Part 1 - Identity

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and they say, "Hey, so tell me your story.” I know I have. What they're ultimately asking is "WHO ARE YOU? And Why are you who you are? What's your identity?"

STEP OUT OF THE SHADOW

In the film Zach and Eli have been living under the burden of feeling like their past story was also going to be their future identity. Yet in a moment of realization together, they began to understand that though they can't rewrite the past, it doesn't have to be the pen that guides their future pages.

That's exactly what it's like for us. The story that you have told yourself over and over in your life doesn't have to be your lasting Identity.

FROM SAUL TO PAUL

The Apostle Paul knew very well what it was like to have God rewrite the story of his life. For a big part of his life he went by the name Saul, and his story was that he was born as a high level Jew, destined to be trained as a leader of the Pharisees. He leaned into it, and he was good at it. Ultimately to the point where he killed many Jews that began to follow the teachings of Jesus. His story shaped his identity.

But after encountering Jesus, he was given a new story to write, and more importantly a new identity. The same passion that he had when he was fighting against Christians, was now the same passion he had as he fought for Christians. Because of Paul, the gospel of Jesus Christ spread throughout the world at exponential rates. He leaned into the belief that he shares with us that no matter what our past is, God makes all things work for the good of those who love him.

In your life, whether it’s things you've done, or things that have been done to you, your story is not finished, and your identity is not done being formed. God intends for good in your life. He created you with purpose and on purpose! He can use your life's story to impact the world.

VERSES

Romans 8:28

2 Corinthians 5:17

Psalm 139:13-14

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

In your own words, how would you describe identity?

Do you feel like our identity is something that can change?

Why is it dangerous to connect our identities to a story about our lives that we feel is negative?

What is an example of someone you know who’s identity has been changed by Jesus?

What are ways that we can allow God to begin rewriting our stories and transforming our identity?