Life in the Spirit: Adopted Into Christ's FamilySample

I AM ADOPTED INTO GOD'S FAMILY

Identity. Whew! What a heavy word that can be in this day and age! Between what we observe on social media or see in the news, it seems like so much of the world is struggling to find their place and find out who they are meant to be. It can be easy to look toward all the wrong places to answer those burning questions.

In Romans 8, Paul offers a better answer to the question of identity. He reminds Christians of the freedom we have in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit in and through us. Most importantly, this means we are adopted sons and daughters of God.

The book of Romans is a letter from Paul to the Christian church in Rome. In ancient Roman culture, the act of adoption has significant meaning. In fact, it’s a coveted status. Some of the most notable leaders in ancient Rome were adopted into their place of inheritance. Caesar Augustus (formerly known as Octavian), the emperor of Rome when Jesus was born, was the adopted heir of Julius Caesar. He was not the heir by any rule of bloodline. In this way, everything about Augustus’s life is changed – his place in society, his ability to influence people around him, and his financial status. His inheritance wasn’t because of blood but because of choice. In Paul’s use of the concept of adoption to describe what is available to us because of Jesus, the Roman church understood what a big deal that truly was. If the Spirit is leading you, then you are an adopted child of God.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 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 8:14-15

Over the next several days, we’ll look at what it means to be an adopted child of God and what implications that has on our life now and forever.

Ask Yourself and Reflect:

-What parts of my identity (or how I define myself) do I need to turn over to God so I can live in the fullness of His love?

-What does it change about my life (or how I think about my life) to know and live like an adopted child of God?

Pause to Pray:

Father God, I don’t deserve this love you have poured out over me. I have fallen short of your glory, yet you offer me an eternal gift as your son/daughter. Help me to receive this gift and live in the fullness of your love.

Take a Next Step:

You are adopted into God’s family. You are a beloved son or daughter of the Most High King! If you find yourself questioning your value, or feeling like you’re not good enough, work to reframe your thoughts about yourself this week, and repeat the words, “I am a child of God.” Make it a habit every time negative thoughts try to slip into your mind.