Study Questions for October 11, 2026

Our Supreme Reality by Reid Schultheis
Read John 1:10-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; and Hebrews 10:25.

1. Reid opens by re-stating the series premise that humans are "embodied souls, uniquely created to be like God, who sin and suffer." He highlights that a biblical "saint" isn't an exceptional historical figure or just a kindly neighbor, but anyone who is in Christ. How does defining "saint" as your actual identity in Christ change how you view yourself in your daily life?
2. Read John 1:10-13. Reid speaks of the "great divide" running through humanity—separating those who are enemies of God from those who are endeared to God as His children. How does a person cross this divide from enemy to child through justification and adoption?
3. In discussing justification, Reid references founding pastor David Niednagel’s classic description of justification as "the great swap"—our sin placed on Christ, and His righteousness credited to us. How does remembering this "great swap" give you confidence when you feel unworthy or guilty?
4. Reid shares the story of Michael Reagan, the adopted son of President Ronald Reagan, who had to undergo a long journey of unlearning false stories about being unwanted or unchosen once he entered his new family. What false narratives or past insecurities are you most tempted to believe about yourself instead of what God says is true about you?
5. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Reid points out that in the original language, Paul wrote this entire passage as one unbroken sentence, overwhelmed with emotion and praise. Which specific spiritual blessing listed in these verses (such as being chosen before creation, adopted with pleasure, redeemed by His blood, or sealed with the Spirit) stands out most to you right now, and why?
6. In verse 4, Paul states that God chose us in Christ to be "holy and without fault in his eyes." Why is there often a gap between what we know factually in Scripture and what we actually believe deep down about how God views us?
7. Read Hebrews 10:25. Reid emphasizes that humans are an incredibly forgetful people who quickly lose sight of who they are, especially during seasons of pain or suffering. How does gathering regularly with your church family help counteract this "spiritual amnesia"?
8. Reid warns against viewing other believers narrowly through a single lens—seeing them only as "sinners" or "sufferers" rather than primarily as "saints." He shares a story of a father who refused to encourage his son because he saw him only as a sinner. How can viewing fellow Christians strictly through the lens of their mistakes damage relationships and community?
9. On the flip side, Reid cautions that we shouldn't handle sin lightly by using our identity as saints to ignore practical repentance or necessary consequences. Why is a balanced approach—treating people as saints, sufferers, and sinners—essential for true spiritual care?
10. The sermon concludes with two charges: "Rest in your supreme reality" and "Remind other believers about their supreme reality." Who in your life or small group needs a gentle, intentional reminder this week of who they are in Christ?
11. Close in Prayer: Thank the Father for adopting us into His family, pouring out His rich grace, and sealing us with the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to help you rest deeply in your supreme reality as a saint and to give you the wisdom and opportunity to encourage others with this truth this week.

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Analogy for Understanding: Resting in our supreme reality is like an adopted child learning to live in a loving home after years in an orphanage. The legal adoption happens in an instant, but unlearning old habits, fears, and false stories of being unwanted takes time. Focusing only on daily failures keeps us living like spiritual orphans, but looking to the Father's declaration in Ephesians 1 reminds us that we are fully chosen, deeply loved, and granted an inheritance that can never be taken away. Our calling as fellow saints is to walk alongside one another in the house, gently pointing out the Father's promises whenever someone forgets who they truly are.