Sonship of the Believer
H. T. Cavell. Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. I. THE TRUE POSITION OF THE CHRISTIAN. "Sons." Many fail to see it. They admit "believers," "Christians," "disciples," "soldiers," "servants." True. Each has a truth. Just as "Jesus," "Christ," "Master," "Lord;" but "Emanuel" reveals a new connection. So with the believer. "Son." Christ took our nature, and we receive His in degree (2 Peter 1:4). This is often urged in Scripture. Romans 7. plainly describes "law of nature" and "law of grace." Why urge this? 1. Because of privileges, of which we shall speak soon. 2. Because it is a necessity of life. Many fail in efforts. They "try to be good," and fail. Because they begin wrongly. Must be so. Ostrich cannot soar as eagle. Nature is fitted to habits. So in grace. God requires great things. A new life begins. How? Not by laws or precepts — it is a new gift. Adoption transfers from Satan's family to God's, and then a new nature is given. II. THE POWER BY WHOM THIS ADOPTION IS WROUGHT. By "God's Spirit." In every aspect — redemption, sanctification, preservation, fruitfulness — the believer is a Divine work. Often forgotten. We are surrounded by human instruments, and the agent is not seen. Insufficient. Only the statue, not the man. Form without life. Both solemn and assuring. III. THE NECESSARY RESULTS OF THIS INDWELLING. "Whereby," etc. Immediate connection between life and action. The means may lie dormant, but the grace never. What results? 1. God is known. In daily life such knowledge must be imparted. Very true of spiritual things. This knowledge surpasses that imparted by Scripture or human teachers. Examples: 1 Samuel 3:7; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Galatians 3:16, 17. Samuel and Paul both taught by man, and yet they were spiritually ignorant. So, however much we may study, prize, increasingly value the Bible, each must go beyond it. 2. Confidence is enjoyed. Point of argument lies in "son" and "slave." The difference, the unwavering confidence of "son." So boldness in prayer, conflict, work, is believer's privilege. The Father never deserts His child. 3. Consistent life. A great name should never be disgraced. What so noble as this? where else is such honour entrusted? "Be imitators of God." (H. T. Cavell.) Parallel Verses KJV: And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. WEB: And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!"