Romans 8:15-17

 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.

1.  What do you think of when you hear the word “adoption?” Who do you know that is adopted? What have they told you about that experience? If it’s you, share your adoption story!

2.  What was the reason behind the adoption of Moses? Esther? Jesus? What made their adoptions significant? What was the outcome?

3.  What are the rights of an adoptee? And the responsibilities?

     What are the responsibilities of an adopter? And the rights?

4.  Eph 1:3-14 tells us that he has blessed us “with every spiritual blessing” – including adoption as sons. What makes this a “spiritual” blessing? What are some of the other blessings bestowed on us at the point of salvation?

5.  Why does it say “adoption as sons?” What is significant about this?

6.  Why the comparison between “spirit of slavery” and “spirit of adoption?”

7.  According to Gal 4:1-7, what changes when the child comes of age? How does this play into the adoption story?

8.  Eph 1:4-5 says that God chose us before the foundation of the world, and he predestined us for adoption. How does that make you feel?

9. What is the difference between a human adoption and the divine, spiritual adoption that God has done for us?