Standing Firm: Walking Through Romans – Chapter 8 part 3

The past few weeks I’ve been saying, “Welcome Home!” I have said this because it’s really Important for us to realize that in God’s kingdom we are not just co-citizens, we are God’s Children. And as such we are Family, brothers and sisters to each other and to Christ. Today we are continuing in Romans Chapter 8. Where Paul is still unpacking elements of what it means to “in Christ” or “in the spirit.”

Last week we left off with the understanding of our new life in the spirit. We talked about our future in the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. And how our obligation in Christ is to His spirit and life. This week we will be continuing to follow Paul in Romans. While we push forward in building this firm foundation in our faith that is Christ Jesus.

My prayer today is that by hearing this message that together, you and me, we find a true and pure unity in the spirit of God and through Christ Jesus we will begin to view ourselves and other as truly valuable.

Let’s see what God’s word has for us, shall we?  If you have your Bibles with you today, would you turn with me to Romans, chapter 8, starting at verse 14?

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:14-17

I have separated my thoughts into 2 sections or points that will help me share with you today. Let’s begin with my first point

We Are Truly God’s Children

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Romans 8:14-15

In the ancient world many homes where filled servants of some sort.  They lived in the home. They worked to run the homes and farms. They had meals there. They raised their families there. And in many cases, there was a close bond between master and servant.  But nevertheless, there was still a separation between the master’s family and those who served. The true mark of a son was his inheritance. The servants took care of the family assets but did not have a rightful claim to any portion. It was common for a master to adopt a servant child whom he loved usually they had grown up in the master’s home. And they were raised alongside of their own natural children.  This is the context in which Paul uses this type of language. He is speaking to the very hopes and dreams of the lower classes. He was pulling at the heartstrings of those masters who had affection for their servants. Paul depicts God as the loving father who adopts all of His servants, providing them with an equal inheritance.

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”  

Romans 8:15

This is not to make you slaves again or to be fearful of that but to make you sons and daughters of the most high. This term Abba father is an Aramaic term and it reveals an intimacy with God, like that of a child and his father. Abba father is more clearly translated to us as Daddy.  Every one of us has a birth father though for some the father is not in the picture. Some fathers are cold and distant or harsh and abusive.  But the title Daddy, denotes a warmth and protection. God, our Abba father knows us intimately. He knows our faults and our short comings. He knows our strengths and celebrates our victories. Despite all of our flaws, God loves us unconditionally. And through Christ our Abba father has adopted us back to himself and set aside an inheritance to seal or make final the adoption process.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Romans 8:14

We are truly His children.

When we think of belonging to our family, many of us at times think about what our loved ones will leave us. My Dad would always say, “Son, when you are older this will be yours.” And at times something would catch my eye and I would say Dad, can I have that when you die?” Its this Idea of our loved ones expressing their love through a blessing or make a provision of care. It proves we belong. When a significant loved one passes on, the family will gather around for the reading of the will. God uses this familiar concept to express his great love and provision for His children. This passage is great because it’s like reading the will without having to experience the loss. Those who have opened that door to receive Christ has that spirit and by that spirit we are adopted by God in full and legal, sealed by the inheritance.

When the will. Is read, the question everyone wants to ask is, “what did you get?”

LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely, I have a delightful inheritance. Christ is our portion. He is our inheritance. Eternity in God’s presence Is our inheritance.

Psalm 16:5-6

To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Revelation 3:21

I’ll move on to my second point

We Are Heirs To Our Father’s Kingdom

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:16-17

The awesome thing is that we don’t have to wonder if this is all true. The spirit of Christ testifies/bears witness to our spirit to declare our adoption. Now as a result of our union with Christ we are also children of God just as Jesus is the son of God.  Thus, making us co-heirs with Christ. We are sharing in His suffering and also in His reward/inheritance. Now sharing in his inheritance in His kingdom and glory also means sharing in his plan and will as we see in our blessed future as He establishes His church by his side ruling and reigning.

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:6

Our portion of the inheritance is Christ. Ruling and reigning with Him.

I know what your thinking, “now pastor, aren’t we going to be in heaven relaxing in our mansions being feed grapes by the angels?” If we read our Bibles, and I always recommend you read your Bibles, You will see that God’s plan for us is not over when He arrives, it is just beginning.  He is preparing us to fulfill the His eternal plan. Our Abba Father is shaping each of us in the image of Jesus so that we can take our role as sons and daughters of God. When I was young, it was always said that I would take over my father’s business. He was training me from the time I was about 8 years old. So that when the time was right, I would be equipped to handle the responsibility.

His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”

Matthew 25:23

We are heirs to our father’s kingdom.

Last week we talked about our obligation to the spirit life. Because Christ has redeemed us out of darkness, our obligation is to put to death the misdeeds of our flesh. Taking hold of our place as God’s children with the understanding that our obligation is to unity in Christ. As children of our Abba father we must become valuable to one another. The folks you see on the street, they are valuable to God. And they must be valuable to you and me. God is not calling us to shine up the inside of this room. He has called each one of us to visualize the lost through the father’s eyes and to love each other in unity.

In John17:21, Jesus, while He is praying, He says,

“that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

John 17:21

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35

Now the challenge I have for you today is this:  Will you move forward in faith armed with the knowledge that God is your Abba father.  Carrying with you the power and authority of the king. Will you value others in the love and unity of our Lord Jesus. God Is calling us to take over our father’s business.

Will you open your hearts to Jesus, the Son of the living God, and receive what Abba father has for you?  Will you call on him today? Will you ask Him to help you discern what his word is revealing today? Many of you need a fresh touch from God today. Is there some form of hindrance or bondage in your life or your relationships today?  God wants to redeem and restore those areas of your life?  He wants to restore Joy and hope for you today You’re hearing this now and the Holy Spirit has brought someone or something to mind. He wants to speak life into this today. He wants to bring healing in this area today. There are areas of deep regret when it comes to your relationship with God and you have rejected Christ as your savior …It’s not too late It’s not too late to humble yourself before him today, hold out your arms and open your hands to receive from him today. Will you say yes to Jesus, today? Will you bow your heads with me?  Some of you already know the Lord, but maybe he’s put something on your heart that you need to deal with, you need to ask his forgiveness today. If that’s you will you just acknowledge that to him today. This is just you and God here. Now someone here may not have that relationship with Jesus and today you’ve felt him tugging at your heart, you’ve been hurt, and you’re guarded, I know. Jesus is here and wants set things right in your life.  If you’ll say Pastor, I want Jesus to be my Lord and savior. Remember, it’s just you and God here. Will you pray with me today, We’ll pray here as a family and you can repeat after me. Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. I ask you today for your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins and on that 3rd day, you rose from the dead. I ask you to come into my heart today. I trust and follow you as my Lord and savior. Guide me and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 “‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’

Numbers 6:24-26