Gracious Adoption

Romans 8:12–17 ESV

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

1. As believers, we are not debtors to the world. (vv. 12-13, 15)

Romans 8:12–13 ESV

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

a. Debtors of the world live according to the flesh. (v 13)

English Standard Version Chapter 8

live according to the flesh

b. Debtors of the world die according to the flesh. (v 13)

English Standard Version Chapter 8

live according to the flesh you will die

c. Debtors of the world suffer slavery to fear. (v 15)

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you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear

2. As believers, we are adopted sons of God. (vv. 13-17)

Romans 8:13–17 ESV

13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

a. We have life through the power of the Holy Spirit. (v 13)

English Standard Version Chapter 8

but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

b. We are led through the power of the Holy Spirit. (v 14)

English Standard Version Chapter 8

all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God

c. We received adoption through the Holy Spirit. (vv. 15, 17)

Romans 8:15 ESV

15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Romans 8:17 ESV

17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

,

i. We are heirs of God. (v 17)

English Standard Version Chapter 8

if children, then heirs—heirs of God

ii. We are co-heirs with Christ. (v 17)

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fellow heirs with Christ,

a. We are heirs of Christ’s suffering. (v 17)

English Standard Version Chapter 8

we suffer with him

b. We are heirs of Christ’s glory. (v 17)

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we may also be glorified with him.

d. We are advocated for through the Holy Spirit. (v 16)

Romans 8:16 ESV

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Key Take Away

Because God has graciously adopted us, we are free from sin and experience the fullness of God.