Children of God:
Embracing Our Adoption
Michael Ryan Stotler
Part of Romans
June 4, 2024

Romans 8:12-17

Adoption in Rome

In Rome Adult adoption was very common. It was a way in which family lineage and inheritance would be passed on when a man had no one to pass it on too or no one they wanted to pass it on to. If there was a son it was an insult often to bring some one else into the picture.
When a Roman adopted a son, all prior legal ties to the birth family were completely severed. The adopted son’s rights and obligations transferred fully to the new adoptive family.
Patriarchal Authority Roman adoption laws gave the adoptive father full patriarchal authority and power over the adopted son, just as over a biological son. The adopted son was under the legal control of his new father.
Inheritance Rights One of the primary purposes was for the adopted son to gain full rights of inheritance from his adoptive father, including wealth and status.
Social Mobility Adoption allowed lower class individuals to be brought into aristocratic families, giving them upward social mobility they could not achieve otherwise.

Spirit of Slavery to Sonship

Romans 8:15

Heirs of Hope and Glory

Romans 8:16-17

Next Steps

Bibliography

W., Jackson. Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2019.

Boa, Kenneth, and William Kruidenier. Romans. Vol. 6 of Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000.

Brown, Derek R., Miles Custis, and Matthew M. Whitehead. Ephesians. Edited by Douglas Mangum. Lexham Research Commentaries. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2013.

Brown, Derek R., and E. Tod Twist. Romans. Edited by Douglas Mangum. Lexham Research Commentaries. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.

Brannan, Rick, ed. Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020.

Questions for Further Discussion

What is the pivotal transition mentioned in Romans 8:12–17 that believers experience?

According to the sermon, how does the Spirit of adoption give believers the confidence to cry out ‘Abba! Father!’?

How does the concept of adoption in Roman society help believers understand their relationship with God as adopted children?

How can believers display the family resemblance of their perfect Heavenly Father in their daily lives, according to the sermon?

In what ways can believers leave behind the old patterns of fear, slavery, and alienation and embrace their identity as children of God, as encouraged in the sermon?

What privilege do believers have as adopted children of God, according to Romans 8:16-17?

What does the Spirit affirm in believers through the adoption as children of God, as mentioned in the sermon?
How does the suffering believers may experience as co-heirs with Christ contribute to their growth and identity as children of God?

What does it mean to walk boldly as an adopted child of God, as emphasized in the sermon?
How can teens embrace their identity as children of God and live confidently in their relationship with Him, according to the sermon?

What is the significance of believers being called ‘co-heirs with Christ,’ as explained in the sermon?
How does the Spirit of adoption help believers overcome fear, insecurity, and timidity, as mentioned in the sermon?

Why is it important for children to understand that they are part of God’s family and have a secure identity as His children, based on the sermon?

How can children demonstrate that they are cherished as God’s heirs in their words and actions, according to the sermon?

What steps can children take to live out their identity as adopted children of God with boldness and confidence in their daily lives?