5 Benefits of Being a Child of God
In her book "Breaking Free", Beth Moore writes about five benefits God intends "to be the daily experience of every child of God." (p. 23)
The first benefit is to know God and believe Him. Beth Moore writes that "one of your chief purposes on this planet is to know God intimately and with reverent familiarity. That intimate relationship begins, but was never intended to end, with what we call the 'salvation experience.' So the first question to ask yourself is, Have you received Christ as your personal Savior?"
"One of the most beautiful elements of salvation is its simplicity. Christ has already done all the work on the cross. Your response includes four elements:
1) Acknowledge that you are a sinner and that you cannot save yourself.
2) Acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and only He can save you.
3) Believe that His Crucifixion was for your personal sins and that His death was on your behalf.
4) Give Him your life and ask Him to be your Savior and Lord.
If you already know Christ, is your relationship distant, or close and personal, or somewhere in the middle?
God desires for us to know Him, He wants us to believe Him!" (p. 27)
"The level of trust we have for God is a monumental issue in the life of every believer. . . A trust relationship grows only by stepping out in faith and making the choice to trust. The ability to believe God develops most often through pure experience." (p. 28)
The second benefit is to glorify God. Beth writes "the glory of God always has an impact." See Isaiah 6:3, Numbers 20:6 and 2 Chronicles 5:14. In these verses we see that "God makes Himself known through His glory." Psalm 19:1 and Psalm 29:9 show us that "God's glory doesn't just reflect Him. It is also part of who He is! . . . "God's glory is the way He makes Himself known or shows Himself mighty." (p. 30)
In the New Testament, verses like John 1:14, John 2:11 and Hebrews 1:3 remind us that "Christ is the glory of God." 2 Peter 1:3 shows us that "not only is Christ the representation of God's glory, His glory also supplies our needs. . . God's glory is the way He makes Himself recognizable. . . Being created for God's glory means two marvelous truths to those who are called by His name:
1) God wants to make Himself recognizable to us.
2) God wants to make Himself recognizable through us."
1 Corinthians 10:31 reveals that "living a life that glorifies God is synonymous with living a life that reveals God." (p. 31)
She goes on to add that "God intended that we show forth His glory." Romans 8:9 tells us that "the moment each of us received Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit of Christ took up residence in our inner being. . . We glorify God to the degree that we externalize the internal existence of the living Christ." (p. 32)
Galatians 5:1 and 2 Corinthians 3:17 tell us that "people who are living out the reality of their liberation in Christ progress in their spiritual lives in an 'ever-increasing glory.'"
To summarize this benefit, Beth Moore writes:
"* We were created for God's glory.
* We have no hope of God's glory without the indwelling Spirit of Christ that comes at our salvation.
*We fulfill who we are meant to be when God is recognizable in us.
*A life that glorifies God or makes Him recognizable is a process that ideally progresses with time and maturity." (p. 33)
She adds her personal checklist of verses and evaluations; seeking to apply them to her life regularly:
"*Is my most important consideration in every undertaking whether or not God could be glorified? (1 Corinthians 10:31).
*Do I desire God's glory or my own? (John 8:50, 54).
*In my service to others, is my sincere hope that they will somehow see God in me? (1 Peter 4:10-11).
*When I am going through hardships, do I turn to God and try to cooperate with Him so He can use them for my good and for His glory? (1 Peter 4:12-13).
*Am I sometimes able to accomplish things or withstand things only through the power of God? (2 Corinthians 4:7)." (p. 34)
The third benefit is to find satisfaction in God. Beth writes that "many Christians are not satisfied with Jesus." But, "Jesus is absolutely satisfying. In fact, He is the only means by which any mortal creature can find true satisfaction." (p. 36)
In Isaiah 55:1-2 "the prophet contrasts the world's attempt to find satisfaction with what God provides. . . God is asking, 'Why do you work so hard for things that are never enough, can never fill you up, and are endlessly insufficient?'" (p. 37)
"We can easily be led into captivity by seeking other answers to needs and desires that only God can meet" . . . There is a "huge difference between salvation from sin and satisfaction of soul. Salvation secures our lives for eternity. Soul satisfaction ensures abundant life on earth." (p. 38)
"The most obvious symptom of a soul in need of God's satisfaction is a sense of inner emptiness. . . The soul can also manifest physical symptoms of need. . . such as irritability, selfish ambition, anger, impure thoughts, envy, resentments, and eruptions of lust." (p. 39)
"The more we've been satisfied by God's love, His Word, and His presence, the more we will yearn for it. On the other hand, we can spend so much time away from the Lord that we no longer feel hungry or thirsty. . . God can satisfy your yearning soul. . . Open the door; He waits to satisfy your hungry soul." (p. 40)
The fourth benefit is to experience God's peace. Beth writes God's "peace should not be an infrequent surprise but the ongoing rule of our lives. . . Peace can be possible in any situation, but we cannot produce it on demand. In fact, we cannot produce it at all. It is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22). . . We have Christ's peace. It has already been given to us if we have received Christ. We just don't always know how to activate it." (p. 41)
"When we allow the Prince of Peace to govern our lives, peace either immediately or ultimately results. Peace accompanies authority. . . Peace comes in situations that are completely surrendered to the sovereign authority of Christ." (p. 42)
"If you have not yet bowed the knee to God's authority over areas of your past, something is holding you captive. . . Bending the knee is ultimately a matter of pure obedience. . . Obedience is always the mark of authentic surrender to God's authority." (p. 43)
Isaiah 48:17 "beautifully reveals the relationship between obedience, authority, and peace." Isaiah 48:18 tells says that "if only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea." (p. 44)
Here are three applications "as you imagine peace like a river:
1) A river is a moving stream of water. . . To have peace like a river is to have security and tranquility while meeting many bumps and unexpected turns on life's journey. Peace is submission to a trustworthy Authority, not resignation from activity.
2) A river is a body of fresh water fed by springs or tributary streams. To experience peace, we must be feeding our relationship with God. . . Our peace comes from active, ongoing, obedient relationship with the Prince of Peace.
3) A river begins and ends with a body of water. . . Peace like a river flows from a continuous connection with the upland Source, Jesus Christ, which is a timely reminder that this life will ultimately spill out into a glorious eternal life. The present life is not our destination."
What does it take to have this peace? Attention to God's commands (by obedience) through the power of the Holy Spirit. Obedience to God's authority not only brings peace like a river but righteousness like the waves of the sea. Not righteous perfection. Righteous consistency." (pp. 44-45)
The fifth and final benefit is to enjoy God's presence. "Sometimes we're challenged to believe He's with us simply because He promised (Hebrews 13:5). That's faith." (p. 47)
"God's presence in our lives is absolutely unchanging, but the evidence of His presence is not. . . God does not love us less when he gives us fewer evidences. He simply desires to grow us up and teach us to walk by faith." (p. 48)
"We can learn to enjoy God's presence even when life is not enjoyable. . . Before we can begin to enjoy God's presence in our lives, we must accept His presence as an absolute fact." (pp. 48-49)
Beth concludes this section by asking if "any of these benefits suggest that you may have something holding you back." She encourages us to not let the enemy "steal one bit of the victory God has for (us). . . Listen closely. The liberty bell is ringing." (pp. 50-51)
The first benefit is to know God and believe Him. Beth Moore writes that "one of your chief purposes on this planet is to know God intimately and with reverent familiarity. That intimate relationship begins, but was never intended to end, with what we call the 'salvation experience.' So the first question to ask yourself is, Have you received Christ as your personal Savior?"
"One of the most beautiful elements of salvation is its simplicity. Christ has already done all the work on the cross. Your response includes four elements:
1) Acknowledge that you are a sinner and that you cannot save yourself.
2) Acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and only He can save you.
3) Believe that His Crucifixion was for your personal sins and that His death was on your behalf.
4) Give Him your life and ask Him to be your Savior and Lord.
If you already know Christ, is your relationship distant, or close and personal, or somewhere in the middle?
God desires for us to know Him, He wants us to believe Him!" (p. 27)
"The level of trust we have for God is a monumental issue in the life of every believer. . . A trust relationship grows only by stepping out in faith and making the choice to trust. The ability to believe God develops most often through pure experience." (p. 28)
The second benefit is to glorify God. Beth writes "the glory of God always has an impact." See Isaiah 6:3, Numbers 20:6 and 2 Chronicles 5:14. In these verses we see that "God makes Himself known through His glory." Psalm 19:1 and Psalm 29:9 show us that "God's glory doesn't just reflect Him. It is also part of who He is! . . . "God's glory is the way He makes Himself known or shows Himself mighty." (p. 30)
In the New Testament, verses like John 1:14, John 2:11 and Hebrews 1:3 remind us that "Christ is the glory of God." 2 Peter 1:3 shows us that "not only is Christ the representation of God's glory, His glory also supplies our needs. . . God's glory is the way He makes Himself recognizable. . . Being created for God's glory means two marvelous truths to those who are called by His name:
1) God wants to make Himself recognizable to us.
2) God wants to make Himself recognizable through us."
1 Corinthians 10:31 reveals that "living a life that glorifies God is synonymous with living a life that reveals God." (p. 31)
She goes on to add that "God intended that we show forth His glory." Romans 8:9 tells us that "the moment each of us received Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit of Christ took up residence in our inner being. . . We glorify God to the degree that we externalize the internal existence of the living Christ." (p. 32)
Galatians 5:1 and 2 Corinthians 3:17 tell us that "people who are living out the reality of their liberation in Christ progress in their spiritual lives in an 'ever-increasing glory.'"
To summarize this benefit, Beth Moore writes:
"* We were created for God's glory.
* We have no hope of God's glory without the indwelling Spirit of Christ that comes at our salvation.
*We fulfill who we are meant to be when God is recognizable in us.
*A life that glorifies God or makes Him recognizable is a process that ideally progresses with time and maturity." (p. 33)
She adds her personal checklist of verses and evaluations; seeking to apply them to her life regularly:
"*Is my most important consideration in every undertaking whether or not God could be glorified? (1 Corinthians 10:31).
*Do I desire God's glory or my own? (John 8:50, 54).
*In my service to others, is my sincere hope that they will somehow see God in me? (1 Peter 4:10-11).
*When I am going through hardships, do I turn to God and try to cooperate with Him so He can use them for my good and for His glory? (1 Peter 4:12-13).
*Am I sometimes able to accomplish things or withstand things only through the power of God? (2 Corinthians 4:7)." (p. 34)
The third benefit is to find satisfaction in God. Beth writes that "many Christians are not satisfied with Jesus." But, "Jesus is absolutely satisfying. In fact, He is the only means by which any mortal creature can find true satisfaction." (p. 36)
In Isaiah 55:1-2 "the prophet contrasts the world's attempt to find satisfaction with what God provides. . . God is asking, 'Why do you work so hard for things that are never enough, can never fill you up, and are endlessly insufficient?'" (p. 37)
"We can easily be led into captivity by seeking other answers to needs and desires that only God can meet" . . . There is a "huge difference between salvation from sin and satisfaction of soul. Salvation secures our lives for eternity. Soul satisfaction ensures abundant life on earth." (p. 38)
"The most obvious symptom of a soul in need of God's satisfaction is a sense of inner emptiness. . . The soul can also manifest physical symptoms of need. . . such as irritability, selfish ambition, anger, impure thoughts, envy, resentments, and eruptions of lust." (p. 39)
"The more we've been satisfied by God's love, His Word, and His presence, the more we will yearn for it. On the other hand, we can spend so much time away from the Lord that we no longer feel hungry or thirsty. . . God can satisfy your yearning soul. . . Open the door; He waits to satisfy your hungry soul." (p. 40)
The fourth benefit is to experience God's peace. Beth writes God's "peace should not be an infrequent surprise but the ongoing rule of our lives. . . Peace can be possible in any situation, but we cannot produce it on demand. In fact, we cannot produce it at all. It is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22). . . We have Christ's peace. It has already been given to us if we have received Christ. We just don't always know how to activate it." (p. 41)
"When we allow the Prince of Peace to govern our lives, peace either immediately or ultimately results. Peace accompanies authority. . . Peace comes in situations that are completely surrendered to the sovereign authority of Christ." (p. 42)
"If you have not yet bowed the knee to God's authority over areas of your past, something is holding you captive. . . Bending the knee is ultimately a matter of pure obedience. . . Obedience is always the mark of authentic surrender to God's authority." (p. 43)
Isaiah 48:17 "beautifully reveals the relationship between obedience, authority, and peace." Isaiah 48:18 tells says that "if only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea." (p. 44)
Here are three applications "as you imagine peace like a river:
1) A river is a moving stream of water. . . To have peace like a river is to have security and tranquility while meeting many bumps and unexpected turns on life's journey. Peace is submission to a trustworthy Authority, not resignation from activity.
2) A river is a body of fresh water fed by springs or tributary streams. To experience peace, we must be feeding our relationship with God. . . Our peace comes from active, ongoing, obedient relationship with the Prince of Peace.
3) A river begins and ends with a body of water. . . Peace like a river flows from a continuous connection with the upland Source, Jesus Christ, which is a timely reminder that this life will ultimately spill out into a glorious eternal life. The present life is not our destination."
What does it take to have this peace? Attention to God's commands (by obedience) through the power of the Holy Spirit. Obedience to God's authority not only brings peace like a river but righteousness like the waves of the sea. Not righteous perfection. Righteous consistency." (pp. 44-45)
The fifth and final benefit is to enjoy God's presence. "Sometimes we're challenged to believe He's with us simply because He promised (Hebrews 13:5). That's faith." (p. 47)
"God's presence in our lives is absolutely unchanging, but the evidence of His presence is not. . . God does not love us less when he gives us fewer evidences. He simply desires to grow us up and teach us to walk by faith." (p. 48)
"We can learn to enjoy God's presence even when life is not enjoyable. . . Before we can begin to enjoy God's presence in our lives, we must accept His presence as an absolute fact." (pp. 48-49)
Beth concludes this section by asking if "any of these benefits suggest that you may have something holding you back." She encourages us to not let the enemy "steal one bit of the victory God has for (us). . . Listen closely. The liberty bell is ringing." (pp. 50-51)
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