If we are children, then we are heirs. Children of the Promise The Father’s Love “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now 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.” Romans 8:16-17 If we are children, then we are heirs. Children of the Promise Galatians 3:26-29; 4:6-7

Our Inheritance “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29

Our Inheritance “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” Galatians 4:6-7

Our Inheritance Sonship is the very best. “we might receive the full rights of sons.” Galatians 4:5

Our Inheritance Sonship is the very best. You are God’s high priority. “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26

Our Inheritance Sonship is the very best. You are God’s high priority. The best is yet to come.

Revelation 21:2-4 “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”

Our Present Reality Life for a son and slave are similar. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.” 1 John 3:2

Our Present Reality Life for a son and slave are similar. “What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.” Galatians 4:1-2

Our Present Reality Life for a son and slave are similar. Present suffering is Christ-like. “Now 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.” Romans 8:17

Our Present Reality Life for a son and slave are similar. Present suffering is Christ-like. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.” Romans 8:18-19

Joyful Optimism “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

Joyful Optimism There is always fuel for pessimism.

Joyful Optimism There is always fuel for pessimism and optimism. Focus on the work of God. Our future reality impacts our present suffering.

Joyful Optimism There is always fuel for pessimism and optimism. Focus on the work of God. Our future reality impacts our present suffering. And our present temptations.