What did you discover in the last conversation that changes how you answer the question, “Who am I?”
What are some aspects of how God sees you that may be difficult for you to accept?
Romans 12:2 explains that there are things that hinder us from embracing God’s truth and allowing it to change our lives. One version of this verse says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Discover: What can hinder us from embracing the truth of who we are in Christ?
Reflect: Why is it difficult to change what we think?
KNOW AND ACCEPT GOD'S TRUTH
Our willingness to embrace the identity God has given to us is essential for our transformation. Rather than relying on our feelings or the opinions of others, we need to know what God says about us, trust Him, and accept it as true.
Ephesians 1 lists many truths about who we are in Christ. They are so incredible that we may struggle with accepting them, especially since what the world says is so ingrained in our minds. We may replay in our minds things people have said, or be tempted to rely on what our experience and feelings say is true rather than believe God’s Word.
Share: Are there any negative views of yourself that you find hard to overcome?
We need to learn how to renew our minds and allow God’s Word to change the way we think. Let’s practice that now by studying a part of Ephesians 1. If possible, use your own Bible to get used to studying this way.
As you read:
• Reflect on whether you truly believe it or not.
• Mark phrases that need to become part of your
thinking and choose verses to memorize later.
• Reflect on how these truths affect your life and
relationship with God.
Before we start, let’s ask God to open our minds and hearts to His truth.
Прочети Ephesians 1:3-8.
Ephesians 1:3-8
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight . . .
Discover: With what has God chosen to bless us?
A few phrases may be difficult to understand, such as: “chosen before the foundation of the world,” “predestined us,” and “according to the purpose of His will.” These imply that you are a part of God’s great plan.
Discuss: What honor and privilege come from being adopted by God?
Reflect: What does it mean to you personally that God chose you to be his adopted child?
God chose us and predestined us “in love.” We know that “God so loved the world,” but sometimes we may struggle to accept that it is true for us personally.
Reflect: Do you believe that God loves you?
Reflect: Is there anything that keeps you from accepting that the truths in Ephesians apply to you?
If you feel that “holy and blameless” cannot apply to
you, remember how we stand “in Christ.”
Discover: How did God make us holy and blameless “through Jesus Christ”?
Discover: How is grace involved in God doing this for us?
Reflect: How does it bring glory to God that He did this through Christ?
Think about these amazing truths: God chose us as His own before He created the world. Knowing that He would have to make us holy and blameless, He lovingly and graciously planned to provide the sacrifice of His Son in our place. In Christ we are now holy and blameless in His sight. No matter how other people see you or treat you, you are God’s dearly loved child.
Discuss: How could it affect your life if you fail to believe these truths about your identity in Christ?
Reflect: If you struggle with accepting that redemption, forgiveness, and adoption into God’s family is a gift of His grace, what needs to happen for you to let go of trying to be worthy of that gift?
TRUST GOD TO WORK HIS TRUTH IN YOU
One of our greatest challenges is a lack of trust in God. Even though we know what God’s word says, we may doubt His desire or ability to make it true for us because we know we are unworthy or we feel it all depends on us. God has declared us a new creation who benefits from what Christ has accomplished, and shares in His position, privilege, and power. Rather than seeing ourselves in terms of our own abilities, we need to shift our focus to His ability to make every part of our new identity a reality. See Romans 6:4.
Romans 6:4
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Discuss: What do you think it means to “walk in newness of life”?
Reflect: How does Christ’s power to rise from the dead assure us that He has the power to give us this new life?
In Christ we have both a new life and a new way to live. Galatians 2:20 describes how our perspective needs to change.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Discover: How are we to live our daily lives “in the flesh”?
“Live by faith” is not an empty slogan. Perhaps people have told you, “You just have to BELIEVE,” but never explained what you are to believe IN. Galatians 2:20 says we live by faith “in the Son of God.” We put our faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross, and what He promises to continue to do in us daily as we learn to trust Him.
Share: What do you know or have experienced about God that assures you that He is worthy of your trust?
KEEP YOUR MIND ON WHAT IS TRUE
The renewing of our minds also depends on our choice to view ourselves according to what God says about who we are in Christ. We need to let His truth define us. Look at Romans 6:11.
Romans 6:11
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Discover: How are you to “consider,” or view, yourself?
Reflect: What needs to happen for you to see yourself this way?
Where we choose to keep our thoughts throughout the day affects how we view ourselves.
In Colossians 3:1-3 God tells us to keep our minds fixed on the heavenly reality of who we are in Christ rather than on an earthly perspective.
Colossians 3:1-3
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Reflect: What is an example of an earthly perspective that pulls your mind away from what God has made true about you?
Sometimes we go back to our old ways of thinking about ourselves. When that happens, we should do what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:5: “take every thought captive to obey Christ.” We need to reject any wrong thinking and remind ourselves of the truth.
Reflect: What dangers do we face if our thoughts no longer obey Christ?
At times it may seem like a battle between the old way of thinking and God’s truth. God has provided spiritual armor for us, including the “belt of truth” to help us stand strong, “in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10-18). God’s Word and prayer are both defensive and offensive weapons that enable us to move forward.
Ephesians 6:10, 14
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might . . . Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness . . .
Memorizing and meditating on Scripture helps us keep His truth in our minds. Just as Jesus countered temptations by stating what was written in Scripture, we can quote God’s truth when we find ourselves tempted. For example: If you feel overwhelmed by sinful habits that you cannot seem to break, remember Romans 6:11 says that you are dead tosin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Memorize this verse, then speak it out loud to remind yourself of what is true.
Through prayer we can ask God to be at work in our lives and bring our feelings in line with His truth. As we end our time, let’s thank God for the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17-18. Let’s ask Him to confirm in our hearts how He sees us, help us embrace His truth, and renew our minds.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation . . .
GOING FORWARD
Clarify: What thoughts or questions do you have
Summarize: What have you learned about renewing your mind?
Action steps: What Scripture could you memorize to help you take your thoughts captive to the truth?
Share: Do you know anyone who would be helped by this topic? What would you share with them?
Reinforce:
As you read these verses, underline the truths that God wants you to believe about who you are in Christ.
• Ephesians 2:1-10
• Colossians 3:1-14
• 1 Peter 1:3-9
• Colossians 2:11-15
• Hebrews 10:19-23
• Ephesians 6:10-18
