Rooted: Identity, Family, and Purpose in Christ - 1

Who You are Before What You Do

Big Idea

Before we do anything for God, Paul reminds us of who we already are in Christ. Our identity, our belonging, and our purpose are gifts—not achievements.

1. Rooted in Identity (vv. 1–4)

Ephesians 1:1–4 NASB95

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love

Key Truth

Our identity is not something we earn or discover—it is something we receive in Christ.

Observations

Paul addresses ordinary believers as “saints” (v.1)

We are chosen, holy, and blameless in Christ

God’s motivation is love, not obligation

Adoption is intentional, not accidental

Discussion Questions

What words or labels tend to define people today (career, mistakes, family role, past)?

How does being called a “saint” challenge how you think about yourself?

Why is it important that God chose us before we could prove ourselves?

How does adoption differ from simply being “tolerated” or “allowed in”?

👉 Application: What false identity might God be inviting you to release this week?

2. Rooted in Family (vv. 5–10)

Ephesians 1:5–10 NASB95

5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him

Key Truth

In Christ, we are not just forgiven—we are fully welcomed into God’s family.

Observations

Adoption means full rights, full inheritance, full belonging

Redemption (v.7) speaks to freedom from bondage

Grace is described as lavished, not rationed

God’s family has a future plan and direction

Discussion Questions

What makes family complicated or painful for many people today?

How does God’s definition of family differ from human experience?

What does it mean to you personally to be “redeemed”?

How might understanding grace as “lavished” change how we treat others?

👉 Application: Where do you struggle most to believe you truly belong in God’s family?

3. Rooted in Purpose (vv. 11–14)

Ephesians 1:11–14 NASB95

11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Key Truth

Our purpose flows out of who we are and whose we are—not pressure or performance.

Observations

Our lives fit into God’s larger redemptive plan

The Holy Spirit is a seal (security) and guarantee (future hope)

Purpose includes reflecting God’s glory now and forever

God finishes what He starts

Discussion Questions

How do people commonly define “purpose” today?

How does knowing God is in control bring comfort or challenge?

What does it mean that the Spirit is a guarantee, not just a feeling?

How does eternal perspective shape everyday decisions?

👉 Application: Where might God be calling you to trust His purpose instead of forcing your own plan?

Bringing It Home

Reflection

Identity: I am chosen and loved

Family: I belong and am adopted

Purpose: My life matters in God’s plan

Closing Question

Which of these—identity, family, or purpose—do you feel least rooted in right now?

Prayer Prompt

Invite participants to thank God for one truth from the passage they need to believe more deeply this week.