Week 6 | Day 3
Assured and Adopted
Romans 8:12-17
In Romans 8:12–17, Paul anchors our identity by explaining that in Christ, we are no longer debtors to the flesh but children of God. As a result, we are now to be led by His Spirit instead of by the desires and inclinations of the flesh – we are a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). In addition to this new lease on life, we’ve also been adopted into sonship—given intimacy to cry, “Abba, Father”—and assurance to our salvation—the Spirit Himself bears witness that we belong to God. Therefore, now, as children, we are also heirs with Christ into a living hope and called to share in His sufferings now—and His glory forever (see Colossians 1:13 | Ephesians 1:13). A final blessing is our security in Christ. In Roman adoption, the adoptee could not be ever be disowned—likewise, our Father will never disown those sealed by His Spirit (see John 10:28).
Application
1. Renounce the Old Nature
We owe our flesh nothing—it is depraved, helpless, and given solely to the self-gratification. So, we must learn to say “no” to its demands and “yes” to the Spirit’s leading every day (see Romans 8:12–13 | Galatians 2:20).
2. Pray “Abba” Regularly
As our Abba, God invites us to crawl up into His lap to seek Him and to find Him. We need to start and end our days with this personal sentiment to allow intimacy, instead of fear, to shape our dependence and obedience.
3. Stand in Your Sealing
Preach to your soul—I am a child of God—sealed with the Spirit and secure in Christ. Remind yourself daily of who you are and whose you are – you are a child of God. (see Ephesians 1:13 | John 10:28).
4. Live as a King’s Kid
You are not a spiritual pauper, but an heir of the King of Kings and Lord of lords—live like it! Not in arrogance but in humility; not to be served, but to serve. Live generously, courageously, and holy—like one who already possesses an imperishable inheritance.
We owe our flesh nothing—it is depraved, helpless, and given solely to the self-gratification. So, we must learn to say “no” to its demands and “yes” to the Spirit’s leading every day (see Romans 8:12–13 | Galatians 2:20).
2. Pray “Abba” Regularly
As our Abba, God invites us to crawl up into His lap to seek Him and to find Him. We need to start and end our days with this personal sentiment to allow intimacy, instead of fear, to shape our dependence and obedience.
3. Stand in Your Sealing
Preach to your soul—I am a child of God—sealed with the Spirit and secure in Christ. Remind yourself daily of who you are and whose you are – you are a child of God. (see Ephesians 1:13 | John 10:28).
4. Live as a King’s Kid
You are not a spiritual pauper, but an heir of the King of Kings and Lord of lords—live like it! Not in arrogance but in humility; not to be served, but to serve. Live generously, courageously, and holy—like one who already possesses an imperishable inheritance.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the transformational power of the cross and the gift of Your Spirit. In Christ, I am a new creation—adopted, sealed, and set apart. Form in me new desires, thoughts, priorities, and ambitions that seek first Your kingdom and righteousness. Help me to honor Your indwelling presence, to walk in step with the Spirit, and to join Your mission of loving others to Jesus. Keep me from taking grace for granted, and make me always ready to give an answer for the hope that is within me—for Your glory. Amen.