Struggle & Triumph | Who God Says I AmSample

I Am an Adopted Child of God

“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.” Galatians 4:6,7

Have you ever been on the junior varsity team when all you wanted was to be on the varsity team? You wanted the extra time and attention from the coach and the added value that his or her time communicated. 

Have you ever felt like you were present in a group, but that you weren’t really on the “inside”?

In Galatians we read that those who are God’s children because they have experienced God’s forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross are now on the “inside.” God gives His children the Spirit of Jesus. 

With His Spirit living in our hearts, we know we are His. His Spirit within us calls out to the Father with the term “Abba,” which means “Daddy.” This name indicates intimacy and love. As dearly loved children, we have access to the Father even though He is the King.

No one forces someone to adopt a child. Adoption is a choice. Friends and family members who have adopted children have had a long process to go through in order to be able to adopt. It doesn’t happen by accident; it’s a very intentional procedure. 

Because God has adopted us, we know that He has chosen us. He wants us in His family in a close, loving relationship. What’s more, when a child is adopted, that child has all of the same legal status as natural-born children. 

Since we are God’s children, we are also His heirs. As God’s heirs, we join with Jesus to inherit all of God’s glory. 

Are you enjoying your insider status as a child of God? Are you seeking intimacy with Him like a child seeks to be in the presence of his or her father? 

Application: Take a moment to think about all the resources that are available to you as a child of God. Which one do you need to apply right now into your life?