That Label Doesn't Fit You AnymoreSýnishorn

Labels can either empower or marginalize us. They can be self-proclaimed or given to us by others. The labels that matter the most in our lives are the ones given to us by God. This study explores the labels with which we live, the labels we can change, and the labels that call us to everything God designed us to be.

Many of us tend to walk through the seasons of our lives covered in labels that have been placed on us – either directly or indirectly - by others. In Matthew 16, Jesus is talking to Simon Peter and he asks a confronting question about his own identity. Simon Peter answers correctly and Jesus affirms him, but then Jesus goes beyond Simon Peter’s response to speak life over him. He affirms that Simon Peter’s revelation was from his Father in Heaven; Jesus gives Simon Peter a new name, a new purpose, and a new authority. When we encounter Jesus, things change within us and around us. The labels given by others are replaced by Truth.

Questions:

1. What are some labels you were given in your upbringing, in the past or even in recent seasons? Are these labels true and do you believe they fit you?

2. How do you see labels working positively or negatively in the lives of those around you?

3. How can we give new labels to the things in our world that need an upgrade?