Adopted and Joint Heirs with Jesus Romans 8:12-17 Pg. 835 (pew Bible)

R OMANS 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. Go Back

R OMANS 8:12 brethren, we are debtors Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

Brethren (and sisters) What does Paul mean “we are debtors?”

Jesus Explains This Well Matthew 18:23ff

Of whom do I owe a debt? NOT to the flesh

R OMANS 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die : but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Everyone get’s in the flesh! The question is: Is your life characterized by living after the flesh.

Consider the story in Matthew Having the debt forgiven creates an obligation—what is the obligation?

Theological Note This is NOT bondage. We are not paying back a debt. (See vs. 15.)

A NOTHER A NGLE Privilege involves responsibility. Paul reminded his Christian brothers that the assurance of resurrection by the indwelling Spirit placed them under obligation. Robert H. Mounce

We, believers, are obligated to “Live according to the Spirit!”

Question How do I know if I am living according to the Spirit?

R OMANS 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. The deeds of the flesh are being destroyed in your life The deeds of the flesh are being destroyed in your life – Sanctification is a Joint Effort

Led By the Spirit does NOT Always mean: meek, quiet, NOT frustrated

R OMANS 8:14 PLEASE notice Paul doesn’t not say “as many as keep a set of rules” INSTEAD, he writes— – For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Present Tense

G ALATIANS 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Galatians 3

C OMMENTARY The Christian is one in whom the Spirit is constantly at work through instruction, exhortation, and discipline to bring to an end “the misdeeds of the body.” Although there may be times in a Christian’s life when a snapshot would show a person living according to the flesh, over time there should be evidence of progress. – Robert H. Mounce

A Month of Living in the Spirit That wasn’t my best moment or day.

P HILIPPIANS 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Who began the good work?

R OMANS 8:15 to fear For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear ; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. God’s intent is NOT for His children to live in fear of their eternal destiny.

R OMANS 8:15 the Spirit of adoption For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Most people somewhere deep inside want to know: “Am I a child of God?”

Note Notice the Jews assumed they were children of God simply because of their lineage to Abraham or because the kept a bunch of rules.

In America People assume they are children of God because they have asked Jesus in their heart or grew up in a Christian home.

C OMMENTARY Notice the assurances of conversion Paul gives his reader: √ Putting to death sinful habits by Gods’ Spirit √ Being led by the Spirit of God √ Identifying the new relationship of being adopted √ God’s Spirit bearing witness with your Spirit

R OMANS 8:15 whereby we cry, Abba, Father. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. You can cry “Abba, Father” if you are living according to the Spirit.

M ARK 14:36 And he [Jesus] said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Adoption is NOT the End! “The Already and NOT Yet” tension

R OMANS 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: The conversion experience produces a sense of knowing that one is a child of God.

R OMANS 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. An Heir – one who inherits or is entitled to inherit

C OMMENTARY Our adoption into God’s family, however amazing and comforting, is not the end of the story. For to be children is also to be heirs: to be still waiting for the full bestowment of all the rights and privileges conferred on us as God’s children. – D. A. Carson

Hear the Words of Jesus Go to: John 14

R OMANS 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Notice this Amazing Tie Between King Jesus and the Apostle Paul Turn to Matthew 19:16

C OMPARE R OMANS 8:17 TO And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Matthew 19:21 and 27-30

Two Questions? 1.Have you been adopted into the family of God? 2. To what degree will you be a joint-heir with Christ?