The Tie That Binds 2 of 3

Bonding as Family

Objective: To explain, promote and embrace the core values of our faith community, for individual and collective spiritual growth.

Romans 8:14-17 NLT For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

Introduction: Being a member of a family unit requires intentional effort to strengthen and sustain the relationship. The titles mean little to nothing, when there is no tenacity to tighten the tie that binds.

Transition: God’s family is focused on health/sanctification, that allows us to progressively become more like Christ because of the Spirit’s power.

Exposition: To be a member of God’s family means…

-We are Spirit led (verses 14-15a) Reference John 8:44. God’s children yields to the will of God.

-We have been Divinely adopted (verses 15b-16) We have been intentionally chosen by God!

-We are the heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus (verse 17) Reference I Corinthians 15:57. Our posture is privilege not pity!

Conclusion: Our inheritance is inseparable from the vicissitudes of life.