Becoming Children of God: Faith and Assurance
Summary
In today's reflection, we delve into the profound truth that the ultimate purpose of salvation is not merely forgiveness but to become the children of God. This transformation is the most extraordinary gift we can receive, surpassing anything the world offers. As believers, we are meant to know and rejoice in this truth, living as blessed and assured children of God. To help us grasp this assurance, we examine the lives of biblical figures, particularly those in Hebrews 11, who exemplified faith and assurance in their relationship with God.
The focus is on Abel, whose faith led him to offer a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. This act of faith was not just about the offering itself but about the heart and understanding behind it. Abel's sacrifice was accepted because it was made in faith, in obedience to God's revelation, and with a heart acknowledging his need for God's mercy. In contrast, Cain's offering was rejected because it was based on his own reasoning and self-righteousness, lacking true faith and submission to God's way.
This narrative highlights the two types of worshippers: those who worship in faith and obedience, like Abel, and those who rely on their own understanding, like Cain. The key to assurance lies in submitting to God's revelation, worshipping with a sincere heart, and relying solely on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. True assurance comes from God, who testifies to our spirit that we are His children. This assurance is not dependent on external circumstances but on our relationship with God through faith in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The Purpose of Salvation: Salvation's ultimate goal is to transform us into the children of God, a truth that surpasses all worldly offerings. This transformation is meant to be known and rejoiced in by every believer, leading to a life of assurance and joy. [01:29]
- Faith and Assurance: Abel's faith exemplifies the assurance that comes from obedience to God's revelation. True faith involves acknowledging our sinfulness and relying solely on God's mercy through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. [12:42]
- The Contrast of Worship: The story of Cain and Abel illustrates the difference between true and false worship. True worship is characterized by faith, obedience, and a heart fully submitted to God, while false worship relies on self-righteousness and personal reasoning. [19:49]
- God's Testimony: Assurance of salvation is a testimony from God, not self-persuasion. It is the Spirit's witness with our spirit that we are God's children, providing a deep and abiding peace that transcends circumstances. [42:53]
- Endurance in Faith: True faith may lead to persecution, as seen in Abel's story, but it also leads to triumph. Assurance in God's love and acceptance empowers believers to endure trials, knowing they are secure in their relationship with God. [50:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the Texts
- [01:13] - Purpose of Salvation
- [02:06] - The Joy of Being God's Children
- [03:26] - Assurance of Salvation
- [04:11] - Obtaining Assurance
- [05:12] - Examples of Faith
- [06:01] - The Struggle of Early Christians
- [07:25] - The Secret of Triumph
- [08:17] - The Cloud of Witnesses
- [09:07] - Old Testament Examples
- [10:12] - The Consistency of God's Relationship
- [11:23] - Assurance in the Old Testament
- [12:42] - The Role of Faith
- [16:23] - The Example of Abel
- [19:49] - The Contrast of Worship
- [25:03] - Causes of the Difference
- [31:01] - Submission to God's Revelation
- [40:20] - The Only Way to God
- [46:33] - God's Testimony to the True
- [50:57] - Endurance in Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 1:12-13
- Hebrews 11:4
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Observation Questions:
1. According to John 1:12-13, what is the ultimate purpose of salvation, and how does it relate to becoming children of God? [01:29]
2. In Hebrews 11:4, what distinguished Abel's sacrifice from Cain's, and what was the result of Abel's faith? [00:51]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between true and false worship as illustrated by Cain and Abel? [19:49]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the key to obtaining assurance of salvation? [04:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of becoming children of God through salvation challenge or affirm your understanding of what it means to be saved? [01:29]
2. What does Abel's example teach us about the nature of faith and obedience in our relationship with God? [12:42]
3. How can the contrast between Cain and Abel's worship inform our understanding of what God desires from us in worship? [19:49]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that assurance of salvation is a testimony from God rather than self-persuasion? [42:53]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own understanding of salvation. How does the idea of being transformed into a child of God impact your daily life and spiritual journey? [01:29]
2. Abel's faith led him to offer a more excellent sacrifice. What are some ways you can demonstrate faith and obedience in your own life, especially in areas where you might be relying on your own reasoning? [12:42]
3. Consider your approach to worship. Are there aspects of your worship that might be more self-reliant like Cain's? How can you shift towards a more faith-based and obedient worship? [19:49]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of God's testimony in our assurance of salvation. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God to better hear and trust His testimony in your life? [42:53]
5. The sermon mentions that true faith may lead to persecution, as seen in Abel's story. Have you experienced any challenges or opposition because of your faith? How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [50:57]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about your salvation. What steps can you take to seek assurance from God rather than relying on external circumstances or self-persuasion? [42:53]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to understand and embrace the true purpose of salvation as becoming children of God? What practical steps can you take to share this message with them? [01:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation into God's Children
The ultimate purpose of salvation is not just forgiveness but the transformation into the children of God. This transformation is the most extraordinary gift, surpassing anything the world offers. As believers, we are called to know and rejoice in this truth, living as blessed and assured children of God. This assurance is not dependent on external circumstances but on our relationship with God through faith in Christ. Understanding this purpose leads to a life of assurance and joy, as we embrace our identity as God's children. [01:29]
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing that you are a child of God change the way you view your daily challenges and interactions with others today?
Day 2: Faith and Assurance
Abel's faith exemplifies the assurance that comes from obedience to God's revelation. His sacrifice was accepted because it was made in faith, acknowledging his need for God's mercy. In contrast, Cain's offering was rejected because it was based on his own reasoning and self-righteousness. True faith involves acknowledging our sinfulness and relying solely on God's mercy through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This assurance is a testimony from God, not self-persuasion, providing a deep and abiding peace. [12:42]
"By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks." (Hebrews 11:4, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own understanding rather than submitting to God's revelation? How can you shift towards faith and obedience today?
Day 3: True Worship
The story of Cain and Abel illustrates the difference between true and false worship. True worship is characterized by faith, obedience, and a heart fully submitted to God, while false worship relies on self-righteousness and personal reasoning. The key to assurance lies in submitting to God's revelation and worshipping with a sincere heart. This narrative challenges us to examine our own worship practices and ensure they are rooted in faith and submission to God's way. [19:49]
"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your worship practices. Are there areas where you are relying on self-righteousness or personal reasoning? How can you align your worship more closely with faith and obedience?
Day 4: God's Testimony
Assurance of salvation is a testimony from God, not self-persuasion. It is the Spirit's witness with our spirit that we are God's children, providing a deep and abiding peace that transcends circumstances. This assurance empowers believers to endure trials, knowing they are secure in their relationship with God. It is a profound truth that should be embraced and cherished by every believer, leading to a life of confidence and peace. [42:53]
"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 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." (Romans 8:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Spirit's testimony in your life today? What practices can help you remain grounded in the assurance of your salvation?
Day 5: Endurance in Faith
True faith may lead to persecution, as seen in Abel's story, but it also leads to triumph. Assurance in God's love and acceptance empowers believers to endure trials, knowing they are secure in their relationship with God. This endurance is a testament to the strength and depth of one's faith, as believers hold fast to their identity as God's children, even in the face of adversity. [50:57]
"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." (Hebrews 12:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: What trials are you currently facing that challenge your faith? How can you draw on the assurance of God's love and acceptance to endure and triumph in these situations?
Quotes
The ultimate end and object of Salvation is that we who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ might be made and become the children of God. That is why the word was made flesh and dwelt Among Us, that is why he lived and died and rose again. [00:01:26]
The Christian is one who is meant to know that he is a child of God. He is meant to rejoice in the knowledge, he is meant to be a happy man, a blessed man in the true sense of the word. [00:02:38]
The ultimate assurance is the testimony of the holy spirit with our spirits that we are the children of God. There are two main types of assurance which are offered to us. [00:03:16]
The spirit himself beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God. [00:04:01]
The story of Cain and Abel illustrates the difference between true and false worship. True worship is characterized by faith, obedience, and a heart fully submitted to God, while false worship relies on self-righteousness and personal reasoning. [00:19:49]
The first secret of assurance is submission to God's revelation. If you start telling me of course nowadays we no longer believe what the Apostle Paul said, he was only a man of his day, of course, Jesus Christ even he was a child of his age, what did he know? [00:30:21]
The formalist never knows the blessings of Salvation, never. His religion is something external to him. He does it now and again, Thanksgiving service, Harvest Thanksgiving, or some other Thanksgiving, even as Cain did, takes the fruit of the ground, feels he's done very well. [00:33:24]
There is only one way to approach God in worship, and that is as a sinner, recognizing your utter sinfulness and condemnation, and looking only unto and relying solely upon the Lord Jesus Christ and is laying down his life upon the cross on Calvary's Hill for you and for your sins. [00:40:20]
God always lets his people know that if your offering is true, God will let you know. If you come in the right way, God will give you some heart satisfaction, there will be a real and a genuine peace, and you will know that it is from God. [00:46:33]
If people tell you that you're taking your Christianity too seriously, you have very good evidence that you're a Christian. If the formal religious person tells you that you're going a little bit mad and that you're suffering from a religious complex, thank him for it. [00:50:57]
If you know you're a child of God, if he gives you the testimony, then I say let hell be let loose, let everything go against you, you'll be able to turn to him and say thy loving kindness is better than life. [00:55:01]
Let the whole world laugh at you and deride you and mock you and persecute you and try to kill you, doesn't matter. He will tell you that you belong to him, that you are his dear child, and that he'll never leave you nor forsake you. [00:57:16]
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