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JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST

Text: Romans 8
15 November 2020

THE REDEMPTIVE PLAN OF GOD

The more we learn of the redemptive plan of God, the more we must stand amazed! The Apostle Paul had this insight to share with us.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 

15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 

17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.     Romans 8:14-17

CHILDREN OF GOD

When we come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we become “sons of God,” or “children of God.”

  1. This is confirmed by the Spirit of God
  1. He is also called “The Spirit of adoption”
  1. His glorious work

a) He teaches us to cry out to God as “Abba, Father”

b) He bears witness that we are indeed children of God

HEIRS OF GOD

From this great truth, Paul posits the next wonderful thought! If we are children of the Lord, then we are “heirs of God.”

  1. God as our Father in Heaven

a) As Father, He loves His children

b) As a loving Father, He plans an inheritance to be given to His children

  1. Children and Heirs

a) They are related concepts

b) One would lead to the other most naturally

JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST

The third insight that the Apostle Paul wrote about is even more astonishing! It flows from the first two truths.

  1. Children of God
  1. Heirs of God
  1. Joint Heirs with Christ

These three truths are part of God’s redemptive plan! These truths are life-changing!

OUR CHALLENGE

What is our challenge as we ponder these great truths? 

  1. Full identification with Christ
  1. Suffering with Christ

What enabled Paul to endure so much suffering in his life and ministry for the Lord Jesus Christ? Surely, it was because he was fully identified with the Saviour! If the Lord was prepared to suffer for him, he was also going to learn how to suffer for Him!