Message: “Order My Steps” from Joe Summers

Order My Steps in Your Word Dear Lord Finding Our Identity in Christ Lesson Objective: To empower each of us to understand and embrace our identity in Christ, recognizing that our true value and purpose are found in Him, apart from societal labels or personal achievements and learning how to live out our God-given identity with confidence and purpose. Scripture: Galatians 2:20 (NIV) "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Introduction Why Galatians 2:20? • Christ-Centered Identity: This verse beautifully captures the essence of our identity in Christ. It speaks to the transformative power of the Gospel—how our old selves, with its sin and worldly identity, is crucified with Christ, and our new life is now hidden in Him. • Faith and Love: It emphasizes living by faith in Jesus, who loves us and gave Himself for us. This highlights the relational aspect of our identity, rooted in Christ's sacrificial love, which is fundamental for young adults navigating the complexities of identity and purpose. • Personal and Relational: The verse is deeply personal ("who loved me and gave himself for me"), making it a powerful reminder of the individual love Christ has for each person. This personal aspect can deeply resonate with young adults seeking a personal connection and purpose in their faith journey. Lesson: A. How do you identify yourself  When asked to introduce yourself how do you do it?  What are three words you would use to describe yourself?  Our self-perception is often influenced by external factors. B. The World's Perspective on Identity  Social Media  Career success  Relationship status C. Romans 12:2, emphasizing the call to not conform to the world but be transformed by the renewal of the mind  Understanding how our identity in Christ differs from worldly identities. D. Ephesians 2:10: Discuss the concept of being God's handiwork and what it means to be created for a purpose. Encourage personal reflection on what God’s workmanship looks like in our lives. E. 2 Corinthians 5:17**: Explore the transformative power of being a new creation in Christ. Discuss practical implications of this new identity in daily life. F. - 1 Peter 2:9: Break down the descriptors (chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s special possession) to explore the dignity, purpose, and calling we have in Christ. Discuss how this royal identity influences our actions, decisions, and relationships. Embodying Our Identity in Christ - **Practical Steps**: Discuss practical ways to live out our identity in Christ, such as through serving, engaging in community, and practicing spiritual disciplines (prayer, reading Scripture, etc.). Highlight the importance of community in reinforcing our identity in Christ. - **Scripture for Daily Living**: Introduce Philippians 4:8 as a guide for daily life, focusing on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Discuss how focusing our minds on these things can help us live out our identity in Christ. - **Action Plan**: Write a personal commitment or action step you can take to affirm your identity in Christ in the coming week. This could be as simple as memorizing a scripture that speaks to your identity in Christ or performing an act of service as a reflection of Christ’s love. Conclusion - **Recap and Encouragement**: Summarize the key points, emphasizing that our true identity is found in who we are in Christ, not in the labels the world places on us or the ones we might be tempted to adopt for ourselves. Closing Prayer: Conclude with a prayer that commits the action plans to God and asks for His strength and guidance in living out our true identity in Christ.

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From Series: "Sunday Service"

These are the regularly scheduled Sunday lessons