Understanding Our Identity as Children of God
Summary
In this sermon, I explored the concept of identity, specifically our identity as children of God. I emphasized the importance of understanding and acknowledging our identity in Christ, cautioning against claiming to be a child of God without truly knowing what that means. I encouraged the congregation to examine themselves against God's Word, to see if they mirror what God has created them to be. I also delved into the creation story in Genesis, highlighting that God is our Creator, a Spirit, and Love. I emphasized that God fashioned us, knows everything about us, and has a plan for us.
In the second part of the sermon, I discussed the tripartite nature of humans as body, soul, and spirit, mirroring God's triune nature. I explained that our bodies allow us to interact with the physical world, our souls house our intellect and personality, and our spirits connect us to God. I warned that Satan attacks us through our bodies and souls, using the story of Daniel in Babylon as an example. I concluded the sermon by encouraging the congregation to accept God's gift of eternal life and to remember their identity in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- It's crucial to understand and acknowledge our identity as children of God, and not to claim this identity without truly knowing what it means. (#!!29:16!!#)
- God is our Creator, a Spirit, and Love. He fashioned us, knows everything about us, and has a plan for us. (#!!36:00!!#)
- Humans are tripartite beings, made up of body, soul, and spirit. Our bodies allow us to interact with the physical world,
Study Guide
Takeaways from the Sermon:
1. We are all created by God with a purpose and identity. This is not an accident or a result of random events, but a deliberate act of love and creation by our Creator. He has fashioned us, formed us, and given us life. He knows everything about us and has a plan for us. (#!!36:00!!#)
2. Understanding our identity in God requires us to first understand who God is. He is our Creator, He is Spirit, and He is Love. Knowing this helps us understand our purpose and identity in Him. (#!!29:16!!#)
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1: The Creation of the World
2. Genesis 2: The Creation of Man and Woman
Observation Questions:
1. What does Genesis 1 tell us about the nature of God as our Creator?
2. How does Genesis 2 describe the creation of man and woman?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding God as our Creator influence our understanding of our identity and purpose?
2. What does it mean that we are created in the image of God, as described in Genesis 1?
Application Questions:
1. How does knowing that you are intentionally created by God impact your view of yourself and your worth?
2. In what ways can you live out the truth that you are created in the image of God in your daily life?
3. Can you recall a time when you felt lost or without purpose? How does understanding your identity in God change that perspective?
4. How can you help others understand their identity and purpose in God?
5. How can you apply the truth of God's love and intentionality in your creation to your relationships with others?
Devotional
Day 1: God's Love in Creation
God's love is evident in the intricate and purposeful design of creation. He didn't just create us, but He fashioned us, formed us, and gave us purpose. His love is so profound that He knows each of us by name, and He has a plan for each of our lives. This love is not an abstract concept, but a tangible reality that shapes our identity and purpose ([36:00]).
Psalm 139:13-14 - "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Reflection: How does knowing that God intentionally created you with love and purpose change the way you view yourself and your life?
Day 2: God's Triune Nature
God's nature is triune - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This triune nature is reflected in us, as we are made in His image. Understanding this can deepen our relationship with Him and give us a greater understanding of our own identity ([54:01]).
Matthew 28:19 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How does understanding God's triune nature impact your relationship with Him and your understanding of yourself?
Day 3: God's Sacrificial Love
God's love for us is so profound that He sacrificed His own Son to save us. This sacrificial love is the foundation of our faith and our identity as Christians. It's a love that goes beyond our comprehension, but it's a love that we can experience and live out every day ([46:25]).
Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: How does God's sacrificial love impact your understanding of His love for you and your identity as a Christian?
Day 4: God's Knowledge of Us
God knows us intimately. He knows our thoughts, our desires, our struggles, and our victories. This knowledge is not distant or impersonal, but it's a knowledge that is rooted in love and care. Knowing that God knows us so deeply can bring comfort and assurance in our daily lives ([49:44]).
Psalm 139:1-3 - "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways."
Reflection: How does knowing that God knows you intimately impact your relationship with Him and your understanding of your identity?
Day 5: God's Plan for Eternity
God has a plan for us that extends beyond our earthly lives. He created us for eternity, and He has prepared a place for us in His eternal kingdom. This eternal perspective can shape our priorities, our decisions, and our
Quotes
1. "We're so thankful to be in God's house. We pray that this morning you would help us to focus upon you, to leave distractions aside, to not worry about anything else, but to give all that we have and pursue to you." - 05:45
2. "We are the created of God. And he wants us to go out those doors and he wants us to tell everybody we come in contact with who we are and who's in our heart." - 01:15:09
3. "We give you our hearts this morning. We give you our minds. We give you everything that we have today. And we ask, Lord, that you present opportunities to us this week to share that with others." - 01:16:43
4. "You are welcome in the house of the Lord at this spot right here. And if you want to know more what's going on with Mercy Fellowship, you see that screen behind me." - 00:56
5. "Yes I will, live too high in the lowest valley. Yes I will, bless your name. Yes I will, sing for joy when my heart is heavy on my days. Yes I will, for all my days." - 13:41