OPENING THOUGHTS:
#1
The Big Idea: All who have turned to faith in Jesus Christ are no longer positional sinners, slaves or outsiders. They, both male and female, are relational and legal sons, fully adopted heirs into God’s family, secured and led by God the Spirit, and sharing in Christ’s inheritance both now and for eternity.
#2
Adoption provides every believer with: deep relationship, positional security, full inheritance, and transformation in the image of the Father
Scripture Focus (Galatians 4:4-7) – “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of 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 hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”
I. Chosen and beloved (Ephesians 1:5) – “He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.”
- Adoption was the deliberate choosing act of the new father (not earned in any way by the adoptee). It was irrevocable – the adopted son actually had a stronger legal position than a natural son in some respects and could not be disowned.
- Complete legal transfer: The adoptee was formally emancipated from the old family (a ceremonial “sale” or release). All previous ties, debts, and obligations were severed. The person was then placed under the new father’s full authority and responsibility.
II. Positioned via salvation (Galatians 3:26) – “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”
- Paul stresses that all Christians – without distinction – are sons of God solely through faith in Christ. Roman law treated adoption as a deliberate, binding legal act that transformed status, identity, family, and inheritance. Paul harnesses this to explain how believers move from slavery (to sin, the law, or fear) into full sonship in God’s family through Christ and the Spirit.
III. Led in relationship, not religion (Romans 8:14-15) – “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 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!’”
- The Holy Spirit confirms and enables this intimate father-child relationship for believers. Slaves relate to masters by duties, work, and fear of failure/punishment. Sons are led by love, confidence in their acceptance, a desire to bring delight to the Father, and a partnership with the Father in his will.
IV. Emboldened with confidence (Romans 8:16-17) – “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ…”
- This truth underscores the internal assurance from Holy Spirit of our sonship and the resulting inheritance shared with Christ. Upon adoption, the person immediately became a legal heir to the father’s entire estate, wealth, name, power, and family rights. Inheritance was not delayed until death; the adopted son shared in the family’s resources and responsibilities right away.
V. Overwhelmed and amazed (1 John 3:1) – “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”
- John highlights the amazing love of God that bestows this identity on believers. An adopted son had the same legal standing, name, and privileges as a natural-born son – there was no second-class status. Jesus is the Only Begotten Son, and we are the adopted sons. Yet we are as fully accepted and acceptable to the Father as the only begotten.
VI. Living in tension (Romans 8:23) – “And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
- The adoptee received a new name and place in the family. Believers gain a new identity as “children of God” (with the Spirit confirming it internally) and the responsibility to live as led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14). While we are assured that we are fully His sons NOW, we also recognize that there are realities of this sonship which will not be fully experienced until we are resurrected and glorified.
VII. Invited into the family (John 1:12) – “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
- Salvation results in sonship for all who believe. God has always been committed to creating an eternal family. In essence, He asks each of us, “Would you like to become my son? Would you like to become a part of my family?” His desire is that each person would say yes to His invitation. We come through the Only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.