1. Romans 8:12-17

2. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 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.

3. Romans 8:12 - 17 Obligation of our identity Calling of our identity Our identity is through adoption The Spirit tells us our identity Am I living in accordance with my identity? What are my identity idols?

4. Obligation of Our Identity Romans 8:12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. Exodus 20 - And God spoke all these words: 2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. Galatians 5:24-25 – Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

5. Calling of Our Identity Romans 8:13 - For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. Philippians 2:12 – Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. 2 Corinthians 10:5 – We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Romans 6:12-13 – Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life… Galatians 5:16 – So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

6. Our Identity is Through Adoption Romans 8:14- For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. – The spirit leads us through illumination of the scripture – Spirit leads us to worship – Spirit leads us to obey – Spirit leads us to honor God Something magnificent has happened to you or you would have no desire to be doing what we are doing right now. – Paul Tripp

7. Our Identity is Through Adoption Romans 8:15 - The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Potrea Protestus – All rights in the previous family were lost – all relationships were severed. – All rights of the new family were gained – Became a full heir to the new father’s estate – Old life was completely wiped out – debts, crimes – Fully the son / daughter of the new father. – The new father has complete authority over the new son.

8. The Spirit Tells us our Identity Romans 8:16-17 - The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 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. John 15:20 - …If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. 2 Timothy 3:12 – In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted Obviously we do not share the redemptive suffering of Christ, but we do share the consequences in terms of opposition from the world he came to save. – The New American Commentary

9. Romans 8:12-17 Am I living in accordance with my identity? Do I suffer? – James 4:4 – You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the word is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Is it my heart’s desire to be obedient? What are my identity idols? Personal Conflicts – James 4:1-2 - What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight… What do you tell yourself about your identity?