God’s Image Study • Commandment 5: Father and Mother
As we follow Father and Mother through Scripture, the language of sons, children, and inheritance brings the spiritual relationship into focus. We must consider how that relationship begins, whose instruction guides it, and what those receiving life are becoming.
God Sends His Son—and the Spirit of His Son
Galatians 4:4–7 describes God sending His Son so that those under the Law might receive adoption as sons. Paul then explains that God sends the Spirit of His Son into their hearts, crying out to the Father.
Keep the relationships before us: God sends, the Son redeems, the Spirit enters the heart, and the recipient is identified as a son and heir. The Father and Son remain distinguishable throughout. Read Galatians 4:4–7.
Later in the same chapter, Paul identifies Jerusalem above as our mother and describes the brothers as children of promise. Father, Mother, and children therefore belong within our examination of spiritual life and inheritance. Read Galatians 4:26–28.
This carries forward the maternal relationship we examined in our Bride study while retaining the distinction between Mother and children.
Sons Who Are Led
Romans 8 identifies those led by God’s Spirit as sons of God. Paul continues through adoption, the Spirit’s witness, children, and inheritance with Christ.
These words describe belonging and direction. The life received is accompanied by the Spirit’s leading. Read Romans 8:14–17.
This gives our consideration of honor practical meaning. We honor the source of life by following the instruction that accompanies it. Claiming the relationship while resisting its guidance leaves our conduct at odds with our claim.
Conformed to the Son’s Image
Paul also describes God’s purpose for those He foreknew: conformity to the image of His Son, who is firstborn among many brothers. The Son’s place and the brothers’ relationship remain connected without becoming interchangeable. Read Romans 8:29.
Here our God’s Image Study remains essential. We are following received spiritual life and transformation into the Son’s likeness.
Ephesians 4:22–24 describes putting away the old manner of life, renewal in the spirit of the mind, and putting on the new man created according to God in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Renewal must reach how we think and live. Read Ephesians 4:22–24.
Children Now, an Unfolding Outcome
John identifies believers as God’s children now while acknowledging that what they will be has not yet appeared. He connects their hope with purification. Read 1 John 3:1–3.
Romans likewise preserves both what has been received and what is awaited: those possessing the firstfruits of the Spirit still await the redemption of their body. Sequence matters. Read Romans 8:23.
As we examine Father and Mother, honor therefore involves receiving life, retaining instruction, and allowing that instruction to bear fruit. John brings that fruit into daily practice: love must be expressed in action and truth. Read 1 John 3:18.
Threads to Follow
Honor and likeness: Does our conduct reflect the life and instruction we have received?
Distinct relationships: Preserve Father, Mother, Son, and children as we follow their connected roles.
Promise and completion: Keep present spiritual life alongside the fulfillment still awaited.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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