Take Back Your Identity
Take Back Your Life | Part 1
RyanRyan McDermott
The weekend doesn't have to end. Keep Talking on your own or with a group.
Start Talking – Find conversations starters for the group or with a friend.
- Have you ever been mistaken for someone else . . . maybe a famous person? What was that like?
- Have you ever had your identity stolen? What did you have to do to get it back?
Keep Reading – Read the Scripture and ask a question to get the group thinking.
Genesis 1:26-27
- This passage, along with Genesis 2:7, states that we were made:
— In the image of God
— By the hand of God
— And in you is the breath of God
As Pastor Ryan mentioned, how do these truths convey that God loves you “more than you’ll ever know"?
- Since we know God created us “in his image,” how does that give you peace and confidence?
Genesis 3:4-7
- These verses detail the first temptation. In essence, the first temptation led Adam and Eve to doubt who God made them to be. Once doubt set in, it quickly led to disobedience, and then instead of reflecting God by being made in His image, they rejected God. What similarities do you see with this original temptation when you are tempted today?
- As we are tempted today, how can we emerge victoriously? What promises from God and resources are available to help us overcome temptation?
2 Corinthians 5:17 and Ephesians 2:10
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
- Pastor Ryan shared that the word “masterpiece” in the original language means God’s “crowning achievement” in creation. What does that say about you today?
- Both passages also declare once we are created “anew” in Christ Jesus, God has a purpose for us. According to these passages, what is that purpose?
Keep Talking – Choose questions to create openness.
The Bible passages above remind us of three truths:
1. You Have a God-given Identity
- Pastor Ryan shared, “You were designed to reflect the Divine.” This is true because you were made in the “image of God.” The Hebrew word for image is tselem, meaning one who reflects the Creator. How can Christians reflect the image of their Creator daily?
- Most people don’t see themselves the way God sees them. Why not? What other voices or influences could they be listening to and why?
2. Your God-given Identity has been Stolen
- In Genesis 3:4-7, Satan deceived Eve in numerous ways with lies. Here are two examples:
— He told her if she ate from the tree, she would be like God, but she already was!
— He told her what God made you and gave to you wasn’t enough, but it was since God had pronounced all of creation “very good” (Genesis 1:31).
Of these two lies, which do you struggle with the most and why?
- Since our identity has been stolen, our culture tells us our identity is now “self-determined.” Why is this unwise and even dangerous, according to the Bible?
3. Your Identity can be Recovered in Christ
- Re-read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Ephesians 2:10. Share at least one truth from each passage that is “good news” to everyone!
- Even though our identity has been stolen, it can be recovered when we come to Christ in faith. At that point, Pastor Ryan encouraged each of us to, “Live like you are God’s masterpiece!” What did he mean by that statement, and how can you start doing that today?
Keep Moving/Going – Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- What is your next step after hearing this message?
— I want to begin a new relationship with Jesus through faith and enable the image of God to “shine through me” in everything I do!
— Although I am already a child of God, I need to rediscover my identity in Christ by seeing through the lies that surround me and recognize that, “The truest thing about me is what God says!”
— I need to share this message with someone this week.
- Pick one of this week’s key Scriptures and make it a reminder on your phone. Spend a few minutes repeating it and thinking about it each day.
- S.O.A.P out the Scripture this week.
Keep Praying
- Prayer requests from everyone at group
- Prayer
Keep Praising
“Great Are You Lord” – All Sons & Daughters
“No Longer Slaves” – Bethel Music
Or check out our "Faith Over Fear" playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.