Teen Devotion: Understanding Our Nature and God’s Grace
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:26-27, Romans 5:12-21, John 3:3-8
Heidelberg Catechism Questions:
- Q6: Did God create man so wicked and perverse?
- A6: God created him good and in His own image, that is, in true righteousness and holiness, so that he might truly know God his creator, love Him with all his heart, and live with God in eternal happiness, to praise and glorify Him.
- Q7: Then where does this corrupt human nature come from?
- A7: The fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in paradise. This fall has so poisoned our nature that we are all conceived and born in a sinful condition.
- Q8: But are we so corrupt that we are totally unable to do any good and inclined toward all evil?
- A8: Yes, unless we are born again by the Spirit of God.
Reflection:
Have you ever wondered why we sometimes feel so far from perfect? Why we struggle with doing the right thing even when we know what it is? The Heidelberg Catechism helps us understand this by explaining our origins and our current state.
- Created Good: God created us in His image, which means we were made to reflect His goodness, righteousness, and holiness. Imagine being designed to know God deeply, love Him fully, and live in eternal happiness with Him. That’s our original design!
- The Fall: But something went wrong. The fall of Adam and Eve introduced sin into the world, and this sin has affected all of us. It’s like a virus that has spread to every part of our being, making us naturally inclined to do wrong. This is why we often find ourselves doing things we regret or failing to do the good we desire.
- Hope in Rebirth: The good news is that God didn’t leave us in this broken state. Through Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to be born again by the Spirit of God. This rebirth transforms us, giving us a new nature that can truly seek and do good.
Application:
- Acknowledge Your Need: Recognize that on our own, we can’t live up to God’s standards. We need His grace and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
- Seek God’s Transformation: Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew your heart and mind, helping you to live in a way that reflects God’s original design for you.
- Live in Hope: Remember that despite our flaws, God loves us and has provided a way for us to be restored through Jesus.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for creating me in Your image and for loving me despite my flaws. I acknowledge that I am often inclined to do wrong and need Your grace. Please transform my heart by Your Spirit and help me to live in a way that honors You. Thank You for the hope and new life I have in Jesus. Amen.
Feel free to share this devotion with your friends or youth group! How do you feel about these reflections?