"BLESSED BY ASSOCIATION"

Romans 8:15-17: And so we should not be like cringing, fearful slaves, but we should behave like God's very own children, adopted into the bosom of his family, and calling to him, "Father, Father." (16) For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we really are God's children. (17) And since we are his children, we will share his treasures-for all God gives to his Son Jesus is now ours too. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. TLB

The Lord led me back to the Scripture over this past weekend. I've read it several times in the past, from several different translations and I've used it before for Stephen's Gate and sermons that I've preached. But, this one time I read it in this translation that word, "now", in verse 17 stood out to me.

This goes along with the theme of overflow. Many translations of this passage talk about us being heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus. Any way you look at it, God's intention is for us to share in the family benefits, now!

Maybe you've had times in your past where it was obvious that you were an heir and a joint-heir but it's not so evident at this season of your life. Don't settle by thinking that was then and it's over with. His treasures are yours, now! Don't think that maybe 20 years from now I'll see the blessing of God, claim it now!

In your natural immediate family, everyone shares in the blessings of your family. You don't tell your kids they shared in the blessing 3 years ago and now it's over with nor do you tell them they have to wait until they are 25 to share in the blessings of your family. No, they are part of your family now so they share in all the blessings now. It's the same with God's family. Verse 15 tells us not to be fearful slaves but to behave like God's very own children. Do you think a child of God is meant to walk around fearful, lacking, and depressed? You're a child of God so begin to act like it.

So, this week, remind yourself everyday if you have to. Since you are a child of God, you will share His treasures - for all God gives to his Son Jesus is NOW yours too. You are blessed by association!

I will be speaking this Sunday the 20th at Celebration Center hope to see you there.

Blessings Steve