The local church is to be marked by authenticity as a response to the gospel. Believers should share their brokenness to point themselves and others to Jesus.

Newley’s Main Points

Newley’s 4 Main Points
1) Authenticity yields belief.
2) Authenticity is liberating and healing, while inauthenticity is exhausting.
3) Authenticity allows for real relationships.
4) Authenticity minimizes us and magnifies Jesus.

Key Takeaways

• Inauthenticity is covering up our brokenness so the world will love us. Worldly authenticity is sharing our brokenness so people will love us. Biblical authenticity is sharing our brokenness to point others to Jesus.

• If we have had a true encounter with Jesus, it should just change us in a big way because Christ now lives in us.

• The cross has already exposed our sinfulness but also our solution in Jesus. Because of Jesus, we have no need to hide our brokenness.

• When our complete brokenness and need for saving collide with the grace and forgiveness, we’re compelled to belief and repentance in Jesus.

• If we choose to live inauthentically and not confess our sins, we rob ourselves from the freedom and joy Christ offers us.

• Inauthenticity is working hard against something that can’t be stopped. Our sin will be exposed and concealing our sin only causes more struggles.

• Our community groups should be marked by confession, prayer, and healing through the Gospel.

• Authenticity presents the opportunity to build trust and to be fully known and fully loved.

• Inauthenticity makes much of us and makes little of God.

• The church must be a safe place where the broken can find healing through Jesus.

• Authenticity begets authenticity. The local church cannot be full of people acting like they have it all together. We must lead out in authenticity. For when we lead in this area, others will follow.

Discussion Questions/Application

Personal application:

• Does your inner life match your outer life? In what ways are you prone to cover up your brokenness so others will accept you?
  
• Review the passages referenced by Newley (found below). What does inauthenticity rob from you? What does authenticity offer to you?
  

Discuss with your community group:

• Is your community group marked by authenticity? How can you grow in authenticity becoming an actual value in your group rather than an aspirational value?
  
• What fears or lies keep you from living more authentically? Encourage one another with the truth of the Gospel in this area.

Additional Passages Referenced 

Genesis 3:6-8; Genesis 1:26; Revelation 1:8; Deuteronomy 32:4; Romans 5:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 2:20; John 14:16-17; Matthew 7:21; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 1:9-10; Psalm 51:10, 17; Luke 9:23; Romans 6:23; Psalm 32:3; Luke 8:17; Proverbs 28:13; Ephesians 4:19; Matthew 5:3; Luke 18:9-14; James 5:16; Isaiah 57:15; 1 John 1:7; Ephesians 2:8-9; Isaiah 53:5.