The Spirit of Adoption

Pastor E. Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture: Genesis 17:1-7; 2 Samuel 7:12-16

I. There are two covenants with an oath

A. Abrahamic Covenant: God promised to make Abraham a “Father of many nations” for the sake of transferring the “blessing”

B. Davidic Covenant: God promised to be a Father to David’s sons in order to establish his house, kingdom and throne

II. God promised to restore the hearts of the fathers to the children and the children to their fathers (Malachi 4:5-6; Luke 1:16-17)

III. The glory of children is their fathers (Proverbs 17:6)

A. Heritage: Where did I come from?

B. Name: Who’s my daddy? Whose my family?

C. Identity: Who am I?

D. Blessing (Spiritual empowerment to succeed)

E. Inheritance (Provision for the future)

IV. Spirit of Bondage vs. Spirit of Adoption (Romans 8:15)

V. Spirit of bondage produces fear and insecurity in our relationship with the Father (Hebrews 2:14-15)

A. Question: “Where do you run to when you are afraid?”

VI. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. The rest of us are sons and daughters by adoption. (Jesus was born of the Spirit. We are born again by the Spirit.)

VII. The Spirit of Adoption

A. The law of adoption is official in the new birth

B. The Spirit of adoption has been released by the Father toward us

C. The Spirit of adoption must be released in our hearts toward our Heavenly Father

VIII. Mental obstacles associated with adoption that must be overcome

A. Do they really want me or am I their only option?

B. Do they really accept me as their own?

C. Do they really love me?

D. Do they love me as their own?

IX. Personal Experience

A. You are my Father!

B. You are my Daddy!

C. I am Your son!

D. I love You!

E. You love me!

X. The Benefits of Adoption (Galatians 4:4-7)

A. New heritage (the old past is gone)

B. New name: God is my Father. I am a part of the family of God.

C. New identity: Child of God.

D. New blessing: Blessing of God.

E. New inheritance: Heirs of God. Joint heir with Jesus.

XI. Living as Sons of God

A. Sons are led, not driven (Romans 8:14)

B. Sons represent the Father without replacing Him. Slaves replace the Father.