We are all on a different journey through life and we are all unique, individuals. Who we are and how we view ourselves has big implications for how we live.
This series will explore these statements and others:
“We are not what we do. We do what we are. Our identity determines our activity.” Mark Driscoll
“If you don’t know the purpose of something all you can do is misuse it.” Craig Groeschel.
These ramifications of misusing our life can become detrimental not only to us but also to those around us. The scriptures talk a lot about who we are as children of God and the importance of discovering our identity in Christ. In fact it is one of the Apostle Paul’s themes that he teaches on in many of his letters to the early church. In this series we will be looking at a portion of 2 Timothy chapter 2 where the apostle Paul encourages Timothy toward individual responsibility and identity in Christ amidst a time of collective failure.
For the next 2 months we will be looking at 7 metaphors in 2 Timothy chapter 2 where Paul calls Timothy to find a spiritual identity in Christ and how this identity brings transformation into our life and the lives of those around us:
- A Mentor- 2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
- A Soldier- 2 Timothy 2:3-4 “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs– he wants to please his commanding officer.”
- An Athlete- 2 Timothy 2:5- “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.”
- A Farmer- 2 Timothy 2:6-7- “The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the drops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all of this.”
- A Laborer- 2 Timothy 2:15- “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
- A Vessel- 2 Timothy 2:20-21- “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”
- A Servant- 2 Timothy 2:23-26- “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
Where we find our identity defines the people we are, the people we are becoming and the things we do. This why it is so important for us to discover who we are in Christ.
We hope you are able to join us for this teaching Series in June & July 2013 at Society Church. Find Directions to our Sunday Gathering HERE.
