IDENTITY

PREAMBLE

As we studied the book of Habakkuk last month the woes of chapter 2 were directed to various ones that we would not instinctively identify with, for instance, that who builds his realm by unjust gain, and worse, another who builds a city with bloodshed. The immediate tendency is for us to believe that actually the prophet is pointing to somebody else, not me. And in that way, may be even join Habakkuk to say, “Woe to them who...” But are we sure those woes are not potentially ours collectively as a nation and may be even as individuals?

This month we want to reach inside of us, turn the search light of God’s Word on ourselves as we meditate on our identity. “Who am I?” we should ask ourselves. “What is my social identity?” “What are my values?” “Whose am I?”

STUDY ONE                            WEEK OF FEB 25th

SOCIAL IDENTITY: WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?

Our first study in this series on identity deals with the idea of our social identity by focusing on neighbourliness. We have witnessed cases where neighbours have arisen against each other; no doubt many of these neighbours are Christians. Now, then, who did Jesus identify as a neighbour? And how are we, as Christians, to respond to our neighbours?

Read: Luke 10:25-37 (Neighbourliness)

Observe:

1. What does the ‘expert in law’ ask Jesus?

2. What is Jesus’s response?

3. How do the characters in this passage respond to the different situations that confront them?

Digest:

4. What was the problem with the Levite, the Priest and the expert in law in their understanding of what a neighbour is?

Apply:

5. How have you been like any of the characters in this parable?

Read: Luke 6:27-36 (Responding in Love)

Observe:

6. From this passage, who are referred to as enemies?

7. How does Jesus teach His disciples to treat their enemies?

Digest:

8. Using this passage, and your understanding of the parable of the Samaritan, how would you differentiate between a neighbour and an enemy?

Apply:

9. In your country, how have people departed from the teaching of Christ about neighbours and enemies?

 Memory Verse

Luke 6:32 “If you love those who love, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.” (NIV) Luke 6:32

STUDY TWO                                                         WEEK OF MAR 3rd

MATERIAL (POSSESSION) IDENTITY: CREATION FACTOR

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse: Luke 6:32]

This weeks study is addressed to an issue that has brought conflict in many a country--the sharing of resources. For instance, issues related to wealth and its distribution have been a bone of contention in Kenya for some time now and as long-term solutions are sought a biblical perspective needs to be established. The church is in a unique position to influence the equitable distribution of national wealth through our membership. But an understanding and adoption of the biblical concept of wealth is paramount for Christians if we are to be the salt and light in our society.

Read: Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.

Read Numbers 33:50-34:29

Observe:

1. How did God instruct Moses to distribute the land He was giving to the Israelites as an inheritance?

2. To whom did God instruct Moses to give the responsibility of distributing/dividing the land?

3. Which families were going to be allotted land?

Digest:

4. How did God address the issue of potential inequality and bias in the division of land among the 9˝ tribes?

5. Why was God specific about the boundaries of the land they were getting as an inheritance?

6. How was each tribe to view God’s role in the land they were to take possession of?

Apply:

7. What should be our attitude towards our possessions?

8. Following today’s study what do you hope to change in your approach to possession and materials?

Memory Verse: Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” (NIV) Psalm 24:1

STUDY THREE WEEK OF MAR 10^th

MATERIAL (POSSESSION) IDENTITY: STEWARDSHIP FACTOR

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse: Psalm 24:1]

This second part of the study on material identity nails down the role of the individual Christian. Reference back to the creation mandate of Genesis 1:28-30 would be a useful backstop even as this study uses the perspective given in Matthew’s gospel. Man as a steward is called upon to use creation for his/her benefit, but all biblical teachings point to the need for faithfulness in handling what God has put to our disposal. How are we as stewards of what God has entrusted to us?

1. How and according to what criteria were the talents given out to the servants?

2. Describe what the servants did with the talents during their master’s absence?

3. How did the master respond to the various reports the servants gave on his return?

4. In the context of this teaching what is your understanding of verse 29?

5. In relation to Gen. 1:28-30 what do you think was the problem with the man who was given one talent?

6. What are the consequences of bad stewardship?

7. What is your understanding of good stewardship from this study?

8. Share with your group on one thing (e.g. time,money, child etc.) that you think you have been a bad steward of.

9. Mention one thing that you think your group or church or nation has particularly been a bad steward of.

“For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”

(NIV) Matthew 25:29

STUDY FOUR                                                           WEEK OF MAR 17th    

PERSONAL IDENTITY:  WHOSE AM I?

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse: Matthew 25:29]

As a way of applying what we have studied so far on the theme of identity, this week we turn the searchlight on ourselves as individual persons—our personal identity and belonging. Unless a person confronts himself or herself concerning the inner issues of life it will be difficult for him or her to appreciate others let alone help them.

Read:  1 Corinthians 12:12-27;  cf. Romans 7:1-25

Observe:

1.  What are the functions of the parts of the body, mentioned in this passage, in relation to the whole body?

2.  How has God made these parts to function as one human body?

3.  How does the Church function function like the human body?

4.  Who does the Church belong to?

Digest:

5.  How is the identity and function of each part of the body as important as any other?

6.   What is your concept and understanding of the body from this passage?

7.  From this passage what sense of belonging would you develop that would encourage harmony in the church and possibly the nation?

8.  What would happen in the church/nation if there is confusion over the issue of belonging and individual identity?

STUDY FIVE                                                                     WEEK OF MAR 24th   

IDENTITY OF THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY:  CORE VALUES

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse:  1 Corinthians 12:12]

This is a foundational topic, which concludes this series by challenging us who identify ourselves with Christianity to seriously reflect on the issue of core values.  The question that begs for an answer is, “What are the core values of the Christian Community?”  “What must distinguish Christians from others?” Let’s search the Scriptures.

Read:  Philippians 2:1-16;  cf. Colossians 3:12-17

Observe:

1.  In each of these passages, what does Paul encourage his readers to do?

2.  What attributes of Jesus did Paul encourage his readers to have?

3.  What is it, in the attitude of Christ that the Christians, both in Philippi and Colossae should emulate?

Digest:

4.  What do you think Paul means by a) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ” Phil 2:5 and b) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” Col 3:16?

5.  Why do you think that each of the values required by Paul of Christians and that Christ exhibited are so important especially where there is conflict?

Apply:

6.  As a disciple of Christ, what values and attitudes do you need to work on?

7.  What values have you seen exhibited in your group and group members in their walk with Christ?