What steps can we take to ensure we are "My people" to God? Setting the Scene: Understanding “My people” • 2 Chronicles 7:14: “and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” • God is speaking to those already identified with Him, yet He lays out ongoing requirements for remaining in close covenant fellowship. Step One: Humble Ourselves before the Lord • Genuine humility means acknowledging God’s sovereignty and our dependence (James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”). • Practical actions – Admit personal sin without excuses (Psalm 51:3). – Submit daily choices to His Word (Isaiah 66:2). – Place others above self (Philippians 2:3). Step Two: Pray with Dependence and Persistence • Prayer keeps the relationship active (Philippians 4:6). • Elements to include – Adoration: magnify who He is (Psalm 34:3). – Confession: bring hidden faults into the light (1 John 1:9). – Petition: trust Him for needs (Matthew 7:7). – Intercession: carry others to His throne (1 Timothy 2:1). • Approach with confidence yet reverence (Hebrews 4:16). Step Three: Seek His Face above All Else • Seeking goes past asking for favors; it pursues fellowship (Jeremiah 29:13). • Practical ways – Consistent Scripture intake and obedience (John 14:21). – Worship that engages heart and mind (Psalm 27:4). – Fasting or dedicated time blocks to remove distractions (Matthew 6:17-18). Step Four: Turn from Wicked Ways in Genuine Repentance • Repentance is a decisive change of mind producing changed behavior (Acts 3:19). • How to turn – Identify sin by the mirror of Scripture (Psalm 139:23-24). – Abandon it decisively; no partial measures (Proverbs 28:13). – Replace old patterns with Spirit-filled living (Galatians 5:16). Living Out Our Identity as His People Every Day • Embrace the new covenant reality through faith in Christ (John 1:12; Romans 10:9). • Offer yourself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). • Walk in holiness and good works prepared by God (Ephesians 2:10). • Shine His light so others recognize whose people we are (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:9). Encouraging Promises Attached to the Steps • “I will hear from heaven” – God’s attentive ear (Psalm 34:15). • “Forgive their sin” – restored fellowship (Micah 7:18-19). • “Heal their land” – God’s tangible blessing on His obedient people (Deuteronomy 28:1-8). Following these Spirit-empowered steps keeps us living as the people who are unmistakably His. |
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