Identity - Who Do You Say That I Am?
Main Point: Your core identity determines where you belong, not the other way around.
- What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
- We have looked at three important questions this month: 1) Who am I? 2) Where do I fit in? 3) What is my purpose? Which of these do you struggle the most with, and why?
- Which of these have you learned the most about this month, and why?
Read: Matthew 16:13-14
- Jesus took the disciples to Caesarea Philippi, a city that was dominated by false gods. What are some of the false gods or beliefs with which you struggle?
- The trip to Caesarea Philippi was, essentially, a field trip with an intended purpose. Why do you think Jesus deliberately took his disciples to a city that good Jewish rabbis strictly avoided?
- When Jesus asked Peter about his identity, Peter told him, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). What are the implications of that statement in your life?
- All three – identity, belonging and purpose – are contained in Jesus’ reply to Peter in verse 18: “And I tell you that you are Peter [a new identity] and on this rock I will build my church [belonging], and the gates of Hades will not overcome it [purpose]. Despite Peter’s occasional stumbling, how did he live out this new identity, belonging and purpose throughout his life?
- Like Peter, as followers of Jesus, we receive new identities too (2 Corinthians 5:17). We belong to Christ’s family (Romans 12:5). And we have a purpose (2 Corinthians 5:20) Which of these is most challenging for you? Why is that the case?
Prayer: Pray for the ability to grasp your identity, belonging and purpose as a follower of Jesus.