The Royal Privileges of Spiritual Rebirth

The Royal Privileges of Spiritual Rebirth Devotional Reading and Podcast

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'” –John 3:3

Through a sermon last year, I received godly knowledge that we should never attempt to study the Bible without a prayer of forgiveness of sins and asking for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment. According to Revelation and Mathew chapter 24, we are living in the last days. More than ever, we need the Holy Spirit to provide clarity of the Scriptures and teach us how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

The Holy Spirit also guides us through the lifelong spiritual transformation required when we are reborn through the redemption of Jesus Christ. First Corinthians chapter 13 and Galatians chapter 5 provide us with God’s definition of love and the characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit which we should strive for daily in our spiritual journey.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” –1 John 3:1

Without the Holy Spirit, we do not understand who we are and whose we are. Nor do we understand the privileges that we have received because of our spiritual rebirth in Christ. Our value was determined when we were created by Jesus in His image and our status was defined as redeemed children of God when Jesus hung and said, “It is finished” before He died on Calvary’s cross.

As sons and daughters of God, we have a desperate need of the Holy Spirit–our lifelong Teacher who never grows weary of guiding us through our earthly journey of Sanctification. As we study, the Holy Spirit teaches us according to our level of understanding, which explains how little children can learn and understand the Bible.

The Holy Spirit imparts the strength to perform our physical duties required for that day. Whether we are in a peaceful or stormy season, at any time of the day or night, we have access to the Holy Spirit who is just a prayer away.

The Teacher-student relationship is one of the privileges that we have received from giving ourselves to Christ. From our prayer for help, we immediately receive wisdom with decision-making, meaning we never have to guess, stumble, and fall when faced with difficulties. Giving ourselves to Jesus is the best decision that an individual will ever make.

Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ offers redemption, forgiveness, love, grace, mercies, joy, peace, and protection from spiritual warfare and physical harm. Do we think about the privileges we receive? Without fail, we should whisper prayers of gratitude. Living righteously and gaining much-needed strength, wisdom, and discernment requires a total surrendering of our will to God. For our commitment, we receive the continuous guidance of the Holy Spirit which eliminates suffering consequences from counterproductive decisions.

Fact: Living according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit causes a chasm [a profound difference in viewpoints, lifestyles, and priorities] between us and them [unbelievers].

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'” 1 Corinthians 15:33

Because the world has nothing in common with the true followers of Christ, we are commanded to separate ourselves from those who choose to live in spiritual darkness. Satan has deceived many Christians into forming relationships with those who say they believe in God or that God exists, yet, there is no relationship with Christ. The Apostle Paul tells us, “…having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away” (2 Timothy 2:5-6).

Unless we are witnessing, we accept that separation is required between the sons and daughters of God and unbelievers. Many of us accept that we cannot have close relationships with those in darkness, but we may exclude our family and friends from those we must separate ourselves from.

In 2017, I received a call from an Uncle who was inviting me to celebrate his birthday on a Friday night in a club/restaurant. After extending the invite, he reiterated that I did not have to sit near the bar where they are serving drinks. I declined by telling him that I would not be able to attend because I serve God. Still, I thanked him for inviting me and wished him to have a happy birthday.

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” –Luke 14:26

These are very strong words that Jesus used to emphasize the cost of discipleship. Our rebirth in Christ requires us to place our relationship with Him as the priority in our lives. We forsake anyone who attempts to break our spiritual bond and relationship with God. We also renounce the former life of unrighteous words, behaviors, and habits. Yes, that is the cost of following Christ.

Remaining faithful and true to God usually requires us to be isolated from those whom we love. And be aware that you may suffer rejection from fellow believers because of your steadfast commitment to Christ. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will. enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

Fact: If we do not possess the unwavering belief that our rebirth in Christ placed us into the royal priesthood of God, we will not withstand Satan’s temptations or life’s hardships. And we will fall and stay down when separation from close family and friends escalates into isolation.

God’s Promise of Comfort: “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)

The diligent and daily study of God’s promises keeps us grounded. Every promise reminds us of our identity in Christ. Much prayer keeps us faithful, grateful, and obedient to God. We are living in the last days and cannot afford to lose our status as heirs of the only True and Living God. We have a Father who created us from love, in His image, and has plans for us to live with Him eternally.

“…Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3).

Yes, we are loved and highly favored. Pray for discernment of the Scriptures. The Bible contains symbolism that we cannot understand without spiritual discernment. God’s promises were not written only for the believers that live in biblical times. The same everlasting love that God proclaimed in the Old Testament applies to today’s believers.

We are never abandoned by Christ. Redirecting our focus on His love, great sacrifice, and current role in Heaven serving as our Intercessor allows us to express our gratitude to a long-suffering Savior. With humility, let us fall to our knees, thanking Jesus for the royal privileges we receive along with the opportunity for eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Are you living with the confidence and courage that a son or daughter of God should possess?

Back in the day, there was a question that the elite of society used to ask, “Do you know who I am?” when they were flaunting their social status of privilege. The question for today’s believers is, “Do you know who you are?” Nothing is worse than the children of God having a mindset of defeat and a sense of worthlessness.

When your emotions have overpowered your sound mind, immediately pray!

The Holy Spirit is also our Comforter and will remind us of our heritage—we are created in Jesus’ image. Although we were born into sin, our Savior chose us, knocked at the doors of our hearts, and we accepted His invitation. It is a privilege to be part of the Kingdom royalty. If we are faithful and true one day soon we will receive our crowns from the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Every day encourage yourself by looking in the mirror, and asking, “Who am I?” And yes, answer your question, I am King Jesus’ son or I am King Jesus’ daughter. There are times that we feel down and unloved. If you are new to studying the Bible then do an online search of Scriptures of God’s love.

There are countless declarations of God’s love which are for humanity. Never forget that Jesus called himself the Son of Man. He experienced the same emotions as us and much more especially in the Garden of Gethsemane [Luke 22:39 to 46].

Knowledge of the Scriptures reinforces our faith. The Bible is a love letter from God to us. We have a treasure map from the Voice of God. How amazing and wonderful is His love for us? Never lose your confidence and courage even when life is challenging. The Bible is God’s Truth. If God says we are His sons and daughters then we believe it.

Jesus has promised that He will finish our spiritual transformation up until the day He comes [Philippians 1:6]. If we remain faithful and obedient then we can look forward to receiving our crown and eternal inheritance.

“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'” –1 Corinthians 2:9

Our Father’s Promises to His Sons and Daughters when they are feeling weak!

Scripture Reading: Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. –Isaiah 40: verses 28 to 31.

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that You sacrificed Your life, allowing us to be reborn into your royal priesthood. We pray for the strength to forsake all others and prepare to receive our inheritance of the New Heaven and New Earth. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray. Amen.