(This week’s devotions are based Week 1 of a Sermon Series on the Lord’s Prayer. LISTEN TO IT HERE)
Romans 8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 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.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 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.
During this “Pride” month, I have heard a few people say of those who promote and engage in the lifestyle of LGBTQ that they are “all God’s children.”
Unfortunately, this phrase seems to be used to squelch discussion about what lifestyles are truly God pleasing and dispel the dissenter to “agree” that those that have chosen to live in this sinful lifestyle are God’s children.
“God’s children” is a very special title that not all have. It is a gift of grace that is given to some.
To whom? The Apostle Paul clearly identifies those who are God’s children.
- God’s children have received the Spirit of God.
- God’s children are led by the Spirit of God.
- God’s children have faith in Christ Jesus.
- God’s children are heirs with Christ of eternity.
Let me be clear. All people MATTER to God and he desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. But not all people enjoy the relationship as a “child of God.” Why?
The Prophet Isaiah said, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.
When we live in unrepented and thus unforgiven sin, no matter what that sin is, we do not enjoy the Father in heaven tuning into our requests.
ONLY when the barrier of sin is removed through repentance and turning to Jesus in faith, does our Father tune into our prayers and say, “That’s my child.”
Do you remember as a parent when you’re kids were playing with friends. Much noise could be coming from the play group. You heard what kids were saying, but when YOUR child called, “DAD!” then you responded.
To be a child of God is a special relationship that has been established through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a relationship established by faith given by God’s Spirit. It is a relationship that none deserve, but it is one that God grants through the work of his Spirit through his Word and in the waters of baptism.
Being a child of God is an awesome gift. Having God as our Father is a tremendous blessing.
To be clear, God desires a relationship with everyone in the LGBTQ community. He desires they turn from their sin and live – just as he does for every other sinner caught in and living in unrepented sin. Every person matters to God.
But only those with the Spirit of God at work in them to trust Jesus as Savior and live in line with the Words of God, enjoy the privilege of being called a “child of God” and enjoy the blessing of praying, “OUR Father in heaven.”
Apply: What does it mean to you to be called a “child of God”? How can God use you to bring this gift of relationship with the Father to someone else?
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for my pride that leads me to love and walk in sin and apart from you. Restore and strengthen the work of the Spirit in me that I may always be and act as your child. Thank you for being my Father who loves, leads and listens to me. AMEN.