For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 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!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.  Romans 8:14-17

A. The Spirit’s Leadership: Our Familial Identity with God

1. What family traits does the Spirit lead us to? Rom. 8:14

– Holiness: like the Lord Jesus: 1 Thess. 4:3, 7; John 17:15-19

– Love: like the Lord Jesus: Rom. 5:5, 2 Cor. 5:14-15, Joh 13:34-35

2. Family identity declared

Rom. 8:14b, 8:15, 16, 17; 1 John 3:1-3, John 1:12, Gal. 3:24-26

Today

B. The Spirit’s Witness: Our Adoption, Access, His Witness : Rom. 8:14, Rom. 8:15-16

1. We receive the affirmation of our Adoption: Rom. 8:15a, Eph. 1:5, Gal. 4:4-5

2. In our adoption we have access to God as Father: Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6, John 20:17-18

3. The independent witness of the Spirit: Rom. 8:16

– Spiritual Fruit – Gal. 5:22-23

– Desire for communion with God – Acts 9:10-11, Phil. 1:21-23