Sermon

1. Sermon • INTRODUCTION

2. Romans 8:12-17 • [12] So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. [13] For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. [14] For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. [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!”

3. [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

4. Where the Spirit Reigns, there’s freedom from SHAME. • Where the Spirit Reigns We Have a NEW NAME • Child of God

5. God’s primary concern isn’t simply fixing behavior; it is about bringing us into a relationship. • A Christian is one who has God as Father.

6. YOUR VIEW OF GOD’S VIEW OF YOU IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT WILL SHAPE YOUR LIFE, AND IT IS THE GREATEST COMMENTARY ON YOUR VIEW OF GOD.

7. We have a Father, not simply a Boss. • Practically, what does this difference between a “Slave – Orphan” and a “Beloved Child” look like?

8. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I feel distant from God, anxious, and joyless. I’m a vacuum of self concern • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I have a growing intimacy with God. His love frees me from self-centeredness

9. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I’m giving in to my pet sins and am growing less and less sensitive to them. • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I’m still a mess, but I’m repenting more quickly and am becoming more aware of my sin

10. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I live on a success/fail basis. I must be right and look good (performance oriented). • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I want to make God look good. It’s not about me. Only God is always right

11. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I feel guilty, insecure, and unworthy. I worry about how people view me and whether I fit in. • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I feel loved, forgiven and secure because I am consciously clothed in the righteous of Jesus.

12. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I doubt that “all things work together for good” or that God has my best interest at heart • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I have a growing truth that God’s sovereign plan for my life is wise and good.

13. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I say “yes” to everything and fear saying ‘no’. I try to please everybody, but then burn out. • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I say, “Can you wait a bit, please? I want to talk to God about this first.”

14. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I tend to use rather than love people. I’m self-centered. I want to be helped, not be helpful. • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I’m growing more self-forgetful and often think, “What can I do to help and bless others?”

15. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I get angry and defensive at the suggestion that I might be self-righteous. I resist praying Ps 139:23,24 • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I know I’m self-righteous. I want God to show me my sin so that I can repent, be cleansed and bring more glory to Him.

16. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I must be right about everything. I can’t tolerate criticism. I crave the approval and praise of others. • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I can admit to wrong and accept criticism because Jesus is my righteousness. I need no ‘record’ to boast in.

17. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I must point out my many accomplishment or they might go unnoticed • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I point other to Jesus, and am learning to boast in my weaknesses

18. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I think, “I’ll show them! Just watch me! Where others failed, I’ll succeed.” • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I can do all things only through the strength of Christ.

19. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I use my tongue like a sword to cut others up. • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • The Holy Spirit is helping me use my tong to praise, thank, edify and build up others.

20. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I constantly compare myself with others which leads me to pride or depression- depending on how good it think I look by comparison • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I am growing more secure in God’s love for me so I don’t need to get my sense of worth from others

21. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I’m an expert at pointing out anything and everything wrong. • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I am not blind to the wrong all around me, but as I grow to love the good, like Paul, I choose to focus on what is ‘good and lovely.’

22. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I’m actually quite prayerless. It’s really a last resort. I pray more in public than in private • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • My prayer isn’t limited to a ‘Daily Quiet Time”, but a prayer relationship goes on with the Father all day long

23. Seen At His Worst An Slave/Orphan thinks… • I’m not good enough. If I could just do more, I’d feel worthy, accepted and, yes, righteous • Seen At His Best A Beloved Child thinks… • I’m believing the Gospel more! Jesus is my righteousness and my worthiness

24. Christian, The Father has set his love on you • The Son has died for our sins, in our place • The Holy Spirit is living in your heart