#84 | Identity Issues | Romans 8:16 | The Great 8

#84 | Identity Issues | Romans 8:16 | The Great 8

One of the greatest battles you'll ever fight isn't a battle of circumstances—it's a battle of identity. Everybody has an identity. The question is: where did you get yours? Some people build their identity on success. Others build it on relationships, achievements, popularity, appearance, or performance. But when your identity is built on something temporary, it becomes unstable. The moment that thing disappears, your sense of worth begins to disappear with it. That's why Romans 8:16 is such good news: "The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children." The Holy Spirit isn't just leading believers. He's continually reminding believers who they are. In a world full of labels and an enemy full of lies, the Spirit speaks a better word. He reminds us that our identity is not found in what we do, what happened to us, or what others say about us. Our identity is found in whose we are. In this episode, we unpack three powerful truths about identity: 1. The World Gives Labels — Culture, success, failure, relationships, and other people's opinions are constantly trying to define who you are. 2. The Enemy Gives Lies — Satan can't change your salvation, so he attacks your identity. His goal is to make sons live like orphans. 3. The Spirit Gives Identity — The Spirit continually affirms what the gospel has already declared: you belong to God, you are loved, and you are His child. We'll also discuss why insecurity is often rooted in misplaced identity, how to recognize the lies you've been believing, and why the loudest voice in your life will ultimately determine how you see yourself. Because identity is not achieved. Identity is received. Key Scripture: Romans 8:16 (CSB) Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2599435/fan_mail/new] Book Derek Griffon to Speak at your next event  https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite [https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite]

#83 | Abba Father | Romans 8:15 | The Great 8

One of the most powerful words in all of Romans 8 is only one word long: Abba. Paul could have called God King, Judge, Creator, or Sovereign—and every one of those titles would be true. But when he reaches into the depths of what the gospel accomplishes, he chooses a different word. A family word. A relational word. A word filled with intimacy, security, and belonging: "Abba, Father." For many people, the idea of God as Father is difficult. Some grew up without a father. Others experienced fathers who were distant, harsh, absent, or impossible to please. And whether we realize it or not, we often project those experiences onto God. We assume He's disappointed, distant, frustrated, or waiting for us to prove ourselves. But Romans 8:15 tells a different story. Because of Jesus, you don't approach God as a slave. You approach Him as a son or daughter. The gospel didn't simply save you from hell—it brought you home. It didn't just change your destination—it changed your relationship. Through Christ, the God who created the universe invites you to call Him Father. In this episode, we unpack three powerful truths about Abba Father: 1. Abba Means Intimacy — Christianity isn't about knowing facts about God. It's about knowing God personally and relationally. 2. Abba Means Access — Sons don't earn access. They inherit access. Jesus has already opened the door to the Father. 3. Abba Means Security — You don't have to wonder if you belong. The Father's love is rooted in His character, not your performance. We'll also discuss how the gospel heals fear, insecurity, rejection, and loneliness by reminding us of who God is and whose we are. Because the gospel didn't just open heaven's gates. It opened the Father's arms. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2599435/fan_mail/new] Book Derek Griffon to Speak at your next event  https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite [https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite]

#82 | Don't Fall Back | Romans 8:15 | The Great 8

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to fall back into fear, shame, insecurity, and performance-based Christianity? In Romans 8:15, Paul reminds believers that we have not received "a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear." Yet many Christians who have been genuinely saved still struggle with a slave mentality. They know they're forgiven, but they don't feel forgiven. They know they're free, but they still live in fear. They know they're sons and daughters of God, but they keep thinking like spiritual orphans. Like Israel after the Exodus, many believers have been delivered from bondage but still carry the mindset of bondage. In this episode, we expose one of the enemy's favorite tactics: convincing free people to keep living like slaves. Paul reminds us that the Gospel doesn't just change where we're going—it changes who we are. We no longer have to perform for God's acceptance, earn His love, or live terrified of losing His favor. In Christ, we have been adopted into the family of God, and sons live differently than slaves. In this episode, we'll unpack: 1. Fear Keeps You Looking Back. A slave mentality always longs for Egypt. Fear causes us to doubt God's goodness, question His promises, and run back to old ways of thinking. 2. Sons Live From Acceptance Slaves work for approval. Sons work from approval. The Gospel frees us from striving and teaches us to rest in what Christ has already accomplished. 3. You Don't Have to Fall Back. God didn't set you free so you could return to bondage. Through the Spirit, believers can walk forward in confidence, freedom, and their new identity in Christ. The truth is, freedom is hard to enjoy when you still think like a slave. But because of Jesus, you don't have to fall back into fear. You can live as the son or daughter God says you are. Freedom is hard to enjoy when you still think like a slave. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2599435/fan_mail/new] Book Derek Griffon to Speak at your next event  https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite [https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite]

#81 | Led By The Spirit | Romans 8:14 | The Great 8

When most people hear the phrase "led by the Spirit," they immediately think about decisions: What job should I take? Who should I marry? Where should I live? What school should I attend? While God certainly cares about those things, Romans 8:14 is pointing us to something deeper. Paul isn't primarily talking about guidance—he's talking about identity. Being led by the Spirit is one of the clearest evidences that you belong to God. The Spirit isn't simply helping you make better decisions. He's helping you become a different person.  The reality is that everyone is being led by something. Fear. Comfort. Ambition. Culture. Approval. Success. The question isn't whether you're being led. The question is who's leading you. Because whatever leads you eventually shapes you. In this episode, we unpack three powerful truths about being led by the Spirit: 1. The Spirit Leads Me — The Holy Spirit leads believers through Scripture, conviction, prayer, wisdom, godly counsel, and surrendered obedience. His leadership is not occasional—it's continual. 2. The Father Knows Me — Spirit-led living is rooted in relationship, not religion. You aren't an employee trying to earn favor. You're a son or daughter who already belongs. 3. Jesus Is Forming Me — The Spirit's primary goal isn't simply direction. It's transformation. He's shaping your character, desires, priorities, and life to look more like Jesus. We'll also discuss how to recognize God's voice, why intimacy sharpens spiritual sensitivity, and why spiritual maturity is measured less by what you know and more by who you're becoming. Because being Spirit-led isn't about having all the answers. It's about staying close enough to the Father to hear His voice. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2599435/fan_mail/new] Book Derek Griffon to Speak at your next event  https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite [https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite]

For Men | Virtue Three: Devotion | Psalm 27:4 | The Virtues of David

In a world filled with distractions, endless notifications, and constant demands for our attention, Psalm 27:4 confronts us with a simple but uncomfortable question: What's your one thing? David had victories, influence, power, wealth, and a kingdom. Yet when he reflected on what mattered most, he didn't ask for success, comfort, protection, or prosperity. He asked for one thing: the presence of God. David understood something many men spend their entire lives missing—what you pursue reveals what you worship.  Too many men are chasing a thousand things while neglecting the one thing that truly satisfies. Their attention is fragmented, their priorities are scattered, and their devotion is divided. But David shows us that true spiritual strength is found not in pursuing God's gifts, but in pursuing God Himself. In this episode, we unpack three powerful truths about devotion: 1. Devotion Requires Pursuit — Nobody accidentally becomes devoted to God. The things we consistently chase reveal what we truly treasure. 2. Devotion Creates Intimacy — There's a difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God. Devotion moves faith from information to relationship. 3. Devotion Changes What You Chase — When God becomes your greatest treasure, everything else begins to find its proper place. We'll also discuss practical ways men can cultivate devotion, eliminate distractions, protect their affections, and develop daily rhythms that deepen their walk with God. If you've been spiritually distracted, emotionally scattered, or struggling to prioritize what matters most, this episode is a reminder that the greatest treasure isn't what God gives. It's God Himself. HOW MEN CULTIVATE DEVOTION 1. START YOUR DAY WITH GOD 2. ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS 3. DEVELOP DAILY RHYTHMS 4. LEARN TO ENJOY GOD 5. PROTECT YOUR AFFECTIONS Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2599435/fan_mail/new] Book Derek Griffon to Speak at your next event  https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite [https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite]