ADOPTION IS THE GOSPEL IN ACTION. (Galatians 4:4-7)
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SERMON NOTES:
The Beauty of Adoption
Galatians 4:4-7
Adoption is the Gospel in action.
Adoption is…
1. Intentional. (4)
2. Loving. (4)
3. Humble. (4)
4. Compassionate. (4)
5. Sacrificial. (5)
Adoption gives us a new…
1. Status. (5)
2. Advocate. (6)
3. Relationship. (6)
4. Identity. (7)
5. Future. (7)
study questions:
For the Next Lesson: Adoption
1. Read Romans 8:15-17. What have we received from God according to verse 15? Therefore, what name can we use for God, and what does this teach us about our relationship with Him? What are the benefits of our relationship with God (see verse 17)?
2. Read Galatians 4:4-7. According to verse 4, what did God do for us and when did He do it? What are the results of God’s actions according to verses 5-7? If we truly see ourselves as God’s children, how does this affect our view of God? Since we are God’s children, how does God view us? How does this reality affect your identity and how you see yourself? How does this affect how you interact with other people? How does this affect the way you see your future? How does it affect your attitude each day?
3. Read James 1:27. What are the two characteristics of a person with “pure and undefiled religion”? How can we “visit” orphans and widows (Take a few minutes to brainstorm different ideas.)? Why do you think it is important for us to follow this command (see Genesis 1:27, Psalm 82:3-4, Deuteronomy 24:19-22)? How does our culture, our “world” stain us? How can we keep ourselves “unstained” by the world? What does it look like to be unstained?
4. So what. Why is it important to understand our adoption as God’s children? In what ways does earthly adoption help us to better understand our adoption as God’s children? In what ways does adoption and Foster care enable us to live out the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations? How do you think God views earthly adoption? What part should Christians play in adoption and in the care for orphaned and foster children? What is God calling you to do in order to live out James 1:27 and “visit” orphans and widows?