Here’s a breakdown of the sermon by Tim Heath:

Main Point: This sermon emphasizes the true identity of Christians as defined by God, contrasting it with the often-limiting and misleading identities imposed by society. The sermon focuses on who Christians are, promising to address why they are who they are in a subsequent sermon.

Key Scripture Passages:

• Ephesians 4:11 (Spiritual gifts)
• Deuteronomy 28:13 (Head and not the tail)
• Luke 10:19-20 (Power over the enemy)
• Matthew 5:13-14 (Salt and light)
• Genesis 1:3 (Let there be light)
• John 1:1 (In the beginning was the Word)
• 1 Peter 2:9 (Chosen generation, royal priesthood)
• Romans 8:17 (Heirs of God)
• John 15:13 (Greater love has no man)
• Ephesians 2:10 (His workmanship)
• Genesis 1:26 (Man in our image)
• Genesis 2:7 (Formed man of dust)

Supporting Points and Illustrations:

1. Societal Labels vs. God’s Definition: Tim contrasts the world’s tendency to categorize people based on external factors (race, socioeconomic status, education, etc.) with God’s view of believers as His children, possessing inherent worth and power. He argues that societal labels can lead to psychological distress, while understanding one’s identity in Christ brings freedom and purpose.
   
2. Authority and Power: Citing Deuteronomy 28:13 and Luke 10:19-20, Tim emphasizes the authority and spiritual power believers have through Christ. He encourages them to recognize and embrace this power, reminding them they are “the head and not the tail.”
   
3. Salt and Light: Referencing Matthew 5:13-14, Tim explains the significance of believers being called “salt and light.” He connects this to Genesis 1:3, highlighting the importance of light as God’s first creation, symbolizing the transformative impact Christians should have on the world.
   
4. Chosen, Royal, Holy, Peculiar: Tim unpacks 1 Peter 2:9, emphasizing the unique identity of believers as a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people.” He stresses the true meaning of royalty as a spiritual designation bestowed by God.
   
5. Heirs and Friends of God: Drawing from Romans 8:17 and John 15:13, Tim describes believers as heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, entitled to an eternal inheritance. He also portrays them as friends of God, emphasizing the intimacy and closeness God desires with His children. He uses the example of a mother-daughter relationship (his niece and her mother) to illustrate this point.
   
6. God’s Workmanship: Using Ephesians 2:10, Tim describes believers as God’s “workmanship,” meticulously crafted and imbued with His breath of life (Genesis 1:26, 2:7). He uses the analogy of a master carpenter, linking it to Jesus’ profession, to illustrate God’s careful and intentional creation of humanity.

Conclusion: Tim concludes by summarizing the various aspects of the Christian identity discussed throughout the sermon, urging listeners to internalize these truths and reject the world’s limiting definitions. He reinforces the idea that believers are God’s most cherished creation, formed with His own hands and filled with His breath.