Empowered Identity: Living as Children of God
Summary
In the Gospel of John, we are reminded of the profound truth that through Jesus Christ, we have the power to become the children of God. This is not just a future promise but a present reality for those who believe. As believers, we are not only children of God but also heirs with Christ, with an inheritance that is incorruptible and eternal. This assurance is crucial for us as we navigate an uncertain world, reminding us of our true identity and destiny.
The New Testament emphasizes the importance of assurance in our faith journey. God has provided ways for us to know that we are His children, allowing us to live in the fullness of this relationship. One of the key tests of this assurance is being led by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:14 tells us that those who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God. This leading involves the mortification of sin, a process that requires both a negative and positive approach.
Mortification involves a transformation of our minds, aligning our thoughts with the will of God. It is not merely about avoiding sin but about embracing the purpose of our salvation, which is to be conformed to the image of Christ. This involves a daily reminder of our identity in Christ and the responsibilities that come with it. We are called to live not for ourselves but for the glory of God, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
The process of sanctification is not passive. It requires active participation, reasoning, and application of the truths of Scripture. We must present our bodies as living sacrifices, surrendering every part of ourselves to God. This includes our thoughts, imaginations, and actions. The power to do this comes from the Holy Spirit within us, enabling us to live in holiness and righteousness.
Key Takeaways:
- Assurance of our identity as children of God is vital. It is not just a future hope but a present reality that shapes how we live in this world. This assurance is grounded in the leading of the Holy Spirit, who confirms our status as heirs with Christ. [02:02]
- Mortification of sin involves both a negative and positive approach. It is not just about avoiding sin but about transforming our minds and aligning our thoughts with God's will. This transformation is essential for living out our identity in Christ. [03:23]
- Our salvation is not just about what we are saved from but what we are saved for. We are called to be conformed to the image of Christ, living for the glory of God. This requires a daily reminder of our identity and responsibilities as children of God. [05:45]
- Sanctification is an active process that involves reasoning and application of Scripture. We must present our bodies as living sacrifices, surrendering every part of ourselves to God. This includes our thoughts, imaginations, and actions. [24:25]
- The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in holiness and righteousness. We have been given the power to mortify the deeds of the body and live according to the Spirit. This power is more than sufficient to carry out all the commandments and live a life pleasing to God. [42:04]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Becoming Children of God
[00:51] - Assurance of Our Identity
[02:16] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[03:23] - Mortification of Sin
[04:48] - Transforming Our Minds
[05:45] - Purpose of Salvation
[06:32] - Realizing Our Position
[07:42] - Dead to Sin, Alive to God
[10:11] - Freedom from Sin's Dominion
[12:25] - Reasoning and Application
[24:25] - Presenting Our Bodies
[31:22] - The Body as a Temple
[35:08] - Crucifying the Flesh
[42:04] - Empowered by the Spirit
[45:18] - Assurance of Being Led by the Spirit
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 1:12-13
- Romans 8:14
- Romans 12:1-2
---
Observation Questions:
1. According to John 1:12-13, what is the significance of receiving Jesus and believing in His name? How does this relate to becoming children of God?
2. In Romans 8:14, what does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God, and how does this confirm our identity as children of God? [02:48]
3. Romans 12:1-2 speaks about presenting our bodies as living sacrifices. What does this entail, and how does it relate to the transformation of our minds? [24:25]
4. The sermon mentions the concept of mortification of sin. What are the negative and positive aspects of this process as discussed in the sermon? [03:23]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance of being children of God impact a believer's daily life and decisions, especially in an uncertain world? [01:10]
2. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the process of sanctification, and how does this empower believers to live according to God's will? [42:04]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of transforming our minds. How does this transformation help believers align their thoughts with God's will, and what challenges might they face in this process? [04:48]
4. How does understanding our position as heirs with Christ influence our perspective on earthly possessions and ambitions? [01:25]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of your identity as a child of God. How does this assurance shape your daily interactions and decisions? [01:10]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with sin. How can you actively participate in the mortification of this sin, both negatively and positively? [03:23]
3. Consider the ways in which you present your body as a living sacrifice. Are there specific habits or actions that need to be surrendered to God? [24:25]
4. How can you cultivate a mindset that is continually being transformed by the renewing of your mind? What practical steps can you take to align your thoughts with God's will? [04:48]
5. The sermon discusses the power of the Holy Spirit in enabling us to live in holiness. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? [42:04]
6. Think about a recent decision you made. How did your understanding of being an heir with Christ influence that decision, if at all? How might it influence future decisions? [01:25]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to remind yourself of your identity and responsibilities as a child of God? How can these actions help you live for the glory of God? [07:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Assurance of Our Identity as God's Children
As believers, the assurance of our identity as children of God is not just a future hope but a present reality that profoundly shapes how we live in this world. This assurance is grounded in the leading of the Holy Spirit, who confirms our status as heirs with Christ. Understanding this identity provides us with a sense of belonging and purpose, even amidst the uncertainties of life. It is a reminder that we are not alone, and our lives have eternal significance. The Holy Spirit's role is crucial in this assurance, as He guides us, comforts us, and empowers us to live according to God's will. [02:02]
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself daily of your identity as a child of God, especially when facing challenges or doubts?
Day 2: Mortification of Sin
Mortification of sin involves both a negative and positive approach. It is not just about avoiding sin but about transforming our minds and aligning our thoughts with God's will. This transformation is essential for living out our identity in Christ. The process requires a conscious effort to reject sinful behaviors and thoughts while actively pursuing righteousness and holiness. By doing so, we align ourselves with the purpose of our salvation, which is to be conformed to the image of Christ. This ongoing transformation is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit within us, enabling us to live in a way that honors God. [03:23]
"Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Colossians 3:5, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one specific area of sin in your life that you need to mortify. What practical steps can you take today to begin this process of transformation?
Day 3: Purpose of Salvation
Our salvation is not just about what we are saved from but what we are saved for. We are called to be conformed to the image of Christ, living for the glory of God. This requires a daily reminder of our identity and responsibilities as children of God. Salvation is an invitation to participate in God's redemptive work in the world, reflecting His love and grace to those around us. It is a call to live with purpose, knowing that our lives are meant to bring glory to God and to further His kingdom on earth. [05:45]
"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:29, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively live out the purpose of your salvation today in a way that reflects Christ to others?
Day 4: Active Sanctification
Sanctification is an active process that involves reasoning and application of Scripture. We must present our bodies as living sacrifices, surrendering every part of ourselves to God. This includes our thoughts, imaginations, and actions. The power to do this comes from the Holy Spirit within us, enabling us to live in holiness and righteousness. It is a daily commitment to align our lives with God's will, allowing His Word to transform us from the inside out. This active participation in our sanctification is a response to God's grace and a reflection of our desire to honor Him in all that we do. [24:25]
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life that you need to surrender to God today? How can you present this area as a living sacrifice to Him?
Day 5: Empowered by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in holiness and righteousness. We have been given the power to mortify the deeds of the body and live according to the Spirit. This power is more than sufficient to carry out all the commandments and live a life pleasing to God. The Spirit's empowerment is a gift that enables us to overcome sin and live in a way that reflects God's character. It is a reminder that we are not left to our own devices but have divine assistance in our journey of faith. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can experience true freedom and victory in our spiritual lives. [42:04]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life to overcome challenges and live in righteousness?
Quotes
But here we are told that if we are true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ that we are not only children of God but heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ that we have awaiting us an inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in him by God for those who are his people. [00:80:49]
God doesn't merely make us his children, he has provided ways whereby we can know that we are his children in order that we may live as such and enjoy the benefits and the blessings of this relationship and we'll now considering together the various tests suggested by the New Testament itself. [00:125:52]
The moment we become children of God God sends his the spirit of his son into us we have given the gift of the Holy Spirit If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none obvious very well and the work of the Spirit is to give us assurance of these things and we have seen that he does so in various ways. [00:154:38]
Mortification of sin or if you prefer notification of the deeds of the body or mortification of the flesh now this has been showing is a method that is dealt with in many places in in the scripture it is dealt with in that very eighth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans to which I've already referred. [00:208:68]
We must learn to think in a spiritual manner we must be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds that's Romans 12:2 that we may know what is the good and perfect will of God all as the Apostle puts it in Ephesians 4 2021 being renewed in the spirit of your mind. [00:288:34]
We must realize that we are in Christ we must realize that we are new creatures that we are indeed sons of God and I ended on that you remember that is Lord Nelson and the morning of Trafalgar said England expects that every men this day shall do his beauty so the call comes to every Christian every morning that he awakes. [00:387:84]
We don't live unto ourselves the whole reputation of the families in our ends as it were and God is being judged by what people see in us now this is the way in which you mortify the deeds of the body by reminding yourself by starting every day by reminding yourself as to who you are and what you are and what is expected of you. [00:426:05]
We are dead to sin in this sense that we no longer belong to the realm and the Dominion of sin now that must be true for this reason we are told about the Lord Jesus Christ himself in the tenth verse of the sixth chapter of Romans 4 in that he died he died unto sin once whenever death hath no more dominion but in that he liveth he liveth under God. [00:493:79]
The Apostle starts off by saying well shall we continue in sin that grace may abound and his answer is not oh no there's no need for that all you have to do is to surrender yourself to Christ and he'll do it for you let go let God know though his answer is to reason he says god forbid how shall we that are dead or that died to sin live any longer live it. [00:703:85]
You and I my friends now are in the kingdom of righteousness we are no longer in the kingdom of evil we are in a world of evil yes but we do not belong to the kingdom of evil we are not of the world any longer year of God little Joe says John the whole world lieth in the wicked one but ye are of God that's what we're being told here. [00:934:76]
We beseech you brethren and exhort you by the lord jesus that as he have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God so you would abound more and more for he know what Commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus even notice he gave them Commandments he didn't just say to them you've been saved now very well take step number 2 let go let God. [00:2561:83]
God has given you is Holy Spirit and in the Holy Spirit that is in you there is power more than sufficient to carry out all the commandments and to do everything to which we are exhorted very well my friends we must leave it at that for this morning all I've been trying to say to you is this if that is the way in which you normally individually are facing life. [00:2696:17]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?