Disciples intentionally immerse themselves in a relationship with God by yielding to the Holy Spirit – as their Primary Discipler
The next month of devotions focus on living under the direction of the Holy Spirit, which includes yielding to His work and His ways in life. The goal is to be intentional about immersing ourselves in God by submitting to His Spirit. God calls us to live by the Spirit, not the law (rules and regulations – see Romans 8:2, Galatians 5:16-18). Our primary teacher about God is God Himself. Pray that He opens your heart and mind to the insight of His Word.
Romans 8:2
... because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Galatians 5:16-18
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Your Biblical Identify in Christ
John 3:1-17
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
• In Christ, we are called by the Holy Spirit, loved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.
Pondering Point
Read John 3:1-17. The Holy Spirit is our birth parent of sorts, having given birth to our spirits in baptism and making us alive in Christ. Like a good parent, He still nurtures and guides us as we grow. How are you doing in listening to this spiritual parent of yours and letting Him guide you? He is the One who introduces you the foundational fruit of a life with Jesus – full of love and joy and peace. Let Him produce fruit in you.
Prayer
Spirit of God, thank You for giving birth to my spirit. I pray that You would disciple me, teaching me about life under Jesus, living with Him, and becoming a faithful follower. I want to experience the foundational fruit of a life with Jesus – full of love, joy and peace. In His name I pray. Amen.