100% LOVED BY GOD 1
In the second chapter of Peter, specifically verses 3 and 4, we find a profound exploration of our spiritual inheritance. The passage, as rendered in the New King James Version, states that through His divine power, God has bestowed upon us everything necessary for life and godliness. This is made possible through the knowledge of Him who has called us by His glory and virtue. Furthermore, we are reminded of the exceedingly great and precious promises that enable us to partake in the divine nature, allowing us to escape the corruption that pervades the world due to lust. This morning, as we delve into the theme of rediscovering our spiritual DNA within the series titled “100% Loved By God,” we are invited to reflect on the transformative power of these truths.
As we gather in prayer, let us lift our hands in unity, seeking the grace of the Lord Jesus to illuminate our understanding of His word. We ask for the ability to teach and preach with clarity and simplicity, ensuring that every heart is touched and transformed. May the Holy Spirit move freely among us, breaking down barriers and softening hearts, turning stony dispositions into receptive ones. We express our gratitude for the victory over the flesh and anticipate significant changes in the lives of individuals today. The narrative of creation in Genesis illustrates that God has infused a part of Himself into every one of His creations. The scripture recounts how God formed man from the dust and breathed life into him, signifying that true life emanates from God, the ultimate source of existence.
Are you still with me this morning? God is the ultimate source of life, and everything that possesses life draws from Him.
The essence of life is intertwined with the divine; nothing can exist without a fragment of God within it.
I trust you are still engaged with me today as we explore the concept that life emanates from God in various forms. We observe this in the diversity of life around us, including plant life and animal life, as well as what is referred to in Greek as “Zoe,” which signifies the God-kind of life that is unique to Him. Life exists in different degrees, and it is this divine essence that elevates our existence.
Men and women, we represent the pinnacle of God’s creation, sharing in His divine life, which fundamentally distinguishes us from animals. This “Zoe,” the God-kind of life, was imparted to the first man created by God. The scripture states that through these divine gifts, we can partake in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that pervades the world through lust. The divine nature, which reflects God’s own essence, is encoded in our spiritual DNA. Just as we inherit physical traits from our biological parents, our spiritual lineage is derived from those who give us birth in the spirit. When we choose to accept Jesus and invite Him to govern our lives, we experience a rebirth, often referred to as being “born again.” In John chapter 3, Nicodemus, a respected leader of the synagogue, approached Jesus, acknowledging that no one could perform the miracles He did without divine support. His words highlighted the extraordinary nature of Jesus, suggesting that there was something profoundly unique about His essence and capabilities.
There is an unmistakable distinction about you, he consistently remarked, inquiring about your origins. He expressed a hope that you would grasp the essence of his inquiry, which was fundamentally about where you hail from. Jesus, possessing a deeper understanding of this question than the inquirer himself, recognized that the true essence of the matter was not merely about geographical origins. Instead, the inquiry should have delved into the spiritual realm, as he noted that no one could perform the miraculous acts he was doing unless they were in communion with God. Jesus then articulated a profound truth: unless one is born again, they cannot perceive the kingdom of God. He elaborated on the distinction between those born of the Spirit and those born of the flesh, emphasizing that one’s capabilities are intrinsically linked to their spiritual lineage.
In this exchange, Jesus was conveying that for one to replicate his extraordinary works, they must undergo a transformation that aligns them with his divine source. Nicodemus, however, misinterpreted this message, questioning whether he was to return to his mother’s womb for a second birth. Jesus, recognizing the futility of such a notion, pointed out that if Nicodemus was already powerless in his current state, returning to his origin would only exacerbate his limitations. Instead, Jesus encouraged him to seek a new spiritual birth, one that would redefine his nature and capabilities. This transformation is pivotal, as it allows individuals to change their spiritual lineage, thereby altering their inherent potential. The analogy of discovering a powerful lineage through a DNA test serves to illustrate that one can challenge their current circumstances by embracing their newfound identity and the strength that comes from a divine source.
It is not in my nature to succumb to illness, and I trust that you grasp the essence of my message. If it has been asserted that there is no poverty in your lineage, it is your responsibility to challenge that assertion and affirm that your origins are rooted in abundance. This morning, we are discussing the divine nature bestowed upon us by God. However, there are significant obstacles that hinder the realization of this inherent nature, two of which I will address in this series: religion and sin. These two forces often operate in tandem; if sin does not restrain you, religion may attempt to do so. Let us turn to Luke Chapter 15 to explore how both religion and sin can detract from the divine nature we possess, while also delving into the profound love of God.
In the parable commonly referred to as the prodigal son, we witness how sin creates a chasm between the son and his father. The love of God is abundantly available to you today, and I encourage you to open your heart to receive it. In Luke 15, beginning at verse 11, we read about a certain man with two sons. The younger son requested his share of the inheritance, and shortly thereafter, he squandered his wealth in reckless living. The scripture reveals that upon coming to his senses, he reflected on the abundance of his father’s household, realizing that he should not be in want. This moment of clarity allowed him to reconnect with his roots and his true identity. In verse 18, he resolved to return to his father and confess his transgressions, a sentiment that echoes the voice of religion, which often emphasizes unworthiness.
The narrative begins with a poignant reflection on the voice of religion, particularly as it relates to feelings of unworthiness and sin. The individual expresses a sentiment of being undeserving of divine love, stating, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.” This perspective, rooted in a religious framework, suggests that sin disqualifies one from the love of God, leading to a belief that one must settle for a lesser status, akin to that of a servant. However, the story takes a transformative turn when the father, upon seeing his son from a distance, runs to embrace him, symbolizing unconditional love and acceptance. This act conveys a powerful message: regardless of past transgressions, one remains wholly loved by God.
It is essential to dismantle the misconceptions surrounding divine love, as there is nothing one can do to increase or decrease God’s affection. The scripture from Jeremiah 31 emphasizes this everlasting love, which is inherent to God’s nature. While individuals may struggle with their relationship with God, it is crucial to understand that their actions do not alter God’s love; rather, what is within their control is the pursuit of pleasing Him. God embodies agape love, characterized by its unconditional nature, contrasting sharply with the punitive figures some may associate with authority. The assurance that God has provided the means to please Him, as stated in the Bible, reinforces the idea that divine love is constant and unwavering, allowing individuals to focus on their spiritual growth and relationship with the divine.
One interpretation suggests that all aspects related to my well-being or the act of pleasing Him are encompassed within a singular concept. He has bestowed upon us a significant power known as grace. According to divine assurance, there is nothing one can do to either increase or diminish His love; the focus should solely be on how to bring Him pleasure. However, it is important to note that He has made provisions for this endeavor, as His grace is readily available to assist us in our efforts to please Him. I trust that my message is clear, and I hope you grasp the essence of what I am conveying. To elaborate further, I would like to highlight three key points.
Firstly, sin has a detrimental effect on our self-worth, instilling feelings of rejection and inadequacy within us. This is the primary objective of sin, which, it is essential to remember, emerged as a consequence of the law. I will delve deeper into this topic next week, tracing the narrative from the beginning of creation to Moses, the lawgiver, during which time sin did not exist. The introduction of the law marked the onset of sin, as it is defined as the transgression of the law. Sin may promise fleeting pleasures, yet the Scriptures affirm that in the presence of God, there is an abundance of joy, and at His right hand, eternal pleasures await.
The allure of sin is inherently temporary and ultimately destructive; the consequences of sin lead to death because it contradicts our divine nature.
When I engage in sinful behavior, I act against the essence of life that resides within me, which is meant to express love unconditionally. Conversely, harboring hatred ignites a destructive force within, as it opposes my true nature and the divine characteristics I am meant to embody.
In the initial discussion, it is important to recognize that the debate surrounding smoking, particularly its moral implications as presented in religious texts, often leads to questions about whether it constitutes a sin. However, rather than approaching this issue solely from a perspective of sinfulness, one might consider it through the lens of divine nature. The essence of God, which resides within us, is inherently non-destructive. Therefore, if smoking cigarettes is detrimental to one’s body, and if God embodies a nature that is not harmful, it follows that one should refrain from such practices. The focus should not be on the binary of sinning or not sinning; rather, it should be on cultivating a relationship with the Spirit of God, which naturally diminishes the hold of sin. When one is centered on Jesus and the grace that enables one to live in a manner pleasing to Him, the fruits of the Spirit—such as love, joy, and patience—will emerge organically from within.
Furthermore, it is essential to understand that every individual is wholly loved by God, regardless of their past actions or current circumstances. The assurance of God’s love is a fundamental truth that should resonate deeply within us. The biblical narrative of the prodigal son exemplifies this divine love, illustrating how the father eagerly welcomed back his wayward son, signifying that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. This story serves as a reminder that acceptance of God’s love can lead to transformative experiences in one’s life. It is crucial not to let religious constraints hinder one’s understanding of this love.
Embracing God’s grace allows for personal growth and the realization of one’s potential
as God desires to work wonders in the lives of those who open their hearts to Him.
There exist significant destinies that have been hindered by the burdens of guilt and condemnation. Many individuals have been raised by parents, caregivers, or guardians who may not have provided the experience of genuine love, which profoundly influences our perception of God. This limited understanding often leads us to view God through the lens of our earthly relationships, which can be flawed. However, it is essential to recognize that God desires to transform our mindset regarding how we perceive Him. We should not evaluate God based on our unmet desires; rather, we must trust in the biblical assurance that He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly. If something is truly beneficial for us, we should remain patient and await its arrival. Patience is a natural aspect of my character, as it is a fruit of the human spirit, and I strive to embody self-control. I refuse to offer excuses for any misbehavior or actions that contradict my true nature, as this is a common tendency among many individuals.