Description

In this important message, Pastor Zach Maddox shares who we are as followers of Jesus. Our prayer is that this message encourages you to live confidently in the family of God and forgive others.

Notes:

Theme: Who are we in Christ?

Life Change Goal: Our prayer is that this message encourages you to live confidently in the family of God and forgive others.

Text: Ephesians 4:25-5:21 (ESV)

1. We are forgiven.
   1. Forgiveness is:
      1. Removing the control your offender has over you.
      2. Giving a gift to your offender and yourself.
      3. Leaving ultimate justice in God’s hands.
      4. An ongoing process.
      5. Wanting good for your offender.
   2. Forgiveness if not:
      1. Denying that something occurred.
      2. Necessarily a response to a repentant apology.
      3. Forgetting.
      4. Trust.
   3. Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
2. We are adopted.
   1. John 14:18 (ESV)
   2. We are adopted:
      1. Into a family.
      2. With an inheritance.
      3. With a new identity.

Conclusion: In Christ, we are forgiven and adopted.

In response to this message I will…

I will share part of this message with...

Discussion Questions:

Start Talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

• What is your favorite snow activity?

Start Thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• What characteristic of your God-given identity do you appreciate the most (blessed, saint, endure affliction, appreciated, saved, reconciled, heard, gifted, new, forgiven, adopted)?

Start Sharing. Choose a couple of questions to create openness.

• How has bitterness robbed you of joy in your past?
• Who might you need to forgive in your present?
• How can you get to know your heavenly Father more?