When we confess that we are sinners and in need of a Savior (see Rom. 3:23) and then put our faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, God places us in the family of God. At that time, God’s Holy Spirit comes to dwell in each of our lives enabling us to begin the journey of learning to live like Jesus Christ and to experience that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10).

Have you taken this step of faith? If not, invite the Lord Jesus Christ to be your personal Savior from sin. You can do that today — at this moment. And if you do, you’ll then begin the journey of becoming more and more like Christ in all of your relationships.

A Suggested Prayer

If you are not certain of your eternal salvation, the following is a suggested prayer. Make this prayer your own heart’s desire by reading the words carefully and sincerely or by formulating the thoughts into your own words.

Dear Father in heaven, I acknowledge that I need a Savior. I confess my sins — and I thank You that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. I now receive the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior from sin. I believe He died for me and rose again to give me eternal life. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to dwell in my life from this moment forward. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thinking and Growing Together

The following questions are designed for group discussion after reading and studying the content of this chapter:

• Why is it important to begin our spiritual journey by making sure we have a personal salvation experience through putting our faith in Jesus Christ?
• Why is modeling so important in helping others to imitate Jesus Christ?
• Reflect on what Paul wrote about Phoebe (see Rom. 16:1-2). Why was he able to recommend her so highly?
• If someone wrote the story of your life, what would you want him or her to say about your character?
• About what can the group pray for you personally?

Set a Goal

Write out one goal you would like to achieve as a result of this study.

From "The Measure of a Woman" © 2004 by Gene Getz and Elaine Getz. Published by Regal Books, www.regalbooks.com. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Gene A. Getz is senior pastor at Fellowship Bible Church North in Plano, Texas.  More than 30,000 people currently attend Fellowship churches he has planted in Dallas, while even more such churches span the globe.  Gene has written more than 50 books and is the host of the 15-minute daily radio program, "Renewal."  He and his wife, Elaine, reside in Plano.