SPIRIT OF ADOPTION!
Romans 8:14-17 (KJV) 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
1 John 3:2 (KJV) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
In this sermon outline we share a little of what we are in Christ as a believer. Also, the old traditional ceremony of the 'Adoption ceremony' performed in Bible Days. One day we shall be like the Lord when we see Him.
I. We are called to be Sons of God!
John 1:12 (KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
A. Paul tells us that we are not in bondage. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
B. We can say Abba Father.
1. This means my lovely Papa, Daddy, and close relationship with God. We are his children and He is our Father.
2. We are His and He is ours.
3. How great is our God and His love to us. 1 John 3:1-2 (KJV) 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
a. Called to be sons of God.
II. Spirit of Adoption sent into our hearts. Romans 8:16 (KJV) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
A. One of the great themes of John Wesley was the 'inner witness'.
B. God bears witness we are 'born again'. We are His.
III. Ceremony of Adoption!
A. A boy child born was not considered a son until he was about 30 years of age. He then would go with his father to the Temple or Synagogue and before elders he would put his right hand on the son's right shoulder and say: "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased".
1. At this point he would now no longer be a boy or male in the household but a 'son'.
2. At this time everything the father owned he would own with him.
3. They would be joint heirs.
B. Jesus had no early father. God was His Father.
C. Jesus was about to begin His ministry.
D. He was about 30 years old.
E. He came to His cousin John the Baptist to be baptized.
1. God speaks from heaven. Matthew 3:17 (KJV) And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2. Why did this happen? Remember what Jesus said to John. Matthew 3:15 (KJV) And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
3. Why? The Word tells us via Paul; Romans 10:4 (KJV) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
a. No one could point a finger and say Jesus did not fulfill the Law. He did it all.
IV. We are called to be sons of God!
John 3:2 (KJV) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
A. We are heirs with Christ.
B. We live here on earth as ambassadors but our position is sitting will Him. Ephesians 2:6 (KJV) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
C. We are blessed. Ephesians 1:3 (KJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
V. How do we have our own personal 'Ceremony of Adoption'?
A. It happens when we surrender our will to God's Will.
B. It is a full surrender to God.
1. Some may God it sanctification.
2. Some being filled and baptized with the Holy Spirit.
3. I believe it is when we fully surrender our lives and will to God. We become like Isaiah in Isaiah 6:7-8 (KJV) 7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
a. We need to be able to say, Here am I also.
May God help us to yield to Him and on that day we can hear Him say: Matthew 25:21 (KJV) His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
For more help and info go to: www.tonyabram.com.
