Children of God
December 23, 2018 Speaker: Fred Greco Series: Romans
Topic: AM Service Passage: Romans 8:12–17
In the wonderful eighth chapter of Romans, Paul gives assurance to those who have placed their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. “There is no condemnation for you!” he says. “The Spirit of life has set you free,” and “the Spirit of God dwells in you,” so that you can set your mind on the things of the Spirit, which is “life and peace.” What a wonderful confidence we have in Christ! Paul then moves in verse 12 from the indicative (who you are in Christ) to the imperative (what you are to do). He calls believers to live according to the Spirit and not the flesh. But this is not a call that comes in a vacuum. The believer is called to live in the Spirit because he is a child of God. How do you know that you are a child of God? Because you have the Spirit! Apart from the Spirit, you cannot put to death the old works of the flesh; without the Spirit, you do not know freedom from slavery; but WITH the Spirit, you are able to call upon God as “Abba, Father!” All of the blessings of Christ are ours, as by faith we are made joint-heirs with Christ, and “Children of God” (Romans 8:12-17).
I. Living As Children
A. Living Out the New Reality
B. The Key to Life
II. Children By the Work of God
A. Led by the Spirit
B. Adopted by God
III. Assured We Are Children
A. Receiving the Witness of the Spirit
B. Fellow Heirs with Christ
Questions for consideration: (1) What particular sins are most difficult for you to “put to death”? How can the truths of this chapter help you in that battle against sin? (2) What does it mean to live a life “led by the Spirit”? What are we tempted to take it to mean? How can that be a problem? (3) Why is it important for you know you are not only justified, but adopted? What is the difference?
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