Identity: I am a Child of God
Knowing Our Identity as Sons of God: An Affectionate, Inherited, Transforming Process
The world often demands that people identify themselves with their jobs, accomplishments, and what others think about them. However, as followers of Christ, our true identity does not come from these outward things; instead, it comes from our relationship with God. The blog will delve into the deep-seated truth of what this means to be a child of God, the eternal inheritance that comes with that, and the plethora of love God has for us.
The Foundation of Our Identity
When Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" He was calling them to understand His true identity - not based on what He did, but on who He is: the Son of God. It's an important reminder that our own identity is similarly rooted not in what we do, but in our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
We are not defined by our occupations, our achievements, or even our shortcomings. As Jesus' identity was rooted in His relationship as the Son to the Father, so our identity is rooted in the objective reality of being a child of God. This one truth changes how we view ourselves and others.
Being a Member of God's Family
We are adopted into the family of God as believers. That makes us more than brothers and sisters in the flesh; that ties us into something far greater and deeper through the love of Christ. Think of someone who sat next to you at church - perhaps not someone you would have chosen to include in your natural family - yet God has arranged for you to be brothers and sisters. There's a special relationship in God's family that brings people together in a close, loving, caring way.
It's in this family that we're reminded that we are loved. While God's love for us doesn't change, He also puts us in communities where, through others, we can continue to experience His love. We weren't created to go through life in isolation; God's family is one through which we uplift high and support each other, grounded in His love.
The Inheritance That Awaits Us
One of the most astonishing aspects of being a child of God is the eternal inheritance that comes with that position. Unlike the things of this world, which are temporary and often lose their value, what we inherit in Christ will truly last and never decay. According to 1 Peter 1:3-4, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been born anew into a "living hope," and we can trust that our inheritance will "never perish, spoil, or fade.
This is not just some kind of inheritance that shall be ours at some time in the remote future. Though it is reserved for us in heaven, yet it substantially impinges on the way we live our lives now. It puts hope and fortitude into our hearts as we face life's trials, allowing us to face trials, suffering, and loss with steadfast hope, knowing what is involved in the future is much more significant than anything this world could throw at us. The speaker provided a humorous reflection on his earthly possessions, specifically football memorabilia and childhood treasures, which may ultimately hold little significance over time. Nevertheless, he juxtaposes this with the invaluable inheritance bestowed upon us by God, an inheritance that is eternal and retains its worth indefinitely. This perspective of eternity serves to maintain our focus on what is genuinely important.
Bestowed with Love
One of the most beautiful things about our identity as a child of God is the surpassing and lavish love He has for us. When we define "lavished," it speaks of abundance, such as a feast where absolutely nothing is held back. God doesn't just give us a little bit of love; instead, He lavishes it on us in great, overflowing amounts, more than we can ever imagine or fathom. 1 John 3:1 says:
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
This love is not based on or conditioned by performance or our perception of its worthiness. It is free, full, and complete.
Whatever our experiences with an earthly father, whether positive, negative, or non-existent, God's love transcends anything we have encountered.
He exemplifies the ideal paternal figure, and His affection for us is flawless, comprehensive, and unwavering.
A Personal Journey with God
Our relationship with God is not one of distance or formality. Because of faith in Jesus Christ, we have an invitation into an intimate relationship with God whereby we can refer to Him as "Abba, Father." This term is a reflection of the close and personal relationship where a child can trustingly call their father "Daddy."
Romans 8:15-16 reminds us that the Spirit of God testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. This isn’t just head knowledge—it’s a deep, personal experience that transforms our lives. We don’t just believe in God; we walk with Him daily, experiencing His love, guidance, and presence in our lives. This walk with God personally goes beyond being saved from hell or attaining a place in heaven. It's about living in that intimate relationship with Him today, feeling His paternal care, and allowing His love to shape us into the persons He has called us to be.
Knowing Who We Are by Knowing Who He Is
At the heart of self-understanding is knowledge of God. The better we know Him, the better we understand ourselves. Our significance, worth, and destiny are rooted fundamentally in this fact: We are His beloved sons and daughters. No matter how unloved, insignificant, or lost we feel, the enduring fact remains that we are deeply loved by the Maker of the universe. And that revelation should change how we live. When we know we are loved, we can confidently walk by faith and not by sight, striving not to earn the world's approval or validation. We can rest in the security of our Father's love, knowing He has called us His own.
Rest in God's Love and Our Inheritance
In conclusion, as we consider the weighty reality of being a child of God, may we allow it to affect heart and mind alike. We are not defined by what we do; instead, our identity is found in who we are: sons and daughters of the Most High God. And such identity is tied to an inheritance that does not fade, a relationship with Father Himself, and the confidence of His lavish love. And in times of perhaps uncertainty, insecurity, or strife, let us revisit this profound truth: we are deeply loved by God, and absolutely nothing can change that fact. Our inheritance in Christ is secure, and our relationship with Him is far more valuable than anything the world has ever offered. As we journey through our lives, let us be constantly reminded of who we are through reflecting on His nature- the loving, faithful, and generous Father who has designated us as His own. Allow this truth to resonate deeply within your heart today, reforming the way you live and interact with God and others. You are loved. You are His child. You possess an eternal inheritance. And that is your identity.
Sermon delivered by Pastor Neil Passmore on October 20, 2024, at the City Church Swansea Sunday Service.