MEMORISE:
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2
READ: Matthew 6:9-13
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
MESSAGE
The prayer outlined in today's Bible text, popularly called "The Lord's Prayer", is of great value to us as believers. Through it, our Lord Jesus Christ introduced God to us as our Heavenly Father (Matthew 6:9). In so doing, He used the known to teach us about the unknown. Everyone is familiar with the relationship that exists between a father and his child. Our Lord used this prayer to open our eyes to the nature of relationship that exists between God and us after we become born again. I came to understand this truth when I gave my life to Christ. I therefore began to call my Heavenly Father "Daddy", because I knew He surpasses all earthly fathers. This same sentiment is present in the writings of John the Beloved. Carefully meditate on what he wrote in 1 John 3:1-2:
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is”.
It is indeed amazing to be called children of God. If you are wondering how a mortal being can become a child of the Immortal and Eternal God, I refer you to John 1:11-12, which says:
“He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name”.
Jesus Christ revealed the secret behind this mystery to Nicodemus in John 3:5-6, where He said:
“…Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit”.
God is Spirit, and once you are born of the Spirit by giving your life to Christ, you become a child of the Spirit and a spiritual being. Having received this endowment, there is an obligation that follows it. 1 John 3:3 tells us what this obligation is:
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure”.
Purity makes us resemble our Heavenly Father, and it is a compulsory virtue for us to manifest. The good news is that when you are empowered by God to become His child, He also implants His seed into you to enable you live like Him in this wicked world. The Holy Spirit tells us in 1 John 3:9:
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God”.
A glorious transformation occurs in us when we become born again! Believe in this transformation and determine to exhibit its character by faith.
ACTION POINT:
Outline the transformation that occurs in a life that is born again and weigh yourself against it. Apply your faith to areas where you are not yet manifesting who you really are.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Mark 9, Isaiah 16:12-17:14
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 9: IN CHRIST ALONE
1. In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
2. In Christ alone! Who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
3. There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
4. No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
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