The Family of God 神的家庭
Dexu Xia
We are God’s children. Romans 8:16
Today's Scripture Romans 8:9-17
Today's Insights
Paul describes believers in Jesus as being “children of God” (Romans 8:14). We’ve received “adoption to sonship” (v. 15) and no longer live as fearful slaves. To call God the Father “Abba” describes the family relationship and the boldness that believers can have when they approach Him. The word sonship is important because it implies inheritance. Paul isn’t erasing “daughters”，but instead showing that all believers are now “heirs of God” (v. 17). Through the Spirit, believers stand next to Jesus as full “co-heirs.” The adopted children of God have the same full rights as the Son, and the Spirit seals that privileged status (v. 15).
Today's Devotional
It was 1863. Edwin stood on a railroad platform in Jersey City. He watched as a young man was forced by crowds against a train car. The man dangerously fell into the crevice between the train and the platform. The train started to move. Edwin reached down and, at the last minute, pulled the man to safety.
The saved man was Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln. Robert later wrote that his rescuer’s “face was of course well known to me,” because Edwin Booth was a famous actor. In fact, he was the brother of another actor—John Wilkes Booth—who would assassinate the president two years later.
This historical oddity illustrates a reality for us. We don’t choose the family we’re born into. Perhaps our siblings or parents made wrong choices. Maybe we’re the ones who’ve made a mess of everything. But the Bible tells of God’s family plan: “those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Romans 8:14). As His children, “we are [his] heirs” (v. 17). Amazingly, we’re invited to call Him “Abba, Father” (v. 15).
We may long wrestle with the dysfunctions of our earthly family. But we can take comfort that God has changed our spiritual heritage. He adopts us into His family. Most precious of all—He invites us to call Him our Father.
Reflect & Pray
What does it mean to you to be part of God’s family? How does it compel you to live differently?
Abba Father, thank You for adopting me as Your child into Your family.
By Kenneth Peterson
我们是神的儿女。罗马书 8:16
今日经文 罗马书 8:9-17
今日心得： 保罗将信耶稣的人描述为“神的儿女”（罗马书 8:14）。我们已经得着“儿子的名分”（15节），不再像奴仆那样生活在恐惧中。称父神为“阿爸”描述了家庭关系，以及信徒来到祂面前时所能拥有的坦然无惧。“儿子”一词很重要，因为它暗示着继承。保罗并非要抹去“女儿”，而是要表明所有信徒现在都是“神的后嗣”（17节）。借着圣灵，信徒与耶稣同在，成为完全的“共同后嗣”。被神收养的儿女拥有与圣子同等的完整权利，圣灵也印证了这特权地位（15节）。
今日灵修 那是1863年，埃德温站在泽西市的火车站台上。他目睹一个年轻人被人群推向火车车厢。他险些跌入火车和站台之间的缝隙。火车开动了。埃德温在最后一刻伸手将他拉到安全的地方。 这位获救的人是罗伯特·托德·林肯，亚伯拉罕·林肯总统的儿子。罗伯特后来写道，救命恩人的“脸我当然很熟悉”，因为埃德温·布斯是一位著名演员。事实上，他是另一位演员，约翰·威尔克斯·布斯的兄弟，而他这位兄弟在两年后刺杀了总统。
这件历史上的奇事向我们揭示了一个现实。我们无法选择自己的原生家庭。也许我们的兄弟姐妹或父母曾做过错误的选择。也许我们才是把一切都搞砸的人。但圣经讲述了上帝家庭的计划：“凡被神的灵引导的，都是神的儿子”（罗马书 8:14）。作为上帝的孩子，“我们是后嗣”（17节）。奇妙的是，我们蒙召称呼祂为“阿爸，父”（15节）。我们或许长期与尘世家庭的种种问题作斗争。但是，因为上帝已经改变了我们的属灵传承，这可以给我们带来安慰。上帝接纳我们成为祂的孩子，进入祂的家庭。最宝贵的是，祂邀请我们称祂为我们的父。
反思与祷告 成为上帝家庭的一员对你来说意味着什么？它如何促使你活出不同的生活？ 阿爸，父，感谢祢接纳我，成为祢家中的孩子。 作者：坎那斯 彼得逊