Faith Talk – August 17, 2025

Sunday: August 17, 2025
Series: Romans: The Righteousness of God
Sermon: Children of God

Romans 8:12-18

Today's message explored our identity as God's children and what that means for how we live:

• We are not obligated to live for the flesh - Just because we have bodies that can sin doesn't mean we have to give in to sin
• Being led by God's Spirit makes us His children - The mark of salvation isn't perfection, but being led by the Holy Spirit in our daily choices
• We can call God "Abba, Father" - The Spirit of adoption allows us to approach God with both childlike trust and mature understanding
• We are heirs with Christ - As God's children, we inherit everything Christ inherits and have full family privileges at God's table
• Suffering comes with following Jesus - Being God's children doesn't exempt us from difficulty, but Paul says it's incomparable to the glory that awaits us
• The central message: We must choose between "just enough Jesus" to get to heaven versus full surrender to Jesus as Lord of our lives.

Homes with Adults

• Steven challenged us about wanting "just enough Jesus" versus full surrender. Which of these statements hits closest to home: "We want just enough Jesus to get to heaven, but not enough to change us on earth" or "We want just enough Jesus to inspire me, but not enough to transform me"? What areas of your life are you still trying to keep separate from Jesus's lordship?
• What does it look like practically to be "led by God's Spirit" in daily life, and how can we tell the difference between being led by God's Spirit versus our own desires?

 
Homes with Students

• Steven asked, "Would you still want God if heaven weren't on the table?" How would you honestly answer that question, and what does your answer reveal about your motivations for following Jesus?
• The sermon mentioned that following Jesus often brings suffering. What kinds of "suffering" might come from following Jesus in our culture today, and how do we maintain joy when following Jesus costs us something?

Homes with Kids

• We learned that God calls us His children and we can call Him "Abba" (like saying "Daddy"). How does knowing God is your loving heavenly Father make you feel, and how should that change how you pray and talk to Him?
• Steven said we have the Holy Spirit living inside us as God's children. What are some ways the Holy Spirit can help you make good choices when you're tempted to do something wrong?

Thanks to God: Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting us as Your children through Jesus Christ. Thank You that we don't have to live as slaves to sin, but can live as beloved sons and daughters led by Your Spirit. Thank You for the privilege of calling You "Abba, Father" and for giving us full access to You.

Ask from God: Help us to live not just with "enough Jesus" to get to heaven, but with full surrender to You as Lord. Give us courage to follow You completely, even when it costs us something. Help us approach You with both childlike trust and mature faith, knowing we truly belong to You.
 
Commitment to God: We commit to examining our hearts for areas where we want Jesus to bless our plans rather than change them. Help us live as Your children in every area of our lives, not keeping anything separate from Your lordship. When suffering comes from following You, help us remember the glory that awaits us.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Materials Needed: Index cards, markers, family photos or drawings

Instructions:

1. Give each family member an index card and have them write "Child of God" at the top
2. Have everyone list or draw 3-4 privileges they have as part of your earthly family (like: "I get to live in this house," "I have parents who love me," "I get fed every day")
3. On the back, list or draw 3-4 privileges we have as God's children (like: "I can pray to God anytime," "God will never leave me," "I'm going to heaven," "God helps me make good choices")
4. Decorate the cards and keep them somewhere visible as daily reminders
5. Throughout the week, when facing decisions, ask: "How should a child of God handle this situation?"

 
Discussion starter: "Just like you belong to our family and have special privileges, you belong to God's family too! How should knowing you're God's child change how you act at school, with friends, and at home?"