Identity in the New Covenant, Who Am I in Christ? And Why Is That Not Theory?

Part 1: For the Home Group Leader, leading & impulse

Goal of the session: participants should recognize that their identity does not rest on performance or past, but on what Christ has accomplished. It is not about religious behavior, but about a new nature, received in the New Covenant. ⏱ approx. 60-75 minutes Preparation:

2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; Romans 6; Colossians 3:1-4

Key verse:

2 Corinthians 5:17, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Opening, ask the circle:

Short impulse: identity, not earned, but received

1. Identity is a gift, not a goal

In the New Covenant you do not "someday" become someone. You are now a new creation, because you are in Christ.

2. You no longer live, Christ lives in you

Galatians 2:20: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."

No longer "I try to please", but: "I am loved, reconciled, sent."

3. Identity shows itself in thinking & acting

Romans 12:2, "Be transformed by the renewal of your mind…" What I believe shows itself in my daily life.

4. Unmask old patterns, embrace new truth

📖 Lies like "I am not enough", "I can't do it" are relics of the old nature. Truth says: "I am a child of God" (Romans 8:16), "I am able" (Philippians 4:13), "I am accepted" (Eph 1:6).

Part 2: participant folder

Which truth about me is hard for me to believe?

What does a day look like when I live "out of identity" instead of out of duty?

How can I practically try this tomorrow? Exercise: writing truth-notes Write 3 sentences about your identity in Christ, beginning with:

"I am …" (e.g. loved / called / pure / able / free / …). These can be shared or taken along.

"Which 'I-am' statement feels new or unfamiliar to you?"

"Where do you want to start thinking differently, about yourself?"

Part 3: What comes now?, concrete suggestion

1. Speak identity-truths

Every morning speak 1-2 sentences out loud: "I am in Christ …" → e.g. "I am accepted. I am no longer a slave of fear. I am a child."

2. Read & mark Romans 8

Mark everything that is said about your standing before God.

3. Mini-challenge:

This week, tell someone what you are in Christ, e.g. in a conversation: "I am honestly glad I know: I am loved, not because of performance."

📖 Print out Bible passages (Col 3, Rom 8, 2 Cor 5, Gal 2)

Pens & paper. Optional: small identity cards to take along (I am …)