Transforming Perception: Embracing Identity in Christ

 

Summary

Today, I began by greeting everyone warmly, acknowledging the presence of our youth from both the Middleburg Heights and Olmsted Falls campuses who were actively serving this morning. I shared a personal story from my youth about receiving a car for my 18th birthday, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of expectations and perceptions.

I then transitioned into the core of my sermon, focusing on the biblical narrative from Numbers 13, where Moses sends twelve spies to explore Canaan. This story served as a backdrop to discuss the themes of perception, fear, and faith. I highlighted how the Israelites' fear and self-doubt distorted their perception of reality, causing them to see themselves as 'grasshoppers' in the eyes of their giant enemies, despite no evidence suggesting that their enemies saw them this way.

This led to a broader discussion on how our self-perception can affect our faith and actions. I emphasized that when we view ourselves as small or insignificant, we tend to project these feelings onto others, including God, limiting our ability to live fully in the authority given to us through Christ. I used this point to pivot to the concept of identity in Christ, stressing that understanding our identity is crucial for overcoming life's 'giants'—be they challenges or adversities.

Drawing from Romans 8:35-37, I reassured the congregation that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, and in Him, we are more than conquerors. This assurance is vital for shifting from a 'victim' mentality to one of victory.

In the closing moments, I shared personal vulnerabilities about struggling with the concept of grace in my own life, despite preaching it. This confession was meant to humanize the struggles we all face and to encourage openness and honesty within our community.

I concluded by inviting the congregation to reflect on their own perceptions and the 'scripts' they tell themselves, urging everyone to align these scripts with the truth of God's word and His promises. This was not just a call to personal reflection but also a communal exhortation to support each other in rewriting our stories to reflect our true identity in Christ.

### Key Takeaways

1. Perception Shapes Reality
Our self-perception can significantly influence how we interact with the world and with God. When we see ourselves as small or insignificant, we limit our potential and diminish our faith. It's crucial to align our view of ourselves with God's view of us—as beloved, capable, and strong. [51:41]

2. Identity in Christ is Empowering
Understanding and embracing our identity in Christ is essential for overcoming the 'giants' in our lives. This identity is not just a theological concept but a practical tool for daily living, providing strength and confidence in the face of challenges. [52:50]

3. The Power of Scriptural Promises
The promises found in Scripture, such as those in Romans 8:35-37, are not just ancient texts but living words that offer real power and hope. They assure us that no external circumstances can separate us from God's love, empowering us to live victoriously. [53:47]

4. Vulnerability Leads to Authenticity
Sharing personal struggles and vulnerabilities can lead to deeper community bonds and personal growth. It's important for leaders and members alike to be open about their challenges, as this fosters a supportive and authentic church environment. [55:34]

5. Rewriting Our Scripts
The stories we tell ourselves can either imprison or liberate us. By consciously choosing to rewrite our internal narratives to reflect the truth of who we are in Jesus, we can transform our lives and experience the fullness of God's promises. [57:22]

### Youtube Chapters

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [30:13] - Introduction and Personal Story
- [31:41] - Series Recap: "I Doubt It"
- [33:10] - Exploring the Land of Canaan
- [36:03] - The Report of the Spies
- [41:02] - Historical Context of the Giants
- [44:17] - Reaction to the Spies' Report
- [47:15] - Personal Reflection on Facing Giants
- [50:20] - Conclusion: Changing Our Scripts
- [54:41] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
- [59:41] - Final Thoughts and Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 13:1-2, 16-33 - The story of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan.
2. Romans 8:35-37 - Assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ and that we are more than conquerors through Him.

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Moses give to the twelve spies before they explored the land of Canaan? ([33:10])
2. How did the ten spies describe the land and its inhabitants upon their return? ([36:03])
3. What was Caleb's response to the report given by the ten spies? ([42:47])
4. According to Romans 8:35-37, what are some of the challenges listed that cannot separate us from the love of Christ?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the ten spies saw themselves as "grasshoppers" in their own eyes and believed their enemies saw them the same way? ([50:20])
2. How does Caleb's perspective differ from that of the other spies, and what does this reveal about his faith? ([42:47])
3. In what ways does understanding our identity in Christ, as described in Romans 8:35-37, empower us to face life's challenges? ([52:50])
4. How can sharing personal struggles and vulnerabilities, as the pastor did, lead to deeper community bonds and personal growth? ([55:34])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your self-perception limited your actions or faith. How can you begin to align your view of yourself with God's view of you as beloved and capable? ([51:41])
2. Caleb had a "we can" mentality because he trusted in God's promise. What are some practical steps you can take to cultivate a similar mindset in your own life? ([42:47])
3. The pastor shared his struggle with receiving grace. Have you ever found it difficult to accept God's grace in your life? What steps can you take to embrace it more fully? ([55:34])
4. The promises in Romans 8:35-37 assure us of God's unwavering love. How can you remind yourself of these promises when facing difficult situations? ([52:50])
5. The pastor encouraged the congregation to rewrite the "scripts" they tell themselves. What negative script are you currently telling yourself, and how can you begin to rewrite it to reflect the truth of who you are in Jesus? ([57:22])
6. Vulnerability was highlighted as a path to authenticity. How can you create a more open and supportive environment in your small group or community by sharing your own struggles? ([55:34])
7. Think of a "giant" you are currently facing in your life. How can you apply the lessons from the story of the twelve spies and the promises in Romans 8 to confront and overcome this challenge? ([44:17])

Devotional

Day 1: Perception Shapes Our Spiritual Reality
Our self-perception deeply influences our interactions with the world and our spiritual life. When we view ourselves as small or insignificant, it not only affects our actions but also our faith. This limited view can make us feel disconnected from the strength and authority we have through Christ. It's essential to recognize that these self-imposed limitations can prevent us from fulfilling our God-given potential and living out our faith boldly. By aligning our perception of ourselves with how God sees us—as beloved, capable, and strong—we open ourselves to a fuller, more empowered life in faith. [51:41]

Psalm 139:13-16 "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth."

Reflection: How does your current self-perception align with the biblical truth that you are "fearfully and wonderfully made"? What steps can you take to view yourself as God sees you?

Day 2: Identity in Christ Empowers Us
Understanding and embracing our identity in Christ is crucial for overcoming the challenges and 'giants' we face in life. This identity is not merely a theological concept but a practical tool that provides us with strength and confidence. When we truly grasp who we are in Jesus, we can face any adversity with the assurance that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. This empowerment enables us to live out our faith actively and courageously, making a significant impact on our surroundings and on the challenges we encounter. [52:50]

Colossians 3:1-3 "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Reflection: In what ways can you start living out your identity in Christ more fully in your daily life? Identify one 'giant' you can confront this week with this empowered identity.

Day 3: The Power of Scriptural Promises
The promises found in Scripture are not just ancient texts but living words that offer real power and hope. These promises assure us that no external circumstances can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Embracing these truths allows us to live victoriously, facing life's challenges with confidence and assurance. By holding onto scriptural promises, we anchor ourselves in God's unchanging love and power, which are crucial for overcoming life's uncertainties and adversities. [53:47]

2 Peter 1:3-4 "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Reflection: Which scriptural promise do you need to cling to this week? How can it change your approach to the challenges you are facing?

Day 4: Vulnerability Leads to Authenticity
Sharing personal struggles and vulnerabilities can lead to deeper community bonds and personal growth. It's important for both leaders and members of a community to be open about their challenges. This openness fosters a supportive and authentic environment, encouraging everyone to grow together in faith and understanding. By being vulnerable, we not only receive support but also give others the courage to share their struggles, creating a cycle of mutual encouragement and strengthening within the community. [55:34]

James 5:16 "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: Think of an area in your life where you've been reluctant to be vulnerable. How can sharing this with a trusted community member help you and possibly others?

Day 5: Rewriting Our Scripts
The stories we tell ourselves can either imprison or liberate us. By consciously choosing to rewrite our internal narratives to reflect the truth of who we are in Jesus, we can transform our lives. This process of rewriting our scripts involves aligning our thoughts and beliefs with the truth of God's word. When we do this, we experience the fullness of God's promises and live out the abundant life He intends for us. This not only changes us but also impacts those around us, as we live out a story of hope and transformation. [57:22]

Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: What is one 'script' in your life that needs rewriting? How can you align this script more closely with God's truth this week?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I want to talk to the person in the room that you feel unworthy, you feel insignificant, you feel unlovable, you feel small, you feel overlooked. What I've noticed in my life when I deal with these things is I tend to project that other people are viewing me a certain way when really I'm not. I don't feel any way. I think the relationship between sleep and I'm hardly even a thought in their mind. Can you relate?" [51:41]( | | )

2. "I want to close today with five minutes. I want to just get real personal for a second. I found myself a few years ago going to trusted people in my life, both inside this church and organization and outside, long-term mentors that I had. And I found myself being this preacher of the good news. And this sounds awful when I say it, but I hope I can just be vulnerable with you. I found myself saying things like, why does the good news feel like good news for everyone? Why does the good news feel like good news for everybody but me?" [54:41]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Whatever one generation hears as a prohibition or a you can't, gets passed down to the next generation as an inhibition or an I can't. And it was like something clicked in me. I understood it. We are all a conglomerate of nature and nurture. We all have environments we were raised in, things that were passed down on us, into us, through our family trees and our DNA." [56:30]( | | )

2. "Let's not make the younger generation, fight the spiritual battles that we were too afraid to fight. Conquer your insecurities. Change the script you tell yourself. Learn to stop turning blessings into bad reports, and win the battle for identity and authority in Christ in your heart and mind. Amen? Let's begin to change the stories. You're not just a little grasshopper waiting to get smashed by some giant." [59:00]( | | )

3. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble, or hardship, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, for your sake we face death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors. Through him who loved us. More than conquerors." [52:50]( | | )

4. "See, when you're grounded in your authority in Christ, obstacles turn into opportunities. When you know who you are, because you know whose you are, obstacles become opportunities. I'm trying something new. I have to be better at time up here, so I have my own timer." [54:41]( | | )

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