What does it truly mean to be a child of God? Do we fully grasp the rich implications of being adopted into his family through Jesus Christ? As individuals living in a broken world, it is easy to fall back into an orphan mindset – believing we must fend for ourselves.
But nothing could be further from the truth for those who call Jesus Lord.
The core of our identity has fundamentally shifted; we now have a perfect Father who deeply loves and cares for us.
Today we will explore the profound experience of being God’s children – what we will call the “feel” and “future” of sonship. First, we will see how the Holy Spirit testifies to our status as heirs, giving us boldness to cry out “Abba, Father!”
Next, we will grasp the glorious inheritance waiting for us – joint heirs with Christ of all God is. Finally, though we must suffer as Jesus did, our sufferings ultimately lead to glory. The goal is to motivate you to lay aside any orphan heart and fully embrace the security, hope and power that come from knowing you are fully and forever loved by your Heavenly Father.
The feel of being a child of God
This refers to the experience of being adopted into God’s family. It means:
- You don’t have a spirit of slavery that leads to fear, but a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters.
- You can cry out to God as “Abba, Father.” You express authentic need to your Heavenly Father.
- You have been freed from the orphan spirit of self-sufficiency and aloneness.
The future of being a child of God
This refers to what God has in store for His children. It means:
- The Holy Spirit testifies that you are indeed God’s child and heir.
- As an heir, you inherit all that God is. His power, mercy, grace, goodness are all directed at you.
- You are a fellow heir with Christ. Every child of God is treated as a firstborn.
- You must suffer with Christ to attain glory. Suffering does not mean God has forgotten you.
Examine where you have lived with an orphan spirit, believing you are alone. Repent and turn to the Father who loves you and cares for you.
Friends, as we reflect on what it means to be children of God, let us not remain content with mere knowledge. These truths were given to ignite deep transformation – of how we view God, ourselves and this world.
Lay aside any spirit of fear, self-sufficiency or hopelessness. Instead, run to your true Father who deeply desires to hear your every need, sorrow and joy. Live now from the fullness of your identity in Christ, rooted in the sure hope of your eternal inheritance.
Though challenges will come, your Abba Father holds you securely in his everlasting arms. Cry out to him from the depth of who you are; he is listening and longing to answer. Begin right now, with every worry, fear and dream, and let the fullness of his fatherly love flood your heart anew.