Lesson 2 of 4
Children of God
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Study objective: Study adoption and the Spirit’s witness that believers are God’s children.
Reading: Romans 8:12–17
Romans 8:12–17 WEB
12So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. 15For you didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; 17and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.
Background and context
Paul describes believers as adopted children, led by the Spirit, who cry “Abba, Father.” The text itself pairs the Aramaic word Abba with the word Father, as Jesus does in Gethsemane (Mark 14:36). Being heirs includes suffering with Christ as well as glory.
Observe
- Those led by the Spirit are children of God (8:14).
- Believers received a spirit of adoption, not of slavery and fear (8:15).
- The Spirit testifies with our spirit (8:16).
- Heirs suffer with Christ to be glorified with him (8:17).
Words, people and events to notice
- Adoption
- Being brought into a family with the full rights of a child and heir. Galatians 4:4–7
Understand
- What is the contrast between slavery and adoption (8:15)?
- What does the Spirit do according to 8:16?
- Why does Paul mention suffering in 8:17?
Connect
- Mark 14:36
Jesus prays “Abba, Father” in Gethsemane.
- Galatians 4:4–7
Paul on adoption and the Spirit crying “Abba”.
Reflect
- How does knowing you are God’s child affect your fears?
- What does it mean to call God “Father”?
Key takeaways
Editorial summary, not Scripture.
- Believers are adopted children and heirs.
- The Spirit assures them they belong to God.
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