GENUINE SONS ARE NOT BASTARDS
"But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore..." Hebrews 12:8-11(KJV)
BIBLE READING: 2SAMUEL 13:30-39; GENESIS 18:18-19
Genuine Christian Devotion places a great emphasis on a Deep Commitment and Love for the Lord God Almighty. It's all about nurturing a Personal and Productive Relationship with Him through various Biblical Practices. The aforementioned Scriptural Reference in our Key Scriptural Text regarding "genuine sons" versus "bastards" must be interpreted within the context of this devotional and is broken down as follows:
(1.) Genuine Sons: These are those who truly devote themselves to God and have been discipled or disciplined after the Order of the Lord Jesus Christ. These individuals earnestly follow His Teachings, live a Christlike life, and make a conscious attempt and deliberate decision to grow closer to Him through Prayer, Bible Study, and service to others.
(2.) Bastards: This term, though it sounds rather harsh, is used metaphorically in some Biblical passages such as Hebrews 12:8 to describe those individuals who stray from God's Path. They may not actively reject Him, but their actions and priorities don't reflect a Genuine Devotion to Him. They are generally untrained children who don't respond to their father's discipline.
There are certain Scriptures that provide support for the Concept of Christian Devotion and being a "Genuine son" of God: "This is to My Father's Glory, that you bear much Fruit and become My Disciples" (Jn. 15:8). This particular verse highlights how living a life that reflects Christ's Teachings glorifies God. "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God"(Rom. 8:14). The above verse emphasizes the Role of the Holy Spirit in guiding those devoted to God: "So too, Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead"(Jam. 2:17). This verse underscores the Truth that Genuine Devotion involves both Faith and action that demonstrate that Faith.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we honour You today. Lord, please help us to nurture a Genuine Relationship with You as Authentic sons rather than bastards in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen.