Transforming Identity Through Faith and Surrender

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound themes of identity, transformation, and faith through the lens of the movie "Inside Out 2." This film serves as a modern-day parable, much like the stories Jesus used to convey deeper truths about God. We delved into the concept of identity, emphasizing that God desires to transform our minds and give us a new understanding of who we are, not based on past experiences but on a future filled with His promises. This is exemplified in the biblical story of Abram, whose name was changed to Abraham, symbolizing a new identity and a miracle-filled future.

We also discussed the importance of guiding our children through their developmental years, using the "get there first" mindset from Proverbs 22. This approach encourages us to instill values and strength in our children before they face life's challenges, ensuring they are surrounded by a community that loves God and supports them.

Furthermore, we addressed the extremes of emotionalism and stoicism, urging a balanced approach where we worship God with both our hearts and minds. This balance is crucial in a world where anxiety is rampant, as highlighted by the alarming increase in anxiety levels since 2010. We shared personal experiences with anxiety, emphasizing that God offers deliverance and peace that transcends understanding, as promised in Philippians 4:6-7.

Finally, we reflected on the importance of surrendering control of our lives to God. Like Riley in "Inside Out 2," who finds joy when she lets go of anxiety, we too can experience a miracle-filled future by allowing God to be at the center of our lives. This requires honesty and a willingness to let go of fear, embracing faith and the transformative power of God's love and forgiveness.

Key Takeaways:

- Identity and Transformation: God desires to transform our minds and give us a new identity, not based on past experiences but on a future filled with His promises. This transformation is exemplified in the story of Abram, whose name was changed to Abraham, symbolizing a new identity and a miracle-filled future. [49:12]

- Guiding Our Children: Proverbs 22 encourages us to "get there first" by instilling values and strength in our children before they face life's challenges. This ensures they are surrounded by a community that loves God and supports them, especially as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. [53:59]

- Balancing Emotions and Knowledge: Avoiding the extremes of emotionalism and stoicism is crucial. We are called to worship God with both our hearts and minds, maintaining a balance that allows us to experience the fullness of God's presence and truth. [59:38]

- Overcoming Anxiety: Anxiety is a growing concern in today's world, but God offers deliverance and peace that transcends understanding. By turning our worries into prayers and embracing God's promises, we can experience His peace and guidance. [01:06:55]

- Surrendering Control to God: Like Riley in "Inside Out 2," we find joy and peace when we surrender control of our lives to God. This requires letting go of fear and embracing faith, allowing God to be at the center of our lives and guide us into a miracle-filled future. [01:17:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [44:13] - Introduction to Inside Out 2
- [49:12] - Identity and Transformation
- [51:47] - God's Miracle-Filled Future
- [53:59] - Guiding Our Children
- [55:44] - Prioritizing Church and Community
- [56:46] - New Emotions and Development
- [59:38] - Balancing Emotions and Knowledge
- [01:04:16] - Anxiety and Its Impact
- [01:06:55] - Overcoming Anxiety with Faith
- [01:09:25] - Personal Testimony on Anxiety
- [01:10:18] - Living a Life Led by Faith
- [01:12:31] - Joy and Surrender
- [01:17:53] - Invitation to Surrender
- [01:18:52] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 17:5 - "No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."
2. Proverbs 22:6 - "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
3. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

---

Observation Questions:

1. How does the story of Abram's transformation into Abraham illustrate the concept of a new identity in God? [49:12]

2. What does the "get there first" mindset from Proverbs 22 suggest about the role of parents in guiding their children? [53:59]

3. How does the sermon describe the balance between emotionalism and stoicism in our worship and daily lives? [59:38]

4. What personal experiences with anxiety were shared in the sermon, and how do they relate to the promise of peace in Philippians 4:6-7? [01:06:55]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the transformation of Abram to Abraham challenge our understanding of identity and God's promises for our future? [49:12]

2. How can the "get there first" approach from Proverbs 22 be applied in modern parenting, especially in a world filled with cultural challenges? [53:59]

3. What are the potential dangers of leaning too far towards emotionalism or stoicism, and how can one find a healthy balance in their spiritual life? [59:38]

4. How does the sermon suggest we can turn our anxieties into prayers, and what impact might this have on our mental and spiritual well-being? [01:06:55]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own identity. Are there past experiences that you feel define you? How can you embrace the new identity God offers, as exemplified by Abraham's story? [49:12]

2. If you are a parent, what specific steps can you take to "get there first" in your child's life, ensuring they are equipped with strong values before facing life's challenges? [53:59]

3. Consider your worship practices. Do you tend to lean more towards emotionalism or stoicism? What practical steps can you take to worship God with both your heart and mind? [59:38]

4. Anxiety is a common struggle. What are some specific anxieties you face, and how can you apply Philippians 4:6-7 to seek God's peace in those situations? [01:06:55]

5. Surrendering control to God can be challenging. What areas of your life are you holding onto tightly, and how can you begin to let go and trust God more fully? [01:17:53]

6. Think about a time when fear has been in control of your decisions. How can you shift from a life led by fear to one led by faith, as discussed in the sermon? [01:10:18]

7. Identify one area in your life where you need to experience transformation. What steps can you take this week to invite God's transformative power into that area? [49:12]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

---

Day 1: Embracing a New Identity in Christ
God desires to transform our minds and give us a new identity, not based on past experiences but on a future filled with His promises. This transformation is exemplified in the story of Abram, whose name was changed to Abraham, symbolizing a new identity and a miracle-filled future. Just as God called Abram to step into a new identity, He calls each of us to embrace the identity He has for us. This involves letting go of the labels and limitations of our past and stepping into the fullness of who God says we are. It is a journey of faith, trusting that God’s promises are true and that He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us. [49:12]

Genesis 17:5-6 (ESV): "No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you."

Reflection: What past labels or experiences are you holding onto that God is calling you to release? How can you begin to embrace the new identity He has for you today?

Day 2: Instilling Godly Values in Our Children
Proverbs 22 encourages us to "get there first" by instilling values and strength in our children before they face life's challenges. This ensures they are surrounded by a community that loves God and supports them, especially as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. As parents and mentors, it is our responsibility to guide the next generation, teaching them to rely on God and His Word. By doing so, we equip them with the tools they need to face the world with confidence and faith. This proactive approach helps them build a strong foundation that will support them throughout their lives. [53:59]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: What specific values or teachings do you want to instill in the children in your life? How can you intentionally incorporate these into your daily interactions with them?

Day 3: Balancing Heart and Mind in Worship
Avoiding the extremes of emotionalism and stoicism is crucial. We are called to worship God with both our hearts and minds, maintaining a balance that allows us to experience the fullness of God's presence and truth. In a world that often swings between emotional highs and intellectual detachment, finding this balance is essential. It allows us to engage with God authentically, bringing our whole selves into His presence. This balanced approach helps us to grow in our relationship with God, as we learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. [59:38]

Mark 12:30 (ESV): "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

Reflection: In what ways do you tend to lean more towards emotionalism or stoicism in your relationship with God? How can you begin to cultivate a more balanced approach to worship?

Day 4: Finding Peace Amidst Anxiety
Anxiety is a growing concern in today's world, but God offers deliverance and peace that transcends understanding. By turning our worries into prayers and embracing God's promises, we can experience His peace and guidance. In a society where anxiety levels have been rising, it is comforting to know that God provides a refuge for us. His peace is not dependent on our circumstances but is a gift that comes from trusting in His sovereignty and love. As we learn to cast our cares on Him, we discover a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. [01:06:55]

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV): "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

Reflection: What specific anxieties are you currently facing? How can you begin to turn these worries into prayers and trust God for His peace?

Day 5: Surrendering Control for a Miracle-Filled Future
Like Riley in "Inside Out 2," we find joy and peace when we surrender control of our lives to God. This requires letting go of fear and embracing faith, allowing God to be at the center of our lives and guide us into a miracle-filled future. Surrendering control is not easy, but it is the path to true freedom and joy. When we trust God with our lives, we open ourselves up to His plans and purposes, which are far greater than anything we could imagine. It is an invitation to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised, as we walk in step with His Spirit. [01:17:53]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What area of your life are you struggling to surrender to God? What steps can you take today to begin trusting Him more fully in this area?

---

Quotes

1. "Whenever Jesus taught, he would teach with a story or a parable. And he used this truth, something that people already knew and understood to illustrate a truth about who God is. And that's what we're doing. These are modern day parables. Movies are the modern day parable. And so we're looking at movies to say, well, what's a redemptive theme in that movie? Or what's something that puts us in the right place? And we're looking at movies to say, what's something that really points to something that's true about God? Or what's something that maybe doesn't really point to what's true about God?" [00:45:26] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "and these things become threads that start to play in your mind as you go through life who am I and how do I see myself what's beautiful about the bible is it reveals to us that God does not simply want you to have the chords playing of what people have spoken over you or maybe even what you think about yourself that God desires to actually transform your mind and give you a new understanding of the person he's called you to be not on the basis of your past experiences but on the basis of a miracle -filled future that he has for you" [00:49:46] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Some of you all, you don't believe that. You come to church and you give God half your heart, but if you'll go all in with God, he's got a miracle -filled future for you. Oh, I don't know the God you've experienced, but my God is worthy of my whole heart and my full surrender. And when you go all in with God, I can promise you he's got a miracle -filled future and maybe for you, God brought you here today to take the dial of your mind and then... In the theme song that you hear, that you're not good enough, that your pain is your destiny, that what you've been through is your future, and God wants to turn down the dial today of the noise of this life so that you can begin to hear him speak over you." [00:51:47] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Prioritizing church matters because as they go through challenges and as their independence increases, and they want more and more independence. Come on, parents of preteens and parents of teens. They want more and more independence. What do we do as a church? At the very time that that switch starts to happen in their brains at grade four, you know what we do? We have a strategy called Dream Team Junior. And we start to give them positions of responsibility so that the desire for influence and independence actually gets shaped around something positive." [00:55:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "all that matters is what you feel and with this extreme the precedence of what you feel gets ahead of everything even what is obviously true what you feel dictates everything that you are as a person it's an extreme it's emotionalism and it is rampant in our culture let's just name it now what we might say in church is okay if emotionalism is to be avoided then I better run all the way over here and forget about that and get over here but there's another extreme that's also to be avoided and this one let's be honest you sometimes find more often in a church this one's called stoicism and this extreme says what you feel doesn't matter at all it's only what you know you it would be as if Mark had said this love the Lord with all your might and your strength and left out your heart and your soul but how many know God wants both God wants you to understand what's happening in your heart mind soul and strength he wants you to worship Him with your mind what you understand with a true and just understanding of who God is but also with your heart and your soul which cannot kind of gets that's good preaching right there that's good teaching so let me ask you the question which way do you lean and if you lean over here towards emotionalism then maybe today would be a good day to pray something like God help me not to just be led by what I feel anymore but I want to be led by you and if you're over here on this side and you're a little bit more led by stoicism and you've never raised your hands in church worship before come on somebody well then maybe just maybe you'd want to pray something like God I actually want to begin to worship you with all of me with my heart and all my soul" [01:00:51] (118 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Anxiety is perhaps the number one largest growing emotional and even health concern in our world today. You know that since 2010, anxiety has increased in young people by 139%. You say, what happened in 2010? Front -facing cameras and selfies. The American Psychiatric Association came out with a recent study that found that 43 % of adults say they're more anxious today in 2024 than they were 12 months ago in 2023. 43 % of adults. More anxious year over year over year. I mean, it's alarming." [01:07:15] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "And when mom died and Rachel went into grief, I was afraid of how to show up for my wife that was going through immense grief. And so rather than coming alongside her and putting my arm around her and saying, it's okay. You're not alone. Anxiety caused me to turn inward and feel like you're not good enough and you don't know what to do. And when anxiety caused me to turn inward and not show up for my wife, we came into real difficulty in our marriage. Now, thank God we got to counseling." [01:11:17] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Maybe for you, it's the same fear that keeps you from showing up and serving others. Why? Because serving would take away from my job time or my rest time so I can get back to my job time. And I have to put in the job time because if I don't put in the job time, then my career won't advance. And if my career doesn't advance, I won't get the promotion and then I won't be here by when I should be there. And then I won't have. And on and on and on it goes. And it's a life led by fear and not a life led by faith. To understand that on the other side of you showing up and serving somebody, on the other side of your sacrifice is God's blessing for your life. God says, I don't want you to have fear at the console of your life anymore. I want you to have faith there because actually you don't need to strive for that promotion. I've actually called you to it. But in order for you to step into it, it's going to take letting go of fear and stepping into faith." [01:11:01] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "as we close riley is has joy back at the controls and i love that picture of a console in the headquarters of her mind and i want to borrow that for a minute to ask the question where is god in relation to the console of your life in romans chapter 7 the apostle paul has this interesting conversation and it's cool to kind of put it in light of a console he said i do not understand what i do like who's even at the console of my own life he goes on i don't do what i want to do i what i hate i do it's like sometimes i don't understand how these decisions happen it's like when riley's skating away from her best friends we do things that we don't want to do and in all of our lives it's true we've all done things we've we've walked away from god we've been jealous or we've said things that have hurt other people or you we've allowed unforgiveness we've gone our own way allowed sin into our hearts and in the same chapter paul looks at the decisions he's made and he says oh wretched man that i am who's going to deliver me from the mess i made at the controls of my own life in a verse 25 i love it he turns around and he says thanks be to god who delivers me through christ jesus our lord at the console and at the center of my life you and all these years into my faith journey i am still amazed that jesus lived a sinless life god in heaven creator god came from heaven to earth that he might give himself fully for me he took my position he took my sin and i love the way john writes about this miracle of forgiveness he said if if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness you see you and i don't have to stay stuck we don't have to stay with the decisions of yesterday controlling the future that we see but it takes honesty to say god i need you at the center of my life and so all across the room i'm going to invite you to stand to your feet and i want you to close your eyes for a minute and with no distractions just you and god to ask yourself the question where" [01:14:21] (146 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "am i standing at the controls of my life is fear standing at the controls of my life or am i willing to surrender to god and maybe you came to church today and you thought man it's a movie sunday and i'm not sure what i believe about god but today you know that god brought you here so that you could surrender your life back to him and maybe you did that at a point in time or maybe you've never done that before you've never said i want to become a christian i want to surrender my life wholeheartedly to god but if that's you in the room today i want you to surrender your life to and no one is looking around it's just a private moment of faith between you and god you you would honestly say this i look at my" [01:20:44] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?