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Bible Teachings

Characteristics of a Child of God - Part 1

8/25/2019

15 Comments

 
by Whitney V. Myers
Download a printable PDF of this post.
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits - Matthew 7:16 - 123RF Photo - Used under license
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits - Matthew 7:16 - 123RF Photo - Used under license
"You will know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:16)

"By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother." (1 John 3:10)


"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Romans 8:14)

This lesson is the second in a series on "The Children of God."  The first lesson in the series discussed "Becoming a Child of God" (Ref. 1).  Today's lesson is the first of two lessons on the Characteristics of a Child of God.
  
     Consider.  The Bible describes the children of God as having certain characteristics.  How do you know a child of God when you see one?  What are the distinguishing marks of a child of God?

A Child of God Bears Spiritual Fruit

     A child of God passes the fruit test.  Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits.  Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?" (Matthew 7:16)  A child of God is recognized by the fruit that he or she bears.

Jesus said that in order to bear much fruit, we must abide in (remain in, stay connected to) him.  "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing " (John 15:5, Ref. 2).  Bearing spiritual fruit is the natural outgrowth of being attached to the vine, Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit as "
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

The first characteristic of a child of God is a person who is bearing spiritual fruit.  


A Child of God Practices Obedience, Righteousness, and Godliness

     A child of God practices obedience, righteousness, and godliness:
  • Obedience - A child of God obeys and does God's will.  In the parable of the two sons, the son who did go to work in the vineyard did the will of his father (Matthew 21:28-31).  Note the difference between doing God's will and rebelling against or refusing to do God's will.  Jesus emphasized the importance of doing God's will when he said, "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:50).  Obeying God's will is essential for our relationship with Jesus and our heavenly Father.

  • Righteousness - A child of God practices righteousness and does not willfully, habitually sin.  1 John 3:10 says, "By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God ..."  Practicing righteousness means doing what is deemed right by the Lord, i.e. what is approved in His eyes (HELPS-Word studies, Ref. 3).  1 John 3:9 illustrates what it means to practice righteousness.  "No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God" (1 John 3:9, italics added).

  • Godliness - The Apostle Paul instructs his spiritual son, Timothy, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7).  The Greek word for discipline is gumnazó, which means train oneself with full effort (Ref. 4).  The English words "gym" and "gymnasium" come from this same root.  The Greek word for godliness is eusebeia, which means piety (reverence) toward God.  Eusebeia also means devotion (Ref. 5).  In the same way that an athlete trains with full effort in a gym, every child of God should train with full effort in reverence and devotion towards God.

A Child of God is Led by the Spirit

     When we are a child of God, the Holy Spirit is our guide for life (Romans 8:14).  The Holy Spirit guides us into all the truth and helps us understand the scriptures (John 16:13, John 14:26, Ref. 6).  The Holy Spirit helps us to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13).  The Holy Spirit guides us in making decisions (James 1:5), what to do (Acts 10:19-20), and where to go (Acts 16:6-10).  A child of God has an active, dynamic relationship with God, and follows the leading of the Holy Spirit in his/her life. 

     Apply.  Are you exhibiting the distinguishing characteristics of a child of God?  Consider the main points in this lesson:
  • Are you bearing spiritual fruit?
  • Are you obeying and doing God's will in all matters?
  • Are you practicing righteousness, and not practicing willful sin?
  • Are you training with full effort in your devotion to God?
  • Are you seeking and receiving the Holy Spirit's guidance as you study the scriptures and make personal decisions?

     In the next lesson (Ref. 7), we will continue our study of the Characteristics of a Child of God.

Related Topics
"Becoming a Child of God" (John 1:12-13)
"Characteristics of a Child of God - Part 2" (Matthew 5:16)
"Our Adoption as God's Children" (Galatians 4:4-5)

References
1.  https://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/becoming-a-child-of-god
2.  https://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/jesus-is-the-true-vine
3.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1343.htm
4.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1128.htm
5.  https://biblehub.com/greek/2150.htm
6.  https://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/the-spirit-of-truth 
7.  https://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/characteristics-of-a-child-of-god-part-2
15 Comments
Van Weber
8/26/2019 05:13:24 pm

Good lesson Whitney!
I was taught to use the Bible like one uses a mirror, to see how I look according to scripture. It is certainly a very sobering exercise. Thank God, He sent Jesus to die on our behalf to reconcile us to God. We will do well if we are obedient children.

Reply
Lewis Aurelius
5/9/2021 09:49:32 am

I am uplifted. email me any update

Reply
Whitney Myers link
5/9/2021 10:24:04 am

Lewis

There is a sequel. It is "Characteristics of a Child of God - Part 2." Here is the link:

http://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/characteristics-of-a-child-of-god-part-2.

Best regards in Christ,
Whitney

Mamo
1/30/2021 10:56:00 am

Excellent lesson. Indeed very humbly. I will read,again and again

God is good

Reply
Marianna Albritoon link
3/11/2021 02:49:08 pm

It has given me a fresh perspective on this topic for my <a href="https://www.mariannaalbritton.com/the-characteristics-of-a-true-christian/">The Characteristics of a True Christian</a>. Thanks!

Reply
ANTHONY KARANI
7/22/2021 01:07:12 pm

It is beautiful site with encouraging and building verses

Reply
Assumpta
12/23/2021 08:51:48 am

I feel reborn thank you sir/ma

Reply
Nworah Chidimma Faithful
8/4/2021 10:40:48 pm

God bless you Whitney Myers V. Is a privilege hearing the characteristics of a Child of God. The post has given me more insight to the things God requires from us as His Servants. I pray that God will give me more understanding.

Thank you Sir and God's Grace in all you do.

Reply
Shereece Spence link
9/24/2021 12:09:39 pm

Thank you for creating such succinct and clear article. I found this in 2020 and utilized the characteristics as apart of my daily affirmation. Most importantly, I realize each time I reread the article there is something that's confirmed or fresh.

Blessings to you and your team!

Reply
Lori
5/1/2022 11:34:56 am

Loved this study- the way it's laid-out and the pespective from it. Thank you!

Reply
kenneth link
9/24/2022 03:07:39 am

This post was truly worthwhile to read. I wanted to say thank you for the key points you have pointed out as they are enlightening.

Reply
Emmamuel Sawe Fulka link
11/18/2022 05:41:12 am

I want to know God more than before.
God is love,so pray that his Spirit leads me in that direction.

Reply
Whitney V Myers link
11/18/2022 10:06:38 pm

Emmanuel

God will bless you and will reveal himself more to you as you seek to know him better. I have prayed for you that his Spirit will lead you.

Whitney

Reply
Nwankwo chinedu Samuel
7/23/2023 04:15:05 pm

I love all that I see here

Reply
Obinna Ubani
7/27/2024 04:37:47 pm

I am happy to join u people am bless thank u all

Reply

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    • Bible Verses About Courage
    • Bible Verses About the Cross
    • Bible Verses About Eternal Life
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    • Bible Verses - "I AM"s of Christ
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