Restoring Calm, Part 4: The Promise of Adoption

WENDY POWELL, COMMUNITY OUTREACH PASTOR

is created in God’s image.
But humanity isn’t God’s family. is.

When we are born again, we are…

Born of the (John 3:3–8)

No longer bound by the power of and (Romans 8:1–4)

Given in God’s Kingdom that starts now (Romans 8:10–11)

(Romans 8:14–17), but many believers still live as

When you’re adopted, you get…

New family (new identity)

New family  (the primary context for growing up spiritually)

New family (becoming like Christ will make you stand out!)

Jesus’ new command: Love your new family members so they’ll know (John 13:34–5) 

Sermon on the Mount: Love even your enemies that you may be children
(Matthew 5:44–45) 

Great Commandment: Love God, love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30–31)

New family (Romans 8:5–9, 12–13)

When we disobey our perfect parent, we can expect:
      Disrespect
      Disconnection
      Discord
      Discipline

New delegated  (James 4:7)

Access to God’s power and resources in through the Holy Spirit

New family : The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20)

“Faithful presence names the reality that God is present in the world and that he uses a people who are tending to his presence to make himself concrete and real amid the world’s struggles and pain. When the church is this faithful presence, aware of God and others at the very same time, God’s kingdom becomes visible, and the world is invited to join God there. Faithful presence is not only essential for our lives as disciples, it’s how God has chosen to change the world.”  David Fitch, Author

(Romans 8:17)

Do you believe in Jesus but don’t yet belong to him?

Small Group Questions

1. When you think of adoption, what stories, people, or ideas first come to mind?
2. Reread Romans 8:1–17. Do you see any other aspects of the promise of adoption that are mentioned? What else is part of being in the family of God?
3. Take turns choosing a Scripture that was included in this week’s sermon outline, read it to the group, and then briefly share how that can be applied in your everyday life.
4. All of us are made in God’s image—created, intended/wanted, designed, and loved. When you think about all of that, what resonates or moves you?
5. Think of the person you struggle most to tolerate, let alone like. Now consider that they too are made in the image of God, created, intended, designed and loved by your heavenly Father. Reread James 3:9–10 and maybe end your time together praying for the grace to love your enemies.
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?