"What Being A Child Of God Means"

Title: “What Being A Child Of God Means”

Scripture: Galatians 4:4-7

Introduction:

According to God’s Word, all born-again believers are born into the family of God as a child (John 1:12), but adopted as a son (Galatians 4:5). What does it mean to be a child of God?

Being a child of God means:

I. ALL OF OUR PAST DEBTS ARE COVERED

A. Our new family accepts responsibility for us

B. As sinners we have a staggering debt

1. The debt is beyond our ability to pay

2. God assumes accountability for our debt

- “Sent forth his Son… to redeem us…” (Galatians 4:4-5)

- We come into God’s family debt free

II. ALL OF OUR FUTURE BLESSINGS ARE ASSURED

A. Two things happen to an adopted child

1. The child becomes a charge of a new family

2. The child becomes an heir of a new family

B. The same things happen to Christians

1. We become God’s charges

- Our well-being becomes his responsibility

- Out nature and growth becomes his concern

2. We become God’s heirs

- “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:16-17)

- Every blessing that God has becomes ours

- Our inheritance is assured (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Illustration:

A new mother stayed with her parents for several days after the birth of her first child. One afternoon she remarked to her mother that it was surprising the baby had dark hair, since both her husband and she were fair. The grandmother said, “Well, your daddy has black hair.” To which the daughter replied, “But Mama, that doesn’t matter because I’m adopted.” With an embarrassed smile, that mother said the most wonderful words her daughter had ever heard: “I always forget.”

All Christians are adopted children of God who are accepted by God with the same unconditional love that this mother had for her daughter.

III. ALL OF OUR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE CHANGED

A. We are expected to live up to family standards

1. Certain things are expected of family members

- These involve such things as chores, conduct, and manners

2. Certain things are expected of God’s children

B. We assume the obligations of the new family

1. The obligation to attend family gatherings

2. The obligation to share the gospel

3. The obligation to study and grow strong

Conclusion:

Spiritually speaking, there are many Christians who want to live like children, rather than come to terms with what being a child of God really means. Sadly they exchange the Spirit filled life for a lifeless religion.