I've not only been inspired to study sonship vs. slavery, but I know that The Holy Spirit has moved me to learn about it. I first heard of the specific topic from Bethany Nicole, an amazing woman who incedentally does great photography. Since my conversation with Bethany, I have heard or seen this topic at least half a dozen times. I went to Starbucks and a man studying the word shared with me what God was doing in him, sonship versus slavery. He recommended a book called Birthright by John Sheasby. I'm unsure of the credibility of the author, but it is at least worth mentioning as the little I have read about it seems right on target.
Just below is the scripture that contains all of what God has shown me so far in my study. I know reading scripture isn't people's favorite thing to do, but it is in a nutshell, what makes this subject alive.
Galations 4:1-7 says, "Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out 'Abba, Father!' Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."
1 Corinthians 2:12 - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, bu tthe Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
Romans 8:32 - He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Here, I have all I need to know that I am called to act and resemble God as His child and to claim all of what is rightfully mine. I know that if my earthly father said there was $100 on the ground in the backyard, I would run to grab it. Therefore, I just can not see myself declining my spiritual inheritance from my Father, God.
Through these verses, I have the opportunity to receive a divine dispensation of grace, light, and liberty according to Matthew Henry's Commentary.
I have also learned that God's love is what makes sence of the law. If you read the scriptures surrounding the ones listed above, you will see how Paul was making the church of the Old Testament, the church under the wrath of God and penalty of law, realize that their destiny was now under a new gospel. I know that God came to give me life and life more abundantly, but when I put this in context, I can't help but see it like this....He has come to give me life (Old Testament style) and life more abundantly (freedom under the gospel). Until Jesus was resurrected from the earth, we were all under the law, but with redemption, we are able to experience a greater freedom.
In Galations 4:6-7, it shows me how to activate myself into sonship. I know I have asked myself several times how I could even go about applying this to everyday life. Well, in these verses, it says that our sonship or inheritance is activated through prayer. Verse 6 says clearly that because we are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into my heart that WILL CRY OUT, Abba Father!
I've also come to the realization, thanks to Mr. Henry again, that God's true children will resemble Him. Therefore, I have drawn my own conclusion that the law should be a description of our life instead of the scripture being the governor of my life. When I take Beth's advice and look to the relationship from the Perfect Son to the Perfect Father, I see that Jesus was always united with His father and the Word was literally a bi-product of His life.
Conclusion : The Spirit of Adoption = A Spirit of Prayer
Those who have the nature of sons will have an inheritance of sons.
God is never silent about His sons! How loving of my Father to include the manuel on how to live as an heir.
The Word of God is a faithful witness!
I searched this out not as a hand-out from God, but out of a hunger to respond to God calling me in to be His son/daughter (however you want to see it). I want to posses all of what was intended for me to posses from the Cross.
Goal: Do not leave any of my Father's estate in the backyard where it is of no use! My Father paid a price, and I will be a good return on His investment.
~Whitney, if you read this, I know that God is drawing you in as well. I'm believing with you for an inheritance incorruptable. When this comes, I know everything else will follow.
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