"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:
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:
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!
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Lewis Aurelius
5/9/2021 09:49:32 am
I am uplifted. email me any update
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5/9/2021 10:24:04 am
Lewis
Mamo
1/30/2021 10:56:00 am
Excellent lesson. Indeed very humbly. I will read,again and again
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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!
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ANTHONY KARANI
7/22/2021 01:07:12 pm
It is beautiful site with encouraging and building verses
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Assumpta
12/23/2021 08:51:48 am
I feel reborn thank you sir/ma
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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.
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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.
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Lori
5/1/2022 11:34:56 am
Loved this study- the way it's laid-out and the pespective from it. Thank you!
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11/18/2022 05:41:12 am
I want to know God more than before.
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11/18/2022 10:06:38 pm
Emmanuel
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Nwankwo chinedu Samuel
7/23/2023 04:15:05 pm
I love all that I see here
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Obinna Ubani
7/27/2024 04:37:47 pm
I am happy to join u people am bless thank u all
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Daily Bible Verse(On my new Bluesky account) AuthorMr. Whitney V. Myers. Christian. For more information, please visit the Author Page. Posting ScheduleI plan to provide new postings about once a month. Planned Topics(subject to change) Recent Posts(most recent three months) Popular Posts(top 10) Categories
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