“Sons of God in the Kingdom vs. Sons of Men in the Generation”

 

“Sons of God in the Kingdom vs. Sons of Men in the Generation”

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Ephesians 2:1 But you were dead in your trespasses and sins,

Ephesians 2:2 in which you then walked according to the ages of this world, following the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the ruler of the spirit who is now at work in the children of disobedience;

Ephesians 2:3 And all of us were once among them, living according to the desires of our flesh, following the desires of our flesh and our thoughts. We were born as the rest of the people, children of wrath. 

Category	Sons of God in the Kingdom	Sons of Men in the Generation
Meaning	Those who are born of God, led by the Spirit, living out God’s divine life and nature of peace, righteousness, and holiness (Matt. 5:9).	Those born of fallen Adam, living according to the flesh and the world’s lusts, characterized by strife, jealousy, and self-centeredness (Phil. 2:15).
Origin	Through believing in Christ and being regenerated, they receive the divine life and nature (John 1:12–13), are sanctified, and transformed in the kingdom life to express God.	By natural birth they live in sin, under the rule of the flesh and of this age, being children of disobedience (Eph. 2:1–3).
Distinction	Spiritual in nature—peaceful, holy, righteous, pure in heart, peacemaking, bearing the image of the Son.	Natural in nature—contentious, divisive, deceitful, full of envy and inner unrest, showing the fallen human condition.
Explanation	“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” shows that those who are strict with themselves, merciful to others, and pure toward God express His nature (Matt. 5:9; Heb. 12:14).	The “sons of men” strive and fight with one another, filled with criticism and competition. They act by the flesh without the Spirit’s control.
Examples	Jesus Christ—the Son of God—is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). Through His cross He made peace between man and God, and among men (Eph. 2:14–16). Paul exhorted, “If possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:18).	Cain killed Abel (Gen. 4:8)—a son of man producing enmity. The Pharisees and scribes opposed Jesus out of jealousy (Matt. 12:14).
Application	In church life, believers should be peacemakers: – Allow the cross to deal with the flesh. – Walk by the Spirit, not by natural affection. – Pursue holiness and peace to see the Lord (Heb. 12:14). – Bring peace to families, workplaces, and the church (Eph. 4:3).	Examine whether we still act as sons of men: – Self-centeredness, bitterness, unforgiveness, or quarrels reveal a fallen nature (James 4:1).
Mutual Relationship	“Sons of God” were once “sons of men,” but through regeneration and transformation by the Spirit they became children of God (Rom. 8:14).	“Sons of men” may become “sons of God” through repentance, faith, and regeneration (John 1:12).
Key Points	- True peacemaking is not politics or diplomacy but the outflow of divine life. - Righteousness, uprightness, mercy, and purity in heart produce real peace. - Peace and holiness are inseparable (Heb. 12:14).	- Human peace is superficial, often based on compromise or self-interest. - Natural love, if unbroken by the cross, often becomes the root of strife.
Conclusion	“Sons of God in the Kingdom” are those transformed by the Spirit to express divine peace and reconcile others to God. They shine as lights in this age and will receive the reward of the kingdom.	“Sons of Men in the Generation” live in conflict and confusion, cannot see the Lord, and will not inherit the kingdom.
Related Scriptures	Matt. 5:9; John 1:12–13; Rom. 8:14; Rom. 12:18; Heb. 12:14; Eph. 2:14–16; Phil. 2:15; John 3:36b; James 3:17–18; Isa. 9:6	Gen. 4:8; Rom. 3:23; Eph. 2:1–3; Gal. 5:19–21; John 3:19; Phil. 2:15; 2 Tim. 3:1–4

 

🔹 Key Summary

• Sons of God: bear the divine nature of peace, showing the kingdom’s reality.
• Sons of Men: reveal fallen humanity’s division and self-interest.
• True peace is not outer harmony but the inward expression of God’s life through the cross and the Spirit.
• Peacemaking reconciles both men and God, expressing the Son in the kingdom.

*Please refer to the International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training in May 2025. General Topic: Vital Aspects of Matthew 5-7. Week 2: The Blessings of Those Who Mourn, the Blessings of the Meek, and the Blessings of the Peacemakers Who Are Called Sons of God.