Romans 8:12-17

Introduction:

1. The Lord frequently used the family as a metaphor for His people.

2. Considering how central family is to human life, it is little wonder.

3. As we prepare to discuss fellowship and church discipline next week, it is imperative that we firmly grasp the familial nature of the church.

Discussion:

I. The Significance of Family

A. “The family is the nucleus of society” (Will Durant).

B. “Power, that’s one thing, but love of family and of siblings is more important, is more powerful than any other power—at least earthly power” (Sander Levin).

C. “Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten” (Stitch).

II. Two Families are Better Than One

A. Christians are blessed with two families: earthly and spiritual

B. Our earthly families:

1. We are born into them.

2. We receive them rather than choosing them.

3. Our parents are assigned to us.

4. Our siblings are likewise assigned to us.

C. Our spiritual family:

1. We are also born into (John 3:3-5).

2. We choose them (1 Peter 1:22-23).

3. We choose to embrace God as our Father (Romans 8:13-14).

4. We choose to become siblings (Romans 8:29).

III. A Father’s Love

A. “Until you have a child of your own you will never know the joy, the love beyond feeling that resonates in the heart of a father as he looks upon his child” (Kent Nerburn).

B. God chose to be our Father through adoption (Romans 8:15, 23; 9:4; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5).

C. What a gift to be called God’s children (1 John 3:1).

IV. Our Adoptive Father’s Gifts

A. Ours was the costliest adoption ever (John 1:12-13; Ephesians 1:5-7).

B. By it, He made us joint heirs with Christ of the most glorious inheritance ever (Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:7).

C. Through it we are Christ’s brethren (Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11-15).

V. A Child’s Response

A. Embrace and remain in His holiness (Romans 8:13-14, 17; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 1 John 2:29).

B. Love the brethren (John 13:34; Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:14; 1 Peter 1:22-23; 4:8; 1 John 3:16; 3:11-19; 4:7-13, 4:20-5:3).

VI. The Impact of God’s Children

A. It is the Lord’s church (family, children) God chose to reveal His manifold/multifaceted wisdom to the world (Ephesians 3:10).

B. We show God to the world when we display holiness and brotherly love (Matthew 5:14-16; John 13:34; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Peter 2:9-12).

C. He blessed us as He did in order that we would bless others around us (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:11-14).

Conclusion:

1. God made the family before any other human institution.

2. It is truly the nucleus of society.

3. As God’s family we are blessed beyond all others.

4. However, with great blessings comes great responsibility.

5. Therefore, we must make it clear to the world around that we belong to Him to His glory and humanity’s good.