The Revealing of the Sons of God

Sermon Title: The Revealing of the Sons of God

Main Text: Romans 8:19 (NKJV) "For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God."

Introduction:

This passage speaks of a world waiting with anticipation for something transformative—the manifestation of God's children living in His glory and purpose. Today, we will explore seven key points about this "revealing" and how we, as believers, can embrace and live it out.

1. Creation’s Longing

Illustration: A child eagerly waiting to open a long-anticipated birthday gift.

Key Insight: Just as a child waits for joy and fulfillment, creation waits for the sons of God to walk in their divine identity.

Supporting Scripture: Genesis 3:17–19 — Creation was subjected to frustration because of sin, highlighting its need for redemption through the children of God.

Psalm 96:11–13: "Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and all its fullness; let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord. For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth."

This passage reflects the anticipation of creation for God's justice and restoration.

Application: How do we address the longing in creation? Through living lives of stewardship, care, and godly authority.

2. The Sons of God Identified

Illustration: The Olympics medal ceremony—the world watches as the champions are revealed.

Key Insight: The sons of God are those led by His Spirit (Romans 8:14). This identity is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Supporting Scripture: Galatians 3:26 — "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."

John 1:12: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name."

This underscores that our identity as sons of God comes through faith in Jesus.

Romans 8:16: "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."

Assurance of our identity as God's children.

Application: Are we walking as His sons, showing love, truth, and righteousness?

3. Living with Expectation

Illustration: A farmer sowing seeds with the confidence of a future harvest.

Key Insight: Just as creation eagerly expects transformation, we are to live with expectation for the full manifestation of God’s kingdom.

Supporting Scripture: Philippians 1:6 — God will complete the good work He started in us.

Hebrews 10:23: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."

Encouragement to live in hope and expectation because God is faithful to His promises.

Isaiah 40:31: "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

A reminder that waiting on God produces strength and perseverance.

Application: Live with hope, knowing that God is preparing us for something greater.

4. Revealing God’s Glory Through Us

Illustration: A lamp covered with a cloth—it cannot shine until uncovered. A young artist works tirelessly on a painting, pouring her heart and soul into every stroke. When it’s finally displayed in an art gallery, people are amazed, but they also see a reflection of the artist in the work.

Application: Our lives, like the painting, should reveal the heart and character of our Creator, drawing others to Him.

Key Insight: The sons of God reveal His glory by reflecting His character and power.

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 5:14–16 — "You are the light of the world."

Colossians 1:27: "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

The indwelling of Christ enables us to reveal His glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Transformation into His image is how we reveal His glory.

Application: Are we allowing God's light to shine through our actions, words, and attitudes?

5. The Role of Suffering in Revelation

Illustration: A diamond being refined under pressure to reveal its brilliance. Gold is refined in fire to remove impurities. The hotter the fire, the purer the gold becomes. Though the process is painful, the result is something precious and valuable.

Application: Suffering refines believers, making them more like Christ and enabling them to reveal His glory to the world.

Key Insight: The process of suffering prepares us for glory. Paul ties suffering to the glory to be revealed in Romans 8:18.

2 Corinthians 4:17: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

Suffering leads to greater glory.

James 1:2–4: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

Trials refine us and prepare us for spiritual maturity.

Application: Embrace trials with faith, knowing they lead to spiritual growth and greater glory.

6. Impacting the World Through Redemption

Illustration: A cracked pot being mended to hold water again, becoming useful once more. A small community garden in an urban area transforms an abandoned lot into a lush, thriving space for food, beauty, and fellowship. One act of restoration brings life to an entire community.

Application: The sons of God are called to bring restoration and healing to the broken areas of the world, reflecting God's redemptive power.

Key Insight: The sons of God participate in bringing restoration to a broken world.

Supporting Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18 — We are given the ministry of reconciliation.

Isaiah 61:1: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."

This prophetic call of Christ is now the mission of His sons and daughters.

Matthew 28:19–20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you."

Our mission is to bring the redemption message to the world.

Application: Engage in bringing healing to others, reflecting God’s redemptive work in our lives.

7. The Ultimate Revelation

Illustration: The unveiling of a masterpiece at a gallery opening. A newly married couple awaits the unveiling of their first home after it has been remodeled. They are filled with anticipation as they step into the fully completed masterpiece, seeing every detail come together perfectly.

Application: Similarly, all creation will rejoice when God’s work is complete, and His glory is fully revealed through His children in the new heaven and earth.

Key Insight: The full revealing of the sons of God will occur at Christ’s return, when we will fully reflect His glory. Supporting Scripture: 1 John 3:2 — "When He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."

Revelation 21:3–4: "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.'”

The ultimate fulfillment of creation's expectation will be realized in the new heaven and earth.

Philippians 3:20–21: "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body."

Assurance of our future transformation and glory.

Application: Live with eternity in view, striving for holiness and purpose.

Conclusion:

The world is eagerly waiting for the sons of God to reveal God's glory, purpose, and redemption through their lives, demonstrating His transformative power in anticipation of the ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom.

This message underscores our identity as God's children, our responsibility to reflect His character, and the hope of the future glory that will be fully revealed in Christ.

Creation is waiting—are we living up to the expectation? As sons of God, we are called to bring hope, transformation, and God’s glory to the world. Let us embrace our identity and walk boldly in His purpose.

Call to Action: Reflect on your life. Where can you reveal God’s glory more? Step into your identity as a child of God today and let creation see the transformation within you.

Closing Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 — "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."