Progressing in Sonship

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. – John 1:12 (NKJV)

Yesterday, we began exploring the two phases of the Christian walk. Today, let’s take a deeper look into these phases and their significance for every believer.

When a person transitions from being a child of disobedience to being born again and entering into the Body of Christ, they step into the first phase of their Christian walk: a relationship with the Father. This relationship is the foundation of our sonship. However, God doesn’t expect us to remain in this initial phase. His desire is for us to progress into the second phase-pleasing Him.

The Church today is made up of two groups of people:
Class One: Those who have entered into a relationship with the Father but are not progressing or growing in that relationship.
Class Two: Those who have entered into a relationship with the Father and are actively moving forward to live in a way that pleases Him. These two classes of believers illustrate the two phases of the Christian walk:
Phase One: Stepping out of the world and stepping into a relationship with the Father.
Phase Two: Stepping further into a life that pleases the Father.

As you reflect on your own walk with God, where do you find yourself? Are you still in the first phase, or are you actively pursuing the second phase, striving to please the Father in all things?
Here are some important distinctions between the two phases:
Phase One speaks of family-entering into the family of God, while Phase Two speaks of service-living a life of service and obedience to the Father.
Phase One speaks of acceptance-God freely accepts you into His family through salvation, while Phase Two speaks of approval-where God’s approval is based on our lives and choices, and is not automatic. Acceptance is free, but approval requires living in a way that honours Him.

Phase One speaks of unconditional love-God loves you regardless of your actions (John 3:16), but Phase Two speaks of conditional reward-God rewards obedience and faithfulness in pleasing Him.
Both phases are essential, but it is in Phase Two that we mature in our faith and grow in our relationship with the Father.

Prayer:
Father, I thank you for bringing me into your family through Jesus. I desire to progress beyond the initial stage of my relationship with you and move into a deeper walk where I please you with my life. Help me to grow in obedience and service, and to live in a way that brings you glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.