Adoption is an act of God whereby he makes us members of his family. —Wayne Grudem
12 So then, brothers, 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 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!” 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 fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:12-17 (ESV)
FOUR WAYS THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKES GOD REAL TO US:
The Holy Spirit gives…
1. Leading for our lives
2. Power in our prayers
3. Assurance of adoption
4. Incentive to lay hold of our inheritance
1. LEADING FOR OUR LIVES
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!”
(vs. 14-15)
2. POWER IN OUR PRAYERS
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!”
(vs. 15)
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
3. ASSURANCE OF OUR ADOPTION
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God
(vs. 16)
4. INCENTIVE TO LAY HOLD OF OUR INHERITANCE
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
(vs. 16-17)
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
Psalm 73:25 (ESV)