What is my status as a child of God?

Introduction:

Yesterday, we explored how to grow in my relationship with God. Today we focus on my identity: Who am I as a child of God?

Overview of the process or pattern that we discussed yesterday:

• Step 1: there is an altercation with God
• Step 2: The choice: Do I respond to this new calling of God?
• Step 3: If I accept or respond to this calling of God, then the process of transformation starts with the results being a new, transformed identity and life
• If I decide not to accept or respond to the call, then nothing is going to change.

Today we will start focusing on Step 2.

The choice: What does the Bible say?

• ·Rom. 8:1 (NLT)
  • 1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
  • There is a difference between condemnation and conviction. As a child of God, if you are doing something that you shouldn’t be the Holy Spirit will convict you. Condemnation comes from the “accuser”.
• 2 Cor. 5:17 (NLT)
  • 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
• 2 Cor. 10:4-6 (NLT)
  • 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 6 And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.
• God does not only save you but makes you an entirely new person
  • Eph. 3:6 (NLT)
    • 6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body and enjoy the promise of blessings.
• We are coheirs
  • 1 Pet 2:9-10 (NLT)
    • 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
• We are set aside
  • Acts 1:8 (NLT)
    • 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”.
• ·John 14:12-14 (NLT)
  • 12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

What does it mean for us?

• We are not standing under condemnation anymore (Rom 8:1)
• We are new creations (2 Cor 5:17)
• We are equipped for battle (2 Cor 10:4-6)
• We are coheiress (Eph 3:6)
• We are set apart for God (1 Pet 2:9-10)
• The Holy Spirit is with us (Acts 1:8)
• We will do great things (John 14:12-14)

How then can I cultivate a pure heart?

• Prov. 4:23 (NLT)
  • 23Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
• This is an instruction from God to make sure that we protect what is going on in our hearts and minds
  • ROM 12:2 (NLT)
    • 2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
• God is the one who transform us.
• It enables us to know His will for our lives
  • Ps 139:23-24(NLT)
    • 23Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

What does it mean for us?

• ·Protect your heart (and mind) actively (Prov. 4:23)
• ·Let God transform the way you think(Rom. 12:2)
• ·Walk the road of life together with God (Ps. 139:23-24)

Questions to ponder:

• How does it change your view now that you know what it is be a child of God?
• What is going on in your heart now? Is there something that you should get rid of?
• Do you protect your heart (and mind) at all costs?