***Are you seriously denying that we are called to be God’s children? Family?***
No. I just point out the context of what is meant here. We are His creatures; He is the Creator. He is the Shepherd and we are the sheep. Put it into context of what Jesus is saying.
If we are to be true Sons of God, then we will be like Jesus. A man does not adopt a bacterium and treat it as he would a biological son of his. The adoption is the intent to have us live eternally with Him. Not as equals (as in true human adoption), but to live forever in His Glory.
Indeed. A man doesn't adopt a bacterium at all. Nor does a man BECOME a bacterium so he can die for the bacteria.
"28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Sons.
"15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Not bacteria. For the Holy Spirit - God Himself - is in me, making me call Him "Father!"...or even "Dad!"
“Abba
This Syriac or Chaldee word is found three times in the New Testament (Mark 14:36; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6), and in each case is followed by its Greek equivalent, which is translated “father.” It is a term expressing warm affection and filial confidence.” - Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Abba is a term used by adults as well as children, so ‘Daddy’ isn’t a correct translation, but it is a term reserved for family or those like family. It is closer than the typical English ‘Father’.
In the Old Testament, the term “Father” is used for God 15 times. In the New Testament, it is used 165 times in the Gospels alone, and 40 times in the Pauline Epistles.