Let's be honest, we all have our doubts. Some of the doubts we face in the Christian life center around belonging... do I belong here? If I do, how do I know I belong? We're almost at the halfway point in our message series now, and we're slowing down over the next four weeks to dive into one of the richest chapters in Holy Scripture: Romans 8. Today, in verses 11-18, we are told not only that we belong in God's Kingdom but also why we belong. How can we be sure? The Holy Spirit gives us the answer: adoption. God chooses us in His Son.

Romans 8:11-18

11 If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 12 So then, brothers, 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 all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “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 fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. Read Romans 8 three times out loud together as a group. Take your time and let the richness of all the promises contained here soak in.

2. What is a Christian? Go around the room and share in one sentence what you think it means to be a Christian. 

3. Read verse 15. What do you think it means to be adopted by God? Is it a one and done event, or is it more of a journey/process? Share what you think and why. 

4. Since we are adopted by God in Christ it means: we have access to God, we belong to Him, we have a family. Use this to personally share and/or encourage each other where you see these three truths at work in your lives right now.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Romans 8 together as a family.

2. God invites us in His Word to call Him “Abba”, which is like calling God “dad”. It means God holds us close to Him; it’s something wonderfully unique about being a Christian. What are unique names you call your parents and/or grandparents?

3. God loves to hear us talk with Him and He never gets tired of it! How do you talk to God? Can you talk to Him more often or do you need help? Ask someone you trust to help you talk to God.

4. We are God’s adopted children in Christ. This means God chose every one of us on purpose because of His Son Jesus. How does this make you feel? Think about someone you love who needs to hear God always chooses them to love and tell them.

5. Pray the Lord’s Prayer together each night as a family before you go to bed.