Secret Identity

SECRET IDENTITY

Matthew 5:13-16

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.

 

 

Identity Crisis

IDENTITY CRISIS

Romans 7:15-23

A spiritual IDENTITY CRISIS can be the result of

_________________  (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:

  1. A) understanding your identity in Christ
  2. B) embracing your identity in Christ
  3. C) living out your identity in Christ?

Why do you believe that is so?

 

Identity Fraud

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?

 

Identity Theft

The word IDENTITY comes from the Latin word for “__________________.” 

Genesis 1:26-17, 31

My original identity:

I was ___________________________________________________.

Genesis 3:1-7

My original identity became ___________________________________.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

My true identity:

I am a _________________________________ in Christ; I have become  _______________________________________________________.

Implications:

No wrong thing you’ve ever done  _______________________________. 

No wrong thing you’ll ever do __________________________________. 

No wrong thing that’s been done to you ___________________________ _______________________________________________________.

 

CONNECTION GROUP QUESTIONS

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Have you ever been a victim of identity theft?  How did it make you feel?  What did it take to get it resolved?

SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS

Read Genesis 1:26-27, 31.  How do you see yourself as being an image bearer of God?  What thing in you are a unique reflection of Him?

Read Genesis 3:1-7.  Why do you think the enemy (Satan) is so effective in getting us to sin (disobey God)?  What tactics do you see here?   What other tactics does he use?

Read 2 Corinthian 5:17-21.  In the message, it was said that God did more than restore us to our original image; He has made us into something better.  How do you see this ’new creation’ as the righteous ness of God  as better than the original design?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

What sinful actions or attitudes  (from your past) have prevented you from embracing your true identity (as a new creation in Christ?)  Why do you think you struggle with this?

How have the actions of others (in your past) prevented you from embracing your true identity (as a new creation in Christ)?  Why do you think it has affected you so deeply?

 

Big Time Action

BIG TIME ACTION

Matthew 12:9-14

BIG TIME DREAMS

God dreams of a church that:

________________         ________________         ________________

BIG TIME FATH

The areas that you ____________________________ are the key to your spiritual growth because they __________________________________.

BIG TIME ACTION

__________________________________________ to see God’s dream

realized _________________________________________________.

Reflection Moment

________________________ (experiencing belonging + expressing  commitment

Worship: I made it a priority to gather for worship.

Connection: I participated in a connection group or bible study.

Serving: I gave of my time, talents and gifts in a significant way.

Generosity: I gave generously of my finances toward the mission of Jesus.

Conversation: I engaged in a spiritual conversation with someone who is not yet a follower of Jesus.

Invitation: I invited someone join me for our worship gathering or community-building event.

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

As a group, try to think of some activities (like a Rubik’s cube) that seem like they should be simple but are actually very challenging?  What is it that makes them so challenging?

SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS

Read Matthew 12:1-14.  Why do you think the religious leaders were so furious over Jesus healing this man?  Did they have any real reason to be?  Why or why not?

Last week we talked discussed why each of the 6 areas (from Acts 2:42-27) was  important to a healthy church.   This week discuss what you think makes each one challenging or difficult for people to participate in.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

What were the tiles (areas) that you held back from putting on the mosaic this week?  Why did you choose to do that?

Do you plan to take greater action in any of those areas this week?  How so?

Community Building Event

Are you planning to go bowling next Sunday?  Who are you are inviting to come?  Who is your ‘backup plan’ if they can’t go?  (Please try to ask as early in the week as possible!)

Pray for the people you are inviting.

 

Big Time Faith

BIG TIME FAITH

Acts 2:42-47

We are called to be a church that GATHERS.

We ______________________________________.  John 4:23

We ______________________________________.  Acts 2:46

We are called to be a church that GIVES.

We ______________________________________.  1 Corinthians 12:4-27

We ______________________________________.  2 Corinthians 8:7-8

We are called to be a church that GROWS.

Acts 2:47       Acts 5:14        Acts 6:7        Acts 9:31

We ______________________________________.

We ______________________________________.

2 Corinthians 5:11, 20

Big Time Dreams require _____________________________________.

The areas that you ___________________________ are the key to your spiritual growth because they _________________________________________.

 

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

What is the biggest risk you have taken in life?  Why did you do it?

Very briefly describe the time you first put your faith in trust in Jesus.

“Big Time Dreams Require Big Time Faith”  Do you agree or disagree with that statement?  Why?  Besides becoming a follower of Jesus, what is the greatest faith-related risk you’ve taken?

SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS

Read Acts 2:42-47.  In the message we heard about 6 specific areas that are important to being the kind of church God dreams for us to be.  Can you recall what they are?

How do you see each of them portrayed in this scripture passage?

Look at each of the 6 areas individually.  As a group, discuss why you think each one is    important to the health of our church?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

The areas we struggle with require the most faith…and the greatest dependence on God.  Can you name the two areas that are your greatest challenge?

Take time as a group to pray for each person for the courage and strength to take steps of faith and trust in that area.

 

Big Time Dreams

MESSAGE NOTES

The dream I want to see become reality is…

Some dreams are good, but ______________________________________.

Matthew 16:16-18

Acts 1:8-9

Acts 2:22-24, 36-41

Acts 2:42-47

God dreams of a church that:

________________         ________________         ________________

If we want to realize God’s dream for us, it’s going to take _______________________________  giving __________________________________.

Isaiah 40:29      “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”

2 Corinthians 12:9     “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Philippians 4:13     “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Are you willing to ________________________________________for us?

 

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

What dreams did you have as a kid?

How would you complete this statement today: the dream I want to see become reality is…

SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS

Read Acts 2:42-47.  In the message we heard about three things (starting with the letter “g”) that God dreamed his church would be:  Can you recall what they are?

How do you see each of them portrayed in this scripture passage?

We’ll be unpacking those three things more fully next week, but for now…. which one do you think will be easiest for you?  Which of them do you think you will find hardest to do?  Why?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

From the message: “If we’re going to realize God’s dream for our church, it’s going to take every one of us giving everything we’ve got.”  What does that statement stir up in you?

When it comes to the dream God has for His church and the part you play in it, what are the things that hold you back most?

Look up these verses from the message:  Isaiah 40:29    2 Corinthians 12:9    Philippians 4:13

How do they encourage you to embrace God’s dream for His church (and for you personally)?

 

 

 

 

Portico Church in Oshkosh, WI