1. Open with prayer. (2-5 min)
2. Read John 1.
3. Discuss these questions with your group. (20-45 min)
MY STORY | Vulnerability
What different roles do you play in your life? (In your family, friendships, work, school, church, etc.)?
Which one of these roles best defines you? (7-10 min)
DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. (John 1:9-11)
To what degree do the roles you play in life shape your identity?
If you have kids, or have kids in your circle of influence, how does your role-based identity impact the ways you interact with these children?
GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13)
How would your self-perception change if you prefaced any of your roles with words, “I am a child of God who [fill in the particular role].”
How does being an unconditionally-loved member of God’s family free you from your identity of being too wrapped up in what you do (or the children you are raising)?
LIVING IN 4D | Missional Living
Which of the three signs Pastor Matt mentioned comes closest to home?
You are possibly getting your identity from parenting if you have (1) a big concern about your reputation; or (2) if you place too much focus on the accomplishments of your child; or (3) if you are fixed on doing rather than being.
Have a conversation with another parent about the sign with which you struggle—and how you might put some distance between you and this tendency.
What is the one important thing you will take away from this weekend’s message or our community group discussion? Is there any challenge, difficulty or praise that you would like to share with the group for prayer?
Message Notes
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