How Do We Show Gratitude?

IDENTITY BEFORE ACTIVITY Theme: Who You Are in Christ Comes Before What You Do Lesson Objective By the end of this sermon, we will understand that our identity is rooted in Christ, not performance, success, relationships, or social approval, and we will be challenged to live from our identity rather than for validation. Introduction We live in a world obsessed with labels: ● What do you do? ● Where did you go to school? ● Are you married? ● How many followers do you have? ● How successful are you? Young adults feel constant pressure to prove themselves. If you’re not careful, your worth becomes tied to your work, your identity to your achievements, and your value to other people’s opinions. Many people don’t ask, “Who am I?” They ask, “Am I enough?” The problem is this: If you build your identity on what you do, then failure will destroy you. If you build your identity on what people think, rejection will crush you. But God never intended activity to define identity. Identity always comes first. Foundational Truth We don’t work for God’s acceptance; we work from God’s acceptance. Primary Scriptures ● Matthew 16:13–17 ● Ephesians 1:3–7 ● Romans 8:15–17 ● 1 Peter 2:9 POINT 1: The World Assigns Identity by Performance Scripture: Matthew 16:13–14 “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” People gave Jesus many labels: ● Prophet ● Teacher ● Religious figure The world still does this today. It labels people by: ● Career ● Education ● Appearance ● Success ● Relationship status Reality Check The world says: ● You are what you achieve. ● You are what you own. ● You are what people think of you. That creates: ● Anxiety ● Comparison ● Burnout ● Fear of failure Illustration A résumé tells you what someone has done—but it doesn’t tell you who they are. Many young adults are spiritually exhausted not because they are doing too much—but because they are trying to earn worth. POINT 2: Jesus Establishes Identity Before Assignment Scripture: Matthew 16:15–17 “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” Peter answers correctly—and Jesus responds: “Blessed are you… for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.” Key Insight Jesus did not say: ● “Good job, Peter. Now go prove it.” ● “Now earn this revelation.” Instead, Jesus affirmed identity first. Supporting Scripture: Romans 8:15 “You did not receive the spirit of slavery… but the Spirit of adoption.” You are not: ● A spiritual employee ● A religious performer You are a son or daughter. Truth Before Peter preached… Before Peter failed… Before Peter led the church… He was already known and accepted. ________________________________________ POINT 3: In Christ, Your Identity Is Already Settled Scripture: Ephesians 1:3–7 In Christ, you are: ● Chosen (v.4) ● Adopted (v.5) ● Redeemed (v.7) ● Forgiven (v.7) Notice: This passage says nothing about your GPA, income, relationship status, or achievements. Supporting Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood…” God defines you as: ● Chosen ● Royal ● Holy ● Belonging Illustration A passport tells you where you belong—not what you do. Your spiritual identity is your citizenship, not your performance. ________________________________________ POINT 4: When Identity Is Wrong, Activity Becomes Dangerous Scripture: Luke 10:38–42 (Mary & Martha) Martha was busy serving. Mary was busy being. Jesus didn’t rebuke Martha for working— He corrected her priority. Problem When identity is insecure: ● Service becomes striving ● Ministry becomes comparison ● Work becomes worship of self Warning You can be: ● Busy for God ● Active in church ● Involved in ministry …and still be empty inside. POINT 5: Living FROM Identity Changes Everything Scripture: Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord…” When identity is secure: ● You work with peace ● You serve with joy ● You fail without being destroyed ● You succeed without pride Practical Shifts Instead of: ● “I must prove myself” Say: ● “I am already accepted” Instead of: ● “If I fail, I’m worthless” Say: ● “My value is secure in Christ” Practical Application Ask yourself: 1. What currently defines me? 2. Whose approval am I chasing? 3. Where am I striving instead of resting? Spiritual Practice for the Week: ● Begin each day declaring: ○ “I am a child of God.” ○ “My worth is secure in Christ.” ○ “I live from identity, not for approval.” Conclusion The world asks, “What do you do?” Jesus asks, “Who are you?” If you get identity right: ● Purpose follows ● Direction follows ● Peace follows But if identity is wrong, no amount of success will ever be enough. Short Altar / Response Call “Lord, today I surrender false identities. I release the pressure to perform, compare, and prove myself. I receive my true identity as Your child—chosen, loved, and accepted in Christ. Help me live from who I am in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

More Messages from Joe Summers

From Series: "Sunday Service"

These are the regularly scheduled Sunday lessons