Privileges and Responsibilities as a Child of God

May 16, 2016/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.
Romans
8:15 (NLT)

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide
your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful
nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:16-17 (NLT)

A confirmation student interrupted a talk about accounting for our lives in the
final judgment: “Wait, doesn’t God forgive us no matter what?”

Yes, Jesus’ blood frees us from the penalty of sin and that’s only the beginning of the good news.

Believers are adopted into the family of God. We receive the Holy Spirit and become His children. Wonderful, but along with the privileges of that status come responsibilities: love one another, make disciples, invest your gifts and talents for God’s purposes, care for the poor…

As the NIV translates, you are not to do whatever you want.

It’s a good thing we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us because there’s no way we could fulfill these responsibilities on our own. Our sinful nature is too strong. The Spirit gives us the understanding, strength, and ability to follow Jesus’
teachings.

So let’s return to the talk about accounting for our lives in the final judgment…

Does God forgive us no matter what? (tweet it)

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Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NLT)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.