21 Jan First Things First | Part 2 “A Healthy Soul Keeps You Whole”
“A HEATLY SOUL KEEPS YOU WHOLE”
Key Verse: Matthew 16
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR HEART AND YOUR SOUL?
THE HEART IS WHAT YOU WANT (DESIRES).
THE SOUL IS WHO YOU ARE (IDENTITY).
(there is you and then there is the real you)
We need to deny what we want. We improperly root our existence in what we are now, not our true identity in Christ. We turn things we want into our identity, but we are not built that way.
When Jesus asked the question ‘But who do you say that I am’? Peter was the only one that knew. Only Jesus can reveal to us the sovereign work of God. Once Peter knew who he was in Christ, then Jesus gives him assignment and purpose. When we know who Jesus is, life makes sense. Our activity flows through our identity.
But, Peter was looking at what opportunity would be in it for him (pride). He was basing who he was on what he could do instead of basing what he could do on who he was in Christ.
Q. What examples can you share where you had based who you are on what you have accomplished? How did this change after you realized your identity in Christ?
POINT 1: CHASING WHAT I WANT CAN COST ME WHO I AM.
Matthew 16:25-26 ESV
We have a tendency to chase things or people and think that once we have them, then our life will be worth something. We are to root our soul in Jesus and what He has made us. There is no price we can put on our being. We cannot build a life on what we accomplish. We should not profit and lose who we are.
Q. What are some things (or people) that you have desired and thought that once you got them (or reached that certain point) you would be significant? What did trying to achieve these things cost you?
What we want will pass away. We need to root our lives in eternal things.
POINT 2: WHO I AM IS CAPTURED IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST.
Matthew 16:21-24 ESV
He is the Son and was sent for us. We don’t have to chase the things of this world. Christ is in us. The cross is more than just a good example, it is the price Jesus paid for our souls. We cannot give enough, but Jesus can.
THREE IDENTIFIABLE REALITIES FOR CHRISTIANS:
1: I AM A SINNER WHO NEEDS TO BE SAVED.
2: I AM GOD’S CHILD WHOM JESUS PURCHASED WITH HIS BLOOD.
3: I AM CHRIST’S FOLLOWER CALLED TO CHANGE.
We are to come as we are, but we should not want to stay that way. Commit to God’s word daily and let Him speak to your soul.
Q. At what point in your life did you realize you needed a Savior and how has He changed you? (Leader: if you have non-believers in your group then add – ‘If you have not reached that point yet, then what do you think salvation is based on and how can change happen for you without it?’).
POINT 3. WHEN MY IDENTITY IS CAPTURED IN CHRIST, MY IDENTITY IS FREE TO LIVE FOR CHRIST.
We don’t need to worry about what others think of us. We don’t need people to like us. We need to stop trying to perform for others. He called us and he is faithful and will complete the work in us.
Q. Have you ever lived vicariously through someone else’s life and why?
Pray for each other, the lost, campuses, nation and leaders.
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