July 12, 2026

Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24
Theme: God's grace doesn't simply forgive our sins—it gives us a new identity. As saints set apart for Him, we're called to surrender daily, trust Christ completely, and live in a way that reflects who we already are in Him. 

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." — Galatians 5:1

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely... Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it." — 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24

If someone asked you to describe yourself in just a few words, what would you say?

Maybe you'd mention your occupation, your family, your hobbies, or where you're from.

 Some people, however, immediately think about their weaknesses.

"I'm a failure."

"I'm not good enough."

"I've made too many mistakes."

While we all recognize that we're sinners saved by God's grace, Scripture reminds believers that our deepest identity is no longer defined by our past. It is defined by what Jesus has done for us.

That was the heart of Sunday's message: If you belong to Christ, you are a saint.

What Is a Saint?
Many people think of saints as extraordinary Christians who lived centuries ago. The New Testament, however, uses the word saints to describe ordinary believers who have trusted Christ.

A saint isn't someone who has achieved perfection.

A saint is someone who has been set apart by God (Hebrews 10:10).

When Jesus saves us, He doesn't simply forgive our sins. He gives us a brand-new identity.

We become His children.

We become His workmanship.

We become temples of the Holy Spirit.

We become saints.

Identity Before Behavior
One of the most important biblical principles is that identity always comes before obedience.

God doesn't say:
"Live perfectly, and then I'll accept you."

Instead, He says:
"You belong to Me. Now live like My child."

That's a tremendous difference.

The Christian life isn't driven by guilt.
It's motivated by grace.

Our obedience becomes a joyful response to God's love rather than an attempt to earn it.

Two Words That Can Change Your Week
Dr. Woodward gave us two practical words to remember.

Surrender.
Every day presents opportunities to choose our own way or God's way.

Surrender means placing our plans, ambitions, fears, and decisions into God's hands.

Like Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, we learn to say,
"Not my will, but Yours be done."

Trust.
Surrender alone isn't enough.

We also trust Christ to provide the strength we don't possess ourselves.

Galatians 2:20 reminds us that Christ now lives in every believer.

We're not called to imitate Jesus in our own strength.

We're invited to let Jesus live His life through us.

Living Differently
Because our identity has changed, our lives should begin to change as well.

Not overnight.

Not perfectly.

But steadily.

God continues His work of sanctifying us—making us more like Jesus.

That transformation affects how we speak.

How we forgive.

How we serve.

How we treat our families.

How we respond under pressure.

How we love people who are difficult to love.

The world may not understand why Christians choose humility over pride or forgiveness over revenge, but those choices reveal the character of Christ living within us.

The Good News
Perhaps you've stumbled recently.

Maybe you've failed in ways that leave you wondering whether God can still use you.

Remember this:
Your failures do not erase your identity.

When we sin, we confess it, welcome God's forgiveness, and continue walking with Him.

We don't remain trapped by shame because our standing before God rests on Christ—not our performance.

Living This Week as a Saint
As you begin each morning this week, pause and pray:
"Lord, thank You for making me Your child. Help me surrender to You today. Help me trust You to live through me. May my life reflect the grace You've shown me."

Because when we remember who we are in Christ, it changes how we live.

And that changes everything.

Keep these talking points nearby as you rewatch Pastor Terry's sermon via the link below. His sermon begins at the 35:40 mark. 

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24

Main Idea
Our identity in Christ shapes the way we live.

Big Truths

• Every believer is called a saint in the New Testament.
• We are saints because of God's grace—not because of our perfection.
• Identity always comes before behavior.
• God calls us to live differently because we belong to Him.
• Holiness is the natural response to God's grace.
• We cannot live the Christian life through willpower alone.
• The Holy Spirit empowers us to become more like Christ.

Two Words to Remember This Week
Surrender
Yield your plans, attitudes, and desires to Christ daily.

Trust
Depend on Jesus to live His life through you.

Weekly Challenge
Each morning, begin your day by praying:
"Lord, today I surrender to You. Help me trust You and live according to who You say I am."

Memory Verse
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely... Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it." —1 Thessalonians 5:23–24

LIVING AS SAINTS

Opening Prayer
Ask God to help your group not simply gain more knowledge but experience genuine life change through His Word.

Icebreaker
Share about a time when someone believed in you before you believed in yourself.
How did that change your confidence or your actions?

Read Together
1 Thessalonians 5:23–24

You may also read:
1 Peter 1:14–16
Galatians 2:20
Romans 12:1–2
1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Key Truth
Who we believe we are in Christ affects how we live for Christ.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Looking Back
What stood out most from Sunday's message?
Was there a Scripture, illustration, or statement that stayed with you?

Digging Deeper
Dr. Woodward emphasized that every believer is a saint.
How is that different from how many people typically understand the word "saint"?
Why do you think our identity has such a powerful influence on our choices?
What are some unhealthy identities people often carry?

Examples:
My failures
My career
My past
My achievements
What others think of me

How does the gospel replace those identities?

The sermon highlighted two important words:
Surrender
Trust
Which of these comes more naturally for you?
Which is more difficult?
Why?

Romans 12 calls believers to present themselves as living sacrifices.
What might daily surrender look like in practical ways?

Galatians 2:20 teaches that Christ lives in us.
How is depending on Christ different from simply trying harder?

Personal Application
What area of your life needs greater surrender this week?
What promise from Scripture will help you trust God more completely?

Weekly Challenge
Each morning before your feet hit the floor, pray:
"Lord, today I surrender to You.
Help me trust You.
Help me live like who You say I already am."

Prayer Requests
Take time to pray specifically for one another, asking God to strengthen each person to live confidently in their identity in Christ throughout the coming week.