Sermon Notes
Your identity in Jesus Christ is the aroma that God uses to point people to His reality.
Authenticity trumps self-perfection.
Passport to My Identity In Christ…
I Am Accepted
John 1:12 I am a child of God.
John 15:15 I am Jesus’ chosen friend.
Romans 5:1 I am holy and acceptable to God.
1 Cor. 3:16 I am united to the Lord.
1 Cor. 5:19-20 I have been bought with a price.
1 Cor. 12:27 I am part of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:1 I am a saint, a holy one.
Ephesians 1:5 I have been adopted as God’s child.
Colossians 1:14 I have been redeemed.
Colossians 2:10 I am complete in Christ.
I Am Secure
Romans 8:1-2 I am free forever from punishment.
Romans 8:28 I am sure all things work together for good.
Romans 8:31 I am free from any charges against me.
Romans 8:35 I cannot be separated from the love of God.
Ephesians 2:19 I am a citizen of Heaven.
Philippians 1:6 I am sure that the good work that God has started in me will be finished.
Colossians 3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Hebrews 4:16 I can find grace and mercy in times of need.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God; the evil one can’t touch me.
I Am Significant
Matthew 5:13-14 I am salt and light for everyone around me.
John 15:1, 5 I am a part of the True Vine.
John 15:16 I am hand picked by Jesus to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8 I am a Spirit-Empowered witness to Christ.
1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19 I am a temple where the Holy Spirit lives.
2 Cor. 5:17 I am at peace with God and He has given me the work of making peace between Himself and others.
2 Cor. 6:1 I am God’s coworker.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Christ in Heaven.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s building project, His handiwork, His masterpiece.
Philippians 4:13 I am able to do all things through Christ who gives me strength!
Circle Group Questions
Ice Breaker – What about your family (either as you were growing up or the one you are in now) makes it different, distinctive or special?
Share one of your Personal Reflections from the week.
What do the following passages say about our Identity?
John 1:12 (Child of God)
Ephesians 1:4-6 (Chosen as adopted sons)
Ephesians 2:19 (Citizens of Heaven, members of God’s household)
1 Peter 2:9 (Chosen people, royal priesthood, belonging to God)
Colossians 1:12-14 (Inheritor, rescued, in the kingdom)
As children of God, we are loved and accepted by God. How can this knowledge help us to face changes, challenges and difficulties?
Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. How can we be a “pleasing aroma of Christ”? How does God use our Identity in Christ as the “aroma” that points people to Him?
Pastor Dave discussed some practical ways we can be authentic (real with our faith, not perfect) in our world. What are some practical ways you can be authentic in your world?
Read the Passport to My Identity in Christ. Which truths about your Identity in Christ resonate with you? Taken as a whole, how does knowing our Identity help us to grow spiritually into the people God has designed us to be?
Personal Reflections
Sunday
What stood out to you from today’s sermon? What teaching can you apply this week? What Reflections did you apply last week?
Monday – Reflect
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John 1:12-13
What does being a child of God mean to you?
Tuesday – Reflect
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ….. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
How does this verse give you confidence to face your days?
Wednesday – Reflect
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
What are your current burdens? Where is true rest found?
Thursday
Reflect on what you are thankful for today.
Write your thoughts.
Friday – Reflect
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
What does it mean that you are the light of the world?
Saturday
Reflect on how God can use you to be a “pleasing aroma” to others this week.