THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Now is the perfect time to start a conversation about BAPTISM. Over the next few months, our campuses will have different opportunities for individuals to take the next step in their faith journey. We believe baptism is an outward expression of an inward change that takes place in our lives after we put our faith and trust in Jesus. Baptism is an opportunity to publicly declare that Jesus is the leader of your life. To learn more about baptism at Ada Bible Church, Click HERE.
GROUP VALUES. This week, we finish up our focus on the value of BIBLICAL TRUTH. In John’s letter, he tells believers they are children of God. We, too, share that identity if we have placed our trust in Christ. Living out of this reality and the freedom it brings occurs when we spend time meditating on the Bible and the truth of how God sees us. Take a moment to reflect on Pastor Aaron’s list of our identity in Jesus from A to Z from this weekend. For Aaron’s list, click HERE.
GROW AS A LEADER. This week’s sermon touched on childhood experiences with parental love and how our identity as God’s children can bring healing. As a leader, it is important to be sensitive to the fact that some in your group may have painful stories. Create a safe space where people can share honestly without feeling pressured and be ready to offer grace and prayer. If you sense someone could use a higher level of care, don’t hesitate to reach out to your staff contact.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the final week of our series, CONFIDENT. This week, we explore our ultimate source of confidence—our identity as God’s beloved children and what that means for how we live.
ICEBREAKER
Share about your relationship with your parents or a parental figure. How has that relationship, whether positive or negative, shaped who you are today?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read 1 John 3:1-10 aloud.
What phrases or words stand out to you from the passage?
How does John describe God’s love towards us?
According to verses 3-10, how should our identity as God’s children affect the way we live?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Aaron concluded the CONFIDENT series by discussing our identity as God’s children. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
As believers, what is most true about us is that we are children of God. But if we’re honest, we often find ourselves anchoring our identity in other things instead. What do we often look to for a sense of identity and worth?
How would your life be different if you truly lived out of your identity as a loved child of God?
The apostle John uses breathtaking language to describe the love God has for us. It is a love that causes wonder. It is unconditional and self-sacrificial, seeking the highest good for us. What feelings and thoughts come to mind when you hear this?
Pastor Aaron discussed our future transformation—that we will be like Jesus in character and body (1 John 3:2). How does having this hope influence the way we handle current struggles and suffering?
As God’s children, we are “co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17) who will help God restore creation. How does this future calling give meaning to the work we do today?
We don’t purify ourselves to become God’s children, but because we already are his children. What is the difference between these two motivations, and why does it matter?
All who hope in Jesus purify themselves, just as he is pure. How can we encourage and hold one another accountable in our pursuit of righteous living?
WRAP UP
Over the past five weeks, we have explored a variety of reasons why we can be confident in our faith. In what ways have you felt encouraged or challenged in your relationship with God? What is one thing you want to hold onto from this series?