Behold, What Manner of Love the Father Hath Bestowed Upon Us
We are sons of God through adoption, and we must live by faith on Christ, not on our feelings or graces.
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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"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.
Sermon Outline
- The Father's Love
- Our Relationship with Christ
- Living by Faith
- Our Future Glory
- We shall be purified and refined
- We shall see Him as He is
- The care and tenderness of the Father
Key Quotes
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- You must live simply by faith on Christ, not on your feelings or graces.
- Suffering with Christ in His humiliation is an honour, and we will be exalted with Him.
- We will be purified and refined by the Holy Spirit, and our bodies will be refined by divine power.