The Love of the Father

Luke 2:1-7

Luke 2:1-51 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David 5 to be registered with Mary his betrothed who was with child.

Luke 2:6-7

5 to be registered with Mary his betrothed who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger because there was no place for them in the inn.

Micah 5:2

2 But you O Bethlehem, Ephrathah who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

God’s Heart For Adoption

“Adoption is one of the most profound realities

in the universe. I say ‘universe’ and not ‘world’ because adoption goes beyond the world. It is greater than the world, and it is before the world in the plan of God, and it will outlast the world as we know it. Indeed it is greater than the ‘universe’ and is rooted in God’s own nature.” –John Piper

What is the Doctrine of Adoption Galatians 4:4-7

4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his son, born of a 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 hears, crying “Abba! Father” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son the an heir through God.

The Benefits of Our Adoption

1. We are co heirs with Christ 2. We are bound by a family relationship as

brothers and sisters that is greater than our biological families. (Mk. 31:35)

3. Obstacles to brotherly love are removed (Gal.3:28)

4. We shall be like him (I Jn. 3:2) 5. Sealed with the Spirit (Eph 1:13-14)

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How do we respond?

• Confidence, joy & peace in our walk with Christ

• Knowing and sharing God’s heart will move us to fulfill his command in James 1:27 “Religion that is pure and undefiled before

God,the Father is this: to visit the orphans and

widows.”