Sonship: Coming of Age in God's Family

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The idea of sonship always puzzled me when it was described as adopting someone from the outside. Did that confuse you as well? Yet, when we examine it through the lens of Scripture, we see it differently.

Have you ever watched a movie where a young prince or princess finally takes their place on the throne? There's usually a big ceremony, lots of pomp and circumstance, and suddenly, the young royal is treated differently. That's a bit like what the Bible means when it talks about sonship.

What is Sonship?

In the Bible, sonship isn't about adopting someone from outside the family. It's more like a graduation or a coming-of-age party for someone already in the family. Imagine a teenager finally getting the keys to the family car - they were always part of the family, but now they have new privileges and responsibilities.

Paul, uses this idea to explain our relationship with God. He writes in Galatians 4:5-7:

"God sent his Son... 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."

From Slaves to Sons

What's Paul saying here? Paul's saying that when we believe in Jesus, we're not just brought into God's family - we're given full rights as mature children.

It's like we've been working in the family business as an intern, and suddenly Dad says, "You're ready to be a partner now."

This change in status comes with some amazing perks:

1. We can call God "Abba" - which is like saying "Daddy."

2. We're no longer treated like servants, but like beloved children.

3. We get an inheritance - all the spiritual blessings God has for His children.

Real-Life Example

I remember when my grandson, Charlie, turned 16. He'd always been part of our family, of course, but getting his driver's license was a big deal.

Suddenly, he could run errands for us, drive himself to school, and had new freedoms. With those freedoms came new responsibilities too. That's a bit like sonship in God's family.

Why It Matters

Understanding sonship helps us grasp how much God loves us. We're not outsiders He's taken pity on - we're His beloved children He's proud to call His own. Romans 8:15 says,

"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.'"

Reflection Questions

1. How does it make you feel to know that God sees you as a mature son or daughter, not just a servant?

2. In what ways might your relationship with God change if you truly embraced your identity as His son or daughter?

3. How can you live out your "sonship" in your daily life?

A Prayer of Sonship

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for not just saving us, but for making us Your children. Help us to understand and embrace our identity as Your sons and daughters. May we walk in the confidence of knowing we are heirs to Your kingdom, loved beyond measure.

We are grateful that we get approach You with the trust of a child. May we live in a way that reflects our royal status, not out of pride, but out of gratitude for Your amazing love.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Remember, you're not just a face in the crowd to the Father. You're His child, coming of age in His kingdom. Embrace your sonship today!

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