Key Verse
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14
What are sons?
Son definition in the OT
2381 references in the OT and NT to sons
Key definition is #Strong's 1121 (Used 4906 times. Ben (bane) From 1129. A son is (As a builder of the family name) in the widest sense(Refers to a relationship including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition.
Ben means 'son' bat means 'daughter'.
1. These nouns are derived from the verb 'banah. They are actually different forms of the same noun
a. Basically, this noun represents one's immediate physical male or female offspring (eg: Adam begat sons and daughters (Gen 5:4)
b. The special emphasis here is on the physical tie binding a man to his offspring
3. Sometimes the word 'ben' which usually means 'son' can mean children (male and female)
4. The words 'ben' and 'bat' can signify 'descendants' in general daughters, sons, granddaughters and grandsons.
5. The phrase 'my son' may be used by a superior to a subordinate as a term or familiar address.
6. 'Ben' can be used in a formula expressing a unique and unbreakable relationship . Eg: "Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee" Ps 2:7.
7. 'Ben' is often used in this sense of a king's relationship to God. Ie: (He is an adopted son)
8. Sometimes the same word expresses Israel's relationship to God: "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt' (Hos 11:1)
9. The heavenly courts are referred to as the 'sons of God" (Job 1:6)
10a. God called the elders of Israel the 'children' of the Most High. (Ps 82:6)
10b. In Gen 6:2 the phrase 'sons of God' is variously understood as a, members of the heavenly court. 2. the spiritual disciples of God(the sons of Seth) and 3. the boastful among mankind.
11. 'Ben' may signify 'young men' in general, regardless of any physical relationship to the speaker. (Prov 7:7)
12. A city may be termed a 'mother' and its inhabitants its 'sons. (Ps 147:13)
13. The son of man phrase is used in this sense. God asked to save the poor individuals, not the children of the poor (Ps 72:4)
15. 'Ben' may also denote a member of a group. Eg: A prophet who followed Elijah (1 Kin 20:35)
16. Used figuratively 'son of ' can mean 'something belonging to' eg: The arrow (Literally the son of a bow)cannot make him flee '. Job 41:28
Key things about sons
1. We are not sons as soon as we become Christians. Sons grow into maturity. The process is from infants to children to sons.
When we receive Christ as our saviour, we are adopted into God’s family. There is no fear, but we can call God our father. His Spirit in us professes that we are children of God.
15 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.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:15-17 (NKJV)
When attending church Sunday, the word 'son' has been read out, but has not had any meaning for us. We assumed when we became Christians we were automatically sons. Yet Jesus waited until his baptism by John to be recognised by God as His son. Before that he was raised both physically and spiritually from being an infant to a child, to a teenager to then a son.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He[a] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV)
In Hebrews we read that we need to go through the process of growing up from being infants needing milk, to having solid food to then meat.
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:12-14
We need to be taught good foundations to move us from infants to sons. It does not just automatically happen. Our desire is to put in the hard work so we can grow, mature and become 'sons of God' as God intends for us.
When we go through the process of growing into sonship, we first recognize and receive the love God gives us, in calling us to be His children. We are first adopted or brought into His family.
3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God![a] Therefore the world does not know us,[b] because it did not know Him.1 John 3:1 (NKJV)
2. Becoming a son is a process. It Starts with dying
In the process of becoming a son we develop a new nature. We are re-born so we become a new creature or creation. The old is dead and we become new.
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 (NKJV)
Being born again is the process of having our flesh crucified with Jesus so we are no longer slaves of sin. When we die to ourselves we are free of the curse of sin and death has no dominion over us. We become alive in Christ
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:6-23 (NKJV)
In 1 John we read about being free of sin as we are born of God.
9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.1 John 3:9-12 (NKJV)
There are basic principles of our faith that we must both know and be able to teach. Knowing these 'elementary' principles and being able to teach them is something all sons are able to do.
6 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will[a] do if God permits. Hebrews 6: 1-3
We are adopted into sonship and as adopted sons, we have the Spirit of Jesus in our hearts. With this spirit in our hearts we are able to have a relationship with God as our father.
5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Galatians 4:5-6 (NKJV)
3. Sons live in the Kingdom of God.
We read earlier about sons being born into the Kingdom of God. What we were is now put to death. We are re-born so we become a new creature or creation. The old is dead and we become new.
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 (NKJV)
We can say that it is the passing from the kingdom of this world into the kingdom of God. We become citizens of a new kingdom where Jesus is King. We learn to live totally under His rule and obey and follow Jesus in everything. We see everything from the spiritual kingdom's perspective and live in this understanding and no longer are conformed to the world. Our minds are the place where we are transformed so we are able to live in the Kingdom of God and walk as sons on the earth.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
All the things that happen in the Kingdom of God is based on love, not on self-interest. We need to be walking in the Spirit to be able to do this as a body.
14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things[e] is acceptable to God and approved by men. Romans 6:14 - 18
4. Sons are a part of the body of Christ.
Instead of being a son setting us apart, we are actually brought together with other members of the body of Christ. Even though we are unique, with different gifts and talents, God brings us together to work together in unity for His plans and purposes. As a body of Christ, we then live with Jesus as the head and are directed by Him to work together for His plans and purposes, not ours.
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into[c] one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Sons have different roles for the members of the body. We encourage and celebrate each son with their gift and purpose and help them in achieving the role they play. As sons we seek to do what God has called us to do not try to take on something we think we should do. We are appointed by the body to do a task.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best[d] gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
5. Sons are known by their good works.
As we grow up from infants, to children and then to sons of God, we start to use our minds differently. We are attracted to reading the Word of God. Our talk is not about the world but of Jesus and we become focused then on who God is, what He says and then doing what God does and becoming like Him. Sons grow up to both know their father and become like their father. Sons then speak like their father and do what their father does. Their actions tell people who they are not their words. We know sons of God by their fruits.
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV)
Sons have learnt that they cannot do anything of themselves but do what they see the Father do.
19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. John 5:19 (NKJV)
An important passage from John 10:10 is an account of Jesus coming to bring life. Sons have the Spirit of Jesus in them and as they do what Jesus does they have abundant life and bring this life into every person that they interact with.
10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10(NKJV)
6. Sons know the will of God and His plans.
Servants do what their master tells them to do. For too long we have lived with this mindset and have blindly tried to do what we think God wants. God does not want us to be servants but he is calling us friends and is making known all things from the Father.
15 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. John 15:15 (NKJV)
God's plan and will is to bless us with every spiritual blessing, to be holy and without blame and to be adopted as sons of God. We should be to the praise of His glory.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both[a] which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:3-12
Once there was a mystery that was hidden, but it has now becoming known and spoken about or preached by His sons and God is revealing this mystery to us. We have boldness and confidence through faith to do this and this is our eternal purpose.
8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship[a] of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;[b] 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Ephesians 3:8-12
The mystery is that creation is being delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the children of God. The sons are walking with the authority and wisdom to release creation and especially people into the liberty we have as children of God.
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,[c] 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-20
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Romans 8:19-21 (NKJV)
7 Sons are chastised by God
As sons we are blessed as God is calling us to not just to be released with authority, but God corrects His sons, so we are able to walk truly as sons. We must submit ourselves to God and allow Him to correct us and direct us as sons.
12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:12 (NKJV)
So when God corrects us we know that he does this because He loves us because we are Sons and He is training us to think, speak, walk and act as He does. Anything we do that God does not do has to be removed so we can fully walk as sons of God.
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”[a]
7 If[b] you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Hebrews 12:5-8 (NKJV)
8. Sons walk with authority and power.
For too long God's Church has walked with no power. God is calling us to grow up, to mature as sons and both understand and walk truly as sons. When Jesus left His disciples after His resurrection He left them by saying that Jesus has been given ALL authority on heaven and earth. We can therefore go and make disciples with the authority we have been given through Jesus.
8 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore[c] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20
In Mark 16 we read about the Great Commission that sons of God have, to go out and preach the gospel. As we do this God has given us authority and power to cast out demons, speak with new tongues and have protection from things that harm.
15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they[b] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-18
When we walk as sons we do not have spirit of fear anymore, but we have power, love and a sound mind. We see the world differently and so speak and act knowing that God is our father.
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Through the name of Jesus we have all authority to do what Jesus has called us to do. We just do what Jesus has called or taught us to do.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore[a] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.[b] Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)
9. Sons walk in the Spirit and not the flesh.
As infants and children we are very easily controlled or influenced by our flesh. We are distracted or do things that are not things that sons of God do. It is hard work to stay focused, to learn to act and do what sons do. It starts by renewing our minds constantly by the Word of God.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
In Galatians 5 and Romans 8 we read about the tussle between the flesh and the Spirit and they are contrary to one another. Sons are no longer under the law as we crucify our flesh daily with Jesus and are no longer subject to the law. We are then able to walk truly as sons, being led by the Spirit.
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:18
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:9-11
Sons do not live according to the flesh as this brings death. Sons are led by the Spirit of God which brings freedom. This spirit of God brings adoption and through this spirit we have adoption into God's family and are able to have intimacy with God and call God 'Daddy' or 'Father'.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 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.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:12-17
When we as sons are filled with the Spirit of God, we are given spiritual gifts from God that we use as we walk as sons to equip us to complete the tasks He has for us as sons.
12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that[a] you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same[b] Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (NKJV)
Finally, when we walk in the Spirit we learn to walk and life in the glorious liberty that has been promised that exists for those who walk in the Spirit.
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV)
Conclusion
As disciples of Jesus we have been professing to be Christians, but have not understood that giving our life to Jesus is just the start of the amazing journey God has for us as His children. His destiny of plan for us is to grow up and mature and move from infants where we need the milk of the Word, to Sons of God to walk with authority and purpose knowing God’s plans. We first die to our flesh, enter the Kingdom of God and become part of the body of Christ. Our good works come as we take on the heart of our Father and do the good works that God has given us. We understand and accept the chastisement of God as this grows us up to become mature and complete, not lacking nothing. When we grow up, the authority and power we have through walking in the Spirit and being led by God we will have a powerful and eternal impact on the world and complete the good works God created us for. Our role is for us to bring restoration to people, families, communities, nations and to the earth. To prepare the church or His bride to be spotless and ready for Jesus’ return.
My encouragement for you is to not be content with anything less than walking as sons of God and fulfilling the destiny God has for you. To do the heart of God and bring restoration to the earth and to be part of the church becoming spotless and ready for the return of Jesus. To walk in full authority and in the inheritance you have as a son of God.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14