God’s gift of adoption November 12, 2017

Romans 8:15 - For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" Romans 8:23 - And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 9:4- They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God's adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises. (NLT)

Galatians 4:3-7 - In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Ephesians 1:5- he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

1. What is adoption? Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 34 asks, “What is adoption?” Answer: “Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby, we are received into the number and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God.”

1. What is adoption? Justification is a legal term whereby the judge declares us as having fulfilled our responsibilities and living up to the law, based on the works of another. Justification is a legal term only, but Adoption is a familial term Adoption is being brought into a loving family

2. Why do we need adoption? “We forgot the taste of bread; we even forgot our own name.” Return of the King Genesis 5:1-2 – When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created. We need adoption because, in our natural state, we are alienated from God.

3. How are we adopted? By the Father’s Choice Ephesians 1:5-6 – “he predestined us for adoption…to the praise of His glorious grace” By the Spirit’s Indwelling Romans 8:22-23 – we groan along with creation By the Son’s Merit Hebrews 2:17 – “…made like his brothers in every way” Romans 8:29 – “…the firstborn among many brothers”

4. So what? 1. This should affect our personal prayer life Remember your adoption 2. This should affect how we bear with one another God loves his children and so do we