Encouraging Others in Their Identity in Christ

Encouraging Others in Their Identity in Christ
Isaiah 43:1-7

Your Identity in Christ:
I. You are created and formed by God for His Glory.
     1. Satan’s lie: Your identity is found in your performance and
         others opinion of you.
     2. God’s truth: God created us, therefore He determines our
         identity.

II. You are redeemed, forgiven, and justified in Christ.
     Ephesians 1:7
     Romans 3: 21-23

     1. Fear of failure leads to seeking to find our identity in
         performance.
     2. God’s truth: We don’t have to perform to be accepted. He
         declares us accepted and is well pleased with us in Christ
         despite our performance.

III. You are precious to and deeply loved by God.
     1. Fear of rejection leads to seeking to find our identity in
         others opinions.
     2. God’s truth: Our value and identity are not determined by
         others opinions. We are precious to Him and loved
         unconditionally by Him.

      Ephesians 3:14-19

Family Faith Sheet:
Transformation Verse (November) 
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  Psalm 56:3

Main Point: In our fallen nature we seek to find our identity in our performance or others opinions. God reminds us though that because He has created and formed us, redeemed us, and loves us that our identity is found in Him. Reminding others of their identity in Christ becomes the basis by which we give them godly encouragement and help them move forward in their walk with God.

#1- Reviewing this Past Sunday  
Encouraging Others in Their Identity in Christ #6
Isaiah 43:1-7  

1. Read Isaiah 43:1-7. In what ways have you been finding your identity in others opinions or your performance?
2. How does understanding that God has forgiven you and that you are justified set you free from feeling like you have to meet certain standards to be acceptable to God and to feel good about yourself?
3. How does understanding how much God loves you set you free from constantly trying to seek the approval of others? Ask God to convince you how much He loves you.
4. Who can you encourage this week by reminding them of their identity in Christ?

# 2- Preparing for next Sunday
Encouraging Others to Be Involved in the World
Psalm 96  

1. Read Psalm 96 out loud.   
2. How is God described in this Psalm, and what are all the reasons He is to be honored?
3. What is the ultimate motive to share Christ with someone?
4. Talk with your family, your small group, or a friend concerning how you could be involved together in an Erie ministry and/or somewhere overseas.
5. Pray for God to work in our midst at MCC so we would follow Him in a fresh new way wherever He leads.