Topical Bible: Adoption: should Produce an Avoidance of Ostentation

◄ Adoption: should Produce an Avoidance of Ostentation ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Adoption, in the biblical context, refers to the act of God bringing believers into His family as His children. This spiritual adoption is a profound transformation, granting believers the rights and privileges of being God's heirs. The concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul frequently uses the term to describe the believer's new relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul articulates the doctrine of adoption in several of his epistles. In Romans 8:15, he writes, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" . This passage highlights the intimate relationship believers have with God, characterized by love and trust rather than fear.

Similarly, in Galatians 4:4-5, Paul states, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons" . This underscores the divine initiative in adoption, emphasizing that it is through Christ's redemptive work that believers are brought into God's family.

Spiritual Implications

Adoption into God's family carries significant spiritual implications. It bestows upon believers a new identity and a sense of belonging. As children of God, believers are called to reflect the character of their Heavenly Father. This transformation should manifest in humility and a life that avoids ostentation.

Avoidance of Ostentation

Ostentation, or the excessive display of wealth or power, is contrary to the spirit of adoption. The Bible consistently warns against pride and the pursuit of worldly accolades. In Matthew 6:1, Jesus instructs, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" . This teaching encourages believers to seek God's approval rather than human recognition.

The Apostle Peter also exhorts believers to live humbly, stating, "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). As adopted children of God, believers are called to emulate Christ's humility, who, though He was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped (Philippians 2:6-7).

Practical Application

In practical terms, the avoidance of ostentation means living a life marked by modesty and simplicity. Believers are encouraged to use their resources for the glory of God and the service of others, rather than for self-aggrandizement. The early church provides a model of this principle, as seen in Acts 4:32-35, where believers shared their possessions and ensured that no one among them was in need.

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul advises Timothy to instruct the wealthy "not to be arrogant, nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God" (1 Timothy 6:17). This counsel underscores the transient nature of earthly riches and the importance of placing one's trust in God.

Conclusion

Adoption into God's family is a transformative experience that calls believers to a life of humility and service. By avoiding ostentation, believers reflect their new identity as children of God, living in a manner that honors their Heavenly Father and aligns with the teachings of Scripture.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 6:1-4,6,18
Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook