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  BEHOLD, WHAT MANNER OF LOVE THE FATHER HATH BESTOWED UPON US
  by C.H. Spurgeon
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Summary: We are sons of God through adoption, and we must live by faith
on Christ, not on our feelings or graces.

Topics: "God's Love", "Adoption as Sons"
Scripture References: John 1:12, Romans 8:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 4:7, Ephesians 1:5, Philippians 3:20-21, Hebrews 2:10, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 John 3:1-2

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DESCRIPTION
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C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound love of the Father in adopting us
as His sons, despite our inherent corruption and struggles. He reflects
on the privileges and responsibilities that come with this relationship,
highlighting the care and tenderness expected from a father. Spurgeon
reassures believers that even in their lowest moments, they are still
recognized as sons of God, encouraging them to live by faith in Christ
rather than their feelings or circumstances. He reminds us that our
current state does not define our future, as we will ultimately be
transformed to be like Him when He appears.

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CONTENT
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"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us. Consider
who we were, and what we feel ourselves to be even now when corruption
is powerful in us, and you will wonder at our adoption. Yet we are
called "the sons of God." What a high relationship is that of a son, and
what privileges it brings! What care and tenderness the son expects from
his father, and what love the father feels towards the son! But all
that, and more than that, we now have through Christ. As for the
temporary drawback of suffering with the elder brother, this we accept
as an honour: "Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him
not."

We are content to be unknown with Him in His humiliation, for we are to
be exalted with Him. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God." That is easy
to read, but it is not so easy to feel. How is it with your heart this
morning? Are you in the lowest depths of sorrow? Does corruption rise
within your spirit, and grace seem like a poor spark trampled under
foot? Does your faith almost fail you? Fear not, it is neither your
graces nor feelings on which you are to live: you must live simply by
faith on Christ.

With all these things against us, now--in the very depths of our sorrow,
wherever we may be-- now, as much in the valley as on the mountain,
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God." "Ah, but," you say, "see how I am
arrayed! my graces are not bright; my righteousness does not shine with
apparent glory." But read the next: "It doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him."
The Holy Spirit shall purify our minds, and divine power shall refine
our bodies, then shall we see Him as He is.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/behold-what-manner-of-love-the-father-hath-bestowed-upon-us/
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