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Who Do You Think You Are: Adopted + Child of God

Radiant Church Visalia
Radiant Church Visalia
Episode • Jan 21, 2018 • 46m

Scripture References: Ephesians 1:1-8, 5:8, Romans 8:15, 1 Corinthians 13

Intro:

  • Recap of identity series, highlighting the struggle to find true identity in the world.
  • The gospel as a gift of new, heaven-sent identity.
  • The four-part gospel: God's identity, God's actions, our new labels, and our resulting actions.
  • Focus on the identity of being "children of God" (adoption).

Key Points:

  • The Orphan Heart:
    • The world, without Christ, is marked by "orphan-heartedness": a sense of aloneness and insecurity.
    • Even Christians can functionally live with an "orphan mindset."
    • Signs of an orphan outlook: 
      • Seeing God as a taskmaster.
      • Self-reliance and independence.
      • Addiction to human approval.
      • Service motivated by personal achievement.
      • Low self-image and self-rejection.
      • Seeking comfort in counterfeit affections.
      • Competitive and jealous peer relationships.
      • Accusing and tearing down others.
  • Adoption and Sonship:
    • God's pleasure and will in adopting us as His children.
    • Adoption as a one-way act of God's grace and responsibility.
    • The security and permanence of our identity as children of God.
    • The freedom from the "fixer" and "achiever" mindsets.
    • The difference between being a father and being a son.
    • God's desire to give us good things.
    • The importance of feeling God's affirmation.
  • Living as Children of Light:
    • We are now "light in the Lord" (Eph. 5:8).
    • This new identity should shape our actions.
    • God is patient, and we should be patient with ourselves.
    • The royalty that we have in Christ.
    • God has taken away the spirit of fear, and given us the spirit of adoption.

Conclusion:

  • The gospel transforms our identity from orphans to children of God.
  • This identity brings freedom from fear, control, and performance-based living.
  • God's affirmation and pleasure in us are central to our new identity.
  • Our identity is in Christ, not in our own actions.

Call to Action:

  • Reflect on any "orphan-hearted" tendencies in your life.
  • Embrace your identity as a child of God, trusting in His love and provision.
  • Release the need to "fix" or "achieve" in your own strength.
  • Seek God's affirmation and delight in His presence.
  • Live in the light of your royal identity.
  • Give your burdens to God.

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