From Slaves to Sons

Devotional: From Slaves to Sons

Scripture Focus:

“Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.”

– Galatians 4:7

“Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.”

– Romans 6:11-13

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.”

– 1 Peter 1:14-15

Reflection:

The gospel of Jesus Christ transforms our identity. Paul reminds us in Galatians 4:7 that we are no longer slaves to sin, fear, or the law but are adopted sons and daughters of God. With this adoption comes the privilege of being heirs, inheritors of eternal life and God’s promises. This shift in identity is not merely positional; it demands a change in how we live.

Romans 6:11-13 calls us to “consider” ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. This is a daily act of faith and surrender. Though sin once reigned in our mortal bodies, demanding our obedience to its lusts, Christ’s victory on the cross enables us to present our lives as instruments of righteousness. Every thought, word, and action becomes an offering to God, reflecting our new life in Him.

Peter challenges us further: “Do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14). Holiness is not optional for the children of God. It is the evidence of our sonship. Our behavior, words, and attitudes should increasingly reflect the holiness of the One who called us. The world may try to pull us back into conformity with its ways, but God calls us to stand apart as His sanctified people.

Application:

1. Embrace Your Identity: Spend time meditating on what it means to be a child of God. Let this truth permeate your mind and heart. Remind yourself that you are an heir of God’s promises.

2. Surrender Daily: Actively present yourself to God every day. Begin with prayer, asking Him to guide your thoughts and actions as instruments of righteousness.

3. Pursue Holiness: Examine areas of your life that may still be influenced by the “former lusts” of ignorance. Ask God to help you turn away from those patterns and pursue behavior that reflects His holiness.

4. Live in Freedom: Resist the temptation to fall back into the mindset of a slave. Walk boldly in the freedom and love of your Father, knowing that your identity is secure in Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me as Your child through Christ Jesus. I am no longer a slave to sin but an heir of Your promises. Help me to live as someone who is alive to You, presenting every part of my life as an instrument of righteousness. Lord, make me holy, as You are holy. Transform me daily to reflect Your love, grace, and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.