SONS ARE FREE

SONS ARE FREE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 17:24-27

Key Verse: “Jesus saith unto them, Then are the children free.” (Matthew 17:26)

Supporting Texts: John 8:35-36, Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:6-7, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Hebrews 12:22-24

Description: This study teaches believers about their spiritual identity as sons and daughters of God, the freedom found in Christ, and the responsibilities that accompany kingdom sonship.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 17, those who collected the temple tax approached Peter and asked whether Jesus paid tribute. Peter answered quickly, and afterward Jesus used the opportunity to teach an important spiritual truth. He asked Peter whether kings collect taxes from their own children or from strangers. Peter answered, “Of strangers.” Jesus then declared: “Then are the children free.”

Although Jesus instructed Peter to pay the tax to avoid unnecessary offence, He revealed a deeper principle: sons possess rights, privileges, and freedom within their father’s kingdom. Jesus, as the Son of God, was not obligated under earthly religious systems in the same way others were.

Through salvation, believers also become children of God and heirs of His kingdom. Christians are no longer slaves to sin, condemnation, fear, or Satan’s dominion. They are called into spiritual freedom, relationship, inheritance, and authority through Jesus Christ.

However, this freedom must not lead to carelessness or rebellion. Kingdom freedom operates together with obedience, humility, love, and responsibility.

1. BELIEVERS ARE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD

Salvation brings believers into God’s family.

a) Those who receive Christ become children of God (John 1:12)
Through faith in Jesus, believers receive a new spiritual identity and relationship with God.

b) The Holy Spirit confirms believers as God’s children (Romans 8:14-16)
Christians are led by the Spirit and adopted into God’s family through grace.

c) Sons of God possess spiritual inheritance and privileges (Galatians 4:6-7)
Believers are heirs together with Christ and recipients of God’s promises and blessings.

d) God desires intimate fellowship with His children (2 Corinthians 6:18)
Christianity is not merely religion but a living relationship with a loving heavenly Father.

Biblical Example:
The prodigal son was restored fully into his father’s house despite his past failures, revealing God’s heart toward His children (Luke 15:20-24).

2. CHRIST HAS MADE BELIEVERS FREE

True freedom is found through Jesus Christ alone.

a) Jesus declared that the children are free (Matthew 17:26)
Kingdom sonship releases believers from spiritual bondage and condemnation.

b) Christ sets believers free from the power of sin (John 8:36)
Salvation breaks the dominion of sinful habits and spiritual slavery.

c) Believers are free from condemnation through Christ (Romans 8:1-2)
Those who belong to Jesus no longer live under guilt and eternal judgment.

d) The Holy Spirit brings liberty and transformation (2 Corinthians 3:17)
God’s presence produces spiritual freedom, victory, and renewal within believers.

Biblical Example:
The Israelites were delivered from Egyptian bondage through God’s power, illustrating spiritual freedom and redemption through Christ (Exodus 14:13-14).

3. KINGDOM FREEDOM MUST BE USED RESPONSIBLY

Spiritual liberty must operate together with wisdom and love.

a) Jesus still chose to pay the tribute to avoid unnecessary offence (Matthew 17:27)
Believers should demonstrate humility, wisdom, and peace in their conduct toward others.

b) Christian freedom must not become an excuse for sin (Galatians 5:13)
True liberty leads to holiness and loving service rather than selfish living.

c) Believers are called to walk in obedience and maturity (Ephesians 4:1)
Sons and daughters of God must reflect His character and righteousness.

d) Wisdom and humility preserve unity and testimony (Romans 14:19)
Christians should avoid actions that create unnecessary stumbling or division.

Biblical Example:
Paul willingly surrendered certain personal rights and freedoms in order to help others receive the gospel without hindrance (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

4. SONS OF GOD WALK IN AUTHORITY AND INHERITANCE

Believers possess kingdom authority and eternal inheritance through Christ.

a) Sons of God share in Christ’s inheritance (Romans 8:17)
Believers inherit eternal life, spiritual blessings, and fellowship with God.

b) God has given believers authority over spiritual darkness (Luke 10:19)
Christians are empowered through Christ to overcome the enemy.

c) Kingdom sonship brings confidence and boldness before God (Hebrews 4:16)
Believers can approach God freely in prayer and worship through Jesus Christ.

d) Eternal glory awaits faithful children of God (1 John 3:1-2)
The future inheritance of believers far surpasses earthly wealth or temporary success.

Biblical Example:
Joseph rose from slavery to rulership because God’s favour and purpose rested upon his life, illustrating the authority and honour connected to divine sonship (Genesis 41:39-44).

CONCLUSION

Jesus declared that sons are free, revealing the privileges and liberty connected to relationship with God. Through salvation in Christ, believers become children of God and are delivered from sin, condemnation, fear, and spiritual bondage.

However, kingdom freedom must be exercised with humility, obedience, wisdom, and love. God calls His children not only to enjoy spiritual liberty but also to reflect His character and advance His kingdom faithfully.

As sons and daughters of God, believers possess authority, inheritance, access to God’s presence, and the promise of eternal glory through Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, thank You for making me Your child through Jesus Christ in Jesus name

2. Father, help me to walk in the freedom and victory You have given me in Jesus name

3. Lord, break every chain of sin, fear, and spiritual bondage from my life in Jesus name

4. Father, help me to use my freedom wisely and responsibly in Jesus name

5. Lord, let the Holy Spirit continually transform my character and conduct in Jesus name

6. Father, help me to walk in obedience, humility, and spiritual maturity in Jesus name

7. Lord, strengthen my confidence and boldness in approaching Your presence in Jesus name

8. Father, let me walk daily in kingdom authority and victory over darkness in Jesus name

9. Lord, help me to reflect Your love and righteousness before others in Jesus name

10. Father, preserve me faithfully until I receive my eternal inheritance in Christ in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk continually in the freedom and victory of Jesus Christ!

2. Every chain of fear, bondage, and condemnation is broken over your life!

3. The Holy Spirit shall strengthen your identity as a child of God!

4. You shall walk in wisdom, humility, and spiritual maturity!

5. Every power assigned to enslave your destiny shall fail completely!

6. God shall establish you firmly in righteousness, peace, and kingdom authority!

7. Your life shall reflect the beauty and character of Christ continually!

8. You shall enjoy boldness, confidence, and deeper fellowship with God!

9. The blessings and inheritance of kingdom sonship shall manifest in your life!

10. You shall remain victorious, fruitful, and faithful as a child of God in Jesus’ name!