An Irreplaceable Identity

All of us are plagued with an identity crisis from birth: an identity of sin. This identity crisis puts us at enmity with God. Jesus Christ, however, has freed us from this identity crisis and given us an irreplaceable identity: an identity in Christ. 

Luke 16:19-31

The Rich Man and Lazarus

19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house - 28 for I have five brothers - so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. What is the greatest gift you have received?

2. Read Romans 5:12-21. What is the result of this one man’s (Adam’s) sin? How does that compare to the free gift of Christ?

3. Now in our parable, Luke 16:19-31, compare the identities of the rich man and Lazarus. Where do you see the effects of Adam’s sin? And where do you see the effect of the new identity we have in Christ?

 4. What will you do with the gift of a new identity in Christ?

For Families with Kids

1. What is the best gift you have ever received? Why was it special? 

2. Read Romans 5:12-21 together. What happened when Adam disobeyed God? How did Adam’s sin affect all people?

3. What did Jesus do for us that Adam could not do? What gift does Jesus give to everyone who trusts in Him?

4. The Bible says God’s grace is a free gift. What does it mean that we cannot earn God’s forgiveness, but Jesus gives it to us anyway?

5. When you remember that Jesus has forgiven you and loves you, how can you share His love with your family, friends, or classmates this week?