Spiritual Paternity Test - Week 1

1. Starting Well
Devotional: In our Christian journey, starting well is essential for finishing well. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of a genuine relationship with Christ. Many people identify as 'cultural Christians,' appreciating the societal benefits of Christianity but lacking true faith. To start well, we must experience a spiritual rebirth, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3. This involves acknowledging our sins and genuinely surrendering to Christ. Reflect on your spiritual journey and ensure that you have started at the right place, with a heart fully committed to Jesus.
Verse: Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.' - John 3:3
Question: Have you experienced a genuine spiritual rebirth, or are you merely appreciating the societal benefits of Christianity?
Prayer: Lord, help me to start well by genuinely surrendering my life to You. Open my heart to experience a true spiritual rebirth and guide me in my journey to become more like Christ. Amen.


2. Pressing On
Devotional: Once we have started well, the next step is to press on towards the goal. The Apostle Paul encourages us to keep striving to become more like Christ. This journey is not without its challenges, but true believers feel remorse for their sins, seek forgiveness, and continue to strive to live a life that honors God. Remember, God is constantly working on us to transform us into His image. Keep pressing on, knowing that the heavenly prize awaits those who remain faithful.
Verse: I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. - Philippians 3:14
Question: Are you actively pressing on towards the goal of becoming more like Christ, even when faced with challenges?.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the strength and perseverance to press on towards the goal of becoming more like Christ. Help me to remain faithful and focused on the heavenly prize. Amen.


3. Overcoming Failures
Devotional: In our journey, we will face moral failures and struggles with sin. However, true believers do not stay down. They feel remorse, seek forgiveness, and get back up to continue their walk with God. Proverbs reminds us that a godly person may trip seven times, but they will get back up again. God knew we would mess up before He saved us, but He still chose to save us. His love and grace are sufficient to help us overcome our failures and continue our journey.
Verse: For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. - Proverbs 24:16
Question: How do you respond to moral failures and struggles with sin in your life?
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your grace and love that help me overcome my failures. When I fall, give me the strength to get back up and continue my walk with You. Amen.


4. Living a Transformed Life
Devotional: God is constantly working on us to transform us into His image. This transformation involves turning away from the things of the world and living a life that reflects Christ. John warns us not to love the world or the things in the world, as they can lead us away from God. Instead, we should focus on practicing righteousness and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. By doing so, we demonstrate that we are truly born of God and living a transformed life.
Verse: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. - 1 John 2:15
Question: Are there areas in your life where you need to turn away from the things of the world and focus on living a transformed life?
Prayer: Father, help me to turn away from the things of the world and focus on living a life that reflects Christ. Transform me into Your image and guide me in practicing righteousness and loving others. Amen.


5. Assurance of Salvation
Devotional: As we strive to live a transformed life, we can have assurance of our salvation through Jesus Christ. John tells us that whoever has the Son has life. This assurance is not based on our perfection but on our relationship with Christ. God loves us just as we are, but He loves us too much to let us stay that way. He is continually working in us to make us more like Him. Rest in the assurance of your salvation and continue to grow in your relationship with Christ.
Verse: And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. - 1 John 5:11-12
Question: Do you have assurance of your salvation through your relationship with Jesus Christ?
Quote: God loves you just like you are, but he loves you so much he doesn't want you to stay that way.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help me to rest in this assurance and continue to grow in my relationship with You. Amen.