Embracing Our Identity as Children of God
Summary
In my sermon, I began by addressing the profound reality of our spiritual condition before God. I emphasized that we are not inherently children of God but rather, by nature, children of the devil and enemies of God. This chasm between God's holiness and our sinfulness is bridged only by God's grace. Through repentance and belief in Jesus, we are adopted into God's family, becoming His children and abiding in His truth, which sets us free from the bondage of sin.
I then delved into the importance of abiding in God's Word, highlighting the difference between merely hearing and truly listening. I cautioned against allowing our desires to become roadblocks in our relationship with God, urging the congregation to listen to God first before bringing our requests to Him in prayer. I also warned against the lies that prevent us from listening to Jesus' words, lies that challenge the authenticity and relevance of the Bible and the church.
I continued by reflecting on the eternal nature of Jesus, affirming that "Jesus is" throughout all of history and in every circumstance. I drew parallels between the saga of Jesus and the plot twists in stories, revealing that Jesus' incarnation, death, and resurrection are the ultimate plot twists that free us from the devil's lullaby of complacency and self-exaltation.
I then spoke about the freedom we have as children of God, contrasting it with the temporary nature of a slave's stay in a household. As God's children, we are promised an eternal abode in the Father's house, a place of true freedom, love, and obedience. I shared the joy and freedom I experienced as a child in my earthly father's house and related it to the spiritual freedom we have in our Heavenly Father's house.
Finally, I concluded with a call to recognize Jesus as the "I AM," the eternal God who dwells with us. I invited the congregation to consider who their true father is, challenging them to embrace the identity of being children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our default spiritual condition is not as children of God but as enemies, under the influence of the devil. It is only through the grace of God that we can be adopted into His family, a transformation that requires a heartfelt response to His call. This truth should humble us and fill us with gratitude for the unmerited favor we have received. [49:45]
2. Listening to God's Word is foundational to our spiritual life. It is not enough to hear; we must actively listen and allow God's truth to inform our prayers and desires. When we align our hearts with God's will, we experience the power of prayer in its fullness, leading to a deeper communion with Him. [01:06:24]
3. The eternal nature of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of our faith. Recognizing that "Jesus is" in every situation gives us a perspective that transcends time and circumstance. This understanding should comfort us, knowing that nothing in our lives catches Him by surprise, and His sovereignty is our assurance. [01:11:50]
4. True freedom as a child of God is not about doing what we want but about being enabled to do what we were created to do—worship and obey Jesus. This freedom is not a burden but a liberation from the constraints of sin, allowing us to live in the fullness of our identity in Christ. [59:10]
5. Abiding in Jesus' word means building our lives on the foundation of His teachings. It is a commitment to enduring in His truth, which brings freedom to our souls. As we abide in Him, we must also recognize and cherish our relationship with Jesus, the great "I AM," who dwells with us and in whom we find our eternal home. [58:28]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 8:37-47 - Jesus confronts the Jews about their true spiritual father.
2. 1 John 3:8-10 - The distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil.
3. Romans 8:15-16 - The spirit of adoption and our identity as children of God.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 8:37-47, what reasons does Jesus give for saying that the Jews are not true children of Abraham? ([46:11])
2. In 1 John 3:8-10, what characteristics distinguish the children of God from the children of the devil?
3. How does Romans 8:15-16 describe the relationship between believers and God?
4. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Before Abraham was, I am" in John 8:58? ([01:10:22])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of abiding in His word in John 8:31-32? How does this relate to true freedom? ([55:01])
2. How does the concept of spiritual adoption in Romans 8:15-16 change the way believers should view their relationship with God?
3. What are the implications of Jesus' statement in John 8:44 that the devil is the father of lies? How does this affect our understanding of truth and deception? ([46:47])
4. How does recognizing Jesus as the eternal "I AM" impact our faith and trust in Him during difficult circumstances? ([01:10:22])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you ever felt like you were trying to earn God's favor through your actions? How does understanding God's grace change your perspective? ([49:45])
2. Jesus warns against allowing our desires to become roadblocks in our relationship with God. Can you identify any desires in your life that might be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you address them? ([01:05:23])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of listening to God's word rather than just hearing it. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are truly listening to God in your daily life? ([01:04:20])
4. How does the eternal nature of Jesus ("Jesus is") provide comfort and assurance in your current life situation? Can you share a specific instance where this truth has helped you? ([01:11:50])
5. True freedom as a child of God involves worship and obedience to Jesus. In what areas of your life do you struggle with this concept of freedom? How can you seek to live more fully in the freedom Christ offers? ([59:10])
6. The sermon challenged us to consider who our true father is. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God as your Heavenly Father this week? ([48:37])
7. Reflect on the lies that might be preventing you from fully embracing Jesus' words. What steps can you take to counter these lies with the truth of Scripture? ([01:06:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Grace-Filled Adoption
Our spiritual journey begins with the stark realization that we are not born as children of God but are naturally aligned with the forces that oppose Him. This truth may be difficult to accept, but it is essential for understanding the depth of God's grace. By nature, we are under the sway of the devil, living as enemies of God. However, the grace of God is powerful and transformative. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, we are adopted into God's family. This adoption is not a right but a gift, an act of divine love that takes us from a state of enmity to one of beloved children. This new identity is not something we earn; it is bestowed upon us by the One who calls us to Himself. As adopted children, we are called to live in gratitude, recognizing the cost at which our freedom was purchased and the love that sustains our place in God's family. [49:45]
"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 understanding your identity as an adopted child of God change the way you view yourself and your relationship with Him?
Day 2: The Power of Active Listening
Hearing God's Word is one thing; truly listening and allowing it to penetrate our hearts is another. It is vital to distinguish between the passive reception of information and the active engagement with divine truth. When we listen to God's Word, we must do so with the intent to let it shape our desires and prayers. This means setting aside our own agendas and opening ourselves to what God wants to communicate to us. It is in this posture of humility and receptiveness that we can experience the fullness of prayer and communion with God. Our desires should not be roadblocks but rather stepping stones that lead us closer to the heart of God. By aligning our will with His, we find that our prayers become more powerful, not because they are louder or more eloquent, but because they resonate with the very will of God. [01:06:24]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105 ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can practice active listening to God's Word this week, and how might this change your approach to prayer?
Day 3: Jesus, the Eternal Assurance
The eternal nature of Jesus Christ is not merely a theological concept; it is a profound assurance for believers. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This constancy means that He is present in every circumstance of our lives, offering stability and hope. Recognizing Jesus as eternal helps us to see beyond the temporal challenges we face and to trust in His sovereign control. The saga of Jesus—His incarnation, death, and resurrection—serves as the ultimate demonstration of His power and love. These events are not just historical facts; they are the plot twists in our own stories that free us from complacency and empower us to live in the victory He has secured. [01:11:50]
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)
Reflection: How does the eternal nature of Jesus provide comfort in your current circumstances, and how can you lean into His unchanging character today?
Day 4: Liberated to Fulfill Our Purpose
True freedom as a child of God is not about indulging our whims but about being liberated to fulfill the purpose for which we were created. As children of God, we are called to worship and obey Jesus, not as a duty but as a response to the love we have received. This freedom is a gift that allows us to live out our identity in Christ without the constraints of sin. It is not a freedom from responsibility but a freedom for righteousness. In this divine freedom, we find joy and fulfillment, knowing that we are doing what we were designed to do—glorify God and enjoy Him forever. [59:10]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways might you be using your freedom in Christ to serve yourself rather than others, and what is one step you can take to use your freedom to serve and love those around you?
Day 5: Abiding in the Great "I AM"
To abide in Jesus' word is to build our lives on the foundation of His eternal truth. This commitment to enduring in His teachings brings freedom to our souls and transforms our daily living. As we abide in Him, we must also recognize and cherish our relationship with Jesus, the great "I AM." He is not a distant deity but the eternal God who dwells with us. In Him, we find our eternal home and the assurance of His presence in every aspect of our lives. This relationship is the bedrock of our faith, the source of our strength, and the reason for our hope. [58:28]
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4 ESV)
Reflection: What does abiding in Jesus look like in your daily routine, and how can you more intentionally cultivate this relationship starting today?
Quotes
"praise God for that church amen don't listen to his lies let the grace of God come upon you and he says just repent and believe on me repent turn from me don't listen to the lies they're nothing but lies the truth is is you can't please me you'll never be good enough and that's okay because I was I'm yours and I want you to be mine which lullabi will you listen to the one that says everything's fine you're okay are you you will you listen to the Lord as he speaks to you I love you I love you so much I want you to come to me and I'll take care of you for the rest of your life you're mine." [01:15:00]
"shall be free indeed Jesus says those that are in sin are enslaved they're slave slaves and and and it says a slave may be in the house for a moment but but doesn't reside there forever that that a son is the one that resides in the house forever and and and what great blessing we have what great hope we have church if if we know that we get to abide in the father's house y'all I look at this world that we live in and the craziness that's out there and it's the last place I really want to abide in are y'all with me we have a promise as a child of God that there's a better place to abide in fact we get to abide in the father's house." [55:38]
"and I want to walk through that with you because he says abide in my word what does that word abide mean it literally means to remain in to persist in to to wait on to dwell in to continue in to endure in and so think of it this way to to remain in his word to persist in what he's saying to you to to wait on and dwell on every word that comes out of his mouth to continue and endure in the words and the only words that truly quench spiritual hunger and spiritual thirst to hang on to him what does it mean mean to abide I think to abide in Jesus word means to place your very life on the foundation of whatever he says." [58:28]
"stop there when the baby Jesus was in the mother's womb of Mary who was a virgin Jesus is and when Jesus gave his last breath on the cross for me and you and gave his life very life for us Jesus is and when the spirit fell at Pentecost Church Jesus is when the gospel went to All Nations Jesus is and when the Gospel made its way to hear in Blackfoot Texas in 1860 can I tell you Church Jesus is and when we gathered today a couple hundred years later and we are worshiping the same Jesus can I just say Jesus is church Jesus is." [01:11:50]
"something I need to address is God's word need to be read in this situation what is it that I really need there's a difference in listening and hearing I wonder how many times we don't get to truly Engage The Power of prayer because we hadn't listened first you with me I think we pray with our desires as a roadblock sometimes and not that we shouldn't pray to God for our desires like we we should tell him what we desire but our desires change after we listen first so think of that when you're praying to the Lord say Lord have I listened first what have you already said about the situation I'm coming to you about." [01:06:24]
"and it tells us this in John in fact the Epistle of John I'm going to read it to you you don't have to turn there but the Epistle of John John continues this thought he says in verse 8 he says he who sins of the devil for the devil has sinned from the beginning he who sins is of the devil for the devil has sinned from the beginning for this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil Whoever has been born of God does not sin for his seed remains in him and he cannot sin because he has been born of God." [50:16]
"and Jesus answered if I I honor myself my honor is nothing and it is my father who honors me of whom you say that he is your god yet you have not known him but I know him and if I say I do not know him I shall be a liar like you but I do not know him I do know him it says and keep his word verse 56 your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day and he saw it and was glad now listen to verse 57 the Jews said to himou are not 50 years old yet and how have you seen Abraham and Jesus said 'most ass surely I say to you before Abraham was I am." [01:09:45]
"father who's your father father God I just come before you and Lord I just ask that you would give us such Clarity today because we're talking about something extremely serious we're talking about the salvation of our souls Lord something we take for granted so often today I just pray that we slow down we're reminded of what it means to be a child of God if that's who we are and father I pray that in this pace of speed of slowing down Lord that perhaps just perhaps you might break through the blindness of one in here today to show them Lord that you desire to adopt them and call them son or call them daughter." [52:49]
"God would you bring people to Christ today Lord that their ears would be open Lord their heart would be open and you would help them respond today and Father for anyone that is already a son that abides in the house of the Lord forever May our hearts be broken for our neighbors for our friends for our family that's not and may we cry at this altar Lord saying would you break through would you silence their ears to the satanic lullabi would you break through with the sound of your grace cuz your trumpet's going to sound one day Lord but father you've already given your voice Lord that only you allow us to recognize by grace and so God may we recognize it today may we turn to Jesus and Trust You In The Name of Christ we pray amen." [01:17:27]
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