BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Scott continue the Identity series by focusing on redemption, not as behavior management, but as restoration to God’s original design. They explore how redemption is not merely forgiveness of sin, but a reclaiming of purpose, desire, and identity—freeing us to live as God intended from the beginning. This episode challenges reductionistic views of redemption and invites listeners into Spirit-empowered transformation that reshapes how we think, live, and relate.
— EPISODE CHAPTERS —
(00:00) Redeemed to God’s Design
The conversation opens by reframing redemption as being restored to how God originally designed humanity—good, relational, and empowered—rather than merely being rescued from wrongdoing.
(18:07) Desire, Design, and Distortion
Attention turns to how desires themselves are not sinful, but become distorted when disconnected from God’s design, shaping unhealthy habits, beliefs, and identity.
(35:48) Transformation Beyond Behavior
This section explores how true transformation goes deeper than behavior modification, addressing thought patterns, motivations, and identity through ongoing submission to the Spirit.
(59:29) Activation Steps
This episode closes with an invitation to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where redemption has been reduced to rule-following and to embrace restoration into God’s original design.
— EPISODE LINKS —
• Bookshelf | Identity Booklet
— EPISODE NOTES —
WE’RE REDEEMED TO LIVE HOW GOD ORIGINALLY DESIGNED
Ephesians 2.1-5; Isaiah 43.1; Romans 6.16-18; 8.10-11; 2 Corinthians 5.21; Galatians 3.13-14; 4.6-7; Colossians 1.13-14; Titus 3.4-7
We were created by God and belong to Him. Yet when we gave ourselves to sin, we became enslaved to death and in need of redemption. Jesus paid that debt with his life, freeing us from sin’s power and restoring us relationally to the Father. Through his resurrection, he gave us the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us. Now, we learn daily what it means to live as the Father’s redeemed children — trusting, growing, and walking closely with Him.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
What helps you live like you truly belong to God — trusting that you’ve been redeemed, empowered by the Spirit, and reconciled within His family?
REDEEMED AND BEING MADE NEW
Ephesians 4.20-24; Romans 12.1-3; Galatians 5.16-26; 2 Corinthians 5.17
When we accept the Father’s forgiveness, the Holy Spirit begins the work of redemption in our mind, will, and emotions. Though our soul is made new immediately, our habit and mind transformation continues as we walk in step with Him. Trusting the Spirit above our emotions, abilities, and desires, we develop new, life-giving habits — “fruit.” These fruits are not achieved through effort — us “trying harder” or “doing better” — but are the natural by-product of abiding in Him.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
Using The Fruit of the Spirit handout (click here to view/download) from the book, UnLove: What fruit seems to be the easiest for you to trust the Holy Spirit to produce? What fruit appears to be the most difficult for you to trust the Holy Spirit to produce?
PRUNED TO BEAR FRUIT
John 15.1-8; Romans 12.2; 2 Corinthians 5.17; Galatians 6.15; Colossians 3.10
Pruning is the process of removing dead, fruitless, or unnecessary attitudes, thoughts, habits, or beliefs from our life. The Father lovingly prunes what hinders our growth so we can bear Spirit-filled fruit. Pruning removes dead or unfruitful attitudes, thoughts, and habits that choke out life. He often uses frustrating people or painful situations to renew our minds and strengthen our trust in Him. Submitting to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and empowerment produces visible fruit — the evidence of a renewed mind and a transformed life.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
What has pruning looked like in your life?
ACTIVATION STEPS
From this study, prayerfully walk through the following steps:
WALK IN REDEMPTION & FRUITFULNESS
(Galatians 5.22-23)
Fruit grows naturally when we stay connected to the source of Life and the Living Water — the Holy Spirit. Fruit is simply the by-product of release and Spirit-led living.
Ask the Holy Spirit: Which fruit are You currently trying to cultivate in me right now? How am I hindering this natural growth from occurring?
