We are the Children

Bible Passages: Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34; Romans 8:14–17; John 14:8-17

Introduction

I remember my daughter painting a picture for me one day. As she blended colors, she reminded me of how God creates beauty out of chaos. Just as I can help guide her in her artistic journey, our Heavenly Father is always there to guide us in our lives, helping us transform our messy experiences into something beautiful. As parents, we mirror that guiding hand, encouraging our children to trust in our process as well.

Today we focus our attention on Romans 8:14-17 . The Apostle Paul expounds on the transformative nature of the Holy Spirit in our lives , emphasizing that through the Spirit, we gain not only a new identity but also a profound intimacy with God the Father. The passage illustrates how the Spirit affirms our status as God's children and the relational depth available to us, moving us from fear to reassurance, empowering us to live out our faith as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.

Imagine a beautiful child at a school play, who, despite forgetting a line, is met with applause from family and friends. They think they failed, yet their parents embrace them, reminding them that their worth isn't tied to their performance. In the same way, we may feel inadequate in our spiritual walk, but God embraces us regardless. We are His beloved children, loved not for what we do but for who we are.

We all go through times when we are grappling with feelings of guilt, inadequacy, or spiritual distance, to fully embrace their identity as beloved children of God. By casting aside past insecurities and acknowledging our relationship with God as a source of strength, wecan grow in confidence and obedience to fulfill our calling in a way that reflects our status as God's heirs.

Understanding that we are children of God invigorates our faith and calls us to live with a sense of purpose and boldness. It teaches that our relationship with God is not just one of obligation but one filled with love, security, and belonging, urging us to communicate this truth more meaningfully both within our families, workplaces, and beyond.

Today’s passage points to Christ as the gateway to being adopted into God’s family. Without Christ's redemptive work, the concept of calling God 'Abba, Father' would remain inaccessible. In this light, Christ is the ultimate example of sonship, embodying the perfect submission to the Father, which you and I are invited to emulate as we live out our own identities as His children.

Big Idea: Our identity as children of God reshapes how we view ourselves and engage with the world, encouraging us to approach life with confidence, as heirs of a heavenly inheritance, while embodying the love and grace of God in all that we do.

1. Spirit-Led Identity

Romans 8:14 “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”

Remember the days of carnival rides? On the Ferris wheel, you climb up high. When you reach the top, you can see the entire fairground clearly. God’s divine leadership lifts us like that, granting us a higher perspective, revealing our true identity as His children above the chaos of life, assuring us that the view is breathtaking and worth the ride.

Think about those GPS devices we use while driving. Without that trusted voice guiding us turn by turn, we might find ourselves lost and anxious. Our spiritual lives are much the same. Accepting God's leadership is like following a divine GPS: it takes us to our true destination, reminding us we are children of God, equipped to navigate life with purpose and confidence.

It's through the divine leadership that we find our true identity as children of God, suggesting that accepting and following this guidance should prompt us to live with assurance and direction.

2. From Fear to Fatherhood

Romans 8:15 “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 shifts us from a place of fear to one of familial trust. This transition can be illustrated with the Aramaic term 'Abba,' expressing intimate relationship and security with God. It could be suggested that embracing this security empowers us to release our insecurities and find peace in their identity with God.

3. Spirit of Assurance

Romans 8:16 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

Consider how the Spirit continually attests to our identity as God’s children. This ongoing affirmation serves as a source of comfort and conviction, reminding believers of their status even amid doubt or adversity. Encouraging us to lean into this assurance can reaffirm our faith and empower our witness to others.

4. Heirs with Christ

Romans 8:17 “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.”

As an heir with Christ, you are called to share in His inheritance, which includes a deep sense of belonging and purpose. If you're facing family conflicts or feeling isolated at home, remind yourself of your identity as a child of God. Spend time this week sharing your faith with your family—perhaps by starting a family devotion or simply sharing how God has worked in your life. This not only reinforces your belonging but also invites them to encounter Christ's love through you, fostering unity and understanding within your family.

In light of being an heir with Christ, you might be called to a higher standard of ethics and integrity, especially if faced with workplace dilemmas. If you’ve recently encountered a situation that challenged your values, reflect on how Christ handled similar situations during His life. This week, consciously choose to apologize if you’ve made a mistake and mentor a colleague in resolving conflicts positively. By embodying Christ-like behavior in the workplace, you not only reinforce your identity as His heir but also inspire and uplift others towards righteous living.

As believers, we are invited into an extraordinary relationship with God that transforms fear into trust, doubt into assurance, and isolation into rich fellowship. Living in the identity of being God's children and heirs with Christ calls us to embody His love and values in every sphere of our lives. Whether through nurturing bonds within the family, upholding integrity in the workplace, or witnessing to others, we are reminded that our journey with Christ is one of belonging, purpose, and eternal promise. Let this truth guide your actions and inspire a deeper connection with God throughout the week ahead.

A Prayer of Assurance and Identity in God

Inspired by Romans 8 and Psalm 104

Father Almighty,

We come before You in awe of Your divine leadership, which reveals our true identity as Your children. As we reflect on Your Word, we are humbled by the majesty of Your works, for as Scripture declares: "How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures" (Psalm 104:24). May we live with assurance and direction, trusting in Your wisdom and guidance.

Lord, we thank You for the Spirit You have given us, which frees us from fear and draws us into the loving embrace of Fatherhood. Romans reminds us that "the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father'" (Romans 8:15). Let this intimate relationship with You inspire us to release our insecurities and find peace in the safety of Your love.

We praise You for the Spirit of assurance that testifies with our spirit, affirming that we are Your children. Even amid doubts and hardships, we hold fast to Your promise: "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children" (Romans 8:16). Lord, fill our hearts with comfort and conviction, that we may stand firm in our faith and boldly witness Your love to others.

As heirs with Christ, we delight in the richness of Your inheritance and the glory ahead. Romans records, "if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). Teach us to embrace this truth in times of conflict and isolation, finding belonging and purpose in You. May Your Spirit empower us to share our faith with our families and build unity through Your love.

Lord, as Psalm 104 reminds us, "May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works" (Psalm 104:31). Let our lives reflect Your glory in the way we live, love, and serve. May our witness be a source of joy to You and a light to those around us. We echo the psalmist's prayer: "I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live" (Psalm 104:33).

Father, may Your Spirit continue to guide and strengthen us, transforming fear into trust, doubt into assurance, and isolation into belonging. We commit ourselves to Your purpose and rejoicing in Your works, now and forevermore.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.h