Confident
Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5; Ephesians 1:13-14
Our lesson today focuses on adoption. To develop a proper appreciation for our “adoption” into God’s family, let’s get a better understanding of what Paul was talking about when he spoke of “adoption.” Ray Scott writes, “Paul is writing to the Christians at Rome. Under Roman law, certain things took place when someone adopted a child:
The adopted child LOST all his rights in his old family – and GAINED all the rights as a legitimate son in his new family. 2) The adopted child became an heir to his new father’s estate. If a son was later born to his new parents, he didn’t lose any of his inheritance just because he was adopted. 3) The old life of the adopted child was wiped out – including his debts. He was regarded as a new person, and his past was PAST. 4) The adoption was legally binding, and the adopted child was considered a full and complete son of his adopted father – as if he were naturally born.”
When you were saved, you were “adopted” into God’s family. This means you have a new intimate relationship with God. Many adults have had few, if any, lasting relationships. Other adults have the mindset that relationships rise and fall based on merit or performance. Our relationship with God is a permanent one and is not based on our performance or ability to please Him. The Holy Spirit, who comes into your life at salvation, provides you a new relationship with God.
In Romans 8:14-17, we discover that we have a relationship with God, which shows that we are His children because His Spirit lives within us. Let me remind you that no matter how badly others may treat you, your Heavenly Father will always accept you. Suffering does not mean that God doesn’t love you or have a plan for your life. He will be with you in all circumstances of your life to show you that He loves you. The Holy Spirit in our lives is a guarantee of this inheritance to come.
Have you given Christ your life? Have you invited Him in to be your Lord and Savior? If you have, then the Holy Spirit has adopted you into the family of God. You will receive all of the inheritance that goes along with that adoption. The fullness of your inheritance will be experienced in heaven.
Dinkins– Lessons in the BSL series for the summer quarter are being written by David Dinkins, pastor of First Baptist Church, Kingstree, and former director of missions.