The Bible often takes the masculine preference in
referring to children of God, and uses the word ‘son’, but the term refers to
both male and female believers. There
was significance in the biblical choice to often refer to children of God as
sons because of the common understanding of the relationship between a father
and son in those times. In many
cultures these days, a child is a child.
But in biblical times children, particularly sons, and especially
first-born sons, bared much of the responsibilities and rights of the
family. To say you were a child of
someone (especially the head of the family, the father) was to signify shared
characteristics, power, and responsibilities of him or her. That is why there was such outrage at Jesus’
claim of being the Son of God (Jn 10:31-33).
He was literally saying he was a piece of a God -a chip off the old
block- with all of the rights and privileges of God and his kingdom
(household)!
- God created and
loves everyone…
We were all lovingly created by God and for his
purpose. He’s further shown his love to
us by giving us the opportunity to be a part of his family. (Col 1:16; Jn 3:16;
Ro 5:8; 9:8; Eph 2:10)
- …but not all are children
of God.
Those who have not accepted the gift of salvation,
through Christ, those who choose to live a life of sin, willingly living a life
disobedient to God’s word, satisfying the sinful nature are not.
(Eph 2:1-3; Jas 4:4)
- And everyone’s a
child to someone.
(1Jn 3:8; Jn 8:42-47)
- But what does it
take to be a child of God?
Again, our mere existence is not proof of being a
child of God. God is spirit, and we
have relationship with him in spirit.
When we receive his gift of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, we
are part of his family.
(Gal 4:4-7; Jn 3:6; 4:24; Ro 10:9; Gal 3:26-27; Jn
1:12; Eph 1:4-5; 2:8-9)
5.
What are the privileges?
We have the right to call God Father! We have the right to go to him as a child
does to their father! We are heirs of
God and co-heirs through Christ, inheriting all that is his and sharing in his
glory!
(Ro 8:15-17; Gal 4:6; Eph
2:5-7)
- Responsibilities?
Even if we’re not crucified, suffering is
characteristic of those who belong to God.
And Jesus even goes so far as to say that we’re blessed when we
are. Persecution and alienation for
Jesus’ sake is evidence that we are children of God. We also, have the responsibility of maturing spiritually and
setting ourselves apart from the ways of the world (sanctification).
(Mt 5:11-12; 2Ti 3:12; 1Pe 1:13-17; Jas 1:2-4; 1Jn
3:3)
- Characteristics?
To be a child of God is to be an imitator of Him
and his Son. We show ourselves to be a
child of God when we obey him. Children
of God bear godly fruit. When we are
the Lord’s children we have a relationship with him.
(Mt 22;34-40; Lk 6:43-45; Jn 10:25-30; 14:15; 1Jn
4:8; 1Co 13:4-13; Gal 5:16-26)
