1 John 3-5

I have never really taken the time to ponder what it meant to first century believers to be called “sons of God.” (1 John 3:1)  Without an appreciation of their understand of the privilege there is no way that I can transfer those messages into the 21^st century.  Regardless of their faith in the Greek pantheon first century people all knew the stories of the power and privileges of the sons of Zeus.  When John wrote his letter most of the believer would have learned the greatness of God’s promise to Abraham and his sons.  They would have also known that the church was the true sons of Abraham.  I wonder what other advantages those early believers found in the title; “Sons of God”?  Unrestricted access to the throne room? Out with the title “Your Majesty” and in with “Father”?  No taxes required?  A seat at every banquet?  Taken to its selfish extremes these privileges could have been perverted, but in the proper perspective it would displayed acceptance and provision by the ruler.  A position most believers would have lacked.  How does that apply to us today?

Stuart