The Challenge Of Being Children Of God

When we become a Christian, there is a spiritual birth that must take place which identifies us as being children of God (John 3:5). Because of our being God's children, we can now call upon God as our Father (Gal. 4:6).

Emphasizing the above concept, the apostle Paul admonishes the Corinthian brethren, who were attempting to hold on to the world and the Lord at the same time to:

"Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

Paul appeals to these brethren from the standpoint of their being God's children, to live a separated and holy lifestyle totally different from the ungodly influences of this world (2 Corinthians 7:1; cf. Romans 12:1-2).

God's promises listed in 2 Corinthians 6:16-18, should have been more than enough to have motivated these brethren to "cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Could anything be more noble and elevating than being called the "sons and daughters" of God?

To ask the question, is to answer the question.

The challenge is, will we live godly lives as "sons and daughters" [children] of God "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation?" (Philippians 2:15; cf. Deuteronomy 32:5).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets