Assurance of Identity: Children of God Through the Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: The Spirit's Battle Against Sin

The Holy Spirit assures us of our identity as God's children by leading us into a battle against sin. This ongoing struggle is a sign of the Spirit's presence and our status as heirs of God. The Spirit empowers us to actively put to death the deeds of the body, not through legalism but through a genuine desire to overcome sin. This battle is not about achieving perfection but about cultivating a deep-seated hatred for sin and a longing to live in accordance with God's will. As we engage in this Spirit-led war against our sinful nature, we are reminded of our identity as God's children and the assurance that comes with it. [14:27]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: What specific sin do you feel the Holy Spirit prompting you to battle against today? How can you rely on His power to overcome it?

Day 2: Crying Out "Abba, Father"

Our cry of "Abba, Father" is a deep, emotional expression of our relationship with God, signifying our dependence and trust in Him. This cry is not a mere utterance but a heartfelt acknowledgment of God as our loving Father. It reflects an intimate connection where we recognize our need for Him and our trust in His care and provision. The Spirit prompts this cry within us, affirming our identity as God's children and reminding us of the profound assurance that comes from being in His family. This expression of trust and dependence is a testament to the Spirit's work in our lives. [24:14]

"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" (Galatians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to express your dependence on God as your Father today? How can you deepen your trust in Him?

Day 3: Our Glorious Inheritance

As heirs of God, our inheritance includes the world, God Himself, and a glorified body. This future promise should entice us away from sin and towards a deeper relationship with God. Our inheritance is not about earthly prosperity now but about the eternal riches we will receive in the future. This perspective helps us to focus on what truly matters and to live in a way that reflects our status as heirs of God. The promise of a glorious inheritance encourages us to live with hope and anticipation, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us. [31:26]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of a future inheritance influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes can you make to align more closely with this eternal perspective?

Day 4: Suffering with Christ

Suffering is a necessary part of our journey as children of God. It is through suffering with Christ that we are prepared for our inheritance, as God uses trials to draw us closer to Him. Suffering helps us to detach from the comforts of this world and to rely more fully on God. It is a refining process that shapes our character and deepens our faith. As we endure trials, we are reminded of Christ's own suffering and are encouraged to persevere, knowing that our present struggles are preparing us for the glory that awaits us. [45:07]

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." (Philippians 1:29, ESV)

Reflection: What current trial or suffering are you experiencing? How can you view it as an opportunity to grow closer to Christ and prepare for your eternal inheritance?

Day 5: Assurance in the Spirit's Testimonies

Our assurance as God's children is not based on our perfection but on our ongoing battle against sin and our heartfelt cry to God. These are the Spirit's testimonies in our lives, affirming our identity as heirs of God. The Spirit's work within us provides evidence of our belonging to God, offering a profound sense of assurance and peace. This assurance is not a vague feeling but a deep, experiential reality that shapes our understanding of who we are in Christ. As we continue to engage in the Spirit-led battle against sin and express our dependence on God, we are reminded of the security and hope that come from being His children. [30:04]

"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 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 8:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Spirit's testimonies in your life today? What steps can you take to strengthen your assurance as a child of God?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound assurance that comes from being children of God, as revealed in Romans 8:16-17. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in affirming our identity as God's children, and this assurance is not a vague feeling but a deep, experiential reality. The Spirit testifies with our spirit, providing evidence that we belong to God. This evidence manifests in two significant ways: our ongoing battle against sin and our heartfelt cry to God as "Abba, Father."

Firstly, the Spirit leads us into a war against our sinful nature. This is not a legalistic struggle but a Spirit-empowered battle where we actively put to death the deeds of the body. This ongoing fight against sin is a clear indication that we are being led by the Spirit, and thus, we are children of God. It's not about achieving perfection but about having a genuine hatred for sin and a desire to overcome it through the Spirit's power.

Secondly, the Spirit prompts us to cry out to God as "Abba, Father." This cry is not a mere utterance but a deep, emotional expression of our relationship with God. It signifies an intimate connection, where we recognize God as our loving Father who we depend on and trust. This heartfelt cry is a testament to the Spirit's work in our lives, affirming our identity as God's children.

As heirs of God, we have a glorious inheritance awaiting us. This includes the world, God Himself, and a glorified body. Our inheritance is not about earthly prosperity now but about the eternal riches we will receive in the future. Suffering is part of our journey, but it is through suffering with Christ that we are prepared for our inheritance. God uses trials to draw us closer to Him, ensuring that we do not become too attached to the comforts of this world.

Key Takeaways

1. The Holy Spirit assures us of our identity as God's children by leading us into a battle against sin. This ongoing struggle is a sign of the Spirit's presence and our status as heirs of God. [14:27]
2. Our cry of "Abba, Father" is a deep, emotional expression of our relationship with God, signifying our dependence and trust in Him. This cry is evidence of the Spirit's work in our lives. [24:14]
3. As heirs of God, our inheritance includes the world, God Himself, and a glorified body. This future promise should entice us away from sin and towards a deeper relationship with God. [31:26]
4. Suffering is a necessary part of our journey as children of God. It is through suffering with Christ that we are prepared for our inheritance, as God uses trials to draw us closer to Him. [45:07]
5. Our assurance as God's children is not based on our perfection but on our ongoing battle against sin and our heartfelt cry to God. These are the Spirit's testimonies in our lives. [30:04]
** [30:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:38] - The Question of Assurance
[09:21] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[10:45] - Assurance Through the Spirit
[13:18] - The Spirit's Testimony
[14:27] - War Against Sin
[18:20] - Being Led by the Spirit
[23:54] - Crying Abba, Father
[31:26] - Our Glorious Inheritance
[34:51] - Inheriting the World
[35:59] - God as Our Inheritance
[37:45] - A Glorified Body
[41:52] - Suffering with Christ
[45:07] - The Purpose of Suffering
[47:33] - Assurance in Suffering

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:16-17
- Romans 8:13-14
- Galatians 3:29

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Observation Questions:

According to Romans 8:16-17, how does the Holy Spirit affirm our identity as children of God? What role does the Spirit play in this assurance? [09:21]
In the sermon, it was mentioned that the Spirit leads us into a battle against sin. How is this battle described, and what does it signify about our relationship with God? [14:27]
What does the term "Abba, Father" signify in the context of our relationship with God, as discussed in the sermon? [24:14]
How does the sermon describe the inheritance we have as heirs of God? What are the components of this inheritance? [31:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

The sermon emphasizes the ongoing battle against sin as evidence of the Spirit's work in our lives. How does this perspective change the way we view our struggles with sin? [18:20]
The cry of "Abba, Father" is described as a deep, emotional expression. What does this reveal about the nature of our relationship with God, and how does it differ from a mere acknowledgment of God as Father? [24:14]
The sermon mentions suffering as a necessary part of our journey as children of God. How does this understanding of suffering align with the promise of our inheritance? [45:07]
In what ways does the promise of a future inheritance entice us away from sin and towards a deeper relationship with God? [31:26]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life. Can you identify specific ways in which the Holy Spirit has led you into a battle against sin? How can you be more intentional in this battle? [14:27]
The sermon describes the cry of "Abba, Father" as an intimate connection with God. How can you cultivate a deeper, more personal relationship with God in your daily life? [24:14]
Consider the concept of suffering as a part of our journey with Christ. How have you experienced suffering in your life, and how can you view it as a means to draw closer to God? [45:07]
The sermon highlights our future inheritance as a motivation to turn away from sin. What specific steps can you take to focus more on this eternal promise rather than temporary earthly pleasures? [31:26]
Think about a recent struggle with sin. How did you respond, and what role did the Holy Spirit play in that situation? How can you rely more on the Spirit's power in future struggles? [18:20]
The sermon mentions that our assurance as God's children is not based on perfection. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you feel discouraged by your imperfections? [30:04]
Identify one area in your life where you feel distant from God. What practical steps can you take this week to cry out to Him as "Abba, Father" and seek His guidance and comfort? [24:14]

Sermon Clips

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and if children then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided if we suffer with him in order that we may be glorified with him. [00:09:17]

The Holy Spirit Himself testifies bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. Back at verse 9, you are not in the flesh but in the spirit if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. [00:10:55]

If by the spirit, not by you alone but by the spirit, you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Just get to house now you've got the Holy Spirit enabling you to make war on your sinful impulses and if you are making war on them and sending death blows at your sinful impulses by the spirit, not legalistically by the spirit. [00:14:19]

One of the beautiful deep rich wonderful evidences of the work of the Holy Spirit that you were a child of God is that you hate your sin and make war on it. And notice how I'm saying it. I am not telling you any particular level of success. [00:19:23]

The Spirit bears witness that we are the children of God by leading us into war killing on our sin, our own sin, and thus a clear mark that rises up in my heart and testifies to me you're saved. You hate your sin and are taking steps to kill it. [00:22:37]

The second way the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit now we're in verse 15 for that is if you're led by the spirit, you're the children 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. [00:23:47]

The Spirit Himself bears witness and I take that cry Abba Father to be what verse 16 is referring to when it says the Spirit Himself bears witness. So this is the second thing that verse 16 means. First, it means that we are shown to be by the spirit the children of God because he leads us. [00:24:22]

Do you find daily regularly welling up from deep in your soul a cry Abba Father? You're a Christian that's the Holy Spirit talking now. To which skeptic should respond and I'm one you can program a computer to say about father kind of evidence is that don't lock the Bible Piper. [00:25:02]

The promise to Abraham and to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the law but through the righteousness of faith heir of the world. Now you say but that's a promise made to Abraham right you've been well taught you know that there are verses in the Bible like this Galatians 3:29. [00:31:55]

If you belong to Jesus you are Abraham's offspring because you're united to Christ who is the offspring and therefore you get the inheritance Abraham gets and in the world one of the reasons I don't like the prosperity gospel is because it just gets the timing wrong. [00:32:43]

The second meaning of the inheritance is God is your inheritance. God is your inheritance Romans chapter 5 verse 2 we exalt in the hope of the glory of God if you want to have an inheritance that is - all tears - all disease and - all frustration and - god you're not a Christian. [00:34:54]

If we suffer with him if we don't take our fist in his face think I'm out of here if this is the way you treat your children I'm out of here if you say that you're gone it's over but if you say father daddy I hate my sin more than I hate losing these pleasures have at me daddy surgeon and daddy. [00:47:23]

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Assurance of Identity: Children of God Through the Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: The Spirit's Battle Against Sin

Day 2: Crying Out "Abba, Father"

Day 3: Our Glorious Inheritance

Day 4: Suffering with Christ

Day 5: Assurance in the Spirit's Testimonies

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Assurance of Identity: Children of God Through the Spirit

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