Safe Space: Identity Part 2

INTRODUCTION

Standing Up Activity

Summary of Activity

What did we realize? We realized we are different. We realized we are the same. In all honesty we realized that not everyone is quite like us. Right? As much as we can have some common interests, or common likes, none of us is perfectly like another.

Although we may have Christ in out lives, and be children of God, God still made us differently. God made us uniquely. Everyone is simply put, different. We all have different stories, different likes, different personalities, different skills, different talents, different preferences, and even lead different lives.

The first week we were together we talked about what we were going to be about and part of that was making this a safe place where you can be yourself right? And last week we talked about who God has made us to be? This week we will see what God has made for us to do. Let’s look at God’s Word and see what it has to say about this purpose.

WORD

Ephesians 2:8–10 ESV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

What is grace? (Unmerited favor) - Getting something that I did not earn, or deserve.

Who supplies the grace? (God) - not us

What is our part in salvation? (faith)

Therefore, what is our purpose? (good works)

Let’s take a look at verse 10 a little more closely. We (those who are in Christ Jesus) his workmanship (literally means his masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus, for good works. (Our purpose is good works and this is the reason we were created). God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. We have a faith that requires us to move, to act, and to proclaim.

Think about this truth for a second with me. God created you and me. And if we have trusted out lives to Christ, then we have works or things we do. If God has given you differences as we saw in our activity before, then it makes sense that God has specifically given you the ability to do these works. Even better yet, God has given you these works, for you to do. Meaning no one else can do them. No one else is fit for the job. God created you to do them!!!! You are God’s vessel to use.

So many times in our life we think we aren’t good enough share our faith. We don’t have all the answers. We are too scared that we will mess up. Yet this doesn’t phase God at all, in fact God is sitting looking at you and saying I created you specifically for this good work! You are the best person for this job!!!!

CONCLUSION

In your small groups tonight I want us to think about how God has made you. What are your talents, what are your strengths. And because of them how can you live out your faith by walking in the good works God has created for you.