Assurance of Identity: Embracing Our Inheritance as God's Children

In today's exploration of Romans 8, the focus is on the assurance of being a child of God. The aim is to instill a deep, unwavering confidence in believers that they are indeed God's children, which should manifest in their lives as boldness and assurance. This assurance is not just a vague feeling but is rooted in the specific words and logic of Scripture. Many believers struggle with doubt about their salvation, often due to a lack of specific teaching and understanding of the Word. This message seeks to address that by diving into the specifics of Romans 8, particularly verses 12-18, to show how the Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit that we are God's children.

The text reveals that being led by the Spirit is a mark of being a child of God. This leading is not about making life decisions like whom to marry or what job to take, but about being led into a life of putting to death the deeds of the body, a life of spiritual warfare against sin. This is a clear evidence of the Spirit's work in us. Additionally, the Spirit leads us to cry out "Abba, Father," a deep, heartfelt cry that signifies our intimate relationship with God. This cry is not just words but an authentic expression of our dependence and love for God.

Furthermore, as children of God, we are heirs with Christ, which means we have a glorious inheritance awaiting us. This inheritance includes the world, God Himself, and a glorified body. However, this path to glory involves suffering with Christ. Suffering is not something to be sought out for its own sake, but it is a reality of life that, when endured with Christ, shapes us and prepares us for our inheritance. It is through these trials that God disciplines us, drawing us closer to Him and away from the fleeting pleasures of this world.

Key Takeaways

• 1. empowered battle against the sinful nature. [14:34]
  3. The cry of "Abba, Father" is a deep, authentic expression of our relationship with God, signifying our dependence and love for Him. This cry is a testimony of the Spirit's work in our lives.
  
  4. As heirs with Christ, our inheritance includes the world, God Himself, and a glorified body. This inheritance should entice us away from sin and towards a deeper relationship with God.
  
  5. Suffering is a necessary path to our inheritance, as it disciplines us and draws us closer to God. It is through suffering with Christ that we are prepared for the glory that awaits us.
  
  ** [14:34]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:11] - Introduction and Aim
• [01:14] - Common Struggles with Assurance
• [02:04] - The Danger of Generalizations
• [03:37] - The Importance of Specificity in Scripture
• [04:57] - Inheritance as Children of God
• [06:13] - Reading Romans 8:12-18
• [07:12] - The Spirit's Role in Assurance
• [08:29] - The Experience of the Spirit's Witness
• [13:10] - Being Led by the Spirit
• [19:08] - Evidence of the Spirit's Work
• [24:32] - Crying "Abba, Father"
• [31:29] - Our Inheritance in Christ
• [37:35] - The Glorified Body
• [45:58] - Suffering with Christ

1. According to Romans 8:14, what is the evidence of being a child of God? How does this relate to the concept of being led by the Spirit? [07:12]
2. What does the sermon suggest is the significance of the cry "Abba, Father" in the life of a believer? [24:32]
3. How does the sermon describe the inheritance that believers have as children of God? [31:29]
4. What role does suffering play in the life of a believer according to Romans 8:17 and the sermon? [45:58]

1. How does the assurance of being a child of God, as described in Romans 8:16, impact a believer's confidence and boldness in their faith? [00:32]
2. In what ways does the sermon explain the concept of spiritual warfare against sin as evidence of the Spirit's work in a believer's life? [14:34]
3. The sermon mentions that suffering is a necessary path to our inheritance. How does this perspective change the way believers might view their trials and hardships? [45:58]
4. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "led by the Spirit" in the context of Romans 8:13-14, and what implications does this have for daily Christian living? [19:08]

1. Reflect on your own life: Do you feel a deep assurance that you are a child of God? If not, what steps can you take to seek this assurance through Scripture and prayer? [00:32]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare against sin. Identify a specific sin in your life that you need to battle against. What practical steps can you take this week to fight this sin with the help of the Holy Spirit? [14:34]
3. Consider the cry "Abba, Father" as an expression of your relationship with God. How can you cultivate a more intimate and dependent relationship with God in your daily life? [24:32]
4. As heirs with Christ, believers have a glorious inheritance. How does this knowledge influence your priorities and decisions, especially when faced with temptations or worldly desires? [31:29]
5. Reflect on a recent trial or suffering you have experienced. How can you view this experience as a way God is drawing you closer to Him and preparing you for your inheritance? [45:58]
6. The sermon suggests that suffering with Christ shapes us for our inheritance. How can you support and encourage others in your community who are currently going through difficult times? [45:58]
7. How can the assurance of being a child of God empower you to share your faith with others more boldly? Identify one person you can share this assurance with this week. [00:32]