Being God’s Children
Pentecost. The Coming of the Spirit. What difference does the Spirit make in our lives?
Through the Spirit, we become God’s own children. Not good friends, not colleagues or associates, not people to run around after him, but his own children.
Romans 8:14-17 (NIVUK)
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
- Romans 8:15 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23.
I love this version of this passage from The Message
God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!
15-17 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!
Life with God’s Spirit is adventurously expectant! Some days I feel like life is adventurous enough, but it is true. Life lived with God is never boring. There is always something to do. With an ear to the voice of the Holy Spirit, he is always calling us, nudging us on. How can we do what he is asking of us? Because we know. One of the aspects of the Spirit’s life is confirming. Confirming who we are – God’s precious children. Known and loved by him, given all he promises to us.
Being an heir is a privilege – but it is also a responsibility. And so as well as enjoying being the child of the loving God, we should also be asking
What’s next?
Holy Spirit,
fill this place,
fill this life.
May I know that I am a treasured child of God,
wanted and welcome.
As I know I am your child
may I learn to know your voice
ever more clearly,
to ask
‘What next’
to hear your reply
and to walk in confidence with you
Pam's Perambulation 
I would just add that we don’t “become” God’s children but rather we “are” God’s children.
Thank you – you are right!
Very inspirational. Thank you.