2.3 Identity in Christ
a. KEY VERSES: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 1:3-6
b. KEY THOUGHT: We were created to belong to Christ. Our new life is happening because we are “in Christ.” We have a new identity now that we belong to Him.
c. KEY QUESTIONS: How does knowing that you have a new identity “in Christ” and that you belong to Him for all time, no matter what, make you feel? How does it affect your choices?
d. DISCUSSION WITH REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
i. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. What does this verse say about you now that you believe in Christ? What have you experienced since you believed in Christ and stepped into the new life?
ii. Read Ephesians 2:10. We are God’s handiwork. We belong to Him. What has He created for us now that we are in Him? How does this knowledge influence your actions and feelings?
iii. Read Ephesians 1:3-6. Have you ever thought about your identity in Christ? What does it mean to you that you are adopted into God’s family, belong to Jesus, and now have access to every spiritual blessing?
iv. Think for a minute about Prince William, his wife, Kate, and their two children, George and Charlotte. From the world’s perspective, little George and Charlotte pretty much have it all. How do you think their identity as children of royalty will influence and affect their daily lives? In the same way that George and Charlotte belong to royalty and will experience the benefits and blessings of being members of Prince William’s family, so we as believers have the ongoing assurance that we belong to Christ and will experience the blessings of being in His Kingdom family. How does being aware and assured of that truth affect you?
e. YOUR STORY: Share an experience when your identity in Christ was challenged and you chose to trust that you belong to Him over the lies or mistruths surrounding you.
f. APPLICATION: As you think about and realize that your identity is in Christ, what changes in your thinking or behavior do you sense God wants to renew or impact?