Who Am I? | Chris Raley
Message Recap
Romans 8
23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
God created us and then sin separated mankind from God.
Through the work of Jesus on the cross, we have been adopted out of sin and into God's family as His sons and daughters.
Your identity is found in God. It is not in what you do or your family or where you have been.
God knew what we would be before we were born. He created us with purpose and meaning.
The goodness of God is seen in the identity He gives us as His children and co-heirs with Jesus.
Romans 8
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Being adopted into God's family means we have been chosen by God.
What humans call a mistake God calls a blessing and makes a gift.
When we realize our identity in God as our Father there is a peace and a confidence that gets us through the issues and struggles of life.
He is always our Father and we are always His child. He loves us and nothing can change that.
Romans 8
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 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.
He willingly chose us and loves us fully.
God loves you. He will never leave you. Your past and your actions do not change His love for you.
God defines you. What you did or do does not define who you are. Your past is not your identity. Your identity is found in your relationship with God as His child.
God has purpose for you. You were created with purpose and significance.
This church and this community needs you to know who you are in God.
Discussion Questions
What at do you think of when you think of adoption? What does it mean to you?
How do you feel when you hear that God chose you?
When you hear the term "Father God", how does that make you feel or what do you think of?
Have you had struggles with identity that you are willing to share?
Can you articulate a n understanding of your identity in Christ?
How have you experienced the goodness of God in your life?
How have you had an encounter with God around a sense of calling of purpose?
What sense do you get when you hear that as a child of God, nothing can separate you from His love?