Co NOT ASHAMED

FOR I AM

OF THE GOSPEL

Part 17 In Christ…Full Adoption

Romans 8:12-17

One of the greatest realities of our new standing in Christ is the fact that we are adopted into a new and better family. In Ephesians Paul puts it this way, “having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” At the moment of our salvation we are made heirs with God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. We are no longer orphans in this world; we have been adopted by the King of Kings!

Full Adoption!

There is therefore now no condemnation…Rom. 8:1a

Romans 7:25-8:11 “In Christ…No Condemnation”

Romans 8:12-17 “In Christ…Full Adoption”

Romans 8:18-27 “In Christ…Hope”

Romans 8:28-30 “In Christ…Glorified”

Romans 8:31-37 “In Christ…Victorious”

Romans 8:38-39 “In Christ…Eternally Loved and Secure”

BIG IDEA:

IN CHRIST WE ARE

JOINT HEIRS WITH JE

SUS

Romans 8:12-1712 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Truth #1 -- You are called to live in FEARLESS freedom

• You are not bound to live fleshly any longer (12-13)

• You are called to put to death the deeds of your fleshly nature (13)

• You are called to LIVE (13)• You are called to LIVE FREE (15)• You are called to LIVE FREE WITHOUT

FEAR (15)Illustration: Saving Private Ryan, “Earn This”

Truth #2 -- You are ADOPTED into God’s family

• You are now led by the Spirit of God (14)• You are now able to call on God as your

new and better father (15)• You are now affirmed by the Holy Spirit (16)• You are now an heir of the Father (17)• You are now joint heirs with Jesus sharing

in His suffering and glorification (17)Illustration: The tragedy of functional atheism

BIG IDEA: IN CHRIST WE ARE JOINT HEIRS WITH

JESUSSo what will you do with the glorious truth that in Christ you have received full adoption? My challenge this morning is two-fold.

First, ask yourself this pointed question, “In what areas of my life have I been living as a functional atheist?”

Second, as an adopted child of God I want you to prayerfully consider how you will minister to the orphaned of this world (James 1:27).