Follow-Up Study Guide To:

 

A New Name

Part 1 of 4 in the series “Brand New”                        

January 6, 2008                                                 Pastor Scott Oldenburgh

 

RESEARCH THE MEANING OF YOUR NAME

 

Ê     Did you find it to be significant? Worthless? Accurate?

Ê     Can you remember why or how you received your name?

 

THINK BACK THROUGH THE EVENTS OF YOUR LIFE

 

Ê     Have there been examples of times in which you brought pride or honor to your name?  List some of them.

Ê     Have there been times in which you brought dishonor or shame to your name?

Ê     In your opinion what lasts the longer when it is attached to your name? Why do you think that is?

 

READ I PETER 2:9-10

 

Ê     What does God remind us of when it comes to our identity?

Ê     What were we before we had God in our lives?

Ê     What is different because of God?

Ê     Think about where you think your life would be without God in it.   What would be the reputation of your name?

 

READ EPHESIANS 4:24 AND COLOSSIANS 3:10

 

Ê     Both of these passages talk about “putting on” or “taking action” in this new identity or name.  What is our responsibility in living up to this new identity?

Ê     What is the purpose of living up to this new name?

 

READ EPHESIANS 2:9

 

Ê     Are we saved by our actions?

Ê     If we are saved by grace, then why is it necessary to live for God’s glory and bring honor to His name?

Ê     Overall in the world, what do you think the name or reputation of Christian is?

Ê     What about the local church?

Ê     Why or how did God’s people earn this reputation?

 

READ BACK THROUGH ACTS 2 AND ACTS 11

 

Ê     What was different about the people that would wear the name of “Christian”?

Ê     What did they spend their energy, resources, and efforts doing?

Ê     What practical application does that have to the modern day church?

Ê     What is the best way that you think the church can reclaim a name of honor in its local community?

 

STARTING WITH YOUR LIFE GROUP, BEGIN TO MAKE THIS A POINT OF DISCUSSION

 

Ê     What can we begin to do in our Life Groups that would focus on our community?

Ê     What can we begin to do in our ministry groups that would focus on living up to the second chance we have received?

 

Spend some time this week in prayer thanking God for the second chance opportunities in your life. Thank Him for your new name and identity. Ask Him to clarify areas of your life in which you can mature and grow in bringing honor to His name and His church. Pray for ways that your Life Group can reclaim the name of Christian in the local community.