Scripture References: Ephesians 1:1-8, 5:8, Romans 8:15, 1 Corinthians 13

Intro:

• Recap of identity series, highlighting the struggle to find true identity in the world.
• The gospel as a gift of new, heaven-sent identity.
• The four-part gospel: God's identity, God's actions, our new labels, and our resulting actions.
• Focus on the identity of being "children of God" (adoption).

Key Points:

• The Orphan Heart:
  • The world, without Christ, is marked by "orphan-heartedness": a sense of aloneness and insecurity.
  • Even Christians can functionally live with an "orphan mindset."
  • Signs of an orphan outlook: 
    • Seeing God as a taskmaster.
    • Self-reliance and independence.
    • Addiction to human approval.
    • Service motivated by personal achievement.
    • Low self-image and self-rejection.
    • Seeking comfort in counterfeit affections.
    • Competitive and jealous peer relationships.
    • Accusing and tearing down others.
• Adoption and Sonship:
  • God's pleasure and will in adopting us as His children.
  • Adoption as a one-way act of God's grace and responsibility.
  • The security and permanence of our identity as children of God.
  • The freedom from the "fixer" and "achiever" mindsets.
  • The difference between being a father and being a son.
  • God's desire to give us good things.
  • The importance of feeling God's affirmation.
• Living as Children of Light:
  • We are now "light in the Lord" (Eph. 5:8).
  • This new identity should shape our actions.
  • God is patient, and we should be patient with ourselves.
  • The royalty that we have in Christ.
  • God has taken away the spirit of fear, and given us the spirit of adoption.

Conclusion:

• The gospel transforms our identity from orphans to children of God.
• This identity brings freedom from fear, control, and performance-based living.
• God's affirmation and pleasure in us are central to our new identity.
• Our identity is in Christ, not in our own actions.

Call to Action:

• Reflect on any "orphan-hearted" tendencies in your life.
• Embrace your identity as a child of God, trusting in His love and provision.
• Release the need to "fix" or "achieve" in your own strength.
• Seek God's affirmation and delight in His presence.
• Live in the light of your royal identity.
• Give your burdens to God.

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