Growing Faith 2. Identity in Christ 2.2 Renew Your Mind: Embracing Your New Identity

What did you discover in the last conversation that changes how you answer the question, “Who am I?”

What are some aspects of how God sees you that may be difficult for you to accept?

Romans 12:2 explains that there are things that hinder us from embracing God’s truth and allowing it to change our lives. One version of this verse says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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Discover: What can hinder us from embracing the truth of who we are in Christ?

Reflect: Why is it difficult to change what we think?

KNOW AND ACCEPT GOD'S TRUTH

Our willingness to embrace the identity God has given to us is essential for our transformation. Rather than relying on our feelings or the opinions of others, we need to know what God says about us, trust Him, and accept it as true.

Ephesians 1 lists many truths about who we are in Christ. They are so incredible that we may struggle with accepting them, especially since what the world says is so ingrained in our minds. We may replay in our minds things people have said, or be tempted to rely on what our experience and feelings say is true rather than believe God’s Word.

Share: Are there any negative views of yourself that you find hard to overcome?

We need to learn how to renew our minds and allow God’s Word to change the way we think. Let’s practice that now by studying a part of Ephesians 1. If possible, use your own Bible to get used to studying this way.

As you read:

• Reflect on whether you truly believe it or not.

• Mark phrases that need to become part of your
thinking and choose verses to memorize later.

• Reflect on how these truths affect your life and
relationship with God.

Before we start, let’s ask God to open our minds and hearts to His truth.

Read Ephesians 1:3-8.

Ephesians 1:3-8

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight . . .

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Discover: With what has God chosen to bless us?

A few phrases may be difficult to understand, such as: “chosen before the foundation of the world,” “predestined us,” and “according to the purpose of His will.” These imply that you are a part of God’s great plan.

Discuss: What honor and privilege come from being adopted by God?

Reflect: What does it mean to you personally that God chose you to be his adopted child?

God chose us and predestined us “in love.” We know that “God so loved the world,” but sometimes we may struggle to accept that it is true for us personally.

Reflect: Do you believe that God loves you?

Reflect: Is there anything that keeps you from accepting that the truths in Ephesians apply to you?