What Does it Mean to Be Sifted? | How The Biggest Tests Can Shape Your Identity
Peter was sifted. And if you follow Jesus, you will be too.
But the struggle doesn’t have to define you. It can be the exact thing God uses to refine you into what he wants you to be. This week, Brian Tome shows us what it means to live out the identity God has given to you.
Recorded live at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Process, journal or discuss the themes of this article - here's a few questions to get the ball rolling...
Welcome to the Weekend-Follow Up!
This is the group part of the Bible Challenge, so your questions are based on specific Bible passages from the weekend message. Each week, your group will discover what God might be saying to you, and how you can respond through a group discussion.
If you’ve ever had a nickname, share it with the group. If not, collaborate with the group to invent one (bonus points for creativity).
What stood out to you most from the message?
When you think about the word identity, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
What’s your response when you hear that God wants to adopt you into his spiritual family, without you doing anything?
Read Luke 22:31-32.
Have you ever felt like you’ve been sifted, or that Satan has messed with your identity? What was it like?
Why do you think Satan wants you to stay in our old identity instead of your new one in Jesus? (Want a little help? See John 10:10.) How have you seen this play out in your life?
Which one do you think you struggle with the most: Satan playing with your identity, or that you start to drift from your identity?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17.
What are some ways you can fight to believe in who God says you are? If you’re still unsure about following Jesus, what are some ways you can process this?
What’s one step you can take this week to lean into your identity in Jesus?
Let’s end our time praying together. You can say something like;
“Jesus, just like you were patient with Peter, thank you for being patient with us. Help us to visualize and trust in the identity that you have for us. To fight against Satan, and to fight for new life. In the identity and character of your name we pray, amen.”
More from the Weekend
Bonus Questions
- What are some things right now that make it difficult to live into the new identity Jesus has for you?
- In Luke 22:32, Jesus asks Peter to “strengthen his brothers” once he lives into his identity. What can you do to strengthen those around you? How can you help them live into their identity?
May 17, 2026 • 1 hr 10 mins 34 sec
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