Understanding Our Identity as Children of God

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verses 12 and 13, we find a profound truth about our identity as children of God. This passage emphasizes that becoming a child of God is not a result of human effort or lineage but is a divine act of God. Understanding this truth is crucial for living the Christian life as intended and for functioning effectively as believers. The early Christians faced challenges similar to ours today, including false teachings and discouragements. John's Gospel was written to strengthen their faith and remind them of the fullness of life available in Christ.

Salvation is not merely about forgiveness; it is about becoming children of God. This transformation is not achieved through human will but through God's will. Therefore, it is vital to examine ourselves to ensure we are truly God's children. False experiences can deceive, and many who believe they are Christians may find they are not. The New Testament provides tests to help us discern our true spiritual state. One such test is our reaction to sin. A true child of God, when they sin, does not feel lost or fear punishment in the same way as those under the law. Instead, they feel a personal sense of having hurt their relationship with God, their Father.

The child of God, when they sin, instinctively turns back to God, seeking reconciliation rather than trying to justify themselves through works. This is exemplified in the story of the prodigal son, who, despite his offenses, returns to his father. Similarly, King David, after his sin, chose to fall into the hands of God, knowing His mercies are great. This instinct to return to God is a hallmark of being His child. In contrast, Judas, who did not have this instinct, chose to handle his guilt alone, leading to his destruction.

Our relationship with God is also marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. This presence gives us an understanding of spiritual truths and a delight in the doctrines of the Christian faith. It is a sign of our sonship and a source of assurance. The Spirit's presence is not only a constant guide but also provides special moments of illumination, affirming our identity as God's children. If we have ever experienced this, we can be confident in our status as His children, regardless of our current feelings or circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

1. Identity as Children of God: Our identity as God's children is not based on human effort or lineage but is a divine act of God. This understanding is crucial for living a fulfilling Christian life and functioning effectively as believers. [02:26]

2. Reaction to Sin: A true child of God, when they sin, does not feel lost or fear punishment in the same way as those under the law. Instead, they feel a personal sense of having hurt their relationship with God, their Father. [13:30]

3. Instinct to Return to God: The instinct to return to God after sinning is a hallmark of being His child. This is exemplified in the story of the prodigal son and King David, who chose to fall into the hands of God, knowing His mercies are great. [22:13]

4. Presence of the Holy Spirit: Our relationship with God is marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, which gives us an understanding of spiritual truths and a delight in the doctrines of the Christian faith. [29:21]

5. Assurance of Sonship: The Spirit's presence provides assurance of our identity as God's children. Special moments of illumination affirm this identity, and if we have ever experienced this, we can be confident in our status as His children. [48:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to John 1:12-13
- [01:23] - Purpose of John's Gospel
- [02:26] - Becoming Children of God
- [03:53] - Examining Our Spiritual State
- [05:07] - Relationship with the Son
- [06:14] - Concern for God's Affairs
- [07:54] - Reaction to Sin
- [09:35] - Assurance in Christ
- [11:39] - Fear and Love
- [13:30] - Personal Relationship with God
- [17:20] - Instinct to Return to God
- [22:13] - David's Choice
- [29:21] - Presence of the Holy Spirit
- [48:11] - Assurance of Sonship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 1:12-13
- Romans 8:14
- Psalm 51

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Observation Questions:

1. According to John 1:12-13, what is the basis for becoming a child of God? How does this passage emphasize the divine nature of this transformation? [00:30]

2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the reaction of a true child of God when they fall into sin? What is the significance of this reaction? [09:35]

3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the instinct to return to God after sinning? How do these examples highlight the nature of a true child of God? [22:13]

4. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit within us serve as a sign of our sonship, according to the sermon? [29:21]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding our identity as children of God, as described in John 1:12-13, impact the way we live our Christian lives? [02:26]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the difference between feeling lost due to sin and feeling a personal sense of having hurt our relationship with God? How does this distinction affect our spiritual journey? [13:30]

3. In what ways does the instinct to return to God, as seen in the stories of the prodigal son and King David, reflect the heart of a true believer? [22:13]

4. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit provide assurance of our identity as God's children, and what role does this assurance play in our faith journey? [29:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: How do you perceive your identity as a child of God? Are there areas where you struggle to accept this identity? How can you reinforce this understanding in your daily life? [02:26]

2. Consider your reaction to sin. Do you find yourself feeling lost or fearful, or do you feel a personal sense of having hurt your relationship with God? How can you cultivate a more personal and relational response to sin? [13:30]

3. Think about a time when you felt distant from God due to sin. What steps did you take to return to Him? How can the examples of the prodigal son and King David inspire you to seek reconciliation with God more readily? [22:13]

4. How do you experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? Are there specific moments of illumination or understanding that have affirmed your identity as a child of God? How can you remain open to these experiences? [29:21]

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit for guidance and assurance. What practical steps can you take to invite the Spirit's presence into this area? [29:21]

6. Reflect on your understanding of spiritual truths and doctrines. How can you deepen your delight in these truths and allow them to shape your faith journey? [29:21]

7. Consider the role of community in affirming your identity as a child of God. How can you engage with others in your church or small group to support and encourage one another in this shared identity? [29:21]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Identity as God's Children
Understanding our identity as children of God is foundational to living a fulfilling Christian life. This identity is not something we earn through our efforts or inherit through our lineage; it is a divine act of God. Recognizing this truth helps us function effectively as believers, knowing that our worth and purpose are rooted in God's love and choice. The early Christians, like us, faced challenges such as false teachings and discouragements. John's Gospel was written to strengthen their faith and remind them of the fullness of life available in Christ. Embracing our identity as God's children empowers us to live confidently and purposefully, knowing we are loved and chosen by Him. [02:26]

"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: In what ways can you remind yourself daily of your identity as a child of God, especially when facing challenges or doubts?


Day 2: A Heartfelt Reaction to Sin
A true child of God, when they sin, does not feel lost or fear punishment in the same way as those under the law. Instead, they experience a personal sense of having hurt their relationship with God, their Father. This reaction is not about fear of retribution but about a heartfelt desire to restore the closeness with God that sin disrupts. The New Testament provides tests to help us discern our true spiritual state, and one such test is our reaction to sin. A genuine child of God instinctively seeks reconciliation with God, understanding that His love and grace are greater than any sin. This perspective shifts our focus from self-condemnation to a desire for restoration and growth in our relationship with God. [13:30]

"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:10, ESV)

Reflection: When you recognize sin in your life, how can you shift your focus from guilt to seeking reconciliation with God today?


Day 3: Instinct to Return to God
The instinct to return to God after sinning is a hallmark of being His child. This is exemplified in the story of the prodigal son and King David, who chose to fall into the hands of God, knowing His mercies are great. Unlike Judas, who handled his guilt alone, leading to his destruction, a true child of God instinctively turns back to God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness. This instinct is a sign of our relationship with God, where we trust in His love and grace to restore us. It reflects a deep understanding that God's arms are always open, ready to welcome us back and restore our relationship with Him. [22:13]

"Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven." (Lamentations 3:40-41, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to return to God today? What steps can you take to seek His mercy and restoration?


Day 4: Presence of the Holy Spirit
Our relationship with God is marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, which gives us an understanding of spiritual truths and a delight in the doctrines of the Christian faith. The Holy Spirit is not only a constant guide but also provides special moments of illumination, affirming our identity as God's children. This presence is a source of assurance, helping us navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace. The Spirit's work in our lives is a testament to our sonship, reminding us that we are never alone and that God's wisdom and guidance are always available to us. [29:21]

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in your daily life?


Day 5: Assurance of Sonship
The Spirit's presence provides assurance of our identity as God's children. Special moments of illumination affirm this identity, and if we have ever experienced this, we can be confident in our status as His children, regardless of our current feelings or circumstances. This assurance is not based on our performance or emotions but on the unchanging truth of God's promises and the Spirit's work in our lives. It is a source of peace and confidence, enabling us to live boldly and faithfully as God's children, knowing that our identity and future are secure in Him. [48:11]

"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: Reflect on a time when you experienced the Holy Spirit's assurance of your identity as God's child. How can this memory encourage you in your current circumstances?

Quotes

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name, which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of men but of God. [00:21:28]

Salvation doesn't stop at forgiveness; that's only the mere beginning in a sense. It's the negative aspect. The positive thing is that we are made the children of God, and we've already considered how that has happened to us. We are born not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of men, but of God. [00:53:19]

The one thing we cannot afford to be uncertain about is as to whether we are or are not the children of God. So we are now spending our time in looking at some of the tests whereby we can test ourselves. We are doing it this morning for the third time in succession. [00:56:40]

The child of God, when he falls into sin, does not feel that therefore he is lost. Now, that is the first thing we've got to put. It's one of the best differentiating tests, it seems to me, between the true and the false in this matter of our relationship to God as his children. [01:27:19]

The true child of God is not filled with a mere sense of fear, fear of punishment because he sins. Now, that is the thing that John brings out, you see, there at the end of that fourth chapter which we read this morning. He says, "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment." [01:46:12]

What does a child worthy of the name really feel when he sinned against his father? Well, that is the feeling, isn't it? Not so much that you've broken a law, but that you really have sinned against your father. It's quite a different matter. It's quite a different sensation. [02:13:19]

The child who sinned against the parent rushes to the very parent that is offended. You would have thought that that was the very last thing he'd do, but it's actually the first thing he does. Why? Well, because it's this relationship. He can't work it out in philosophical terms, but he knows this. [02:58:52]

The prodigal son, he offended against his father. He'd wounded and grieved his father, and yet when he's in his terrible trouble in that far country, this is the thought that comes to him: I will arise and go to my father, the one above everybody else whom he had offended and grieved. [03:19:54]

David is being given the choice of three different forms of punishment. So Gad came to David and told him and said unto him, "Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? Or, secondly, wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies while they pursue thee? Or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land?" [03:34:32]

The presence of the Holy Spirit in a life always leads to an understanding. Oh, let me give it to you in the words of John. John has put this in the second chapter of that first epistle clearly, plainly, once and forever, and twice over in that second chapter, verses 20 and 27. [03:59:48]

The child of God understands the truth of God. Let me give you the contrast, the opposite of that. We go to the Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 2. There it is once and forever before us: the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him. [04:03:33]

The unction, the anointing of the Holy One, leads one into an understanding of this blessed truth. Have you got it? Can you give a reason for the hope that is in you? Can you explain the way of salvation to your neighbor next door who may be dying and doesn't know what to do nor where to turn? [04:35:20]

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Transcript
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