PART II – THE SPIRITUAL DNA OF THE BORN-AGAIN BELIEVER

Introduction

The moment a person is born again, something miraculous happens.

God not only forgives sin—

He changes the heart.

He gives new desires.

He gives a new nature.

He writes spiritual life into the believer’s very being.

Just as physical DNA determines physical characteristics, the Holy Spirit gives every believer a spiritual nature.

I. A New Heart Produces New Desires

Ezekiel 36:26 says,

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”

The believer begins loving what God loves.

Sin becomes offensive.

Holiness becomes beautiful.

The Word of God becomes precious.

Prayer becomes meaningful.

This transformation is supernatural.

II. The Mind of Christ

Paul declares,

“But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)

The mind of Christ changes:

• how we think,
• how we love,
• how we forgive,
• how we make decisions.

The believer begins seeing life through God’s perspective instead of the world’s.

The more we feed on Scripture, the stronger the mind of Christ becomes within us.

III. A Healthy Believer Hungers for Righteousness

Jesus never said,

Blessed are those who hunger for money…

or popularity…

or success.

He said,

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.”

Righteousness means:

• living rightly before God,
• loving what God loves,
• hating what God hates,
• seeking holiness daily.

The Christian who no longer desires God’s Word should prayerfully examine his or her spiritual condition.

Peter encourages believers,

“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word.” (1 Peter 2:2)

Healthy babies always desire milk.

Healthy Christians desire Scripture.

Application

Ask yourself:

• Do I desire God’s Word?
• Has prayer become dry?
• Am I feeding my flesh more than my spirit?

The Holy Spirit continually awakens fresh hunger for Christ.

Conclusion

The evidence of spiritual life is spiritual appetite.

Those who belong to Christ continually desire more of Him.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!