Embracing Our Identity as God's Beloved Children
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound concept of sonship and our identity as sons and daughters of God. We began by acknowledging the incredible work done by our church community, particularly in managing finances and supporting our initiatives. This led us into a discussion about the importance of trusting God with our resources and being faithful in our commitments.
We then transitioned into the core of our series on identity, focusing on the biblical concept of sonship. This term, though it may seem gender-specific, applies to all believers, both men and women. We explored Galatians 4, which speaks about our adoption into God's family through Jesus Christ. This adoption grants us full rights and inheritance as God's children, a status that transforms our lives and our relationship with God.
We discussed the Roman practice of adopting slaves into families, which mirrors our spiritual adoption. This adoption is not just a change in status but a transformation of identity, where we move from being orphans to being beloved children of God. This shift is crucial for our spiritual health and growth, as it affects how we see ourselves and how we live our lives.
We also touched on the struggles many face in fully embracing this identity. Many Christians still live with an orphan mentality, feeling disconnected and striving for approval. We contrasted this with the mindset of a true son or daughter of God, who lives in the security of God's love and acceptance.
To help us identify areas where we might still be living with an orphan spirit, we went through a detailed chart comparing the characteristics of an orphan spirit with those of a sonship spirit. This exercise was not meant to condemn but to invite growth and transformation.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of moving from an orphan spirit to a sonship spirit, allowing God's love to transform us from the inside out. This journey is ongoing and requires us to continually renew our minds and align our thoughts with God's truth about our identity.
### Key Takeaways
1. Adoption into God's Family: Our adoption into God's family through Jesus Christ grants us full rights and inheritance as His children. This transformation from orphans to sons and daughters is pivotal for our spiritual health and growth. It changes how we see ourselves and how we live our lives, moving us from a place of striving for approval to resting in God's unconditional love. [43:41]
2. Orphan Mentality vs. Sonship Spirit: Many Christians struggle with an orphan mentality, feeling disconnected and striving for approval. In contrast, a true son or daughter of God lives in the security of God's love and acceptance. This shift in mindset is crucial for experiencing the fullness of our identity in Christ. [46:10]
3. Characteristics of Orphan Spirit: The orphan spirit is marked by insecurity, self-reliance, and a constant need for approval. It leads to performance-driven behavior and a lack of peace. Recognizing these traits in ourselves is the first step towards embracing our true identity as God's children. [56:55]
4. Transformation through Sonship: Moving from an orphan spirit to a sonship spirit involves renewing our minds and aligning our thoughts with God's truth. This transformation allows us to experience God's love more deeply and live out our identity as His beloved children. It is an ongoing journey that requires intentional growth and reliance on the Holy Spirit. [51:47]
5. Practical Steps for Growth: To grow in our identity as sons and daughters of God, we must engage in practices that reinforce our sonship. This includes spending time in God's presence, seeking His comfort, and allowing His love to transform our hearts. By doing so, we move from a place of striving to a place of rest and security in God's love. [01:06:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:34] - Financial Testimony and Gratitude
[39:45] - Heart for the House Reminder
[40:34] - Personal Family Update
[42:09] - Money Joke and Transition
[42:53] - Introduction to Sonship
[43:41] - Biblical Foundation of Sonship
[44:48] - Roman Adoption Practice
[45:30] - Jesus' Affirmation of Sonship
[46:10] - Struggles with Orphan Mentality
[48:39] - Ephesians 1: Adoption to Sonship
[49:25] - In Christ: Our Identity
[51:07] - God's Love and Our Identity
[51:47] - Journey from Orphan to Son
[56:55] - Israelites' Journey as a Metaphor
[01:06:09] - Practical Steps for Embracing Sonship
[01:15:58] - Prayer and Invitation to Sonship
[01:19:51] - Communion and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 4:4-7: "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."
2. Ephesians 1:5-6: "In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
3. Romans 8:15-17: "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.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 4:4-7, what transformation occurs when we receive adoption to sonship? How does this change our relationship with God? [43:41]
2. In Ephesians 1:5-6, what is the purpose of our adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ? How does this reflect God's will and grace? [48:39]
3. Romans 8:15-17 contrasts two types of spirits. What are they, and what does each spirit lead to in terms of our relationship with God? [51:47]
4. The sermon mentioned a detailed chart comparing the characteristics of an orphan spirit with those of a sonship spirit. What are some key differences highlighted in the sermon? [58:53]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our adoption into God's family through Jesus Christ impact our daily lives and spiritual health? [43:41]
2. What are some practical ways we can move from an orphan mentality to a sonship spirit, as discussed in the sermon? [51:47]
3. The sermon mentioned that many Christians struggle with an orphan mentality. Why do you think this is a common issue, and how can we overcome it? [46:10]
4. Reflecting on the Roman practice of adopting slaves into families, how does this historical context deepen our understanding of spiritual adoption? [44:48]
### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the importance of trusting God with our resources. How can you practice greater trust in God with your finances and commitments this week? [35:34]
2. Identify an area in your life where you might still be living with an orphan spirit. What steps can you take to embrace your identity as a son or daughter of God in that area? [58:53]
3. The sermon discussed the need to renew our minds and align our thoughts with God's truth. What specific thought patterns or beliefs do you need to change to fully embrace your identity in Christ? [54:07]
4. How can you create a daily habit of spending time in God's presence to reinforce your sonship? What practical steps will you take to make this a priority? [01:06:09]
5. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt the need for approval or struggled with insecurity. How can you remind yourself of God's unconditional love and acceptance in similar situations in the future? [01:00:46]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of serving with a heart of gratitude. How can you serve others this week in a way that reflects your identity as a beloved child of God? [01:01:52]
7. Think of a person in your life who might be struggling with an orphan mentality. How can you support and encourage them to embrace their identity as a son or daughter of God? [46:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Adoption
Our adoption into God's family through Jesus Christ grants us full rights and inheritance as His children. This transformation from orphans to sons and daughters is pivotal for our spiritual health and growth. It changes how we see ourselves and how we live our lives, moving us from a place of striving for approval to resting in God's unconditional love. [43:41]
Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV): "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 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."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you feel you are striving for approval. How can you rest in the truth that you are already fully accepted and loved by God as His child?
Day 2: Overcoming the Orphan Mentality
Many Christians struggle with an orphan mentality, feeling disconnected and striving for approval. In contrast, a true son or daughter of God lives in the security of God's love and acceptance. This shift in mindset is crucial for experiencing the fullness of our identity in Christ. [46:10]
Romans 8:15-16 (ESV): "For you did not receive the 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."
Reflection: Identify a specific thought or behavior that reflects an orphan mentality in your life. How can you replace it with the truth of your identity as a beloved child of God?
Day 3: Recognizing the Orphan Spirit
The orphan spirit is marked by insecurity, self-reliance, and a constant need for approval. It leads to performance-driven behavior and a lack of peace. Recognizing these traits in ourselves is the first step towards embracing our true identity as God's children. [56:55]
Ephesians 1:5-6 (ESV): "He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt insecure or driven by the need for approval. How can you remind yourself of your secure identity in Christ in similar situations in the future?
Day 4: Transforming Through Sonship
Moving from an orphan spirit to a sonship spirit involves renewing our minds and aligning our thoughts with God's truth. This transformation allows us to experience God's love more deeply and live out our identity as His beloved children. It is an ongoing journey that requires intentional growth and reliance on the Holy Spirit. [51:47]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What is one thought pattern or belief you need to renew in order to align more closely with your identity as a child of God? How can you practically work on this renewal in your daily life?
Day 5: Practical Steps for Embracing Sonship
To grow in our identity as sons and daughters of God, we must engage in practices that reinforce our sonship. This includes spending time in God's presence, seeking His comfort, and allowing His love to transform our hearts. By doing so, we move from a place of striving to a place of rest and security in God's love. [01:06:09]
Psalm 27:10 (ESV): "For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to spend more time in God's presence and seek His comfort? How can this step help you embrace your identity as His beloved child?
Quotes
1. "But our identity as sons and daughters of God is very, very pivotal in our lives. Very pivotal in the Christian faith. It determines where we go, the health of our lives, the vision we have for our lives. Identity is very, very, very important. Galatians 4 says this. God sent his son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law that we might receive adoption to sonship. Everybody say adoption to sonship. Adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons and daughters, God sent the spirit of his son, which is the Holy Spirit, into our hearts." [43:41] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So you are no longer a slave. But you are a child of God. You are a child. And since you are a child, God has also made you an heir. So we've been adopted by God as sons and daughters into his eternal family. You know, this whole term of adoption in sonship is actually a Roman thing, what they used to do. And it often had to do with male slaves. And so if people really liked the slaves, and they've been working for them for a long time, always. Or whatever. They could then adopt the slave into their family." [44:48] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When he got baptized before he went into his ministry, he affirmed him as a son. He says, all of you, all of us, you are my beloved son and daughter in whom I'm well pleased. In the same way. The same love. The same acceptance. We have the same inheritance in God. Isn't that amazing? And through his spirit, then we cry out, Abba, Father. Abba, Father. This closeness of relationship was never in the Old Testament. There was no revelation. Jesus brought the revelation of Abba, Father with himself. He says, I'll show you the Father. I'll lead you to the Father." [45:30] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But sadly, Christians also feel this way. Many of us in the faith also sometimes think or act or feel still like orphans. And so for us to find our identity, the main thing of our identity has to be not coming from our parents, which is great. And I found our relationship wonderful. But our identity primarily has to come from God. As a son, what does it mean to be a son? And a father? And a daughter? And so for healthy identity as a believer, you need to know the view of God over your life." [47:39] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For the same love God has for his beloved Jesus. He has for us. Well that will get you out of bed in the morning. Man if you know how much you are loved by God in the same way. That God loves his son. His eternal son. That's how much he loves you. And how much me. I mean this is just amazing. We need to tell people. Some people this. Some of the society's institutions. They don't know this. They just have this stuff all the time. They don't know they are loved like this. I tell you man. This brings healing right then." [51:07] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "See orphans don't have a father and mother. There is no inheritance. But when you come into Christ. You are adopted into his family. And in Christ you have full inheritance. The same inheritance that Jesus has. That's a big inheritance. It's more than ten million dollars. Come on. Start claiming it. Come on. The thing is it's so beautiful. See God wants us to look like Jesus. Fully son. Fully son. It says in the Bible here. It says for those God foreknew. In Romans 8. He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son." [51:47] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "See when you become a Christian. You are born again on the inside. The river starts flowing. And off you go. The Holy Spirit comes into your life. It's beautiful. And the river starts flowing. They talk about a river. Jesus says you know. Rivers of living waters will flow out of your belly. That's why I always talk about this. So that's fine. And you are united with Christ. So in here you are a son. And you are a daughter. Right? But the problem is though. Sometimes we don't think like we are a son. Or a daughter. Or we don't feel like one. Because of all the uh-uh in our lives." [53:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So God wants us to move to him. And actually as we do we give him praise. He says here to the praise of his glorious grace. When we start becoming more and more like he wants us to be. And he desires us to be. And we leave the orphan spirit behind. And all the issues that accompany that. Then we find a freedom that he loves. Because for freedom Christ has set us free. You know? So he wants us to move into that place. And then we become amazing fathers in our own lives. And mothers in our own way. And children. And all this kind of stuff starts to go through." [57:24] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "See authority as a source of pain. Oh, I hope you don't see me as a source of pain. That would be such a big, I mean, you know, my wife can see me as a source of pain sometimes. But please don't, you guys don't see me as a source of pain, please. You know, the thing that is distrustful towards them and lack of heart attitude of submission. Guys, this is rampant in the church. I'm not going there anymore. I'm going to have a little group at home with three people. That's my life now. Because I don't like that pastor. I don't like that church. I don't like that person. Serious." [01:09:10] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So the homework for you will be, I suggest, that you go home. That's homework. And that you have a look at this thing. We're going through it right now. But have a look at it. And just an honest look at it. Maybe sit somewhere and say, hey, ask the Holy Spirit, what are some of the areas I can grow in here? Because I want to actually grow. Ben can come up, grow in these areas, be absolutely beautiful in their lives. Amen?" [01:15:58] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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