I Am Known by Faith.

If we want to begin to live and have a sense of our identity, we must reach out to God by faith in Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can truly make us human again and gives us a sense of identity. This week we explore what it means to believe in God and how that transforms our sense of identity.

Key Passages: Genesis 15:1-6; Mark 1:15; John 1:12; 3:16-18; Romans 10:9

SERMON OUTLINE

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

What is personal identity and how is it formed?

Knowing and Being Known in the Bible

Belonging to God [Numbers 16:5; 2 Timothy 2:19]

Chosen by God [Deuteronomy 7:6; Romans 8:28-29]

Child of God [Exodus 4:22-23; Galatians 3:26; 4:4-7; John 1:12]

Responding by Faith

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Answer one of these questions:
   1. How would you define the word ‘faith’?
   2. When did you first begin to have faith in God?
2. We continue our series “Who Am I?” by looking at the idea of finding our identity through faith in God. Ask God to speak to you through His Word, and then begin the study.
3. Read Hebrews 11 aloud. How does the writer define faith in the beginning of this section of Scripture?
4. Each of the characters mentioned in Hebrews 11 are described as people of faith. Which character most catches your attention in relation to their faith. What stands out to you about them?
5. John 3:16-18 is one of the most important statements about having faith in Jesus. Read those verses aloud and summarize in your own words the basics of what is being said. What do these verses tell us about God, humanity, Jesus, and the new realities available in Him?
6. What would you say it means to have faith in Jesus as it is described in these verses? Would you say you have that sort of faith? Why or why not?
7. Now read Romans 10:9 aloud. How does the apostle Paul talk about belief or faith in this brief verse? What different aspects of our life should be touched by belief?
8. Finally, read John 1:12 aloud. What does the Apostle John tell us about our new identity through faith in Christ Jesus?
9. What do you think it means to be a child of God?
10. What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you are on your own, write it down and pray about it. If you are in a small group, take time to discuss this with one another before praying together.