Katie Ridd So often, we put our hope in things that will never truly satisfy us. Join us in welcoming Katie Ridd back as she helps us see what it looks like to find our true hope and identity in Jesus.
PASSAGE | Ephesians 2:1-10 & Colossians 3:1-17
Ephesians 2:1-10 ESV
[1] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— [3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— [6] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Colossians 3:1-17 NIV
[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. [5] Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. [6] Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. [7] You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. [8] But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. [9] Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. [15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [16] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. [17] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In your years growing up, what kinds of things did you draw your identity from? How has that changed since you have come to college? [or since the last major transition in your life?]
Read Ephesians 2:1-10
Katie mentioned that before coming to know Jesus, she put her hope in everything except God leading to sadness, discomfort, and anxiety.
Before coming to know Jesus, what kinds of things did you put your hope in? (or what kinds of things do you see other people putting their hope in?) What were the results in your life? (or their life?)
According to this passage, what does God do to change our identity? Katie mentioned the prodigal son story, how despite his rebellion the Father readily accepted the son back into the family and threw a party for him.
How would it change your outlook about life if you really believed that God loves you in the same way and that he wants to throw you a party because of who you are in Jesus?
Consider the reality that you are someone who reflects God’s image, that you are his representative on earth, that you are set apart for works that make an eternal impact.
• How would it change you if you fully embraced this as being true of you? How would it change your actions, your doubts, your struggles, your relationships, etc.?
Read Colossians 3:1-17
Why are we tempted to live according to the earthly qualities listed in verses 5-9?
From verses 12-17, list the qualities we will enjoy when we put on our new identity in him. How do these differ from the earthly qualities of the previous list?
Katie talked about how replacing the clothing of our old self with the new clothes of our identity in Jesus is a process. How have you experienced frustration in that transforming process? How does it change your outlook to know that God fully loves you at every step in that process?
According to this passage, how are our relationships with each other important in living out this new identity?
Pray together, praising the Lord for the new identity he has given you and asking him to help you experience the fullness of his love and to love each other as a reflection of your identity in him.