Message Notes

SENIOR SUNDAY SCHOOL 28 April 2024
Text: Romans 8
Subject: “These are sons of God” Romans 8:14

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

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 8:12-17

1. We are debtors

a) But not to the flesh

b) We do not live according to the flesh for that leads to death

c) We are debtors to God who has redeemed us from sin

2. Living as “sons of God”

a) We put to death the deeds of the body

i) We are enjoined

ii) We are exhorted

b) We live according to the Spirit

i) His power

ii) His strength

c) We are led by the Spirit of God

i) Not self-led

ii) The leading of the Lord would be in accordance with the Scriptures

iii) Clear examples of the Apostles in the Book of Acts

d) We have the Spirit of adoption

i) The Spirit of God teaches us how to relate to God the Father

ii) We cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)

iii) We are more and more inclined to pray and to relate to God

3. The Spirit of God as our Witness

a) Spirit to spirit

b) He bears witness that we are “children of God”

c) This is in the realm of the spiritual

i) It is deep

ii) It is complex

iii) It is profound

4. Ramifications of being children of God

a) We are heirs of God

b) Joint heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ

c) A glimpse of the blessings of the LORD

i) Ephesians 1

ii) Colossians 1

APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

1. To be unafraid to suffer with the Lord Jesus

2. To be glorified together with Him

3. A challenge to be true and faithful followers of the Lord Jesus Christ

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

Matthew 16:24-28

a) Deny Self

b) Take up our cross

c) Follow the Lord Jesus fully