Daily Bread – July 17, 2023 (The Second Day – Genesis 1:6-8) Romans 8:16 – It is the Spirit that bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Children Of God Paul uses the word for “sons” (huios) and the word for “children” (tekna) interchangeably. In Romans chapter eight, for example, Paul first said “sons” in verse 14 and then “children” in verse 16; he then goes back to “sons” in verse 19, then back to “children” again in verse 21. On the other hand, John only uses the word “children” (tekna) in all of his writings. What we can safely say is both words in this context mean the same thing. The use of the word “sons” may seem somewhat exclusive and unfair to the ladies, but in reality, we can liken the use of “sons” to that of “man” in Genesis – which God made both male and female: “And God made man – both male and female” (Genesis 1:27, 2:2). Thus, we may rightfully say God made us His sons – both male and female. More importantly, we can all be certain God has not excluded anyone from salvation, and there are no second class citizens in the Kingdom of God. Whether we read “sons of God” or “children of God”, the message is loud and clear – we have been begotten of God by the Spirit, and we are His children Verses saying “sons of God” using the Greek word for “sons” (huios) – Matthew 5:9; Romans 8:14,19, 9:26; Galatians 3:26; 4:6; and Hebrews 2:10, 12:7 ; Verses saying “children of God” using the Greek for “children” (tekna) – John 1:12; Romans 8:16, 21, 9:8; Ephesians 5:1; Philippians 2:15; and 1 John 3:1,10, 5:2 Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 7/17/2023
