This week, in our devotions in Luke, we have looked at what it means to be God’s family. Today, we will see that all of God’s sons and daughters are becoming like The Son of God.
‘Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”’ (Luke 8:19-21)
Lesson: God’s adopted children, by The Spirit, are becoming like Jesus, which is God’s great goal.
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As the years pass we are all aware that we are changing. After the initial -too brief - season of youth, we grow older. This change happens to us all. Likewise, if we are Christians, we are also being sanctified. Sanctification is God working in us and through circumstances in order to mature us and make us more like Christ. God’s love means that He is devoted to our improvement. A neglectful parent will spoil a child or fail to discipline but we read of our Father:
‘They [‘human fathers’] disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.’ (Hebrews 12:10-11)
If we are God’s children, we will undergo ‘painful’ discipline. God is training us. In His great love and wisdom, He knows what we need to learn. He’s at work in our lives, particularly through painful circumstances and relationships. And the promise is: ’it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.’
This great sanctification process is so gloriously outlined in Romans:
‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.’ (Romans 8:28-29)
Do we ‘know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him’? As we, like the disciples, are in the boat in the storm do we know that Jesus is working for our good? Do we know the great purpose that He has for His children and family? Do we see that we are being and will be ‘conformed to the image of His Son’?
Response
God’s adopted children, by The Spirit, are becoming like Jesus, which is God’s great goal. How is God disciplining you at the moment? What hardships are revealing your fear, hatred, faithlessness, sin, greed, jealousy…? Will you allow your Father to train you? Will you learn from Him? Finally, do you see that you and the family of God will be glorified and living in glory forever? All by our Father’s amazing grace.
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
There are no CG’s this week as we have our week of prayer. For details on meetings, please look at Church News, contact the church office or speak to your Community Group Leader.