Converge 2023 Breakout Session
Each of us must decide how we will determine the identity of God and ourselves. With many options out there, on what foundation will you stand?
Everyone has a standard (even if they’ve never considered what it is).
Standards
My standard will come from:
- Inside Me – Feelings
- Beside Me – Culture
- Behind Me – Traditions
- Above Me – Scripture
Matthew 16:13-23
Confession (13-20)
- Regardless of what others believe about Jesus, each of us has to decide for ourselves.
- Truth is not invented by us; it is revealed by God.
- Jesus built His church on the truth – not an opinion.
Confrontation (21-23)
- Peter envisioned Jesus to be the victor – not the victim.
- If dissatisfied with Jesus, Satan will tempt us to redefine His identity and alter His activity.
- Since God made us in His image, don’t attempt to repay the favor by remaking Him in ours.
A War of Worldviews
Which One Sounds More Like You?
God | Satan | |
Who is God? | The Creator of All | A concept to advance my agenda |
Who has authority? | God has unrivaled authority | We are our own authority |
Who am I? | I’m a child of God | I am my own god |
What can I do? | Whatever brings glory to God | Whatever feels good to me |
Who makes the rules? | God’s Word is our true instructions | Everyone decides their own rules |
God upholds truth, Satan distorts it, and our alignment determines to whom our allegiance lies.
Case Studies
- How will I respond to cultural debates?
- How will I determine who is God and who am I?
You can operate by feelings inside you, collaborate with the culture beside you, repeat the traditions behind you, or submit to the truth above you.
My identity must be defined by the One who created me and saved me.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.