TAKEAWAY: Prayer is not just speaking, but hearing rightly from God.

HEAD CHANGE: God's affirmation of Jesus at His baptism reveals three crucial truths: "This is my beloved Son" (I love you), "this is my Son" (You're my child) and "with whom I am well pleased" (I'm pleased with you.)

HEART CHANGE: In Christ, believers can claim these same truths about their identity.

LIFE CHANGE: Jesus overcame temptations based on His secure identity in God. The three main categories of temptation: Provision, Popularity, and Power.

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The Foundation of Prayer 

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the transformative power of God's love and our identity in Christ. The central story revolves around Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3, where God the Father declares, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.' This pivotal moment sets the foundation for Jesus' ministry and serves as a profound example for us. We're encouraged to embrace three key truths: we are loved, we are children of God, and God is pleased with us - not because of our performance, but because of our identity in Christ. This message challenges us to live from a place of victory, knowing our worth comes from God's affirmation, not the world's approval. As we face life's pressures, we're called to remember our true identity, allowing God's love to fill us and sustain us through every challenge.​

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How does understanding prayer as "hearing rightly" change your approach to prayer?

2. Reflect on the three affirmations God made about Jesus. Which one resonates most with you and why?
3. How might truly believing you are loved, a child of God, and pleasing to Him impact your daily life?
4. How does knowing your identity in Christ help you overcome temptations or pressures in life?

 

PRAYER:  As we conclude this week's devotional, we're reminded of our calling to share the good news of Christ's victory. Reflect on Jesus' final words to His disciples. Consider someone in your life who needs to hear about God's love and Christ's victory and how can you practically demonstrate and share this good news with them this week. Pray for boldness and opportunities to be a bearer of God's love and victory to those around you.

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“Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.  After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Matthew 3:13-17

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