Different families often pass along reputations and traits that identify their members. Some families are marked by red hair. Having God as our Father brings with it many identifying markers as well – both privileges and obligations. Our identity as a child of God means that we rely fully on God and trust in His plan for our lives.
(Romans 8:15-17; Ephesians 1:3-10)
Sermon Outline
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” (Romans 8:14)
What are the identities of the children of God?
- Those led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14)
- Those adopted to be God’s children “sonship through Jesus Christ” (Rom. 8:15, Eph. 1:5)
- Those who the Spirit of God testifies about (Romans 8:16)
- Those who believe in Jesus/His name (John 1:12)
- Those born of God; not the will of man. (John 1:13)
- Those “born again” (John 3:3, 5-6; 1 Peter 1:23)
What are the benefits of being a child of God?
- You get God “His Holy Spirit” (Romans 8:14-16, 8:9; Ephesians 1:13)
- No longer slaves to fear; you are free. (Romans 8:15)
- You can call God, Father, and Daddy “Abba” (Romans 8:15)
- You become heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)
- You share in His suffering in this life and in His glory that lasts forever (Romans 8:17)
- Immediate and bold access to God in prayer through His Spirit (Romans 8:26-27)
- The blood of Jesus redeems you; your sins are forgiven. (Ephesians 1:7)
- No longer dead; alive in Christ! (Colossians 2:13)
What are the obligations of the children of God?
- Let the Holy Spirit lead and guide you (Romans 8:12-14)
- Do not conform to evil desires; be holy. (1 Peter 14-16, Romans 8:12)
- Love one another (1 John 3:17)
Making it real:
- Thank God regularly for His grace in saving you and making you His child.
- Are you a seeker? Believe and put your faith in Jesus to be a child of God.
- Are you a growing believer? Ensure that your identity as a child of God is the primary identity in your life.
- Are you a new or mature believer? Share the good news that you are a child of God, and live it out by allowing the Holy Spirit to direct you.
Discussion Questions
- This week, we start a new preaching series,“Who are We? Identity in Christ.”Whether alone or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you.
- Share some things that identify you (physical traits-color of hair, the color of eyes, height, etc.), your Driver’s License or State ID can help with this. Share some behavioral traits that identify you (what you like to wear, to say, etc.). Share other characteristics passed down from your parents to you that identify you.
- Read Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 1:3-14, and John 1:12-13. According to these verses, how can we know someone is a child of God? What identifies a child of God?
- What are the benefits we enjoy or will enjoy as children of God? Read Romans 8:14-17. State other benefits mentioned in different parts of Scripture. See Ephesians 1:3-14.
- Now that we are children of God, what is our obligation to God and others? Read Romans 8:12-14, 1 Peter 1:14-16, 1 John 3:17.
Dig Deeper
- Write a poem or draw a picture of how God delivered you from being a slave to sin and made you a child of God.
- Memorize Romans 8:14 or John 1:12
- Share your God Story with someone else this week. It can be family, friends, or colleagues. Let them know how you became a child of God.