Text: John 1: 12-13 Date: 7/9/24
INTRODUCTION
Our anchor for September is remembering my identity. Last Sunday, we identified four key characteristics of a believer’s identity:
Child of God
Believer
Ambassador
Winner
Today, we examine what it means to be a child of God, the challenges and the benefits.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHILD OF GOD
Being a child of God is a profound identity that transforms how we see ourselves and live our lives. It means more than simply being created by God; it’s an intimate, adopted relationship through Jesus Christ.
A. New Identity in Christ
John 1:12-13: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
We receive a new identity as children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This is not an ordinary title, but a spiritual transformation that makes us part of God’s family.
Galatians 4:6-7: “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”
This identity changes our relationship with God from distant creator to intimate Father.
B. Adopted into God’s Family
Romans 8:15-16: “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
As children of God, we are not just servants or subjects, but we are adopted into His family. God chose us, and this choice comes with His unconditional love and acceptance.
C. Heirs of God
Romans 8:17: “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
Being a child of God makes us co-heirs with Christ. This means that we share in the inheritance of eternal life, the promises of God, and the glory of His kingdom.
- THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A CHILD OF GOD
A. The Challenge of Identity Conflict
1 John 3:1: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
As children of God, the world may not understand us. The values of the world conflict with our identity in Christ, causing misunderstanding, rejection, or persecution.
B. The Struggle with Sin and Temptation
1 John 3:9-10: “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.”
Although we are children of God, we still face the battle with sin. Our new nature fights against the old, and we are called to live holy lives despite the temptations and struggles that come our way.
C. Suffering as Part of God’s Plan
Romans 8:17: “Provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
As God’s children, we are not exempt from suffering. We may face trials, opposition, and hardships. However, this suffering is part of our identification with Christ and will eventually lead to glory.
- THE BENEFITS OF BEING A CHILD OF GOD
A. Intimate Relationship with God
Galatians 4:6: “Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!'”
We have the privilege of calling God “Father.” This intimate relationship gives us direct access to God in prayer, and we can approach Him with confidence as His beloved children.
B. Assurance of Eternal Life
1 John 5:11-12: “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
As children of God, we are assured of eternal life. This is not a temporary or conditional promise but an eternal inheritance that secures our future in God’s presence.
C. Protection and Provision
Matthew 6:31-33: “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
God, as our Father, provides for our needs. He knows what we need even before we ask and promises to care for us as His children.
D. Inheritance of the Kingdom
Ephesians 1:11-12: “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.”
We are heirs of the kingdom of God. This means we inherit not only the blessings of this life but also the future kingdom, where we will reign with Christ in eternity.
CHALLENGE
Are you born again? Have you received a new identity as a Child of God? Are you living as a Child of God? You need to walk in the reality of being a Child of God.
CONCLUSION: WLAKING IN THE REALITY OF BEING A CHILD OF GOD
To live as a child of God is to embrace a new identity that brings profound blessings, while also accepting the challenges of this calling. As children of God, we are called to live differently, to shine as lights in a dark world, and to hold onto the promises of God.
Let us walk in confidence, knowing that we are loved, chosen, and secure in our Father’s arms. Our identity as children of God is not something we earn but something given by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This identity changes everything—our relationship with God, how we view the world, and our eternal destiny.
PRAYER POINTS
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the privilege of being called Your children. Help us to live in the reality of this truth daily, embracing both the challenges and the benefits that come with this identity
Almighty God, strengthen us to walk in Your ways, resist the pull of the world, and live in the light of our inheritance in Christ.