Series – Freehand: Rules for an Authentic Life

Everyone wants to be an original, not a replica of someone else. Yet, we can’t just “freehand” an original life all on our own. We can listen to other people’s ideas, but following viral TikTok trends, Instagram stories, or Facebook posts just makes us end up like everyone else.

However, there is a recipe for a truly authentic life. For thousands of years the wisdom of the Old Testament scriptures has helped people connect with their creator, follow God’s design for their lives, and live into the unique image of God in each of us.

We don’t have to figure it on our own, because God gave us the framework for an authentic life. Just like creativity is innate in everyone but expressed through training, practice, and discipline, there are rules that guide us into our best life.

Group Questions

  1. What’s a situation (silly or serious) when you were caught in a lie? What was that like?
  2. Why does it sometimes seem easier to lie or tweak the truth than to say what we mean?
  3. READ Exodus 20:16. Why do you think this was included in the 10 commandments?
  4. What do you think is behind your own motivation to sometimes avoid the truth (don’t want to upset others, or want to keep up appearances or get ahead or something like that)?
  5. What do you think the world would be like if no one lied and we always told the truth?
  6. READ John 8:44. What do you understand about the devil’s use of lies and does that impact your life?
  7. READ Proverbs 18:21. What does this mean to you? How have you seen words bring both life and death into the world?
  8. READ Colossians 3:9-10. How does growing in honesty resemble our growth in relationship with God and others?
  9. READ John 8:31-32. How have you experienced freedom in the truth? What are some areas of your life that you still to be honest about and experience freedom?
  10. Read through the list of the “I am” statements of the Bible. What stands out to you as you read them? Which statement is most reassuring to you? Which one do you have the hardest time believing?
    1. I am loved (Ephesians 3:18).
    2. I am chosen (Ephesians 1:4, 11).
    3. I am a child of God (John 1:12).
    4. I am made right (Romans 5:1).
    5. I am a friend of God (John 15:15).
    6. I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20).
    7. I am a member of Christ’s Body (1 Corinthians 12:27).
    8. I am made perfect (Philippians 1:6).
    9. I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
    10. I am hidden with Christ (Colossians 3:3).
    11. I am not afraid (2 Timothy 1:7).
    12. I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
    13. I am blessed (Ephesians 1:3).
    14. I am holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4).
    15. I am adopted (Ephesians 1:5).
    16. I am redeemed (Ephesians 1:8).
    17. I am forgiven (Ephesians 1:8; Colossians 1:14).
    18. I am made on purpose (Ephesians 1:9 & 3:11).
    19. am included (Ephesians 1:13).
    20. I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).
    21. I am a saint (Ephesians 1:18).
    22. I am the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13).
    23. I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
    24. I am chosen (John 15:1,5).
    25. I am a witness of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8).
    26. I am God’s co-worker (2 Corinthians 6:1).
    27. I am a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-20).
    28. I am alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
    29. I am raised with Christ (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12).
    30. I am seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6).
    31. I am rescued by Grace (Ephesians 2:7).
    32. I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).
    33. I close to God because of Jesus’ sacrifice (Ephesians 2:13).
    34. I am at peace (Ephesians 2:14).
    35. I am a member of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19).
    36. I am secure (Ephesians 2:20).
    37. I am a holy temple (Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 6:19).
    38. I am a dwelling for the Spirit of God (Ephesians 2:22).
    39. I am free (Ephesians 3:12).
    40. I am completed (Ephesians 3:19).
    41. I am called (Ephesians 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:9).
    42. I am forgiven (Ephesians 4:32).
    43. I am a light to others (Ephesians 5:8-9).
    44. I am strong (Ephesians 6:10).
    45. I am dead to sin (Romans 1:12).
    46. I am not alone (Hebrews 13:5).
    47. I am united with other believers (John 17:20-23).
    48. I am chosen and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12).
    49. I am blameless (I Corinthians 1:8).
    50. I am set free (Romans 8:2; John 8:32).
    51. I am a light in the world (Matthew 5:14).
    52. I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).
    53. I am the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
    54. I am safe (I John 5:18).
    55. I am part of God’s kingdom (Revelation 1:6).
    56. I am healed (I Peter 2:24).
    57. I am not condemned (Romans 8:1, 2).
    58. I am not helpless (Philippians 4:13).
    59. I am overcoming (I John 4:4).
    60. I am protected (John 10:28).
    61. I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
    62. I am delivered (Colossians 1:13).
    63. I am redeemed (Galatians 3:13).
    64. I am qualified (Colossians 1:12).
    65. I am victorious (1 Corinthians 15:57).