Purpose of the New Birth | Module 3 | Lesson 2

 Purpose of the New Birth 

Taking actionable next steps can help you integrate your new identity in Christ into your daily life more effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move forward:

1. Commit to Spiritual Practices

• Create a Daily Routine: Set aside specific times each day for prayer and Bible study. Consider using a devotional or reading plan to guide you through Scripture.
• Journal Your Journey: Start a journal to track your spiritual growth, insights from Scripture, and areas where you see God working in your life.

2. Engage with a Community

• Join a Church: If you’re not already part of one, find a local church where you can worship, learn, and grow with other believers.
• Attend a Small Group: Join a small group or Bible study where you can connect with others, share experiences, and receive support and accountability.

3. Develop New Habits

• Set Goals for Growth: Identify specific areas in your life where you want to grow and set spiritual goals. For example, you might want to focus on developing patience or generosity.
• Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a habit of gratitude by regularly thanking God for His blessings and acknowledging His work in your life.

4. Serve Others

• Find Volunteer Opportunities: Look for ways to serve in your church or community. This could include volunteering at a local charity, helping with church activities, or supporting those in need.
• Use Your Gifts: Identify your spiritual gifts and find ways to use them to contribute to the body of Christ and make a difference in the world.

5. Pursue Personal Growth

• Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who can provide guidance, encouragement, and wisdom as you navigate your spiritual journey.
• Engage in Learning: Read books, attend seminars, or listen to podcasts that focus on spiritual growth and practical Christian living.

6. Practice Self-Examination

• Regular Reflection: Periodically reflect on your progress and areas where you might need to adjust. Ask yourself how well you’re living out your new identity and where you might be falling short.
• Confession and Repentance: Be honest with yourself and God about areas where you struggle. Seek forgiveness and make a plan for growth.

7. Share Your Faith

• Be a Witness: Look for opportunities to share your faith with others, whether through conversation, acts of kindness, or sharing your testimony.
• Invite Others: Invite friends or family to church events, Bible studies, or other gatherings where they can learn more about Christ.

8. Stay Accountable

• Find an Accountability Partner: Partner with someone who can encourage you, pray with you, and help you stay committed to your spiritual goals.
• Participate in Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with your accountability partner or mentor to discuss your progress and any challenges you’re facing.

9. Cultivate a Heart of Worship

• Worship Regularly: Participate in corporate worship with your church and engage in personal worship through music, prayer, and reflection.
• Live Worshipfully: Seek to honor God in all aspects of your life, from your work to your relationships, making everything an act of worship (Colossians 3:17).

10. Trust and Depend on God

• Lean on God’s Strength: Rely on God’s strength and guidance in your daily life. Trust that He will equip you for the tasks He has set before you (Philippians 4:13).
• Be Patient: Growth in your new identity is a process. Be patient with yourself and trust that God is working in you and through you.

Practical Tips

• Create a Spiritual Plan: Outline specific steps and goals for your spiritual growth, including daily practices, community involvement, and areas of service.
• Use Technology Wisely: Utilize apps and online resources for Bible study, prayer, and spiritual growth. Many resources are available to support your journey.

By following these steps, you can begin to live out your new identity in Christ in meaningful and impactful ways. The key is to stay committed, be open to growth, and continually seek God’s guidance and strength.

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My New Identity in Christ

Group Discussion

1. New Creation in Christ

Scripture Reference:

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV): “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Questions:

1. How does understanding that you are a "new creature" in Christ change your perspective on past mistakes and failures? Reflect on how this verse speaks to your personal experience (2 Corinthians 5:17). _________________________________________________________________________

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2. What are some "old things" that you need to let go of in order to fully embrace your new identity in Christ? How can you actively pursue the "new things" mentioned in this verse (2 Corinthians 5:17)? _________________________________________________________________________

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2. Children of God

Scripture References:

• John 1:12 (KJV): “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
• Romans 8:16 (KJV): “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”

Questions:

1. What does it mean to you personally to be called a “child of God” according to John 1:12? How does this identity affect your relationship with God and others (John 1:12)? _________________________________________________________________________

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2. How does the witness of the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:16 confirm your status as a child of God? Reflect on moments when you have felt the Spirit’s reassurance (Romans 8:16). _________________________________________________________________________

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3. Righteousness in Christ

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV): “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”
• Philippians 3:9 (KJV): “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”

Questions:

1. How does understanding that Christ is our righteousness impact your view of your own efforts to be righteous? Reflect on how this truth shapes your approach to living a righteous life (1 Corinthians 1:30). _________________________________________________________________________

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2. How does Philippians 3:9 challenge or encourage you regarding your reliance on faith in Christ for righteousness rather than personal achievements or legalistic efforts (Philippians 3:9)? _________________________________________________________________________

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4. In Christ

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 15:22 (KJV): “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
• Ephesians 2:10 (KJV): “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Questions:

1. What does it mean to be “made alive in Christ” according to 1 Corinthians 15:22? How does this new life in Christ affect your daily living (1 Corinthians 15:22)? _________________________________________________________________________

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2. How does Ephesians 2:10 describe your purpose and role in Christ? What specific “good works” is God calling you to do, and how can you walk in them (Ephesians 2:10)? _________________________________________________________________________

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5. Belonging to Christ

Scripture References:

• Galatians 3:29 (KJV): “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
• 1 Corinthians 3:23 (KJV): “And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.”

Questions:

1. How does Galatians 3:29 affect your understanding of your inheritance and promises in Christ? Reflect on what it means to be an heir according to the promise (Galatians 3:29). _________________________________________________________________________

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2. What implications does 1 Corinthians 3:23 have for how you view your relationship with Christ and your place in God’s plan (1 Corinthians 3:23)? _________________________________________________________________________

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6. Freedom in Christ

Scripture References:

• John 8:36 (KJV): “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
• Galatians 5:1 (KJV): “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Questions:

1. How does John 8:36 define true freedom for you, and how can you experience this freedom in your daily life (John 8:36)? _________________________________________________________________________

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2. What does Galatians 5:1 teach about the responsibility to maintain your freedom in Christ? Reflect on any areas where you might be entangled again and how to remain steadfast in your liberty (Galatians 5:1). _________________________________________________________________________

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7. Eternal Life

Scripture References:

• John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
• 1 John 5:11 (KJV): “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

Questions:

1. How does John 3:16 shape your understanding of eternal life and its implications for your current life? Reflect on how this promise of eternal life influences your daily decisions and priorities (John 3:16). _________________________________________________________________________

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2. How does 1 John 5:11 affirm the assurance of eternal life through Jesus? What impact does this assurance have on your faith and hope (1 John 5:11)? _________________________________________________________________________

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This study aims to deepen your understanding and application of your new identity in Christ, helping you live out these truths in practical ways.

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