We saw last week how Jesus left heaven, came to earth as a man like us and lived a sin free life. He became the ultimate sacrifice for our sin, paving the way for all who want to become the sons of God, jointly with Jesus by adoption into Gods family.

We also saw that as a person with a reborn spirit, we are changed. We are no longer the same. We are now children of the light. (Ephesians 5:8) We are to live differently from the people who still are of darkness or of "this world". We do this in many ways. We begin by studying Gods word in order to understand who we are now and how we can live a life that is a pleasure to God. You will quickly learn that as we live to please God, our life becomes full of joy and peace. This is what Paul talked about in Romans 12:2.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

As we spend time in the word renewing our mind, then we become more and more like Christ and less and less like the people of this world.

It not only brings God much pleasure when we turn from every sin, but it also brings him much pleasure when we take full advantage of all the things that Jesus gave his life for. He not only died so that we could go to heaven but he also died so that we may have a very full and abundant life right here on earth.

2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and Godliness through our knowledge of him, who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature (Gods nature) and escape the corruption in the world, caused by evil desires.

He has given us everything we need in order to live a full, wonderful, abundant, victorious life. Not only are we not to be like this "world" as far as our standard of holiness, but also in the quality of life we have here. Again, I am not saying you won't have problems, but you can learn to go through things with joy and peace and even avoid much trouble and trials by using your God given authority, the gifts from God, your faith and Godly knowledge and wisdom.

By learning and growing in the things of God we are able to do just that. And it is most pleasing to God. Can you even imagine how you would feel if you gave your very life or the life of your only child in order to give someone a gift and they either did not want the gift at all or would only accept part of it! Gods gifts are free to each of us but they were not cheap. It cost his very life, much pain and humiliation. God has given us so much and all of it is good and most precious.
Let's take a look at the fruit of the spirit which every bornagain believer receives at the time of salvation. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and savior we receive the Holy Spirit of God, which takes up residence on the inside of us. We are the temple of the Holy Ghost. Praise God!

1Cor. 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Galations 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such there is no law,and these who are Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit are the manifestation of the Spirit of God. It is the very nature of God dwelling on the inside of us. They are supernatural forces that all Christians can walk in. When I say supernatural, I mean they are not natural, they don't work by natural means. In other words, they don't work according to your circumstances. But if you will determine to bring you mind, will and emotions (which is your soul) into one with you new born spirit by crucifying the flesh, then you will be walking in the spirit and the fruit of the spirit will naturally flow out of you, regardless of what is going on around you. Then you will truly grow and prosper in the things of God and begin to live the life God intended for you.

Ephesians 5:1 & 8-11 Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. 8) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

We are children of the creator of the world. He has changed us into his image. However, he also gave us a free will. We choose to learn his ways and receive his best or not to. Go back to what we have already learned which is to meditate on these scriptures that says you have love, gentleness goodness on the inside of you. Spend time praying to God about it, thanking him that you are, for example a creature of love or that you walk in gentleness and kindness or that you are self-controlled. Spend time meditating on who and what the Bible says you are. Faith will begin to rise up and you will begin to see yourself as God sees you. Also begin to make a concentrated effort with prayer to resist the works of the flesh which is the opposite of the fruit of the spirit. After a little while you will not have to make such an effort but these forces of God will flow freely from you.

I encourage you to go after all you can of God. He has nothing available that is not most excellent! Don't limit God in your life. Read the word of God and believe it. I know you may indignantly say, " Well, I believe the word of God" But I tell you, there is a difference in believing with your head and your heart. I still strive daily to believe all of Gods word with my heart. When I do, I will be raising the dead and my shadow will be healing the sick. I have come a long way, and am experiencing many of the promises of God in my life, but I have a way to go and so do you, unless you are walking in his fullness. In which case, I deeply desire you to teach me. I am most sincere. I know that there is nothing in Gods word that cannot be realized in our lives and I will not stop or be satisfied until I reach that point.

There has never been a time when we have needed to walk with God more than now. The word promises that hard times lie ahead. But God has given us everything we need to be overcomers. Put your trust in God. Ask him to reveal truth to you. Say, "here I am Lord, I want to know what all you have made available to me. Teach me and help me to walk in your fullness."

Maybe you are not quit ready to step out this far with God. That is okay too. He understands. Confess your feelings to him and ask him to help you be ready for more of him in your life. Ask him to change your heart, to be a heart that hungers for Him and His ways. He will help you. This prayer of obedience will please God and release him to do a work in your life. Then get ready!

Discipleship 9-----Who we are in Christ Part 3 (Creatures of Power)