Fighting From Identity

Look Back

What results did you see from reminding yourself daily that Jesus is with you in the fight you have been waging?

Look Up

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

1. What promise does Paul make in verse 17 and who does it apply to?
2. What does it mean to be “in” Christ? Why does Paul use this phrase and what does it mean to you personally?
3. What are the implications of being a “new creation”? How have you experienced this in your life and what new outcomes came from your new identity?
4. What important reminders are found in verse 18 and how do they impact our efforts to “be” a better person?

Read Ephesians 4:20-24 and Genesis 1:27

1. How does Paul describe the process for coming to “know” Christ verse 21? How does this apply to people today?
2. What does Paul say are the outcomes of knowing and being in Christ in verses 23 and 24? What role does our identity in Christ play?
3. How is “putting on a new self” different from developing new habits? Which have you been focusing on and why?
4. How easy is it for you to recognize and accept the fact that you were created by God to be like Jesus?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

Consider every temptation this week as an opportunity – not to prove yourself, but to improve yourself by practicing who you already are in Christ. When temptation hits, and it will, say out loud “I don’t do that anymore. That’s not who I am, I am a new creation – not because I am perfect, but because I am like Jesus.”

Notes

We should not fight “for” our identity, but fight “from” it. We were made in the image of God and have been designed to be like Jesus. We do not become holy by our habits – we are holy because of Christ’s righteousness. The key steps in transformation are to accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, and allowing Him to change our identity and desires. We need to accept and focus on our new identity in Christ, not new habits. This is the difference between willpower and transformation.