If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction
“You have so much joy.” “You are at peace.” “You have an inner strength.” “When things go wrong you get stronger instead of weaker!” These words are from real conversations. They illustrate the difference God makes to life.
God brings great changes to life. God, the creator of all things, created us to interact with Himself. Though we are capable of operating in independence, you only have to open a newspaper or watch the news to see the glaringly obvious failure of people who live without Him. The fact is people don’t do well without God.
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When we become Christians then we are in God’s family. He acts on behalf of His children. Here are some of the things we can look to our Father to do for us -
- Salvation - Jesus saves us and has transformed our future.
- God cares for us - We are safe and nurtured, even in the midst of danger..
- Power for life - God gives all we need to live a godly life.
God also works within us. He transforms our attitudes and our emotional well being.
- Peace - Our anxieties are replaced by peace.
- Forgiveness - The weight of guilt is lifted from our shoulders as we are forgiven.
- Changed attitudes - Our attitudes are transformed from selfishness to love.
- Victory over temptation - The power of God works in us so we can resist.
- Heart for God - Our attitude towards God becomes one of love.
It is easy to get caught up in daily life. The big picture of our life can only be seen from God’s perspective. Our choices decide our future. Choosing God changes our whole life now and in the future. Have a look at this passage from the Bible - 1 Peter 1:3-5
- What hope do we have because of God?
- How can we have this hope?
- How does God help us in our problems?
1 Peter 1:3-5 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
The immediate benefit of being with God is that He watches over us. One of the most famous passages in the Bible is Psalm 23.
- Go through each sentence asking - what benefits are there in God?
- What attitude should we have to appreciate God’s care?
Psalm 23 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
An evident desire in people is to be free, not under the control of circumstances. This is especially true of people feeling trapped or lonely. Have a look at the following passage from the Bible. 2 Peter 1:3-4
- What is God’s power able to do for us?
- How do we gain access to God’s power?
- What is God’s aim in providing His power?
2 Peter 1:3-4 3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires.
God puts His peace in people’s hearts. This peace is independent of circumstances. It is peace because we know God is caring for us.
- Who will ensure that we are at peace?
- Who are kept in peace?
Isaiah 26: 3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
God promises to forgive our sins as we confess them to Him.
- Why would people claim not to have done wrong?
- What happens when we come clean and confess?
1 John 1: 8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
God changes us from the inside. We see an example of this in Onesimus.
- What difference did coming to faith have on Onesimus?
Philemon 10 I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison.11 Onesimus* hasn't been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us.12 I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.
God works in our hearts by His Spirit. As we invite Him to live in us, He changes our attitudes to the things that harm us.
- How is victory over temptation gained?
Psalm 119 :9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
A heart for God is developed. Instead of wanting to hide from God, now we desire Him.
- What heart attitude do you see written here?
- How has this change of attitude been helped?
Psalm 40: 8 I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart."
Page appears in Beginnings -What difference does God.
IMPACT OF GOD
