Adopted by God

If we haven’t met before, my name is Greg. I’m one of the pastoral residents here at Liberti Church. This is our second week in our series titled “Fatherlessness and Foster Care” and today we’re going to be talking about being adopted by God.

Earlier this week, I asked Steve King this week what the maximum number of points a sermon should have. He said a sermon probably shouldn’t have any more than 5 points. So, anyway, I have 6 points this morning. And they don’t rhyme. And not all of them begin with the letter “p.”

The big point I want to communicate to you this morning is: When Christians understand the gospel of adoption, not caring for children in need is unthinkable.

Introduction

o The gospel uniquely compels us to care for children in need.

o Salvation is as much relational as it is legal. It is as much about being a part of a family as it is having your sins forgiven.

Privileges of Adoption

1. We are chosen

Adoption begins with the parents. It isn’t the child’s idea. Ephesians 1 The image of “adoption” tells us that our relationship with God is based completely on a legal act by the Father. You don’t “win” a father, and you don’t “negotiate” for a parent. Adoption is a legal act on the part of the father — it is very expensive and costly only for him. There is nothing the son does to win or earn the status. It is simply received. — Timothy Keller God wants you

2. We are forgiven

a. When you were adopted, every debt was canceled (Ferguson, 65)

3. We are secure

In ancient Rome, you could disown biological children – you could not disown adopted children We are given the Spirit

i. He is the down payment.

ii. For God to lose you, the trinity would have to fall apart.

4. We are unified

a. Abba, Father

5. We receive intimacy

a. Adoption helps us through suffering – we are his! What is the worst that can happen to us?

b. Adoption gives us purpose and meaning

c. It gives us a place to belong

d. Intimacy with the Father

e. We have special access to the Father’s heart

6. We have an inheritance

Inheriting God

i. The psalms know this idea well. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa 73:24-26 ESV) “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psa 42:1-2 ESV).