What is it like to walk with God as His precious, saved child? It’s wonderful and blessed. “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15 (NIV).
God begets us to a new life with “… the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 Through God’s spirit, we are able to understand the Bible. “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.
Jesus assures us that God has personal affection for us. John 16:27, “For the Father, Himself, loves you.” God’s interest in our care and development is so personal that, “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30
Our Heavenly Father actually hears and answers our prayers. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
As we walk closer and more obediently with God, we receive great peace. Philippians 4:7 (RSV), “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
By understanding and applying the truths of the Bible to our lives, we are able to become mature, Christ-like Christians. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete (or mature), thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
This maturity gives us wisdom from God, Himself. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:17-18 (NKJV)
Please note that God never promised His spiritual children earthly prosperity. God never said true Christians would become wealthy, have worldly status, nor receive worldly power. Instead, we deny our own sinful, natural wills to do God’s holy will. Matthew 16:24 (NET), “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’”