The spirit himself testifies with our spirit that WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN. Now if we are children then we are heirs, HEIRS WITH GOD AND CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST. If indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also SHARE IN HIS GLORY. ROMANS 8:16-17
The Walt Disney movie “Pollyanna” is one of my favorite movies. It is about a little girl who has an incredibly positive influence on her community and her pastor. When the movie begins, we find her pastor at his pulpit preaching hard, harsh, excoriating sermons. They were so negative that people’s stomachs would get upset and they couldn’t even enjoy their Sunday lunch. Eventually, Pollyanna ask her pastor, “Have you ever considered using the ‘Glad text?’” The preacher says, “Glad text, what are Glad Text?” Pollyanna says, “There are over 700 passages in the Bible that speak about joy of the Lord, being glad in the Lord, and rejoicing in all ways.” If you’ve seen the movie, the preacher experiences a transformation when he begins preaching positive messages. I feel the same way Pollyanna does. I believe there is so much in the Bible to make us rejoice. One of those “glad text” is that we are in the family of God and that wonderful FACT should be enjoyed–not endured.
So, how does one begin to live with full assurance that we ARE “children of God” and that relationship brings about an “heirship”. First, get TUNED-IN. If you are a child of God and you belong to the “Good Shepherd.” When the “shepherd” speaks, you recognize his voice and follow him. “… you have NO OBLIGATION to do what (the) sinful nature urges you to do.” (Romans 8:12) QUIT listening to the unhealthy “voices” who are controlling you. Second, get FIRED-UP. The word ‘adoption’ in Greek is our word for son. It meant a legal transaction to make someone your son. Romans 12:17 says, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs of God and co-heirs [or joint heirs] with Christ …we SHARE IN HIS GLORY.” When you walk in the glory of God, you have a holy fire in you that the devil cannot tolerate. Third, LEAN-ON JESUS. Romans 8:15, says, “You receive the spirit of adoption and by him WE CRY ABBA…FATHER.” One of the amazing things the Bible says is you and I can have intimacy with the creator of the universe. “Come boldly to the throne.” Last, stay SOLD-OUT. Sold out means when you become a Christian the Holy Spirit of God comes to live in us, stays with us and continually guides us. It is time to “sell out” to the promised life God offers. It is time to START ENJOYING WHO YOU ARE AS A CHILD OF GOD!
