Last week, during Fall Kickoff – Lead Pastor Mike Rauwolf kicks off a new series by exploring the profound meaning of finding our identity in Christ. He shared insights from his recent sabbatical, challenging the cultural pressure of productivity and inviting us to rest in our true identity as God’s workmanship. Watch or listen on our website, Youtube, or your favorite podcast app!
Key Themes:
- Sabbatical & Reflection: A look at the Biblical practice of rest and renewal, and how God reveals Himself in moments of quiet.
- The Problem with Productivity: A deep dive into how the need to constantly produce can become a trap that defines our worth.
- Our Identity in Christ: Unpacking the core biblical concept that our identity comes not from our works, but from being a new creation “in Christ.”
- “In Christ” Explained: Discover how this powerful phrase, used over 118 times by Paul, means that what is true of Christ becomes true of us.
- A New Freedom: A call to find freedom by receiving our identity as a gift from God, rather than bearing the weight of trying to prove our worth.
Join us as we begin this new series and learn to embrace the freedom and peace that comes from knowing who we are “In Christ.”
Sermon Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 3:3-4
Small Group Discussion Questions
Sabbatical and Rest
Pastor Mike mentioned the struggle with feeling the need to be productive. Where do you feel this pressure in your own life? How does our culture’s emphasis on productivity conflict with the biblical principle of rest?
Have you ever experienced a time of “sabbatical” or intentional rest? What did you learn from it?
Identity
The sermon highlights that our identity comes from being God’s “workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10). What voices or sources are currently trying to define your identity? How can you filter those out and focus on what God says about you?
Pastor Mike said that our work should flow from our identity, not create it. How does this shift in perspective change how you view your job, your role as a parent, or your volunteer work?
“In Christ”
What does the phrase “in Christ” mean to you personally? What are some of the blessings or benefits of being united with Him that were mentioned in the sermon?
Pastor Mike said, “What is true of him becomes true of us.” How does this statement impact your view of your own struggles or shortcomings?
Application
The sermon asks us to reflect on where we find our identity. Take a moment to honestly consider this. Are you trying to prove your worth, or are you receiving your identity as a gift from God?
What is one small, practical step you can take this week to live out your identity as someone who is “in Christ”?