There are two themes in this sermon: who the Gospel says you are, and who the Gospel says God is. There are many influences around us telling us who we are. It’s important to know if these voices are right. Consider the Gospel and its call on your life. Find your identity in the Gospel. Christianity is a converting religion--we can be changed and transformed through Christ. Do you take seriously the claims of the Gospel in your life? Continue to press into the truths of the Gospel among the voices and influences. The Gospel is the power of God to transform us. Paul writes his letter to Timothy exhausted from living in this world but he moves his attention away from the world and gives thanks for the Lord for giving him strength. Remind yourself of who you are in Christ when you’re exhausted. The world and our own minds will continue to remind us who we aren’t. This leads to unrest. Paul was able to experience present blessing because of past experiences and grace throughout his life. When we are faced with trials and mistakes, remember that we have received grace and mercy from God. Stand upon the truth that Christ came into the world to save sinners. Rest upon this truth. Our Good Shepherd guides and keeps us. Acknowledge your continual need for the Shepherd. Life will be unfulfilling and joyless if we take on a lesser view of who we are in Christ. See that your life is to be used to display the love of Christ to this world.