WEEK 2 – ILLUMINATING THE WAY GOD SEES US
HOW GOD SEES US
Video: Image of God (2)
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First things first! God wants to transform your broken past and make something beautiful of your future. Artists make a mosaic by breaking tiles, glass, clay or other materials and then putting them back together again in an even more beautiful arrangement. We can be individuals who are beautifully broken- like a mosaic! The very first step to experience this transformation is asking Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. If you haven’t ever prayed this prayer, or feel like you want to pray it again to recommit your life, this is your opportunity!
Be sure to tell your leaders that you just made the most important decision of your life and, if its in your heart, ask them to pray with you!
Prayer of salvation:
Father, I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and I believe in my heart that You have raised Him from the dead. I make Him Lord of my life right now. I turn away from my past life. Thank you for forgiving me of all my sin. Thank you for making me a new creation in You, Jesus. Holy Spirit lead me in the way, be my teacher. I commit my life to you. In Jesús name. Amen.
This week we’re going to focus on How God Sees Us. Many times, we unintentionally and unconsciously mix the Biblical Truths about how God sees us with:
our own view of ourselves, positive or negative
what we’ve heard, learned or experienced from others
families
spouses
role models
church leaders
friends
unbelievers
other influencers
Satan wants nothing more than for us to listen to ungodly voices that speak death rather than life. Often we give these voices too much authority in our lives and we start to believe the lies. Our extreme thoughts, both negative and positive, about our image can become idols. How? When we make these ungodly thoughts more important than God. These layers of idolatry can only be torn down when we understand the truth of how God created us, how He sees us and what He’s done for us.
This past week you spent time reflecting on events in your life that have possibly shaped or distorted your view of God and/or God’s heart toward you. Before we have been set free of our past, it can be very painful to think about. You may have struggled with past hurts and other emotions this week. The timeline you created will be your tool for healing during these next several weeks. We’ll refer back to it, so keep adding events as they come to your mind and don’t be afraid! The Bible tells us that
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.” I John 4:18 NIV
Because God loves you with a perfect love, you can overcome your feelings of fear, anxiety and rejection! You are here because God wants you to know that the painful mistakes and heart wounds of the past were NOT what He wanted for you. His plan and His heart for you is to bring you prosperity and give you peace and hope for the future.
”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV
We are going to spend time together, as in one spirit, uplifting & supporting each other, going back to where our image of God was distorted. We are going to tell ourselves a new truth about God and His purposes and we’re going to process events from the past through the lens of healing. We’re asking you to be brave and attentive to what God is speaking to you. He will show you the areas of your life that need His perfect love.
The following words or phrases describe how God sees us once we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior. Another way to say that is that the 10 statements below tell us who we are in Christ - who we are once we have asked Jesus Christ to give us new life. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Then, being sensitive to His leading, choose 3 of the statements below that you need to claim for your life.
I am a Child of God (Romans 8:16)
I am Forgiven (Colossians 1:13-14)
I am Justified (Romans 5:1)
I am a new creature (2 Corinthians 6:11)
I am a Partaker of His Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4)
I am Led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14)
I am Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might (Ephesians 6:10)
I am an heir of God & a Joint Heir with Jesus (Romans 8:17)
I am an Inheritor of Eternal Life (1 John 5:11-12)
I am the Light of the World (Matthew 5:14)
ACTIVITY & DISCUSSION
Think back to your relationship with your parents or other influencers and life givers between the time you were conceived (ask your parents or relatives) through your teens. Try to think objectively about your perception of how they raised you. Consider the balance between the positive and negative events and interactions. Be ready to share your observations with the group.