Dr. George Ragsdale, Pastor *West Marion Baptist Church * 6001 NW 135th Avenue *Morriston/Ocala, Fl 32668 (352) 245-8900

"Three Gifts From Your Heavenly Father" Romans 8:14-19
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and join-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God." (Romans 8:14-19)
I. The Gift of DIRECTION
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any an have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." (Romans 8:9)
A. The Holy Spirit GUIDES
"This Is say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5:16-18)
1. He Reveals the SCRIPTURES
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)
2. He Exalts the SAVIOUR
"He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:14)
II. The Gift of ADOPTION
A. The MEANING of Adoption
"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Ephesians 1:5-6)
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:13-14)
B. The ASSURANCE of the Adopted
1. Access to the Father
"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." (Galatians 4:6)
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
2. Assurance from the Spirit
"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:5)
III. The Gift of POSITION
A. An HEIR of the Father
"Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (Galatians 4:7)
B. A JOIN-HEIR with Christ
1. The Awards of a Joint-Heir
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" (Ephesians 1:3)
"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Ephesians 1:5-6)
2. The Assignments with the JOINT-HEIR
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4L4-15)
Quote: "Peace is not found in the absence of trouble, but in the presence of Christ."
"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and hono9ur and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" (1 Peter 1:6-7)
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Philippians 3:20-21)