Words of Wisdom, Part 3: Free to be, the “Real You”
July 6, 2025

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Message Review

In Week 3 of Words of Wisdom, Jamie Hunt taught about identity and what it means to be free to live as the “real you.” Most of us live from labels, some positive, others painful, shaped by our experiences, our past, or what others have said about us. But those labels can distort our view of ourselves and keep us from living fully. Jamie reminded us that if we follow Jesus, we’re not defined by those labels. We are a new creation in Him. God offers us the opportunity to shred our false identities and receive the truth about who we are in Christ. The invitation? Let God transform your identity and set you free to live as He created you to be.

Main Point: You are not the sum total of your life’s experiences; you are what God says you are in Christ.

Scripture References: John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:5-6; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 1:9; 1 John 4:18; Ephesians 1:6; Psalm 42:5

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the following Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (Use the Bible Overview to learn the context)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage? What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was the author’s original intent in this passage? What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you want to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon?

  • What are some of the most common ways people define themselves, positively or negatively?

  • Have you ever struggled to see yourself beyond a specific role, achievement, failure, or hurt? Why is it so hard to see ourselves apart from those experiences?

  • What kind of labels do you think our culture encourages people to put on themselves? How does that compare to how God defines us?

  • Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. What does it mean to be a “new creation” in Christ? What changes when we embrace this truth?

  • Read Galatians 2:20. How does this verse describe the transformation of identity for someone who follows Jesus?

  • Jamie mentioned several verses tied to negative identities we may carry. Read the following and talk about how that truth can replace these false identities: 1 John 1:9 (shame), 1 John 4:18 (fear), Ephesians 1:6 (rejection), or Psalm 42:5 (depression).

  • Read Ephesians 2:5–6. What does this say about where our value and identity ultimately come from?

  • Think about your own “name tag”—what words or labels are you currently living out of? Which of those may not reflect who you truly are in Christ?

  • Jamie said, “God desires to shred those labeling lies and replace them with His truth.” What would it look like for you to begin living from God’s truth about you this week?

  • Who or what defines your identity?

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.