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Key Verse:
2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
The moment we are Saved we are made citizens in God’s Kingdom. We are His People and as such we must behave like one of His.
I. We Are His.
2 Chronicles 7:14
if My people who are called by My name…
The word “Christian” means “Christ Like”. Anyone who places their faith in Jesus belongs to Him and are His People. Christians no longer belong to the World but rather to the One and Only Holy God of all. We are a people set apart.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
II. We Must Humble Ourselves in Order to Be Lifted Up.
2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves,
We should not be filled with pride because we are God’s Chosen, but rather His choosing us should humble us as we gaze upon His Glory.
Matthew 23:12
And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
III. We Must Prey.
2 Chronicles 7:14
…and pray…
To live the Christian Life we must pray. God never allows us to do His Will without His Help. We must pray in order to receive it. Often we rely on our own strength only to tire and become weary. But when we pray, God steps in and carries our load, if we give surrender to Him.
Matthew 6:9-13
9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts,As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
IV. We Must Seek Him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
…and seek My face,…
Our prayers should be aimed at fellowship with God and not for our own selfish desires. Prayer is for seeking His presence and His Will.
Psalm 25:4-5
4 Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
V. We Must Repent!
2 Chronicles 7:14
…and turn from their wicked ways,…
Repentance alone does NOT Save us, however, it is an indication that someone IS Saved! The Saving Power of God is evident in the Saved person and shines forth like a light unto the World.
VI. When We Behave Like His Children, We Will Be Blessed Like His Children.
2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
…then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Only a fool would reward a disobedient child. God is NO fool and will NOT reward disobedience! However when we apply the principles of this verse to our lives, we will see the blessings of God. Christians are God’s People. As God’s People we must behave like citizens of His Kingdom and not of this World. When we obey His Word we are rewarded, when we disobey, we are reminded that He is in charge and that we must humble ourselves or be humbled by Him.