1. Our Adoption as Children of God

2. Christians should understand we are all adopted children ADOPTION: Describes God’s wonderful planning and execution of our redemption in Christ 2

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5. God Chose to Adopt Us in Christ God chose Israel when cast aside, Ezekiel 16:1-6 (Exodus 4:22) God chose to adopt sinners in Christ, Ephesians 1:4-5 Saw our need, loved us, planned, sacrificed Offered His name, home and a future at great sacrifice, John 1:12-13 (3:16) New birth, John 3:3-5; 1 Peter 1:22-23 5

6. God Chose to Adopt Us in Christ Our adoption is certified by the gospel Galatians 4:4-5; 3:25-27 Israel, Rom. 9:3-4 (Exo. 4:22) Gentiles, Gal. 4:5 New family: God’s family (the church), 1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:19; Acts 2:38, 41, 47 New family, new name, new privileges, new responsibilities 6

7. The Spirit of Adoption Romans 8:14-17 Attitudes of the Father, Hebrews 12:4-6 Compassion, love and provisions (Eph. 1:3) Guidance and grow of His children, 1 Peter 2:1-2 Joy and pain, Luke 15:20-32 Can we not see God’s love and unfailing devotion to us? Can we not see how we should be eternally grateful and devoted to Him? 7

8. The Spirit of Adoption Romans 8:14-17 Attitudes of the child, Ephesians 6:2 Bold to approach our Father, Galatians 4:6 God’s assurance, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 A permanent family superior to the flesh, Mark 10:26-31 Heirs of God in Christ, Galatians 4:6-7 Obedient, Matt. 12:46-50; 1 Pet. 1:14-16 The shame of rebellion, Isaiah 1:2-3 The shame of dishonor, Malachi 1:6 8

9. Waiting for the Final Adoption Romans 8:23 Eagerly wait in hope, Romans 8:19, 24-25 Period of suffering while we wait, Romans 8:18 Wait with perseverance, Romans 8:25 Parents wait through many obstacles to adopt, cf. 2 Peter 3:9 Children persevere through years of waiting God expects us to endure, James 1:2-4, 12 9

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