Dr. Voddie Baucham talks of the “lost Doctrine of Adoption” that exists in a Christian’s maturation between the Doctrine of Justification and the Doctrine of Sanctification. We become a Christian (justification) and then we become like Christ (sanctification). But scripture shows us that our adoption as a child of God is vital to our relationship and identity with the Triune God (see Galatians 4.4-7 and Romans 8.12-17). Today’s passage encourages us to embrace our status as His children that we may be launched into our journey in becoming like Jesus. Let us all cry out, “Abba! Father!” and worship Him for His grace and mercy!

I John 3.1-2

1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What rights, privileges, and responsibilities come with being adopted into an earthly family?

+ How do those same rights, privileges, and responsibilities translate into our relationship with the Triune God?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Have you truly accepted and embraced your identity as a brother or sister of Christ and your inheritance of the Kingdom of God as His child?

+ If you feel stuck and not progressing in your spiritual journey, pray for full acceptance of your identity as a child of God.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who do I know who has not fully embraced their identity in Christ and how can I encourage them with this passage of scripture?