Identity 3

Identity shattered when I got married

I knew my identity as a student

I knew my identity as a boyfriend

But when i tried to wear that costume, After getting married, it didnt work.

The past selves werent my identity anymore. God had called me to my bride.

We try on alot of armor…

Fits

Filters

The way we talk in the hallway vs at home

They work until they dont…

At some point who you pretend to be gets reallllly heavy

When a breakup happens, or you get ghosted, or you dont make the team, the costume cant carry you

Background on Samuel - Build up to david/goliath

1 Samuel 17:38–40 “Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”

A few thoughts

“I cannot go in these” - We can not battle for God in armor that doesnt fit

You cant serve your friend group, and share the gospel

You cant serve your boyfriend/girlfriend, and share the gospel

You cant serve your extra curricular, and share the gospel

“So he took them off” - Do we have the boldness to shed our “Fake Armor”?

In front of the King, David takes a stand. Not out of defiance, but boldness.

God wasnt asking David to be Saul, He wanted David to be David.

God isnt asking you to be (Your popular friend, a prof. athlete, an influenecr, etc.)

David put on his identity in God

God wants you to be you - and he doesnt ask much (John 6:28–29 “Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”” )

APPLY

Fake Armor Exercise

On a notecard, or your notes app, write out 3-4 pieces of fake armor in your life (someone your trying to be, a persona, a filter, pressure you have been putting on yourself)

Then write down 3 things that DO fit (A strength, an interest, a quiet gift, a way you serve)

If you dont know this part, ask your small group leader, myself, or your parents.

Choose one piece to take off from the first list

Choose one piece to “Put on” or “Step into” from the second list

Accountability - Dont do it alone

Bring to each interaction the Holy Spirit truly acting through you.

Dont forget who you are, and more importantly WHOS you are.

God didnt call you to be a copy of someone or something.

Have the courage to stop performing and just see what God can do with you and your identity.

Pray.