Pulpit Curriculum: Embracing God’s Reality: I am a son of God

March 16^th – March 22^nd, 2025

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Sermon Summary

Today’s sermon explores Romans 8 and emphasizes the victory believers have in Christ through their position as sons of God. It first takes us through a quick revision of Romans 1 through 7, and picks up in chapter 8 with the assurance that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1-4) because they have been set free from sin’s grip and now walk according to the Spirit. The reality of God is embraced through three main areas, focusing on our adoption to being heirs with Christ, the mystery of the Glory of God that is revealed in us, and the belief that God’s love for us is inseparable.

The sermon calls believers to fully accept their identity in Christ, walk in faith, embrace God’s love, and live victoriously as heirs with Christ

Verse of the Week

Romans 8:14-15 (ESV)
¹⁴ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba Father!”

Going Deeper

_{This section of the Pulpit Curriculum is meant to support Bible reflection, and encourage readers to come away with a high view of Scripture.}

Review Romans 8:1-39

1) What does it mean to be “in the flesh” versus “in the Spirit”?

b) How does the presence of the Holy Spirit change the believer’s nature?

2) Paul compares present suffering with future glory (Romans 8:18). What does this teach us about how we should endure suffering?

3) What does Romans 8:24 teach us about hope? Why is hope only valid for things unseen?

4) The preacher mentioned two root words for “Faith” in the bible - “Pistis” (Greek) meaning “belief”, and “Emunah” (Hebrew), meaning “support”.

a) How do these two meanings correlate?

b) Are there any differences in how they are used in scripture?

Assess Your Life

_{The following questions are meant to encourage personal reflection and identify areas for spiritual growth in your relationship with God. Ask yourself the questions, respond honestly, write down your responses, and then prayerfully seek God’s conviction and guidance to move forward to repentance and restoration. In discussions with your friends and family, or in your Small Group, be open to sharing your responses with others in a spirit of accountability and transparency.}

1. Am I truly living as an heir with Christ- walking in faith, power and the promises of God? (Romans 8:17) How is this evident (or not evident) in my life?

2. What is my usual response to suffering? Do I allow trials to strengthen my faith, or do I let them discourage me? (Romans 8:26-27)

3. Do I truly believe that nothing can separate me from God’s love? How does this truth shape the way I live? (Romans 8:38-39)

Application

_{A key objective of this Pulpit Curriculum is taking God’s truth as exposed in the sermon and helping people apply that truth in practical and intentional ways to plot a course toward obedience and transformation. This section is intended to achieve that objective.}

What mindsets or beliefs do I need to change to fully accept that I am a son of God? How will I remind myself daily that I have no condemnation in Christ?
In what ways can I put more emphasis on giving life to the Spirit, rather than trying to mortify the flesh?
If I believe that I am a joint heir with Christ, how will I start speaking and living with the authority given to me in Christ?
In what areas do I need to step out in faith and walk in my spiritual inheritance? What is at least one step that I will take to do this?

Ask a trusted friend to help keep you accountable in these commitments.

Sermon Main Points

• We are joint heirs with Christ. - As joint heirs with Christ we share in His suffering and in the glory of His resurrection.

• God’s Glory is Revealed in us. - The battles that we face are not worthy to be compared to what is to be revealed in us.

• The Inseparable love of God. - Fully walking in God’s love is to accept that we have been justified through the death of His son Jesus Christ and that there is nothing or no one who can separate us from His love

Quotes

“We should not take the blows of life without gripping into the power of the Holy Spirit as sons of God and stand on our delegated and inherited authority”
“Having the understanding that with the Spirit of God alive in us, we have a new life that is not dominated by sin and its devices. Jesus Christ conquered sin, paid our debt in full, fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law, and passed on the title deed to us.”
As joint heirs with Christ, we must accept Christ’s suffering to truly be heirs and recognize that we must suffer as He did
Daily we must apply hope where we should, and faith where we must; so live with hope for the future and faith for today.
Faith is an active participation in the work of God.
The revealing of God’s glory is for manifestation today and the sealing of an assured future! Accept what God has accepted! Reject what God has rejected!

Sermon Reflection

What stood out for me in this sermon?

What can I do to remember this?

5 Day Study Plan

Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.

Follow these steps

1. Observe the text.
_{(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)}

2. Interpret the text.
_{(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)}

3. Apply the text.
_{(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)}

Day 1 - Galatians 5: 16-21

Rejection of the nature of the flesh