Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Justification settles our legal standing; adoption settles our family standing. God does not merely acquit us and send us away, He brings us into His household with the Spirit of His Son in our hearts, teaching us to say Father.
Key points
- Adoption gives relationship, not just acquittal.
- The Spirit of adoption produces intimacy in place of fear.
- Sons are heirs — the inheritance is secured with the relationship.
Key texts
- Romans 8:14-17
- Galatians 4:4-7
- 1 John 3:1-2
- John 1:12
- Comprehension
1. How does adoption go beyond justification?
- Scripture
2. Read Romans 8:15. What spirit have believers not received?
- Scripture
3. Read 1 John 3:1. What does John marvel at?
- Doctrinal Clarity
4. How does sonship change the motive of obedience?
- Contrast
5. Contrast the elder brother of Luke 15 with the returned prodigal.
- Doctrinal Clarity
6. Read Galatians 4:7. What follows sonship?
- Application
7. Do you relate to God as Father, or chiefly as Judge and Employer?
- Application
8. What would change today if you were fully persuaded of your sonship?