ID: Identity Theft

Series: ID
Identity Theft by John Burke - March 11, 2007

We’ve got a new series – but we still have a common theme: Freedom. In the last series it was about financial freedom, and this series talks about our freedom to be who God intended us to be. In this first message in the series, John talks about how we often go through life acting like someone different from what God made us to be. So let’s start there.

Most of us have had times where we were supposed to pretend that we’re someone we're not – in a play, a skit, or a costume party. But as John pointed out, there are many other unintended times in our lives when we act like we are someone different from our real selves. Sometimes we know exactly what we are doing, sometimes we are vaguely aware that we are putting on an act, and sometimes we don’t even realize what’s going on. Let’s explore some of these situations.

1. Think back on the last week or two: Can you identify a specific situation where you were “pretending” and you know it: (i.e. you were trying to act more “expert”, more “with-it”, more “caring”, “richer”, more “competent”, or more whatever…). Think about the situation for a minute – when, where, what, and then try to identify WHY you were putting on the act. What made you want people to see you differently than what you are (or think you are), or why you wanted to be different than who you are? Take a few minutes and share with others. Try to keep a list of all the different “whys” that turn us into actors. Do any of those “whys” stick out as ones that tend to make you an actor? (10 minutes)

Spiritual check (just something to think about): Did God know what was true about you in that situation, whether others did or not? (I HOPE you said yes…. If not, check out the Bible verses from John’s message listed below.)

OK – the situation above was one where you knew what was happening and why you were acting, but sometimes it’s not all so clear. Since the goal here is to understand our REAL ID – the one that God knows, we’ll focus the rest of our questions on getting in touch with what is true about us and what might be an act we are not aware of.

2. Now, let’s try to get a picture of what we think is true about ourselves. Take 2 – 3 minutes and write down as many words as you can that describe you. Now, note the three you think are most “YOU” and go around and share your three "you-words". (10 minutes)

3. In the message today, John shared his own “Personal Timeline” and urged us to begin one for ourselves as a way to get in a sense of our real ID. (Refer to the Exercise which was handed out on Sunday, or download the PDF here.) So let’s give it a start. Take a few minutes to think, and then write down the five important points in your life – don’t worry if they are not monumental or “the MOST important ones”… use just what comes to mind. Now think about whether they were “positive” points or “negative” points. Now, make a note for each one about what made the positive points good and the negative points bad. Particularly note any pattern there. Take some time to share ONE of these points and what about it was positive or negative (and if there is relevant pattern there, note that if you wish). (15 minutes)

4. Now, look at your two lists… the lists of “you” words and the list of important life points: For each life point, see if you can put one (or more) of the “you words” next to that point? Now in your group – go around quickly and say what “you word” fit with the event you had noted in the last question. (5 minutes)

5. John pointed out that some of the things we know about ourselves are true, and some are “lies” we learned because others told us something that was different from the truth that God knows. Take a look at your you-words – and try the following: Put a circle around any that you think might not be “true” from God’s point of view. Check to see whether there were any of those words that were linked to one of your life events. Share any insight you get on that as you have time in the group. (5 - 10 minutes)

6. Finally spend some time thinking about the other possible “lies” in the other you-words you noted. Can you think of any important times in your life where each those words/ideas were used by you or someone else about you? Just write those down to take away with you. Also, write down a time during the coming week when you can take 30 minutes to work more on your timeline - to identify more key moments and lessons. Please be sure to ask God to give you His perspective on what are both the truths and lies about the way He made you.

Scripture verses from the message:

“This is what the LORD says--he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid.”
Isaiah 44:2

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."
Jeremiah 1:5

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””
John 8:31-32

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God.”
Ephesians 4:22-24

Related Next-Step Resources:

• To Be Told - Know Your Story Shape Your Future by Dan Allender

• Boundaries: When to Say Yes and When to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud

(both available at Gateway's Bookstore)

• Sunday messages available at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive (Sunday messages usually available by the following Tuesday)
• Message Handout - ID Timeline (PDF format)