MEMORY VERSE: “Being born again, not of coruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7
INTRODUCTION
Being born again is a state of conversion from being a sinner to becoming a saint in Christ. It literally means ‘a new birth from above’ – a spiritual transformation which leads to a change of heart and life John 3:3-7 Being born again, is an act of God which imparts eternal life to a person who believes, confesses their sin, and accepts Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and Lord Titus 3:5. When you become “born again” you become children of God John 1:12-13 as you trust in the name of Jesus Christ. If we claim to be born again, there must be notable evidence to prove that we are children of God Romans 8:14.
OUTLINE
- A SANCTIFIED LIFE
- A SPIRIT-CONTROLLED LIFE
A SANCTIFIED LIFE
If we are ‘born again’, it is expected that we live a sanctified life: a life devoid of sin, separated unto God and Christ-like Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:13. This is what it means to be a ‘Christian’ or a ‘Child of God”.
It is the will of God that His children live a sanctified life daily 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7; 5:23-24; 1 Peter 1:15-16. This great privilege and experience (sanctification) is made possible by the renewing power of the word of God on our mind John 17:17, Romans 12:1-2, the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Hebrews 13:12, and by the spiritual heart surgery’ as the individual daily surrenders unto God Ezekiel 36:25-27;
Romans 6:13. As children of God, we are empowered to live holy, bear the fruit of the Spirit, and have a guaranteed eternity in the Lord Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22-23; Hebrews 12:14.
A SPIRIT-CONTROLLED LIFE
Anyone that is ‘born again’ should be controlled by the Holy Spirit who gives us power over sin Galatians 5:16, empowers us to serve God Acts 1:8 and to witness/testify persistently to our spiritual adoption Galatians 1 John 3:24.
Also, the Holy Spirit helps us to bear fruits worthy of our repentance in Christ Matthew 3:8. The Holy Spirit guides you into all truth John 16:13. controls the believers temperament Romans 8:4-5; Galatians 5:25, He gives life to our mortal bodies Romans 8:11; power to rebuke and cast out demons Acts 13:8-11; and ultimately should influence all our choices Acts 13:2. The Holy Spirit help and comforts Christians in times of pains, disappointment, loss, trials, etc 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 7:6.
CONCLUSION
Anyone who is born again must be sanctified and controlled by the Holy Spirit.