Slave Or Son?

Psalm 118:16 “Yes, I am your slave, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains.” A couple years back I heard a sermon that questioned whether believers are slaves or sons. Using the framework of the radical middle, the preacher explained that some churches focus on spiritual gifts while others focus on the word. But at SP we believe that both are really important. In the same way some churches focus on the framework of believers as slaves, and some churches focus on believers as sons (and daughters). But this preacher felt that it was important to acknowledge that both perspectives are important. I was a bit confused by this because Galatians 4:7 states “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has also made you an heir.” Today’s verse helped me to reconcile this apparent contradiction that’s been stewing. The overarching idea is that when I humble myself God lifts me up. Scripture says that we’re all sinners, but that we’re all made perfect through Jesus’ sacrifice. But if I don’t acknowledge my imperfection, I can never realize God’s perfection. Am I a sinner? Yes… and through God’s gift, am I saint? Well… yes. In the same way, it is when I come to God as a slave, giving him complete control over everything, that he lifts me up to the status of a son. Is it true that I’m a slave? Yes. Is it true that in taking this posture God lifts me up to the status of a son, with full access to all the resources of his Kingdom? Well… yes. Lord, I humble myself today. Though I don’t deserve any of it, I’m so overwhelmed that I’m loved by you. I’m gonna do you proud dad. In Jesus’ name, Amen. P.S. So good to be back! Thanks all for your patience. Many of you will be familiar with some of the concepts I cover in yesterday’s sermon, but if you’re interested you can check it out at https://www.facebook.com/solomonsporchsg/videos/221678256501540 ... (Starts at 30:40)