Sonship The key to eternal blessings
What kind of son/daughter are you?
Sonship – The Path To Our Inheritance Romans 8:14, For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
A Personal Family Story
Joseph (A true son of his house)
Joseph, Son of Jacob Forgiving (no bitterness) Loyal & saves his family Thoughtful – provides for his family Honours his bosses Fears God
Noah’s Sons
Ham – dishonouring, shaming, nonchalant, uncaring son – generations cursed Shem & Japheth– covered Noah’s shame, honoured and respected their father – generations blessed
Absalom (son of King David)
Absalom, son of David Harboured unforgiveness Scheming & murderous Betrayed his father Led a rebellion & dies tragically
Queen Esther
Sacrificial – cared for her own family/people more than herself Submissive to her uncle (foster dad) Willing to take counsel/advice Queen Esther saves her people & honoured to this day (Purim)
“You are My beloved Son in whom I’m well pleased”
Mark 1: And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Why was Jesus called the Son of God? Not Servant, CEO, General or Prophet of God Reflects the family aspect of God – Trinity God started with a family in the Garden of Eden Jesus came to reflect the nature of true Sonship
A Son Must Be Raised In A Household That’s why Jesus was born into a family Do we belong to a family of God? A renegade or rebellious son/daughter will miss God’s destiny?
A Son Must Be Raised In A Household Our family & church is where our character is shaped Family is where we get our identity – provides the context for our existence King David desired to be in God’s house(hold) forever (Ps 23:6, 27:4)
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
True Sonship (Jesus) Brings favour with God (& Man) Lk 2:52 Entitles us to kingdom authority & power Lk 4:36 Access to God’s presence, wisdom & anointing (Jn 5:19) Gives us new identity 2 Cor 5:17
Characteristics of A True Son
1. Sense of Family/Ownership The family & church is yours What can you do to build your family & God’s house? You are the son/daughter, not a hired servant
2. A Builder God builds on families (household) – started on family in Eden Jesus was a carpenter/builder The Son of God said He will build His church Unless the Lord builds the house …
3. Loyalty & faithfulness Stick together no matter what (Heb. 3:5) Devil’s tactics is “divide & conquer” There’s only ONE side (God vs. Devil)
4. Submission & Obedience These have become foreign words Even Jesus submitted Himself to His parents Jesus learned obedience as a Son by the things He suffered (Heb. 5:8)
5. Commitment Long term relationships & mission (Heb. 12:1-2, Mt. 28:20)
6. Selflessness Laying down our lives to serve others (Isaac) “Not my will but Yours be done” Too many “selfies” nowadays Family minded Believe in one another (with exception)
Nelson Mandela Son of Africa, Father of a Nation