. This shift in perspective aligns with biblical teachings, as seen in Paul's letters, where he encourages believers to shed their old selves and embrace their new identity in Christ. This new identity is not just about avoiding negative behaviors but actively cultivating virtues like compassion, kindness, and patience.

True behavior change is identity change. When we identify as readers, we read; when we see ourselves as runners, we run. Our habits reflect our identity, and by aligning our habits with our identity in Christ, we can experience genuine transformation. This involves small, consistent actions that reinforce our identity, such as encouraging others or practicing patience.

Ultimately, the goal is not to achieve a static outcome but to become a person who embodies the values and virtues of Christ. This process requires patience and a willingness to embrace small wins, trusting that God is at work in us, shaping us into the people He wants us to be.

Key Takeaways:

1. Identity Over Outcomes: True transformation begins with understanding and embracing our identity in Christ. Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, we should start with who we are and let that guide our actions and habits. This approach aligns with biblical teachings and leads to lasting change. [03:34]

2. The Power of Small Wins: Change is not about achieving grand goals overnight but about small, consistent actions that align with our identity. These small wins reinforce our identity and lead to genuine transformation over time. [10:10]

3. Habits Reflect Identity: Our habits are a reflection of who we believe we are. By aligning our habits with our identity in Christ, we can experience true behavior change. This involves cultivating virtues like compassion, kindness, and patience. [05:52]

4. Biblical Insights on Identity: The Bible encourages us to shed our old selves and embrace our new identity in Christ. This involves not just avoiding negative behaviors but actively cultivating positive virtues that reflect our identity in Him. [07:31]

5. Trusting God's Work in Us: Transformation is not just about our efforts but about trusting that God is at work in us, shaping us into the people He wants us to be. By aligning our habits with His will, we can experience genuine change. [08:46]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:41] - Starting the Day with Rejoicing
- [00:52] - Why Resolutions Fail
- [01:21] - Three Levels of Change
- [02:07] - Identity: The Deepest Level
- [03:08] - The Problem with Outcome-Based Goals
- [04:02] - Ecclesiastes and the Search for "It"
- [05:04] - True Behavior Change
- [06:07] - Biblical Examples of Identity
- [07:01] - Putting Off the Old Self
- [07:48] - Embracing the New Identity
- [08:21] - Habits as Identity Shapers
- [09:16] - The Example of Barnabas
- [09:59] - Becoming a Certain Kind of Person
- [11:00] - Love: The Ultimate Habit
- [11:18] - Closing and Invitation for Questions

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 3:5-14
2. Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17

---

Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what are the three levels of change that James Clear describes in "Atomic Habits"? How do these levels relate to our spiritual journey? [01:21]

2. In Colossians 3, Paul talks about putting off the old self and putting on the new self. What specific behaviors does Paul encourage believers to shed, and what virtues does he encourage them to cultivate? [07:01]

3. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "identity change" using examples from the Bible, such as Peter and Isaiah? [06:07]

4. What is the significance of small wins in the process of transformation, as discussed in the sermon? [10:10]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of identity in Christ, as discussed in the sermon, align with Paul's teachings in Colossians 3? What does it mean to "put on the new self"? [07:31]

2. The sermon mentions Ecclesiastes and the search for "it." How does this relate to the futility of outcome-based goals? What does this teach us about the pursuit of identity over outcomes? [04:02]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our habits are a reflection of our identity? How can this understanding impact our daily lives and spiritual growth? [05:52]

4. How does the sermon encourage us to trust in God's work within us for transformation? What role does faith play in aligning our habits with our identity in Christ? [08:46]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current goals or resolutions. Are they primarily outcome-based, or do they align with your identity in Christ? How can you shift your focus to start with identity? [03:34]

2. Identify a small habit you can cultivate this week that aligns with your identity in Christ. How can this habit reinforce virtues like compassion, kindness, or patience? [10:10]

3. Consider a negative behavior or habit you struggle with. How can you apply the concept of "putting off the old self" to overcome it? What steps can you take to embrace your new identity in Christ? [07:01]

4. Think of a time when you pursued an outcome-based goal that left you unfulfilled. How can you reframe your approach to focus on becoming the person God wants you to be? [04:02]

5. How can you incorporate the practice of encouraging others into your daily routine, as exemplified by Barnabas in the sermon? What specific actions can you take to be an encourager this week? [09:16]

6. Reflect on a virtue you want to cultivate more in your life. What small, consistent actions can you take to develop this virtue as part of your identity in Christ? [08:04]

7. How can you trust more in God's work in your life, especially when facing challenges in habit formation? What role does prayer play in this process? [08:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Identity as the Foundation of Transformation
Understanding and embracing our identity in Christ is the foundation for true transformation. Many people focus on achieving specific outcomes, but lasting change begins with recognizing who we are in Christ. This perspective aligns with biblical teachings, as seen in Paul's letters, where believers are encouraged to shed their old selves and embrace their new identity in Christ. By starting with our identity, we allow it to guide our actions and habits, leading to genuine transformation. [03:34]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one habit or behavior you can change today to better align with your identity in Christ?


Day 2: The Power of Small Wins
Change is not about achieving grand goals overnight but about small, consistent actions that align with our identity. These small wins reinforce our identity and lead to genuine transformation over time. By focusing on small, achievable steps, we can build momentum and confidence in our journey of transformation. This approach encourages patience and perseverance, trusting that God is at work in us, shaping us into the people He wants us to be. [10:10]

Zechariah 4:10 (ESV): "For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth."

Reflection: What small, consistent action can you take today that aligns with your identity in Christ and moves you toward transformation?


Day 3: Habits as Reflections of Identity
Our habits are a reflection of who we believe we are. By aligning our habits with our identity in Christ, we can experience true behavior change. This involves cultivating virtues like compassion, kindness, and patience, which reflect our identity in Him. When we identify as readers, we read; when we see ourselves as runners, we run. Our habits should mirror our identity in Christ, leading to genuine transformation. [05:52]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: What is one habit you can cultivate today that reflects your identity in Christ and embodies His virtues?


Day 4: Embracing the New Identity in Christ
The Bible encourages us to shed our old selves and embrace our new identity in Christ. This involves not just avoiding negative behaviors but actively cultivating positive virtues that reflect our identity in Him. By focusing on our new identity, we can experience true transformation and become the people God wants us to be. This process requires patience and a willingness to embrace small wins, trusting that God is at work in us. [07:31]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What is one aspect of your old self that you need to let go of today to fully embrace your new identity in Christ?


Day 5: Trusting God's Work in Us
Transformation is not just about our efforts but about trusting that God is at work in us, shaping us into the people He wants us to be. By aligning our habits with His will, we can experience genuine change. This involves patience and a willingness to embrace small wins, trusting that God is at work in us. Ultimately, the goal is not to achieve a static outcome but to become a person who embodies the values and virtues of Christ. [08:46]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God more fully today, allowing Him to shape you into the person He wants you to be?

Quotes


"transformation is habit formation and this is incredibly important what we want to talk about today is really the reason why if you've ever formed a New Year's resolution and had it not work if you've ever set a goal and then had it fall by the side of the way why does that happen so often it has to do with why we pursue what we pursue and how we do it from the deepest part of ourselves and do that together with God" [00:46:50]

"there's a third layer and it's the deepest one and that is changing your identity this level is concerned with changing your beliefs that is your world view the way that you understand life reality faith your own image your judgment about yourselves and others most of the beliefs assumptions and biases that we hold are associated with this level outcomes are about what you get processes are about what you do identity is about what you believe" [02:11:06]

"the problem that most of us have clear says is we start at the level of outcome I'd like to write a book I'd like to lose weight I'd like to win a championship I'd like to change the way that I either so we start with that one we say here's my goal um and then hope that it will trickle into who we are rather than starting with our sense of identity and saying this is who I am and this is the way that somebody who is this kind of person lives their life" [03:08:18]

"James Clear goes on to write about this true Behavior change is identity change you might start with a habit because of motivation but the only reason that you'll stick with one is it becomes part of your identity so in other words the goal is not to read a book it is to become a reader you become a reader then you will read we talk a lot about being a lifetime learner when I truly identify with that then I'll I'll read" [05:06:11]

"the goal is not to run a marathon the goal is to become a runner the goal is not to learn and instrument the goal is to become a musician your behaviors are usually a reflection of your identity what you do is an indication of the type of person you believe that you are and that works both ways negatively it could be I'm terrible with directions I'm not a morning person I'm bad at remembering people's names I'm always late to things" [05:38:41]

"he says put off Therefore your Earthly major now what is the Earthly nature he's not just talking about the planet Earth's a good thing it's part of God's creation Earthly nature is simply another way of talking about the habits that get inside you that are opposed to God and his will and he talks about sexual immorality impurity lust evil desires greed which is idolatry arms uh anger rage malice slander filthy language don't lie to one another this is all in Colossians 3 for you have put off the old self with its practices" [06:30:54]

"what does that mean it means I no longer assume my identity is one who do these things I'm a bitter person I'm a resentful person I'm a greedy person I no longer identify with that and I seek to be liberated from those habits and you have put on the new self which is being renewed in the knowledge of the image of its creator therefore as God's people Chosen and dearly loved you know that's my new identity I'm God's son I'm God's daughter I really am this is the day the Lord has made" [07:08:31]

"clothe yourself with compassion kindness humility gentleness patience bear with one another forgiving each other whatever grievances you have as Christ forgave you over all these virtues see this is the cultivation of habits now because I'm going into that kind of identity" [07:44:22]

"every time you write a page habits are the path to changing your identity when you write a page you're a writer when you practice the violin you're a musician when you start a workout you're an athlete when you encourage your employers you're a leader each habit not only gets results but teaches you something far more important and ultimately I would say you and I would say that is to trust not just ourselves and what we can do but to trust God and to trust his power in our life" [08:08:16]

"and that he's actually at work in us to help us become the person that he wants us to be so there's a simple two-step process one decide the person you want to become get really really clear on um who is that person because the main thing God gets out of my life is the person that I become and then demonstrated prove it live it out through small wins and the key is small" [08:46:29]

"so today this is not about goals or New Year's resolutions not about how much weight do you want to lose or how to clean up that desk or what it is about becoming a certain kind of person because then I embrace the process that's what gives me the power and patience to settle for small wins I don't have to get everything done at once because this is not about achieving a static goal which is never it this is about becoming a certain kind of person who Embraces a certain kind of life and whose enters into systems and processes that will bring about change over the Long Haul" [09:56:82]

"who do I want to become take a moment now to think about that word of those words encourage her peaceful person steadfast others centered who do I want to become what is a small wind that can help me move in that direction today and above all of these put on love" [10:30:12]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 18, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?