People will identify us as followers of Jesus two ways:
By _____________________________________
By _____________________________________
Ephesians 2:10
My True Identity: I am ___________________________; I am _________________________________.
Good works ____________________________________________.
Good works ____________________________________________.
Good works are __________________________________________.
Matt 5:16
Why are good works important?
Because they ____________________________________________.
Galatians 6:9
CONNECTION GROUP QUESTIONS
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
If you were to create a fictional secret identity for yourself, who would you be/ what would you be like? Why?
Can you describe a time that was a “low point” in understanding, embracing and living out your true identity in Christ? Can you describe a “high point” in this area?
SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS
Read Matthew 5:13-16. Jesus talks about our good works or good deeds. In the message we heard three criteria for good works that really count. Can you think of some good works you have done that fit those criteria? Can you think of some good works you have done that really didn’t?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Are you making it a priority to be a part of the Christmas Celebration on Dec. 18th? If so, who are the people you are inviting to come? Why those people specifically?
Take time to pray for open hearts and boldness to invite them.
_________________ (We need to ________________ our true identity.)
_________________ (We need to ________________ our true identity.)
_________________ (We need to ________________ our true identity.)
John 14:1-3
1 Peter 1:3-4
“I would not give one moment of heaven for all the joy and riches of the world, even if it lasted for thousands and thousands of years.” Martin Luther
Philippians 3:20
“If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying to get to heaven; you are a citizen of heaven making your way through this world.” Vance Havner
My True Identity: I am a _____________________________________;
and I am ________________________________________with God.
IMPLICATIONS:
I should be _______________________________________________.
Colossians 3:1-2
I should be _______________________________________________.
Matthew 6:19-21
“The way to Heaven is ascending; we must be content to travel uphill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh.” Jonathan Edwards
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
Did you ever spend time in a foreign country (if ever)? If so, describe how it felt.
SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS
Read Philippians 3:20. What does it mean to you that you are already a citizen of heaven?
Read Colossians 3:1-2. How difficult is it for you to keep focused on eternity as you go through life? What aspects of your life are the most difficult? The easiest?
Read Matthew 6:19-21. What specific ways (if any) are you actively working for eternity? What areas of life could you be more purposeful in doing that?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Identify 10 practical ways that a Christian’s character should reflect his/her citizenship in heaven. Then Identify 10 practical ways that a Christian’s conduct should reflect his/her citizenship in heaven.
How are you personally most likely to experience a spiritual identity crisis? Would it be a result of:
The word IDENTITY comes from the Latin word for “SAMENESS.”
John 1:12-13
Ephesians 1:3-6
John 17:23
1 John 3:1
My true identity:
I am a ______________________ and I ________________________.
Implications:
You don’t have to____________________…_____________________.
Romans 8:15
You don’t have to____________________…_____________________.
Romans 10:11-12
You don’t have to____________________…_____________________.
Matthew 28: 20
CONNECTION GROUP QUESTIONS
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
Make a list of 10 words that you feel describe you (your identity). Which ones do you think are least obvious to others?
SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS
All people are God’s creation but we only become his children when we choose to follow Jesus. Assuming you have taken that step of faith, what does it mean to you personally to know you have been accepted by God and that you belong to him?
John 17:23 Do you ever think about how God loves you in the same way he loves Jesus? How does that make you feel?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Read Romans 8:15 What things in life are you most afraid of? Why? How does knowing you are a child of God give you strength to face those fears?
Read Romans 10:11-13 What aspects of your life are you most ashamed of? Why? How does knowing you are a child of God help you deal with you shame or embarrassment?
Read Romans 8:31, 35, 37-39 How does knowing that God is always with you help you to face your life’s circumstances? Can you think of specific instances where this has been obvious to you?
