Lessons from Daddy Issues

Daddy Issues - Discovering Your True Identity in Christ
Opening Prayer

Begin your time together by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and reveal truth about who God is and who you are in Christ.

Ice Breaker (5-10 minutes)

Question: Share about someone who was an authority figure in your life (parent, coach, teacher, pastor). What positive or negative impact did they have on how you viewed God?

Key Takeaways from the Sermon
We are made in God's image - Our identity comes from who God is, not from our experiences with imperfect authority figures
God is holy by nature - He doesn't try to be holy; holiness is His essence
We must be transformed - Unlike God who IS holy, we must actively pursue holiness through the renewing of our minds
Jesus is the exact image of God - To know what God is truly like, look at Jesus
Our spirit is already perfected - Though our flesh struggles, our born-again spirit is pure and holy

Discussion Questions
Understanding God's True Nature (15-20 minutes)

How has your image of God been shaped by imperfect authority figures in your life? What misconceptions about God did you develop as a result?

Read Colossians 1:15 and Hebrews 1:3. What do these verses teach us about Jesus being the "exact imprint" of God's nature? How does this change your understanding of what God is really like?

The pastor said, "God is holy - He's not trying to be holy. He just IS holy." What's the difference between God's nature and our calling to be holy? Why is this distinction important?

Discovering Your Identity (15-20 minutes)

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. What does it mean practically that you are a "new creation"? If your spirit is already perfected, why do you still struggle with sin?

The sermon mentioned that we often define ourselves by what we do (athlete, salesperson, farmer, etc.). What worldly identities have you attached to yourself? How does your identity in Christ supersede all of these?

Share about a time when you felt like a failure or experienced deep disappointment. How does understanding your true identity in Christ help you move forward from past failures?

Transformation vs. Conformation (15-20 minutes)

Read Romans 12:1-2. What does it mean to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice"? What are practical ways you can do this in your daily life?

The pastor said, "Sin should appall you. It shouldn't be entertaining." Is there an area of sin in your life that still entertains you rather than repulses you? What does this reveal about that area of your heart?

"Be transformed by the renewal of your mind." What are you currently feeding your mind? How much time do you spend in God's Word compared to news, social media, or entertainment?

The Spirit vs. The Flesh (10-15 minutes)

The pastor shared his vision of seeing his spirit man - full of joy, peace, and forgiveness with no bitterness or anxiety. How does knowing this is your true spiritual reality change how you view yourself and your struggles?

Read Galatians 5:16-17. What's the battle between your perfected spirit and your undisciplined flesh? How can you "walk by the Spirit" more consistently?

Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge

Choose ONE of the following to implement this week:

Option 1: Morning Transformation

Start each morning with Scripture before checking your phone, news, or social media
Spend 15-20 minutes reading the Bible and declaring your identity in Christ

Option 2: Identity Audit

Write down all the ways you typically identify yourself (job, roles, achievements, failures)
Cross out each one and write "Child of God" over them
Keep this paper visible as a reminder of your true identity

Option 3: Forgiveness Exercise

Make a list of authority figures who hurt, disappointed, or failed you
Prayerfully forgive each one, releasing them from your judgment
Ask God to reveal His true nature to you apart from their failures

Option 4: Sin Inventory

Identify one area of sin that still "entertains" you rather than repulses you
Confess it to God and at least one trusted person in this group
Create a practical plan to "put to death" this area of your flesh
Group Activity (Optional - 10 minutes)

Scripture Memory

Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

Pray together as a group:

Thank God for revealing His true nature through Jesus
Ask for healing from broken images of authority figures
Pray for transformation through the renewing of minds
Declare your identity as children of God made in His image
Ask for strength to walk in holiness and sanctification
Before Next Week
Complete your chosen practical application
Share with the group how God is transforming your understanding of His nature and your identity
Pray for each other throughout the week regarding the specific struggles shared
Leader Notes
Be sensitive to those who may have experienced abuse or trauma from authority figures
Create a safe space for vulnerability and confession
Remind the group that transformation is a process, not instant perfection
Emphasize grace while also calling people to the active pursuit of holiness
Be prepared to pray for individuals who need healing from past wounds