Big Idea

Following Jesus in his way of being human means learning to resist temptation by grounding our identity in God.

Scripture

Luke 4:1-13, Hebrews 2:17-18

Ice Breaker

What is one human experience you have a hard time picturing Jesus experiencing?

Opening Thought

Today, we are talking about grounding our identity in God. What do you think it means to place our identity in something or someone?

Bible Discussion

1. Read Hebrews 2:17-18. What do you notice? What are your thoughts on Jesus’ ability to relate to your temptation?
2. Read Luke 4:1-7. What do you notice about Jesus’ temptations? How similar/dissimilar are they to yours?

Life Application

3. Throughout the Scripture, we see the human tendency toward confusion around our identity in God and Christ. Why do you think that is such a recurring theme and reality?
4. In Luke 4, we find the following temptations:

a. The Performance Lie; the belief that “I am what I do”. How do you see that playing out in the world? How do you see it playing out in your life?
b. The Power Lie; the belief that “I am the power I wield”. How do you see this playing out in the world today? How do you see it playing out in your life?
c. The Popularity Lie; the belief that “I am what others think”. How do you see it playing out in the world today? How do you see it playing out in your life?

5. How would God characterize your identity in Jesus? How could we remind ourselves and others of our identity in Christ?

Challenge

Like Jesus in the desert, we can experience victory against the lies and temptations of the evil one when we ground ourselves in who we are. Take the rest of the group time to ground yourselves in your identity by reflecting on Scripture. Take a deep breath and get comfortable. As you read these passages, ask the Holy Spirit to impress the truth of your identity, your beloved-ness on your heart. These statements are what’s true of you:

• “to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
• “You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22).
• For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)
• 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. (Ephesians 2:10)
• I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:15)
• Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7)
• For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6)