Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Based on Romans 8:14-16

In the ever-changing landscape of life, where our identities can feel as fragile as blown glass, there exists a profound truth anchored in scripture: we are sons and daughters of God. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8:14-16 (NKJV), writes, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

These verses present not only a promise but also an invitation—a call to step fully into our identity as children of the King. But what does it mean to embrace this position of “Sonship”? It may be simple in theory, yet the reality of living it out often poses a greater challenge for many believers.

The Foundation of Faith

Paul emphasizes that our position as sons and daughters is received by faith alone, not by works. The faith to believe comes from God Himself; He has granted each of us a measure of faith according to His word. Romans 12:3 reminds us, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
Accepting this gift of faith empowers us to move forward in our relationship with Jesus. We have a choice: to accept the price Jesus paid for us on the cross, to reject the lies of the enemy, and to live in the truth of who we are as children of God. This journey of embracing our identity doesn’t merely revolve around a one-time decision; it is an ongoing process of spiritual awakening.

While many churches emphasize the importance of saying a salvation prayer, for some, that may be all it ever becomes. They view faith as a mere formula to escape hell, unaware that they are saved from who they once were and called into the purposes of who they were created to be. That prayer can serve as a pivotal first step on the path toward a deeper relationship with Jesus; however, without a heart transformation, it risks becoming nothing more than recited words.

The Gift of Sonship

Sonship is a divine gift offered freely to us. It is not something we can earn through our efforts or good deeds. Instead, we must actively step into this reality. John 1:12-13 (NKJV) states, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” In other words, when we choose to believe and receive Christ, we are adopted into the family of God, becoming heirs to His promises and blessings.

Being a benefactor of this reconciliation and restoration requires genuine belief in our hearts and the confession of our mouths that Jesus is Lord. As we receive the Spirit of God in our lives, we simultaneously accept the Spirit of Sonship.

Romans 8:15 reinforces this concept: “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’”

The Unfathomable Love of God

The Old Testament illustrates humanity’s inability to please God on their own; a reality that changed with the sacrificial love of Jesus. He laid down His life to pay the wages of our sin, which is death. Following His resurrection and ascension, He returned to us His Spirit, allowing us to become living temples where the Spirit of God abides.
As believers, we must internalize this truth: we are no longer defined by our pasts. We are who God created us to be from the very foundation of the world. The spirit of God is alive inside of us! It’s essential to ponder the magnitude of this divine presence. The Holy Spirit—the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead—lives within each of us.

Like the act of breathing, we tend to take this profound truth for granted. But imagine the reality that the Sovereign Creator of the universe desires to dwell within us—as a loving Father, not as a distant ruler. In light of this relationship, we realize that we don’t need to bring anything to the table to earn Sonship. God has already deemed us valuable and worthy simply because we are His children.

From Servants to Sons

Understanding our identity alters our perspective about God’s relationship with us. Servants seek to please their masters through dutiful actions, but sons and daughters recognize they are loved and accepted, not for what they do, but for who they are. It is happiness in knowing that our status as children of God does not come from performance, but rather from the unwavering love of our Father. This love was revealed through Christ’s ultimate act of sacrifice.
In John 15:15, Jesus shares with His disciples, “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” This illustrates the shift from a master-servant dynamic to a friendship fostered by mutual affection and understanding—a reminder that we are embraced by grace, not driven by obligation.

Moreover, our actions as sons and daughters should not be mere attempts to gain favor with God; instead, they stem from our response to His love for us. This shift in motivation transforms our worship, service, and daily living into a reflection of gratitude rather than duty.

Seeing Ourselves Through God’s Eyes

It is crucial to internalize the profound reality that God views us through the lens of His love, much like how we perceive our own children. Even in moments of struggle, failure, or confusion, we see them as beloved, cherished beings. Our own human experiences often shape our understanding of identity. Yet through the eyes of God, the view is radically different.

Much like the prodigal son returning home, we are welcomed back not with disdain or judgment but with open arms and compassionate grace. God is not waiting with an angry finger pointed; He is the welcoming father ready to embrace us. This exquisite picture reshapes our self-perception and compels us to embrace who we truly are—the beloved children of God.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Identity

In conclusion, the journey into Sonship is both a simple acceptance and a challenging experience. We step into this position by faith, continually rejecting the lies of the enemy about our worth and identity. It is imperative to remind ourselves frequently of who we are and whose we are.
The call to Sonship is not about performance but about living in the fullness of our relationship with God—our good, good Father. We were not created to live in fear or bondage but to embrace the freedom that comes with acceptance as His children.
Let us embark on this journey of continual transformation as we lean into the truth of our identity. Let the Spirit of God reside within us, guiding and leading us, reminding us that we are loved, accepted, and profoundly valued.
Take a moment to meditate on Romans 8:16, which states, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Let this truth marinate in your heart, and as you embrace your identity, live in the profound security of being a son or daughter of the King. The road ahead may be challenging, but it is paved with grace, love, and the promise of His unwavering presence. Your journey in the light of Sonship is only just beginning.