Now Are We Sons
All of our Christian life is based on one thing: relationship.
(Galatians 3:26 NKJV) For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
(Galatians 4:4-7 NIV) But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, (5) to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. (6) Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” (7) So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
- The slave has a master.
The son has a father.
(Romans 8:15-16 NIV) The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” (16) The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
- The slave is driven by duty.
The son is driven by devotion.
(Philippians 2:12-13 NLT) (12) …Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. (13) For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.
(Romans 12:11 GNB) Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion.
- The slave is an employee.
The son is an heir.
(Romans 8:17 NIV) Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.
How Do I Live as a Co-heir with Jesus?
- Know how much God loves you!
(John 17:20 NLT) “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in Me through their message.
(John 17:23 NLT) I am in them and You are in Me. May they …know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me.
- Know what you have in Him.
(John 16:14-15 NLT) He will bring Me glory by telling you whatever He receives from Me. (15) All that belongs to the Father is Mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever He receives from Me.’
(Ephesians 1:3 NKJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
(2 Peter 1:3-5 NLT) By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. (4) And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. (5) In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises.
- Know why He gave it to you.
(1 Timothy 6:17-18 AMP) As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. (18) [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others],
(2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP) So we are Christ’s ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ’s personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.