Evidence Of Our Adoption

Title: Evidence of our Adoption Script: Romans 8:14-17

Type: Expos/series Where: GNBC 6-6-21

Intro: When our children were young would often play board or card games in the evenings. One of their favorite games was the perennial favorite, “Clue”. Colonel Mustard, Prof Plum, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Ms. Scarlett, and Mrs. White. The object of the game was to assemble evidence, through the process of elimination, so that one could clearly state who the murderer was, the murder weapon, and the room in which the dastardly deed was done. Great came. Those who are methodical in the collection of evidence usually do well. In passage examining today, Apostle Paul very methodically lays out evidence for the believer’s adoption in Christ.

Prop: In Rom. 8:14-17 Paul gives 4 pieces of Evidence Proving the Believer’s Adoption.

BG: 1. These evidences also demonstrate the witness of the HS in the believer.

2. IN this section, Paul gives us info on our entry into the Family of God.

3.

Prop: Let’s exam. Rom. 8:14-17 to amass 4 pieces of evidence assuring the Believer of his Adoption.

I. 1st Evidence of Adoption: The HS Leads the Believer into Radical Holiness. Vv. 13-14

A. The Holy Spirit Leads the Believer in Living a Holy Life.

1. Holiness

a. V.14 clarifies v.13 for the reader “because” by changing the imagery. Those who thru the Spirit put the body’s misdeeds to death (v.13b) are now called “those led by the Spirit”, while those who have entered into the “Spirit filled” life are now called the “Sons of God”.

b. Illust: Roman adoption was based on “Patria Potesta”, which gave fathers absolute control over their families. There was no “coming of age” for the child as long as the father was alive. Family was the absolute possession of the father. Made adoption in Roman society very difficult. 2 step process: Mancipatio – symbolic sale. 3x the symbolism was carried out. 2x the father sold his on and then bought him back. The 3rdx he did not buy him back and the pack was view as broken. Next followed a ceremony called Vindicatio, where the adopting father went to a high level magistrate and presented a legal case for transferring the son to the new Patria Potesta. When this had happened the adoption was complete.

2. Being Led by the Spirit is an Experience that should characterize all Christians.

a. Very clearly we see here that part of this “leading of the Spirit” are promptings He gives us to put to death the misdeeds of our sin nature. Illust: This is why when you and I have come to a genuine faith in Christ we are convicted by the Spirit of sins which before our conversion we could have cared less about. Illust: Angry words. Swearing. Lying. Stealing. Laziness. Gluttony. Immorality. Fear. Unloving husband. Disrespectful wife.

b. One commentator (Godet) has said: “The HS drives the believer where his flesh would fain not go.” The HS often compels the believer against his/her own will. The flesh naturally seeks its own comforts, pleasures, passions, desires. The flesh doesn’t think about others or how impacts others. However, once the individual is born again, all of a sudden begins to get impulses and leadings, contrary to his/her very nature to do or not do certain things. This is the HS’s leading.

B. The Holy Spirit allows us to experience a New Life to those who have come to Christ.

1. Obedience is the hallmark of our adoption.

a. V.13b See, v. 14 is an elaboration on v. 13. We are to put to death the misdeeds of the body by the HS so that the promise of our new relationship with God will in fact be proven in our experience. V.14 See, we are declared “Sons of God” as we put to death the sinful flesh. In doing such we are then called “God’s children”.

b. The result of this is that we now experience a new, rich, and full life by progressively walking in holiness. What’s also very telling is that the popular notion that we are “All God’s children” is patently false. We are all God’s offspring as a result of creation, but we become his reconciled “child” only through new birth and its resultant adoption.

2. The HS causes the believer to radically follow Christ.

a. Just as those who are indwelled by the HS are in Christ, so it is that those who are led by the Spirit are children of God. V14. Because of that we are granted a special, close, personal, and loving relationship with God the Father. As a result, God expects us to live different lives from the world. To model His holiness in our lives and relationships.

b. Illust: David “Packy” Hamilton is a man I know of from N. Ireland. Hamilton was raised in a non religious family. But his last name gave away his past, Protestant ethnicity. Walking home from school one day, he was approached by a group of boys, a couple of whom were friends at school. Without warning, the boys beat him up and threw him in the river because he was a “Protestant”. Instantly, Davey Hamilton was filled with hatred towards all Catholics. He joined a terrorist para (UVF) and began a life of violence. Caught by police and sentenced to Long Kesh/Maze prison. Mother said he was a hopeless case. But an 80 yr. old aunt began to pray. 2.5 years later, after never going to chapel, or Bible study. Came into cell one evening. And on his bed was a tract that said: “Jesus is coming back soon.” His cellmate had not put it there. Davey laughed about the tract. Wadded it up and threw it out the window. Instantly hit with conviction and heard a voice say: “It’s time for you to change. To become a Christian.” Began to read Bible. Saved. One of first actions was forgiven opposing terrorist and offer him friendship. Friends, that’s radical holiness! Loving enemies. That’s evidence of the Spirit.