TRUTH, IDENTITY & CALLING

Theme: You don’t find your identity by looking inward — you receive it by following Jesus. Jesus Focus: (Jesus renames Simon as Peter) Paul Focus: (new creation + God’s workmanship)

Week 4 Leader Guide (Teaching Outline)

(1) The Hook Question — 3 minutes

Ask:

“Who gets to tell you who you really are: God, culture, friends, or your feelings?”

Follow-ups if needed:

“What labels do teens feel stuck with?” (athlete, nerd, weird, hot, problem kid, anxious, popular, failure)

“What’s one label you secretly fear?”

“What’s one label you wish you had?”

Leader note: Don’t force anyone to share personal stuff. Keep it safe. Big Question: Who gets to tell you who you are?

(2) The Jesus Snapshot — 5 minutes

Read/retell: Matthew 16:13–19 (especially vv. 15–18)

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

Key points in teen language:

Jesus asks: “Who do you say I am?” (not “who do others say?”)

Peter answers: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus responds by giving Peter a new identity: “You are Peter (rock).”

Peter wasn’t perfect, but Jesus spoke purpose over him anyway.

Ask:

“Why do you think Jesus asked the disciples who they say He is?”

“What’s the difference between your identity being something you build vs. something you receive?”

“Why would Jesus rename someone?” (new direction, new calling)

Core Truth (one sentence): 👉 When you know who Jesus is, you start to learn who you are. Jesus asked: “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered: “You are the Messiah.” Then Jesus gave him a new identity: “You are Peter (rock).”

Truth: When you know who Jesus is, you start to know who you are.

(3) The Paul Connection — 5 minutes

Use these two anchors:

2 Corinthians 5:17

17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. Explain: you’re not stuck as “who you were” — Jesus gives a new start.

In Christ, you are a new creation.

Ephesians 2:10

10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

We are God’s masterpiece/workmanship, created for good works. Explain: you’re not random; you’re designed with purpose.

Ask:

“What’s the difference between a label and an identity?”

“What changes when your identity is based on Jesus instead of people’s opinions?”

“How can someone be ‘new’ but still have struggles?” (new direction, ongoing growth)

Bridge line: 👉 Jesus gives a new name and direction. Paul explains: in Christ, you’re new and you’re made on purpose.

You are God’s workmanship, created on purpose.

Truth: Your identity isn’t earned — it’s received in Christ.

(4) Real-Life Lens — 10 minutes

Choose 2–3 lanes based on your room.

Social Media / Comparison

“How many of you feel better or worse about yourself after scrolling?”

“What identity do you try to project online?”

“What would change if you cared more about God’s voice than comments?”

Friend Groups / Fitting In

“Do you change versions of yourself depending on who you’re around?”

“What’s the cost of trying to be liked by everyone?”

“What does it look like to be secure in Christ at school?”

Stress/Anxiety

“When anxiety hits, what does it say about you?” (you’re alone, not enough, failing)

“What does Jesus say?” (I’m with you, you belong, you’re loved)

Key distinction: feelings are real, but they aren’t always true.

Sexuality / Identity (handled wisely, not graphic)

“Culture says identity is self-defined and always changing.”

“Jesus offers a stable identity: loved, forgiven, called.”

“How does it affect your life when identity is stable vs. fragile?”

Future / Calling

“Calling isn’t just a job — it’s how you live as a follower of Jesus where you are right now.”

“What are ‘good works’ a student can do?” (encourage, serve, include, forgive, integrity)

Key Insight (say it clearly): 👉 If your identity comes from people, it will change whenever people change. But if your identity comes from Jesus, it can hold you steady.

What label do teens feel pressured to live under?

What voice is loudest for you most days? (circle one) Friends Social Media Culture Feelings God’s Word

(5) One Takeaway Challenge — 1 minute

Challenge: Replace one false label with one true identity statement from Scripture this week.

Give examples to pick from:

“In Christ, I am a new creation.” (2 Cor 5:17)

“I am God’s workmanship, created on purpose.” (Eph 2:10)

“I belong to Jesus.” (simple, true)

Action step (simple):

Write it on a note / phone wallpaper and read it daily.

When you feel the old label rise up, say the truth out loud.

Close line: “Jesus doesn’t just forgive you — He reforms you.” Reminder: If your identity comes from people, it will change. If it comes from Jesus, it can hold you steady.