He’s The First-born Among Many Brethren by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29).

As Christians, we’re not ordinary; we’re like Jesus: glorified, full of power, dominion and authority. We’re not beggars, slaves, or paupers; we’re sons and daughters of God. Some Christians act or talk like beggars when they pray; they’d say, "Father, we’re nothing before you…." How can we be nothing before one who has brought us into oneness with Himself?

Read the opening verse again; it says we were predestinated to be conformed to the image of the Son of God, Jesus Christ—the first-born among many brethren—not among many slaves. We’re His brothers and sisters. Let this understanding change your perception of God, and your opinion of yourself. Instead of praying, "Oh Lord, please help me; bless me, do this or that for me" say, "Lord, I thank you that I’m blessed in all things, and with all things, because I’m a joint-heir with Christ."

Oh, the depth, enormity and magnitude of His love, to have brought us into such a wonderful union with Himself! What great honour to become partakers of His life, carriers of His glory, dispensers of His grace and the expression of His righteousness! His plan for us before the foundations of the world has been fulfilled in Christ Jesus. The Bible says now are we the sons of God (1 John 3:2); not later; not when we get to heaven, but NOW! Hallelujah!

After His resurrection, the Bible no longer refers to Jesus as the only begotten of the Father. Rather, He’s called the first begotten of the dead (Revelation 1:5); that is, the first to be born again. When we were born again, we became God’s begotten children just like Jesus. He’s the first-born among a special race of super-beings, and we’re not second to Him, we’re one with Him. As He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). The Bible says, "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Hebrews 2:11).

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the privilege and honour to know that you delight in me personally. In your presence, I have mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Before I call, you answer; and while I’m yet speaking, you hear me. I’m conditioned by your love to walk in joy, victory, and prosperity always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

further study: Ephesians 2:19-22; Matthew 28:10; John 20:17

: Romans 8:1-17 Psalms 68-69

: Ephesians 5:25-33 Isaiah 55