Explore the profound concept of being a child of God and the unique role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers. Discover what it means to be a co-heir with Christ and the eternal rewards that inspire a life of love and service. Delve into the sovereignty of God, where both struggles and victories shape personal growth and happiness. Even hardships are seen as key elements in the journey toward spiritual fulfillment.
The Holy Spirit confirms believers' identities as children of God by guiding them against sin and prompting them to cry, 'Abba, Father.'
Believers' inheritance as children of God is both glorious and challenging, necessitating suffering alongside Christ for future glory.
Deep dives
The Assurance of Being God's Children
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in affirming believers' identities as children of God. This assurance comes through the Spirit's testimony within, leading individuals to recognize God as their Father. The Spirit achieves this in two significant ways: first, by guiding believers in their struggle against sin, which serves as evidence of their sonship. Secondly, the Spirit fosters a heartfelt response, prompting believers to cry out, 'Abba, Father,' reflecting both reliance and closeness to God.
The Duality of Inheritance
Believers are promised an incredible inheritance as children of God, which is both magnificent and daunting. This inheritance includes everything God owns, tying back to the theological understanding that God possesses the universe. However, the path to fully receiving this inheritance is fraught with the necessity of suffering alongside Christ. Embracing this concept transforms one's perspective on present struggles, encouraging believers to understand that enduring trials is integral to their future glory.
The World as Our Inheritance
The ultimate inheritance for Christians encompasses the world itself, aligning with biblical promises made to figures like Abraham. This reality suggests that all aspects of life—both positive and negative—are ultimately intended to serve the happiness of believers in the eternal perspective. By acknowledging this divine promise, Christians are encouraged to live selflessly, prioritizing the eternal rather than the temporal comforts of this world. The assurance that all of creation will contribute to future joy empowers believers to endure present hardships with hope.
What do the children of God inherit? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper turns to Romans 8:14–18 to reveal the breathtaking promise of God’s inheritance.
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