Identity

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Identity Scripture: Read I Peter 2:9-10 and Deuteronomy 7:6-8 as a group. Introduction: Think of how we tend to introduce ourselves to new people… we highlight our vocation, our hometown, our family name. Or perhaps we let our appearance speak for itself. We want others to value us because of who we are, and that usually means our credentials, our position of power or influence, our wealth, our beauty. But there’s a risk to placing our identity in these good things – they could collapse in a moment. How do we gain an identity that is more solid, firm in the face of a job loss, a health crisis, a breakup? Peter’s language in this passage reverberates the Old Testament narrative of the Jewish people straying from God, looking for their identity outside of being called His people and His treasured possession. They had to be constantly reminded that they were specially set apart for God, that God would not forget them, and that it was He who saved them from their slavery in Egypt. Peter reminds Jewish believers of their unique place in God’s heart and family – they are chosen, royal, holy. Because He loved them, He showed them mercy and brought them out of slavery and darkness into the light of freedom. And in Christ, that promise is extended beyond the Jewish race to all those who follow Jesus. Not because we have earned this position, but because God rescued us from the slavery of sin (Rom. 6) and made us new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Just like Israel, we easily forget this truth, looking for ways to prove or earn our worth that aren’t grounded in our position in Christ. This passage reminds us of the unshakeable reality of who we are in Christ so that we can become who God says we already are. When we seek him alone for our identity, our outward behavior will reflect the reality that we are chosen, holy, and royal members of God’s family. But this isn’t just an individualistic pursuit. Our identity is not merely personal, but corporate. God treated the Jewish people as a whole – a people, a nation, a kingdom. Because we know that our position and value come from Him and not us, the extravagant words God uses to describe the community of believers are a motivation not for obtaining power or elevating ourselves, but for a posture of inclusion, mercy, and humble service toward others. The abundant generosity of God’s grace means that we have a new identity that does not depend on our achievements, productivity, wealth, beauty, or power. Instead, it is rooted in God’s promises to us, fulfilled in Christ. And that’s an identity we can never lose.

Reflection: Take personal inventory of your life, heart, and spiritual journey. Use these prompts/questions as a way to prepare for group discussions, or for personal times of prayer. 1. What makes you feel the most self-worth? What do you worry about losing? Where do you find comfort? How could the answers to these questions point toward where you are placing your identity? 2. How does Christ give you more fully the very things you are looking for elsewhere? What does Jesus provide that nothing else can?

Discuss: 1. What about the sermon stood out or impacted you the most? Do you have any follow up questions about the sermon? 2. What storyline is the broader culture communicating about identity? Where are you tempted to place your identity – Your job? Your appearance? Your wealth? Your productivity? Your education? 3. God says we are part of his family, his sons and daughters. Yet, we often live as orphans, trying to find our own way. How could seeing yourself inwardly as God’s treasured child transform your outward behavior? 4. God identifies His people as a community, a race, a nation, a kingdom, and the expression of that is the Church. Yet, we often think that faith is a journey between ourselves and God. Part of our identity as Christians is belonging to the community of faith. What are some ways that we need each other and that we grow in the context of community?

Apply: God redeemed Israel out of slavery into freedom, and then instructed them to welcome “sojourners and exiles” because they knew what it was like to be on the outside. Similarly, Christ rescued us from sin, gave us new life in Christ, and then asks us to remember our former position and treat others with the same mercy we have received. Remembering our history will create a posture of inclusion and humble service towards others. Brainstorm ways that your group can strengthen your life together as a community – both in reminding each other of your identity in Christ and inviting others into the community of faith.