Discovering our Identity Lesson #3

 Discovering our approval in God

 

Intro: What is (or was) your least favorite subject in school or college?

 

Study

  1. 2 Cor 5:17, John 3:3 When we accept Jesus as our savior, we begin a completely new life in Christ, we start the journey of discovering our true identity.
    1. 2 Thess 3:16 One of the most important aspects of discovering our true identity in God is discovering our approval can only come from our relationship with Christ.
      1. Psalms 118:8, Ecc 12:1 Many people seek approval through others, through friendships and through dating relationships.
      2. Col 3:2 While others seek the sense of approval through a certain image, lifestyle, accomplishment, position, or through material possessions.
    2. Ps 37:4 Many people can even become codependent on friendships or a dating relationship, where they don’t even feel complete without another person.
  2. Gal 1:10, James 1:15 When we seek approval outside of God we will always be left feeling disappointed, incomplete and empty.
    1. Gen 1:27 God created each of us in his image, and designed each of us to feel complete only when we find our approval and identity in Christ.
      1. Exodus 20:2 If we are unwilling to let go of a relationship or any thing else that we find our approval in, then we know it comes before God in our lives.
      2. Matt 6:33 We need to seek God first in our lives, when we put God above all else, God promises that he will take care of every need that we have.
    2. 1 Thess 2:4, 2 Cor 5:17 As we seek our approval in God we will find immense peace, blessing, satisfaction, purpose, and sense of our true identity in Christ.

 

Discussion

  1. Who has an example of a time when you searched for approval through others or in the things of the world but were greatly disappointed?
  2. What are some of the main things that youth and young adults look to for approval outside of God?
  3. Why can it be so difficult at times for us to look to God for our approval in stead of looking to others and to the things of the world?
  4. Is there anyone here tonight who needs to let go of a relationship or something else that is coming between you and God? if so what is it?

 

 

End: Pray for any who need to get saved, or rededicate their lives to Christ, then pray for any who need to find their approval in God, then take requests.