Adopted and Blessed

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Author: Paul

Audience: All the chosen believers

Content: We have been chosen and predestined for adoption to God

Context: The new life is a spiritual blessing

Comparison: Ro 8:15

Explanation

Context of verses 4 and 5: The doctrine of God’s choosing and predestination of the saints is not what saves us. But our understanding of adoption is enriched by it.

“All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, He is pleased, in His appointed and accepted time, effectually to call,” The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 10 Section 1

“Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies (saves) sinners.” Baptist Faith and Message 2000, Section V.

We already believe in God’s capability:

In our statement of faith

In our prayers

In our testimonies

Verse 4: The purpose of our election is to make us holy and blameless before God.

Through Jesus sacrifice we are justified (v5,7)

Through God’s will we are united with Him by His Grace (v6,9-10)

Verse 5: WHY were we chosen and adopted? Because it’s God’s will

Remind ourselves of this when we feel undeserving

Remind ourselves of this when we fall into sin

Remind ourselves of this when we feel beaten up

Verse 6: This results in praise

For God’s grace

For the blessing we enjoy

Application

Our adoption inspires affection

Deuteronomy 6:4–5 ESV

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Our adoption inspires conviction

Galatians 5:19–21 ESV

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Our adoption inspires satisfaction

Philippians 4:4–7 ESV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Our adoption inspires exhortation

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Call to Action

First Application Point Action: Do you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?

How to love God: heart/soul/mind/strength

Second Application Point Action: Do you examine the scriptures as a mirror for correction?

Join us to study Psalm 119 on Wednesdays

Third Application Point Action: Do you live a life unburdened by the troubles of this world?

Memorize Philippians 4:4-7

Fourth Application Point action: Do you share the what God has done in your life with others? Do you encourage others to trust God in their lives?

In your family (Family Discipleship class starting tonight)

In your social circle (Small groups help challenge you)

Response:

Salvation

Baptism

Recommit

New Ministry

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