God’s Grace in our Adoption (PRC YOUTH)

Romans 8:12-17

Introduction:

The sickness of Self-Righteousness. We believe we do not need a savior. We need to look inward.

Symptoms: “Have you ever looked at other people’s weakness with contempt. I would never do something like that.” Kindness out of fear… Have you ever felt in your heart. Man I did these things for God, so he owes me something. Do you compare yourself often? Do you have a hard time genuinely asking for forgiveness? Leading with weakness?

The only way out. Is to know exactly who you are. To know you are an adopted child of God.

Theology vs Practice

If you are a christian you have heard that you are a child of God. We believe that you receive and experience adoption when you put your trust in Jesus. But I find that a lot of times this becomes just some doctrine that we articulate, not a reality that we live in.

All those symptoms: It may be because we don’t actually believe we been graciously adopted by God. You don’t actually believe God is a loving Father.

The Allure of being a Servant

I can say I earned my place in the house. Compare with elder son.

Merits can be measured and used to compare with others. Leading to bitterness. And pride.

But we slowly come to the realization that we can in no way meet God’s standards. And that leaves us in fear and anxiety. We look for validation from others to assure us that we are Good. Leading to fear of man and Insecurity. Are we actually good enough?

Bitterness, pride, fear, insecurity, worship of man leads to death. Isn’t it better to be free of this fear?

God wants to set us free from this fear. Romans 8:15

Living as a Son and Daughter

When I actually acknowledge this. I cannot compare, because I am not any less a son because of what I do or don’t. Can’t compare with others since there is no metric for comparison. Both are children. Solves the issue of comparison, bitterness, and insecurity.

Hating oneself vs loving oneself. We hate our lives here on Earth. We do not love what the world gives us. But I am talking about deep down.

Holiness can not happen without grace. Grace is the engine of our lives.

Romans 8:14 “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God.”

It is very easy to do the same christian act from two different vantage points.

Servants earning God’s favor. Children operating out of God’s favor. Therefore let us put to death our flesh out of the posture of Sons, desiring to look like THE SON. Romans 8:12-13

The Cost of the Adoption

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

How does the Assurance come?

Prayer. Spurgeon.

QUESTIONS:

1. How have you been self-righteous? Either now or in the past?

2. How can we combat against our own self-righteous behavior or thoughts?

3. Why is it significant that we are called “adopted” children of God?

4. How can living as a child help us become more gracious to ourselves? to others?

5. Why is the gospel good news to YOU today?