Tuesday – From Orphan Mindset to Sonship Mindset

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In a Nutshell: 

The sermon highlighted Lucifer’s “fatherless” or “orphan” mindset, leading to pride. Today, we explore shifting from this independent mindset to a “sonship” mindset, like Jesus, recognizing God as our loving Father and source.

Anchor Verse:

 John 17:22 (NIV) – “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—”

Unpacking the Word: 

Pastor Reuben drew a powerful contrast between Lucifer’s independent mindset and Jesus’s “sonship” mindset. Lucifer, despite being in a perfect heavenly environment with a perfect Father, developed an “orphan mindset.” He acted as if he was self-made, owed everything, and didn’t need God. This independence fueled his pride and rebellion.  On the other hand, Jesus, even as the Son of God, consistently acknowledged the Father as his source.  In John 17:22, Jesus says, “the glory that you gave me I have given them.” He recognized that everything good he possessed came from the Father.

This distinction is vital for us.  Do we operate from an “orphan mindset,” feeling like we have to fend for ourselves, earn God’s love, and rely solely on our own strength? Or do we live with a “sonship mindset,” knowing we are deeply loved children of God, provided for, and empowered by His grace?  The “orphan mindset” breeds insecurity, striving, and ultimately, pride. We try to prove our worth, to control our circumstances, because we feel fundamentally alone and unsupported.

The “sonship mindset,” however, brings security, peace, and humility.  Knowing we are sons and daughters of the King, we can rest in His love, trust in His provision, and serve with a heart of gratitude, not desperation.  Think about your approach to challenges. Do you tackle them with anxiety and self-reliance, or with faith and dependence on God?  Do you feel like you are working for God to earn something, or working with God from a place of sonship?  Today, let’s consciously reject the orphan spirit and embrace our identity as beloved sons and daughters of God, drawing strength and humility from this foundational truth.

Pause and Reflect:

1. Do you identify more with an “orphan mindset” or a “sonship mindset” in your daily life? Why?
2. What are some specific thoughts or feelings that indicate an “orphan mindset” operating in you?
3. How would your life change if you fully embraced your identity as a beloved son/daughter of God?

Faith in Action:

1. Spend time reflecting on scriptures that affirm your sonship/daughtership in Christ (e.g., Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:6-7).
2. When you feel anxious or insecure today, consciously remind yourself, “I am a child of God, and He is my loving Father. I am not alone.”
3. Pray specifically against the “orphan spirit” and ask God to deepen your revelation of your sonship identity.

A Moment With God: 

Father, thank you for adopting me into your family and making me your child. Forgive me for the times I’ve lived as if I were an orphan, relying on my own strength and feeling insecure.  Help me to fully grasp and live in the reality of my sonship/daughtership, drawing all my strength and security from you.pendent on your grace.  Grant me the strength to choose humility in every situation today.

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