Scripture References: Ephesians 1:1-8, 5:8, Romans 8:15, 1 Corinthians 13
Intro:
- Recap of identity series, highlighting the struggle to find true identity in the world.
- The gospel as a gift of new, heaven-sent identity.
- The four-part gospel: God's identity, God's actions, our new labels, and our resulting actions.
- Focus on the identity of being "children of God" (adoption).
Key Points:
- The Orphan Heart:
- The world, without Christ, is marked by "orphan-heartedness": a sense of aloneness and insecurity.
- Even Christians can functionally live with an "orphan mindset."
- Signs of an orphan outlook:
- Seeing God as a taskmaster.
- Self-reliance and independence.
- Addiction to human approval.
- Service motivated by personal achievement.
- Low self-image and self-rejection.
- Seeking comfort in counterfeit affections.
- Competitive and jealous peer relationships.
- Accusing and tearing down others.
- Adoption and Sonship:
- God's pleasure and will in adopting us as His children.
- Adoption as a one-way act of God's grace and responsibility.
- The security and permanence of our identity as children of God.
- The freedom from the "fixer" and "achiever" mindsets.
- The difference between being a father and being a son.
- God's desire to give us good things.
- The importance of feeling God's affirmation.
- Living as Children of Light:
- We are now "light in the Lord" (Eph. 5:8).
- This new identity should shape our actions.
- God is patient, and we should be patient with ourselves.
- The royalty that we have in Christ.
- God has taken away the spirit of fear, and given us the spirit of adoption.
Conclusion:
- The gospel transforms our identity from orphans to children of God.
- This identity brings freedom from fear, control, and performance-based living.
- God's affirmation and pleasure in us are central to our new identity.
- Our identity is in Christ, not in our own actions.
Call to Action:
- Reflect on any "orphan-hearted" tendencies in your life.
- Embrace your identity as a child of God, trusting in His love and provision.
- Release the need to "fix" or "achieve" in your own strength.
- Seek God's affirmation and delight in His presence.
- Live in the light of your royal identity.
- Give your burdens to God.
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